The Bible Project and the Gospel: A Cause for Concern?
Introduction
The Bible Project, founded by Dr. Tim Mackie, has gained widespread recognition for its visually engaging and accessible explanations of biblical themes. However, concerns arise when theological accuracy is compromised in the process. One such concern is the portrayal of Israel and the Church in their presentation of Luke’s Gospel. This article seeks to examine whether the Bible Project is promoting Supersessionism—the idea that the Church has replaced Israel—and how this affects the integrity of the gospel message.
Seeking Clarity: An Unanswered Inquiry
Having watched the Bible Project’s video on Luke’s Gospel, I sought clarification on what appeared to be a suggestion that the Church is the ‘New Israel.’ To ensure I had not misunderstood, I reached out directly to the Bible Project. My primary concern stemmed from an interpretation that seems to originate from W.E. Hull’s thesis, “A Structural Analysis of the Gospel of Luke,” which suggests that the tribes of Israel have disappeared. This notion appears to contradict the book of Revelation, which explicitly states that God will restore the twelve tribes during the millennium (Revelation 7:4-8).
Based on 1 Peter 3:15, which commands believers to be ready to give an answer for their faith, I expected a response engaging with these concerns. Instead, I received the following reply:
“Hi, Mig! Thank you for reaching out.
We really appreciate that you’ve engaged with our content and have questions! Unfortunately, our audience engagement team is not equipped to discuss in-depth theology questions on a case-by-case basis. While we value the significance of your question, we are not able to address it specifically.
Our primary role is to help our audience navigate the collection of creative resources we have produced. We realize the inevitability of questions emerging from particular ideas and themes, but these inquiries are great conversation starters with people in your local spaces — at church, a small group, or a gathering of like-minded friends.”
This response raised further concerns. If a theological teaching ministry cannot clarify its own doctrinal positions, then what assurance do viewers have that the material is biblically sound?
Theological Implications: Supersessionism in Luke’s Gospel?
A key issue in Luke’s Gospel is whether it teaches that Jesus established a ‘New Israel’—a claim that, if true, would suggest that the Jewish people no longer hold a distinct place in God’s redemptive plan. Some interpret Acts 28:28, which states, “Therefore, I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” as evidence that Luke presents the Church as replacing Israel. This interpretation is common among Pentecostal circles but is not universally accepted.
On the contrary, the book of Acts also records the continued faithfulness of Jewish believers:
- Acts 2:41 – “About three thousand were added to their number that day.”
- Acts 4:4 – “Many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.”
- Acts 6:7 – “The word of God spread; the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.”
- Acts 21:20 – “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law.”
These passages demonstrate that Luke did not envision the Jewish people as being replaced but rather emphasized their continued role in God’s redemptive plan.
The Bible Project’s Responsibility
Given that the Bible Project is a widely influential resource, its theological accuracy carries significant weight. If it is promoting a version of Luke’s Gospel that subtly endorses Supersessionism, then it risks distorting the nature of the gospel itself. The absence of direct engagement with theological questions further exacerbates the problem, as it leaves their audience without critical clarifications.
As the Bereans in Acts 17:11 were commended for examining the Scriptures daily, viewers must likewise critically assess whether the Bible Project’s content aligns with biblical truth. Additionally, Revelation 22:18-19 warns against adding to or taking away from God’s Word:
“And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life.”
This is not a minor issue. Any misrepresentation of the biblical narrative—intentional or unintentional—can lead to significant theological errors, especially for younger audiences who may lack the discernment to identify doctrinal deviations.
Conclusion
The Bible Project’s reluctance to clarify its stance on Supersessionism is concerning. While their videos are engaging and educational, they must ensure that their theological interpretations align with Scripture. If their portrayal of Luke’s Gospel implies that Jesus established a ‘New Israel’ at the exclusion of the Jewish people, then they risk misleading their audience on a foundational gospel issue.
As believers, we must uphold the integrity of Scripture and remain vigilant against theological distortions. The Bible Project, as a major teaching resource, should take responsibility for addressing these concerns with transparency and biblical accuracy. Until they do, their content must be approached with caution.
In Christ,
Miguel Hayworth
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