Did Jesus fulfil Scriptural Prophecy? Jonathan Rowlands vs Rabbi Marc B Shapiro

Unbelievable?

Premier Unbelievable?

Christianity, Religion & Spirituality

4.6 • 2.3K Ratings

🗓️ 11 December 2025

⏱️ 90 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

As Advent approaches, John Nelson hosts Dr Jonny Rowlands (St Mellitus College, UK) and Rabbi Prof Mark Shapiro (University of Scranton, USA) to ask: did Jesus fulfil scriptural prophecy? They explore what ‘fulfilment’ means, challenge checklist claims, and show how Second Temple Judaism held diverse Messianic hopes. Topics include Bethlehem and Micah 5, Isaiah 7:14 (alma vs parthenos), typology versus prediction, Dead Sea Scrolls expectations, and why early Christians said Christ died and rose “according to the Scriptures”. They weigh Dominic Crossan’s “prophecy historicised”, the infancy narratives, temple and apocalyptic texts, and resurrection belief, plus supersessionism, the law, and Advent’s tension of waiting and hope. Thoughtful, Jewish–Christian dialogue that respects scripture’s sanctified human process without dodging hard questions. They discuss Paul, Hebrews, temple veil imagery, empty tomb and appearances, and disagreement on resurrection. SOCIAL LINKS Twitter: https://twitter.com/unbelievablefe Facebook: / https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable Instagram: / https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable Tik Tok: / https://tiktok.com/@premier.unbelievable 👉 Get bonus content, updates, fascinating articles, and early access to new episodes—absolutely free! Join now at www.premierunbelievable.com 🎉📢 • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://www.premier.plus/unbelievable • More shows, free eBook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • For live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For online learning: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training • Support us: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate

Transcript

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0:00.0	My dad died when I was nine years old and it broke something in me.
0:05.0	I spent lots of times homeless, causing even bigger rifts in the family.
0:10.0	I was out of control.
0:12.0	Green Pastures is a Christian charity providing homes and support for people facing homelessness across the UK.
0:20.0	As soon as I walked in that place,
0:21.6	I knew there was something different about it.
0:23.6	Through Green Pastures,
0:25.6	Andy found a home,
0:26.6	freedom from addiction,
0:28.6	and a new beginning in faith.
0:30.6	It's the best thing I've ever done.
0:31.6	It released me from that 23 years of addiction
0:35.6	and now I'm senior support worker here at Green Pastures Derby.
0:39.8	Find out more at greenpastures.com.uk.
0:46.2	Before the rush takes over, start your Christmas journey with Premier's Advent Moments' interactive calendar.
0:53.8	Open each door and step into the unfolding story of Jesus,
0:58.1	with daily challenges rooted in kindness and a verse that brings you closer to Bethlehem.
1:03.4	You'll also receive short emails of encouragement to help you stay centered through Advent.
1:08.8	Sign up at premier.org.uk slash advent 202025, brought to you by
1:14.9	Sat 7 UK.
1:20.1	Hello and welcome to Premier Unbelievable, the show that brings thinkers, Christians, skeptics and all those in between into friendly dialogue about the biggest questions brings thinkers, Christians, sceptics, and all those in between into friendly
1:28.7	dialogue about the biggest questions in life, faith and theology. I'm John Nelson, and here at
	...

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