This episode of the Naked Bible podcast features Dr. Heiser's interview with his friend Dr. Sam Lamerson about the use of the comedic genre in the New Testament. Dr. Lamerson is Professor of New Testament at Knox Theological Seminary in Fort Lauderdale, FL. He has a specific research interest in the comedic genre in ancient Greek literature. Have a listen!
Referenced book:
In this special installment of the Naked Bible Podcast, Dr. Michael Heiser interviews Dr. Sam Lamerson, professor of New Testament at Knox Theological Seminary, about a literary form rarely associated with Scripture: the comedic genre.
Dr. Lamerson explains how ancient comedic narratives—defined by a rise from hardship to a joyful ending—are not only present in classical Greek literature but also reflected in the structure of the Gospel story. They discuss how Jesus, who begins as an obscure figure from an unremarkable town, ultimately changes the world and wins His bride—the Church—in a divine “happily ever after.”
Using examples such as the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18), the camel and the needle (Luke 18:25), and the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1–10), Dr. Lamerson shows how elements of surprise, irony, and reversal align Jesus’ ministry with comedic structure. He introduces the figure of the ponērós, a comedic archetype akin to the unlikely hero—one Jesus perfectly fulfills.
The conversation draws on Frederick Buechner’s Telling the Truth: The Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy, and Fairy Tale to demonstrate how genre shapes reader expectations and emotional engagement. Whether humorous or profound, these insights reveal layers of the New Testament many readers may overlook.
Really enjoyed this, thanks.
In Sunday school at my church, we’re going through the book “Right in Their Own Eyes: The Gospel According to Judges” by George Schwab. It seems like a pretty good book so far. Schwab is very sensitive to the literary context. We just went through the section talking about Ehud and Eglon. Schwab brings out some pretty hilarious double-entendres in that story that would be missed by modern readers. Seems that the Bible has humor all over the place.
good example – lots of good material in there!
Out of curiosity, what do you think of the idea of a sexual double-entendre in the Ehud/Eglon story? Schwab is pretty confident that the story would have been understood at least partly in that way (and it does make sense when he explains it), but several commentators don’t even mention the possibility. I’m sure you’re aware of this interpretation. Do you think it is correct? (It was pretty funny in class — the guy teaching said something along the lines of, “Schwab is probably right, but I don’t like it, and this is a G-rated class, so we’re not going to discuss it.”)
If you type up scripts for your podcasts you should post them here when the podcast goes up. It will help Google tag them.
Good job on these!
wow – never thought of that. Most have some form of script.
I think that reading is possible, but uncertain (i.e., the sexual entendre regarding Eglon’s “invitation” if that is what you’re speaking of).