About ξἐνος

Haere Mai (welcome)

This blog is the work of Jonathan Robinson, a former resident alien in New Zealand (now a naturalised citizen). Its title ξἐνος (xenos) is an ancient Greek word used in the Bible to describe a resident alien. 'Resident alien' also functions as a good metaphor for being a follower of Jesus in the world (e.g. Hebrews 11:13).

This blog is a work in progress, written by a work in progress. It's where I "think out loud" about the Bible, church, society, books and related stuff. Everything herein is provisional and intended in humility. I'm often wrong and always wanting to learn more.  

Please leave a comment, I value your thoughts. I love engagement in the comments, but if I consider your comment to be unhelpful, abusive or off topic I reserve the right to delete/moderate your comments here. It's my blog, if you don't like it start your own. 

I'm a former New Zealand Baptist pastor, now teaching at our denominational theological college, Carey Baptist College. I have a PhD in New Testament from Otago University, NZ which has been published as the book, Markan Typology (you can read more about it here). I have published research in various places in biblical studies and I''m also interested in church, ethics, politics, mission, and lots of other stuff. The views expressed in this blog are my own and do not (necessarily) reflect or represent any organisation I am or have been a part of.  

If you need to you can contact me by email

Thanks for reading,
Manaaki Atua (God bless) :-)

Jesus treats the Syrophoenecian Woman as a Disciple

[This is an extract from my essay "Breaking Bread: The Power of Hospitality in the Gospel of Mark" which you can read in full and ...