The Carson Center Podcast

Don Carson addresses the challenge of biblical inerrancy and interpretation, particularly in the context of textual variants and modern pluralism. He emphasizes that while textual variations exist, they do not compromise major doctrines, and he calls for a deeper understanding of genre, grace, and cultural relevance in Scripture interpretation.

He teaches the following:

• Why textual variants don't undermine inerrancy or key doctrines
• God's sovereignty shown through Scripture's preservation
• How Genesis 1-3 combines history and symbolism
• Common grace should not be twisted to oppose God's truth
• Parables like the Good Samaritan should be modernized carefully
• Pluralism rejects objective truth, complicating evangelism
• Biblical interpretation must account for cultural relevance

In his lecture on Genesis 39, Don Carson examines the literary structure of the text and highlights Joseph's faithfulness in resisting temptation. Focusing on themes of faithfulness and divine blessing, and the significance of biblical parallelism, Carson compares Joseph's rise in Egypt with broader patterns of Hebrew poetry and scripture interpretation.

He teaches the following:

• How the structure of the text highlights faithfulness and blessing
• Parallelism in Hebrew poetry for its significance for understanding biblical texts
• The importance of understanding biblical literary genre
• Applying wisdom literature in a pluralistic society
• How to interpret apocalyptic texts in light of their genre
• The subjective nature of biblical interpretation and its implications for objective truth
• Biblical interpretation and cultural humility

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In this lecture, Don Carson explores the role of logic in biblical study, emphasizing the multiple meanings of "logic" and the importance of avoiding exegetical fallacies. He highlights the tension between God's sovereignty and human responsibility, urging the development of a biblical framework for understanding these concepts rather than relying solely on systematic theology, while acknowledging the limitations of human understanding.

He teaches the following: 

• Logic, its various meanings, and its application in biblical study
• Biblical interpretation and God's sovereignty
• God's sovereignty and human responsibility
• Limitations of understanding God's nature and sovereignty
• Understanding biblical theology and its application in evangelism
• Structure and interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount

Don Carson teaches on the complexities of interpreting 1 Timothy 2:12, emphasizing the need for a thoughtful, context-driven approach to gender roles in the church. He looks to other passages to challenge narrow interpretations of Scripture, urging believers to consider the broader biblical and linguistic context to faithfully understand God’s design and Scripture's meaning.

He teaches the following:

• Applying biblical interpretation principles to understand gender roles
• Using biblical language and meaning to avoid narrow interpretations
• The use of synonyms in John's Gospel
• Biblical examples for the meaning of "love"
• Biblical metaphors and their cultural context
• The balance between God's sovereignty and human responsibility

Don Carson explores spiritual rebirth through Jesus's conversation with Nicodemus in John 3, emphasizing the distinction between natural and spiritual birth and God's essential role in salvation.

He teaches the following:

• Spiritual birth and its relationship to natural birth
• The importance of connecting expository preaching with broader biblical truth
• Modeling good Bible study and application, rather than just teaching it
• Understanding the semantic range of words in different languages
• The evolution of words in the Bible and their changing meanings over time

Don Carson focuses on Jesus's message to the church in Laodicea and the parable of the 10 virgins in order to illustrate the importance of understanding biblical texts within their historical and cultural context.

Carson teaches:

• How Jesus uses Laodicea's economic symbols to critique spiritual lukewarmness
• How the contextual reading of Scripture is an essential precursor to careful biblical exegesis
• The symbolism behind Jesus’s foot-washing and what it means for us today

Every Christian wants to know how to read their Bible well. Don Carson provides foundational principles for rightly handling God's Word and addresses challenges that may arise in biblical interpretation.

He teaches:

• Principles of biblical interpretation that emphasize understanding cultural context
• The importance of using the whole Bible to interpret difficult passages
• The role of the original languages in understanding the Scriptures
• How prayer shapes our study of the Bible
• How to handle difficulties, using examples about baptism and the kingdom of God

What does it mean to be a faithful and wise servant in God's kingdom? In his lecture on the Olivet Discourse, Don Carson delves into Matthew 24:45–25:46, illustrating how faithfulness and wise stewardship of our God-given talents lead to greater responsibility and joy. He contrasts this with the fate of wicked servants, who will face punishment. Carson highlights the importance of being prepared and using God's gifts wisely as we await Christ's return, living faithfully in the present.

Don Carson continues his lecture on the Olivet Discourse from Matthew 24:29–44, focusing on Jesus's return as the culmination of his reign, which began with his birth and continues through his resurrection and ascension. Drawing from Daniel 7:13–14, Carson highlights the eschatological significance of Jesus's victory over Satan and the signs preceding his return. Given the suddenness and unpredictability of Christ's return, believers must remain vigilant and balanced in their understanding of the second coming.

Don Carson's lecture on the timing and nature of Jesus's second coming explores the tension between belief in an imminent return and the necessity of specific prophetic events preceding it. He critiques dispensationalist interpretations, arguing against the presence of clear signs preceding Christ's return and emphasizing biblical coherence in eschatological understanding. Carson encourages a balanced perspective on the Olivet Discourse that maintains readiness while respecting the biblical context of prophetic fulfillment.