Early Christian Judaism

  Sponsor:  Jason Staples

For 2026, we are doing our third year with the theme of "Jubilee(s)." This open session invites papers that explore the concept of the Jubilee (or the book of Jubilees) and its influence and impact on earliest Christianity. Papers focus on issues related to liberation, debt forgiveness, redemption from captivity/enslavement, Sabbath, and eschatological restoration, including how they shaped early Christian teaching. If you have any questions and would like to submit a paper proposal, please contact Jason Staples at [email protected]. Proposals should be submitted no later than February 28, 2026.

Friday, November 20

3:30–5:30 PM

Presiding: Jason A. Staples (NC State University & BiblePod)

Michael Barber (Augustine Institute Graduate School): “Jesus, the Jubilee, and the Problem of Heavenly Repayment” (20 minutes)

Discussion (5 minutes)

Benjamin Beavers (Marquette University): “Anna and the Blessing of Asher in Luke 2:36–38” (20 minutes)

Discussion (5 minutes)

João Paulo Thomaz de Aquino (Andrew Jumper Presbyterian Graduate Center): “Exorcism as Jubilee: Demonic Liberation in the Gospel of Luke” (20 minutes)

Discussion (5 minutes)

Andrew Waller (Ridley Melbourne): “‘Why has Satan filled your heart?’: Ananias and Sapphira as Deuteronomic covenant violators in Acts 5:1–11” (20 minutes)

Discussion (5 minutes)

Michael Bird (Ridley College): “Response: Jubilee and Restoration Eschatology in the Gospels and Acts” (20 minutes)