I posted a link back in 2010 to an article I wrote for a scholarly journal on this topic — specifically, the syntax of John 9:3-4. The essay asked whether the Greek syntax of John 9:3-4 justifies the idea that Jesus endorsed the idea of reincarnation. I also wrote a short article on the topic that wasn’t publicly available. It was aimed at the lay person who has no background in Greek.
Today Bible Study Magazine posted that short article, so I bring it to the attention of readers. The article contains a footnote with a link to the Greek syntax article for those interested.
Thanks for the article and essay. It’s a good thing to have more articles made public. Let’s make that the rule instead of the exception. 🙂
there’s a shift in this direction, but still just a trickle.
Good article. I remember reading it before.
I was just reading a discussion over the Elijah incident which this article briefly alluded to. What do you make of those who say Elijah wasn’t really taken away (to heaven)? The argument, as I recall, has something to do with a letter sent by Elijah after he was “gone.”
I’d need more specifics. My guess is that it’s a reference to 2 Chron 21:12. That someone received a letter from Elijah after he was gone is completely understandable. It could have been sitting around, held in waiting, recently discovered, slow getting there, etc. Think about it: we have letters from the apostles, missives from the OT prophets … are they still alive? No (!) it refers to the item being passed on to others.
Agreed. However those that argue this say that it’s the content of the message that is also out of place. I suppose a prophet with actual foreknowledge from God is outside of their beliefs. 🙂
I could dig up a link if you’re interested. I see the discussion from time to time and it’s always in the broader topic of the soul/afterlife issue. They’ll couple the Elijah thing with something like Jesus saying “no one has ascended to heaven…”
This is more in the realm of your biblical anthropology series. Might check it out again.
To be precise, I’m not suggesting Elijah wrote something with foreknowledge (though he could have). The verse could just refer to something that came from his hand that was given to the king.
Noted and agreed; most likely this was just a letter slow in arriving.
My comment on foreknowledge was over the odd counter-argument of a problem with a prophet knowing something beforehand.
They wouldn’t argue like this with Revelation for example.
Anyway, I’ve derailed the actual topic long enough. 🙂
Interesting point but I think what people who claim there is some evidence that reincarnation might be referenced in the Bible comes from the idea that if you combine the Bible prophecy of Malachi 4:5 and the statement Jesus made in Matt 17:11-13. It gives the impression that Elijah returned as John The Baptist. If it wasn’t Elijah then doesn’t that make the Malachi prophecy unfulfilled?
“Elijah does come, and he restores all things” – that alone (from the Matthew passage you gave) shows John the Baptist wasn’t and couldn’t be Elijah. The only one who restores all things is the messiah. But then again some passages have John as Elijah (Matt. 11:11-14). And yet Elijah appears at the Transfiguration (Luke 9:30). And yet John the Baptist is cast in the role of the divine herald from Isa 40:3 (40:1-2 are plural imperatives – God speaking to the divine council) in Mark 1:1-13. But John was clearly human.
Maybe all of these elements converge in some way and factor into Malachi, instead of one of them being a “fulfillment.” Maybe the concept is bigger than a person. 🙂 And if that’s the case, Mal. 4:5 isn’t talking about reincarnation.
Book 2 material.