The Telos Bible and Theology Conference brings together scholars, pastors, leaders, and laypeople in the greater Jacksonville area to engage robust and accessible theological learning. Hosted by Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and its faculty, Telos explores key topics in biblical studies and theology to cultivate Christian maturation across the whole Church.

As Gordon-Conwell celebrates 20 years in Jacksonville, the October 9–10 conference will explore the theme of Jubilee. Join us as we dive into the riches of God’s Word together, reflecting on the Jubilee and God’s heart for bringing freedom to the captives and rest to the weary.

What is Jubilee?

Leviticus 25 instructs the Israelites to practice the year of Jubilee, which required that every 50 years all debts would be cancelled and land that had been sold would revert back to the original owners.

This unique practice ensured that once in every generation, Israelite society would have a “reset”, in which every person was released from the toil of their labors and burden of their debts to be reunited with family on their ancestral inheritance.

The Jubilee was a homecoming that served as a signpost of the coming redemption, when all creation would be released from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom of the children of God (Rom. 8:21).

Jesus began his public ministry by announcing that the Jubilee had arrived in him: “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21). He came to release those in bondage to sin, restore them to the Father and secure for them their heavenly inheritance as redeemed children of God.

As his body, the Church is called to proclaim and embody that same Jubilee by bringing freedom to the captive and rest to the weary.