This is the first in a four-part series as biblical scholar J. Richard Middleton answers the often-asked question, How should we interpret biblical genealogies? In this series, he focuses on two sets of prominent genealogies in the Bible, first in the Old Testament (Genesis 1-11), then in the New Testament (Matthew 1:1-17). Middleton shows that these genealogies in Genesis and Matthew do not represent precise historical accounting, such that we could figure out when Adam and Eve lived. Instead, they have fascinating and important theological purposes, illuminating the message of biblical books in which they are found.
Insights in Your Inbox
Want fresh, insightful content delivered weekly by email? Sign up for our weekly newsletter!