2024 New Testament Symposium

The Evangelical Foundation for Biblical Research (EFBR) warmly issues this invitation for a small group of New Testament scholars to gather for a symposium focused on the Parousia and its role in spiritual formation. All participants will receive funding for travel to Yarnton Manor, nestled in the lovely countryside outside Oxford (Church Lane, Yarnton, Kidlington OX5 1PY, UK). Participants and their spouses’ accommodations will be provided as well. While participation in the full program is required—from Thursday evening to Saturday afternoon—an additional evening of accommodation will be provided for those who wish to explore Oxford on Sunday (four nights, with check out on Monday morning). Spouses are welcome to accompany participants (at the participant’s expense) and are invited to all meals. As in previous years, the aim is that our meeting will result in rich discussion and a volume for the life of the church. To this end, upon submission of a revised version of the paper for publication, a stipend of $500 will be issued.

The Parousia and Its Practical Implications for the Church

The New Testament writers frequently referred to an eschatological incentive for holy living as they encouraged believers to prepare for the Parousia by intentionally considering the implication of the future on their present spiritual transformation. So, exactly what were believers expecting at the Parousia that would have motivated them to spiritual renewal? Did various approaches to the Parousia by apostles and church leaders result in different kinds of theological community, spiritual life, and vitality? Was the Parousia a short-term or a long-term prospect? These are among the questions that speak to how the expectation of the Messiah’s return might have influenced the early church to cultivate spiritual formation, and how the Lord’s return should inform believers’ sanctification today. This symposium will explore the spiritual implications of the Parousia’s biblical passages by seeking to understand how they were used then and should be now.