The Reformed Olive Press

Progressive Revelation or Cultural Interaction? A Look at the Bible Development  Christians often hear the phrase progressive revelation—the idea that God gradually revealed more truth throughout the Bible until the fullness of Christ. While this explanation is neat, a better lens is cultural interaction: God was engaging different peoples at different times, working within their worldview, language, and expectations. What looks like “progressive revelation” is really a record of how Israel’s understanding shifted through cultural influence, exile, foreign ideas, and eventually, the radical re-centering in Christ. Let’s consider ten areas where this plays out. 1. No Demon Possession in the Old Testament The Old Testament never speaks of people being “possessed by demons.” Illness, madness, or misfortune were usually blamed on God, disobedience, or sometimes evil spirits—but never framed like the New Testament’s stories. The demonology of Jesus’ day reflects Persian and Hellenistic ...

  Aristaeus, Emmaus, and the Hidden Theme: Tracing Ancient Parallels The New Testament story of the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35) has captivated readers for centuries. Two discouraged disciples leave Jerusalem after Jesus’ death, and a mysterious stranger joins them on the way. He explains the Scriptures, but they do not recognize Him until He breaks bread. Suddenly, their eyes are opened. It is Jesus, risen from the dead. Then, as quickly as He appeared, He vanishes. At first glance, this seems uniquely Christian. Yet when read through the lens of Jewish apocalyptic literature and placed against the backdrop of the ancient world, we see familiar narrative patterns. Other cultures also told stories about divine figures who traveled with humans incognito, who brought hidden knowledge, and who revealed themselves at the climactic moment. Aristaeus and the Gift-Bearing Sons of God Take Aristaeus, son of Apollo in Greek mythology. His story weaves together death, loss, and revelation....

Micah 5: Hezekiah or Jesus? Re-Examining the Ruler from Bethlehem When most Christians read Micah 5, they immediately think of Jesus. After all, Matthew’s Gospel quotes this passage to explain why the Messiah had to be born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:6). But if we pause and step back into Micah’s own world in the 8th century BCE, the prophecy sounds very different. It is rooted in the political turmoil of the Assyrian crisis and the hope for a faithful Davidic king. The Original Context of Micah 5 Micah was prophesying during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (Micah 1:1). His world was collapsing under the shadow of the Assyrian empire. Cities were being destroyed, tribute was being exacted, and Jerusalem itself was under threat. In this setting, Micah 5:2–6 speaks of a ruler from Bethlehem — the hometown of David — who would shepherd God’s people and deliver them from their enemies. The “Bethlehem” reference is less about pinpointing a birthplace and more about invoking the memory...

How Misreading Shakespeare Helps Us Avoid Misreading the Bible Most people know that Shakespeare can be tricky. Early Modern English, cultural references, irony, and layered meaning make his plays rich — but also easy to misread. Hamlet’s “wherefore” doesn’t mean “where,” and Falstaff’s jokes often hinge on Elizabethan social norms. Even minor misunderstandings can completely change how we see a character, a plot, or a theme. The Bible, in many ways, is even more complex. Written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, it uses idioms, poetry, prophecy, and parables. Ancient cultural norms — from covenant law to sacrificial practices — are woven into its narratives. Just as misreading Shakespeare can make a play seem shallow or confusing, misreading the Bible can distort theology, ethics, and understanding of God’s covenant with humanity. Lessons from Shakespeare 1. Language Matters – Words shift meaning over time. Understanding context is crucial. 2. Culture Shapes Meaning – What was obvious to...