In this episode I talk with Dr. Caleb T. Friedeman about his groundbreaking new book, Gospel Birth Narratives and Historiography: Reopening a Closed Case (Baylor University Press). For centuries, scholars have debated whether the birth narratives of Jesus in Matthew and Luke were intended as history or legend. Many modern studies dismiss them as legendary embellishments.

Dr. Friedeman challenges this skepticism by showing that, in ancient biographies, birth narratives were typically written with historiographic intent. His research demonstrates that the Gospel birth narratives fit this pattern, meaning they were meant to be understood historically—not as myth.

We discuss:

• Why modern scholarship often sidelines Jesus’ birth narratives
• How ancient biographers like Plutarch and Suetonius treated birth stories
• What this means for reading Matthew 1–2 and Luke 1–2 today
• Implications for historical Jesus studies and Christian faith

This conversation will deepen your appreciation for the Gospels and their historical reliability.

Youtube - https://youtu.be/3j6SQLa_zCM

Audio - https://andymilleriii.com/media/podcast

Apple -  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-to-the-story-with-dr-andy-miller/id1569988895?uo=4

Dr. Caleb T. Friedeman (PhD, Wheaton College) is David A. Case Chair of Biblical Studies and Associate Research Professor of New Testament at Ohio Christian University. He is the author of The Revelation of the Messiah and coauthor of Holiness: A Biblical, Historical, and Systematic Theology. His latest work, Gospel Birth Narratives and Historiography, reframes the discussion of Jesus’ birth in historical scholarship.

Resources & Links:

• Order Gospel Birth Narratives and Historiography from Baylor University Press
• Connect with Dr. Caleb Friedeman: calebfriedeman.com

If you are interested in learning more about my two full-length video-accompanied courses, 

Contender: Going Deeper in the Book of Jude and

Heaven and Other Destinations: A Biblical Journey Beyond this World , visit andymilleriii.com/courses

And don’t forget about my most recent book, Contender, which is available on Amazon! 

Five Steps to Deeper Teaching and Preaching - Recently, I updated this PDF document and added a 45-minute teaching video with slides, explaining this tool. It's like a mini-course. If you sign up for my list, I will send this free resource to you. Sign up here - www.AndyMillerIII.com or Five Steps to Deeper Teaching and Preaching. 

Today’s episode is brought to you by Wesley Biblical Seminary. Interested in going deeper in your faith? Check out our certificate programs, B.A., M.A.s, M.Div., and D.Min degrees. You will study with world-class faculty and the most racially diverse student body in the country. www.wbs.edu

Thanks too to Phil Laeger for my podcast music. You can find out about Phil's music at https://www.laeger.net