Historical Embodiment and the Lexical Contours of the Last Supper

ARTICLE GUIDE

At a Glance

This study examines paradidōmi in Paul’s Last Supper tradition and its relationship to Isaiah 53, Judas, and the theology of Hebrews. It argues that divine handing over and human betrayal can describe connected dimensions of a historical event.

Does the language of divine handing over exclude a historical betrayal?

This guide introduces the argument developed in the complete article.

Key Claims

• The essay acknowledges the theological and Septuagintal background of paradidōmi.
• It argues that lexical range must be interpreted through context rather than used to exclude human agency.
• The historical betrayal tradition is assessed alongside arguments for a later mythological origin.
• Hebrews’ heavenly-sanctuary theology is read together with the Messiah’s embodied life and suffering.
• The author connects the Last Supper and cross with the promise-plan’s covenantal trajectory.

Primary Textual Anchors

• 1 Corinthians 11:23–25; Isaiah 53
• Hebrews 5:7; 8:5; 10:5; 13:12
• Genesis 3:15; Jeremiah 31; Ezekiel 36; Romans 11:29

Scripture Connections

1 Corinthians 11:23–25; Isaiah 53; Hebrews 5:7; 8:5; 10:5; 13:12; Genesis 3:15; Jeremiah 31; Ezekiel 36; Romans 11:29

Selected Scholarship

• Kaiser, W. C., Jr. (2008). The promise-plan of God: A biblical theology of the Old and New Testaments. Zondervan.
• Moffitt, D. M. (2011). Atonement and the logic of resurrection in the Epistle to the Hebrews. Brill.

Related Guides

• Cosmic Priesthood and Historical Embodiment

Explore This Topic

• Historical Jesus & Gospel Evidence
• Atonement, Sacrifice & Salvation

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