Is it possible to be “born again” into the τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ? Nicodemus’ quandary

This paper will place New Testament approaches to eschatology within the theological ideas of late second Temple Judaism, coinciding with the developing Jesus movement, particularly evident in the Book of Wisdom.

The expression “τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ” is not found in the Hebrew OT, but is found once in the book of Wisdom (LXX). This late second Temple writing sheds light on late Jewish eschatological thinking and particularly on the Gospel of John. In John, the term τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ is found only twice in the dialogue with Nicodemus (3:3, 5).

In this extended context another concept is mentioned for the first time – eternity life (ζωὴν αἰώνιον; 3:15, 16). Where the Synoptics present Jesus frequently teaching about τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ – in John, eternity life is its alternative.

The paper will present the following

1. Late second Temple Jewish eschatological ideas; including life after death.
2. Examine the dialogue between Jesus and Nicodemus. Particularly what is meant by being “born anew”.
3. Argue that John’s Gospel presents a realized eschatology based on a “second” birth into the life of the Spirit.

This paper will place New Testament approaches to eschatology within the theological ideas of late second Temple Judaism, coinciding with the developing Jesus movement, particularly evident in the Book of Wisdom.