Two Jesuses in Matthew: James, Shem Tov, and the Gospel Shift

Описание: In this episode of Series 6, we continue our deep examination of the earliest Jesus tradition by comparing the Letter of James with both versions of the Gospel of Matthew: the Greek text found in modern Bibles and the Hebrew Shem Tov Matthew.

If all four Gospels preserve the teachings of Jesus, and James preserves the teachings of the Lord’s brother, then a serious question must be asked. Do they agree?

By closely comparing key ethical teachings on obedience, righteousness, speech, poverty, judgment, perseverance, and the Law, we discover that James consistently aligns more closely with the Hebrew Shem Tov Matthew than with the Greek text. In critical passages, the Shem Tov preserves a Jesus focused on Torah-faithfulness, service, mercy, and ethical action, rather than later theological developments centered on ransom and substitution.

This episode also expands the comparison to the Gospel of Mark, widely regarded as the earliest written Gospel. Together, James and Mark present a Christianity grounded in action, endurance, humility, and lived obedience rather than belief alone.

This is not a rejection of Scripture. It is a careful examination of Scripture, following the Berean model, to better understand the mind of Christ and the earliest Jesus movement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and the Two Gospels of Matthew
03:12 Why James Is the Key Comparator
06:05 Doers vs Hearers in James and Matthew
10:08 Integrity of Speech and Truthfulness
13:40 Wealth, Poverty, and Social Justice
18:05 Judgment, Hypocrisy, and the Law
22:10 Perfection, Wholeness, and Maturity
25:30 Matthew 20:28 and the Ransom Question
30:45 Summary of James and Matthew Alignment
34:10 Transition to James and Mark
36:05 Hearing and Doing in Mark
40:20 Poverty, Power, and Reversal
44:30 Purity of Heart and the Tongue
48:15 Suffering, Endurance, and Discipleship
52:10 Prayer, Healing, and Community
56:40 Mark 10:45 and Ransom Theology
01:01:30 Final Conclusions and Call to Reflection
Credits

Scripture references include
James 1–5
Matthew 5–7
Matthew 9:13
Matthew 20:28
Mark 1, 3, 7, 8, 10, 12
Acts 17:11
Numbers 12:3

Questions or thoughts?
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I respond when I can or cover them in future videos.

© 2025 Joss Goodall, Independent Biblical Researcher