Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Bible (Unmuted)
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| #102: Revelation, Part 22 (Rev. 13:1-10) | 21 Jan 2025 | 00:53:44 | |
Who (or what) is the beast from the sea in Revelation 13? What clues from the text can we observe that will help us answer this question? Moreover, what insights can we glean from events, persons, and institutions that existed in the first-century Roman world (specifically in the region in and around Asia Minor) that would help us read Revelation 13 accurately and coherently? Listen to find out! +++ Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted Read Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.com Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! | |||
| #101: Revelation, Part 21 (Introduction to Revelation 13) | 14 Jan 2025 | 00:46:26 | |
Revelation 13 is a well-known chapter, containing as it does the infamous "mark of the beast" text. This particular passage (and the chapter as a whole) is often the subject of much discussion -- and speculation. In this episode, Matt offers "big picture ideas" that provide an introduction to Revelation 13, addressing questions, such as: What is important about the symbolism of the two beasts? How does the Old Testament help us understand that symbolism? What details does John provide about the mark of the beast that push against some modern/popular conceptions of it? + + + Mentioned in the show: David deSilva's new book: Judea under Greek and Roman Rule Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted Read Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.com Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! | |||
| #92: Revelation, Part 16 (Rev. 9:1-12) | 29 Oct 2024 | 00:51:47 | |
Matt discusses the events that occur at the fifth trumpet. Who is the "star" that Revelation says "had fallen from heaven to earth"? Is this the "destroyer" of Exodus 12? And what relationship do these texts have with Isaiah 14:12-20? Furthermore, what are the locust-beings that come up from the "bottomless pit," and what are they doing to the earth and its inhabitants? Does this text describe acts of judgments, and if so, what is their purpose? + + + Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted Read Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.com Matt's newest book: The End of the World As You Know It Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! | |||
| #2: Encountering Mystery - An interview with Dale C. Allison | 20 Feb 2023 | 00:57:38 | |
In an age dominated by secularism and philosophical naturalism, the idea that people have supernatural experiences is often considered to be a relic of a bygone era. And yet, credible people still report such experiences. That's the subject of this episode, which features an interview with Dale C. Allison about his recent book, Encountering Mystery: Religious Experience in a Secular Age. In his book, Allison documents and discusses a range of religious experiences that people have reported -- including his own (which he shares in this interview). For students of the Bible, this topic is an important one to consider. The Bible is, after all, full of religious experiences. Allison's work on this subject will no doubt help modern people come to terms with a forgotten fact: There's more to reality than just physical reality. About Dale C. Allison: Amazon page for Encountering Mystery: https://www.amazon.com/Encountering-Mystery-Religious-Experience-Secular/dp/0802881882 +++ If you like this podcast, please consider subscribing and sharing with others. | |||
| #1 Introducing The Bible Unmuted | 15 Feb 2023 | 00:22:29 | |
In this episode, Matthew introducesThe Bible Unmuted. What can you expect from the podcast in the days ahead? What's the format going to be like? In addition to answering these questions, Matthew also explains why he named the show "The Bible Unmuted." Here's a hint: the name is all about hermeneutics! If you like this podcast, consider subscribing and sharing with your friends. | |||
| #91: An Interview with Mark Beuving: The Life & Thought of Søren Kierkegaard | 22 Oct 2024 | 01:05:29 | |
Matt chats with pastor and author Mark Beuving about the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, whose thought-provoking writings have captivated readers ever since they were first published. Mark unpacks this intriguing thinker, sharing specifically how Kierkegaard's essays on love and faith could influence our own thinking about what it means to live out the Christian life.
+ + + Check out Matt's newest book: The End of the World As You Know It: (link here) Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #90: Q&A: Lazarus and Resurrection; Death and the Intermediate State; Did God offer Job up as a Pawn? | 15 Oct 2024 | 00:46:27 | |
This episode comes with an interesting lineup of topics: Why did Jesus allow Lazarus to die? What does the Bible say about death and the intermediate state? Do Christians who have died know what's happening on earth? Do they experience emotion, such as regret? Why would God allow Job to suffer? Did God offer Job up as a pawn or is something else going on? + + + Check out Matt's newest book: The End of the World As You Know It: (link here) Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #89: Does God Still Speak Through Dreams and Visions? | 09 Oct 2024 | 00:03:22 | |
Here are some brief reflections on the question of whether God still speak in dreams and visions and how this question relates to biblical texts such as Hebrews 1:1-2. + + + Check out Matt's newest book: The End of the World As You Know It: (link here) Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #88: Q&A - Believing Loyalty, Faith, Old & New Covenants, Determinism & Free Will | 08 Oct 2024 | 00:34:23 | |
Matt takes questions about faith as "believing loyalty" and how that relates to the forgiveness of sins, the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament (as it relates to obedience), and a question about John 6:65 -- can it be interpreted non-deterministically? + + + Check out Matt's newest book: The End of the World As You Know It: (link here) Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #87: Q&A - Angels, Divine Wrath, Evangelism, Inerrancy | 01 Oct 2024 | 00:36:39 | |
Matt takes listener questions about angels (are they still active in the world today?), God's wrath (who is the destroying angel in the Old Testament? How does divine wrath relate to free will?), the "Romans road salvation plan" (does it capture the full story of the Gospel? How can we better incorporate the story of Israel in our evangelistic efforts?), and the inerrancy of Scripture (is "inerrancy" a good word to use for describing the Bible? What are some pitfalls in the way it's often employed in contemporary discussions?). + + + Check out Matt's newest book: The End of the World As You Know It: (link here) Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #86: Revelation, Part 15 (Rev. 8) | 24 Sep 2024 | 00:49:23 | |
Revelation 8 raises a lot of questions, such as: Who are the seven angels with seven trumpets? What is the significance of their using trumpets? What is the "great mountain" that is "thrown in the sea"? Is this literally a mountain? How does one interpret the "great star" (called "Wormwood") that falls from heaven (this, after all, can hardly be taken as a literal "star")? And, lastly, why is the fraction "one-third" used so often in Revelation 8? How does this number fit into the larger narrative? These questions and more are addressed in this episode. Listen to explore some answers! --- Sigve Tonstad's Revelation commentary: https://a.co/d/1xqmIIM On "wrath" as divine withdrawal, see Greg Boyd's 2-volume work, Crucifixion of the Warrior God: https://a.co/d/0PTkbwA + + + Check out Matt's newest book: The End of the World As You Know It: (link here) Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #85: Revelation, Part 14 (Rev. 7) | 17 Sep 2024 | 00:50:33 | |
In Revelation 7, there are 144,000 people sealed on their foreheads -- 12,000 drawn from 12 Jewish tribes. What is John describing in this vision? Should we interpret this literally, as a group of 144,000 individual Jewish people? Or is this symbolic for something else? In this episode, Matt dives into the text and offers reasons why the 144,000 should be understood as referring to the fulness of God's multi-ethnic church -- a company of saints who exist within (and because of) the story of Israel. + + + Check out Matt's newest book: The End of the World As You Know It: (link here) Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #84: Revelation, Part 13 (Rev. 6:9-17; 8:1-5) | 10 Sep 2024 | 00:56:19 | |
There's a lot to consider in Revelation 6:9-17; 8:1-5. First, after the 5th seal is opened, we read of martyrs under an altar praying to God for justice to be restored to the earth; they are given white robes and told to "rest a little longer." What's significant about their prayer? What do the white robes signify? Second, with the opening of the 6th seal, the cosmos undergoes a dissolution of sorts -- the sun is darkened, the moon turns blood red, the stars fall from the sky. This symbolism can be found in the prophets (e.g. Joel, Isaiah), as well as in other parts of the New Testament (e.g. Matthew, Acts). Why is this important to note, and what do these apocalyptic images signify? Finally, at the 7th seal, there is "silence" in heaven. What does this mean? How can the Old Testament help us answer that question? + + + Check out Matt's newest book: The End of the World As You Know It: (link here) Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #83: God as Sovereign, Creator, and Sustainer (A Sermon) | 03 Sep 2024 | 00:34:50 | |
What do you think of God? What thoughts come to mind when you hear the words "sovereign" applied to him? Do you think of God as a Father -- one who has intimate knowledge of, and deep care for, his creation? In this sermon, Matt unpacks Psalm 147:4-5, which speaks of both God's infinite wisdom/understanding and the comos' contingency/finitude. The implications of these two verses are far-reaching, inviting us to think deeply and carefully about the one, true eternal God and our relationship with him. + + + Check out Matt's newest book: The End of the World As You Know It: (link here) Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #100: The Christmas Story: Politics, Theology, Hope | 24 Dec 2024 | 00:32:55 | |
Most would be surprised to learn that the first Christmas 2,000 years ago had a lot to do with politics—indeed, it radically challenged the politics of the day. But in what way? And how can this help us navigate political life in the modern world? Matt addresses these questions, as well as discusses other theological truths and devotional implications of Christmas that are important to consider as we celebrate the Messiah’s birth this season. + + + Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted Read Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.com Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! | |||
| #82: Revelation, Part 12 (Rev. 6:1-8) | 27 Aug 2024 | 01:00:05 | |
In Revelation 6:1-8, we encounter "the four horseman of the apocalypse." And, to be sure, there are many questions to consider: Who are these characters? Are they angelic beings (the "good guys?") simply carrying out God's judgment? Or are they sinister forces who are allowed to bring chaos and destruction? Does this text describe exclusively future events (i.e., a future tribulation), or is there a better way to understand it? Finally, how does John's vision of the four horsemen relate to the visions of Zechariah's horsemen and chariots? + + + Check out Matt's newest book: The End of the World As You Know It: (link here) Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #81: Revelation, Part 11 (The Structure of Rev. 6-22) | 20 Aug 2024 | 00:52:49 | |
If there's one cardinal rule about interpreting Revelation, it's this: If you want to understand the content of Revelation, it's a good idea to have a grasp on the structure of Revelation. In this episode, Matt addresses this very issue. How, for example, should readers understand the three cycles of judgment -- that is, the seals, trumpets, and bowls? Are they depicting events that occur chronologically? Are they describing future events? Or is something else going on? + + + Check out Matt's newest book: The End of the World As You Know It: (link here) Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #80: Revelation, Part 10 (Rev. 5) | 13 Aug 2024 | 00:54:35 | |
There's a big reveal in Revelation 5 -- a vision that allows John to get a glimpse into the heart, the way, and the character of God. What does John see that is so extraordinary? How does his vision counter the politics of his day? How might it challenge ours? And how does this vision in particular recall (and shed light upon) key Old Testament texts? Listen to find out! + + + Check out Matt's newest book: The End of the World As You Know It: (link here) Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #79: Revelation, Part 9 (Rev. 4) | 06 Aug 2024 | 00:45:16 | |
Some popular prophecy teachers think Revelation 4 references a future "rapture" of the church. In this episode, Matt offers a different take, arguing that such notions read more into the text than is justified. Matt also discusses the many Old Testament texts that comprise the background for the throne room scene in this chapter. In fact, the OT context can shed some meaningful light on not just the scene itself, but the important elements and characters within the scene -- e.g., the twenty-four elders and the living creatures. + + + Check out Matt's newest book: The End of the World As You Know It: (link here) Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #78: Tosha's Takeover | 30 Jul 2024 | 00:01:31 | |
The Mrs. Halsted takes over the microphone to explain why there's no episode this week. + + + Check out Matt's newest book: The End of the World As You Know It: (link here) Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #77: The Sheep in the Wilderness (musings on Mark 6:33-44) | 23 Jul 2024 | 00:44:37 | |
In this episode, Matt discusses the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000. This event is by no means an isolated, random miracle. To the contrary, it's allusions back to the Old Testament reveal it's true, Jewish context. What allusions can be detected? Why are they important for this text in particular, and how do they contribute to larger story of redemption? Importantly, how can this story offer hope to the church of the 21st century? Listen to find out. + + + Check out Matt's newest book: The End of the World As You Know It: (link here) Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #76: An Interview with Joey Dodson: Paul, Romans, and Seneca | 16 Jul 2024 | 00:57:23 | |
In this episode, Matt chats with Joey Dodson, a New Testament professor at Denver Seminary. Their conversation centers around Paul and his theology (and in particular what Paul means by "wretched man" in Romans 7). Joey also talks a bit about Seneca and how knowing about his life and writings can be helpful for modern readers of Paul. A range of other things are covered as well: Paul and Empire, "the righteousness of God," the value of reading fiction, and the list goes on. Dr. Dodson's bio: Dr. Joseph (Joey) Dodson is the Dr. Craig L. Blomberg Endowed Chair of New Testament. He studied at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland and the University of Tübingen in Germany. In addition to many academic and devotional essays, he has written a number of articles for top-tier, peer review journals such as Harvard Theological Review, Novum Testamentum, the Journal for Jewish Studies, and Catholic Biblical Quarterly. His most recent books include Paul and the Giants of Philosophy: Reading the Apostle in Greco-Roman Context, IVP Publishing, 2019, co-edited with David E. Briones, The Things I Want to Do: Romans 7 Revisited (forthcoming), A Little Book for New Bible Scholars with E. Randolph Richards (2017) and a co-edited volume with David E. Briones, Paul and Seneca in Dialogue (2017). Dr. Dodson’s current research includes a Romans commentary in the Brill Exegetical Commentary Series and a Colossians-Philemon commentary in The Christian Standard Commentary Series. + + + Check out Matt's newest book: The End of the World As You Know It: (link here) Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #75: An Interview with Aimee Byrd: The Hope in our Scars | 09 Jul 2024 | 01:02:53 | |
Have you ever felt (or currently feel) discouraged by the church? If so, you're not alone. In this episode, Matt chats with Aimee Byrd about this very issue. In her latest book, The Hope in Our Scars, Aimee offers insights on how to find hope, truth, and beauty for those who have grown disillusioned with the church. In an era when the modern church has become infatuated with power and intoxicated by celebrity culture -- leading many to abandon their faith altogether -- Aimee's voice of reason offers a better way: A way of finding hope in Christ. Drawing on a wealth of experience (most of which was very painful), she offers insightful and encouraging thoughts to those who are struggling to hold on. About: Aimee Byrd is an author, speaker, blogger, podcaster, and former coffee shop owner. She is the author of several books, including Why Can't We Be Friends?, Recovering from Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, and Sexual Reformation. Her articles have appeared in First Things, Table Talk, Modern Reformation, By Faith, New Horizons, Ordained Servant, Harvest USA, and Credo Magazine, and she has been interviewed and quoted in Christianity Today and The Atlantic. https://www.instagram.com/aimeebyrdlife/ https://www.facebook.com/aimee.byrd.39 https://twitter.com/aimeebyrdPYW https://www.threads.net/@aimeebyrdlife https://aimeebyrd.substack.com/ + + + Check out Matt's newest book: The End of the World As You Know It: (link here) Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #74: An Interview with Ryan Dillion: Sacramental Identity | 02 Jul 2024 | 00:53:46 | |
How does one go about crafting a theology of human identity? That's the question today's guest, Ryan Dillon, seeks to answer. Ryan recently published a book called Sacramental Identity: Finding Who We Are through Participation in God's Story (link below). In this conversation, listeners get a taste of what the book is all about, as well as some additional insights from Ryan about "theology" in general and why it's important to read the church Fathers. Purchase Ryan's book here: https://a.co/d/hBEIGYI +++ Check out Matt's newest book: The End of the World As You Know It: (link here) Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #73: An Interview with Emmanuel Engulu: Apophatic theology, Trinitarianism, and Hermeneutics | 25 Jun 2024 | 00:58:54 | |
In this conversation, Matt chats with Emmanuel Engulu (PhD candidate at Kings College, London). The conversation travels down many paths: apophatic theology, christology, incarnation, trinitarianism, the problems of subordinationism, and the list goes on. Weaved throughout the conversation is the thread of hermeneutics. Emmanuel discusses the role tradition plays in hermeneutics and how engaging with the Fathers can help us read Scripture well. +++ Check out Matt's newest book, The End of the World As You Know It: (link here) Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #99: Revelation, Part 20 (Rev. 12) | 17 Dec 2024 | 00:54:09 | |
Revelation 12 is full of Old Testament allusions -- what are they, and how do they help us understand the meaning of John's vision? This chapter also contains an abbreviated re-telling of the life and ministry of Jesus. It's a re-telling that features a woman about to give birth to a baby -- a child that a certain dragon seeks to devour. Who is this woman (Mary? Israel?), and how would have the first readers of Revelation understood John's way of telling the story -- those, that is to say, who were familiar with Greek myth? And lastly, how can Revelation 12 help modern readers reconsider popular notions about the "tribulation"? + + + Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted Read Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.com Matt's newest book: The End of the World As You Know It Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! | |||
| #72: Revelation, Part 8 (Rev. 3:14-22) | 18 Jun 2024 | 00:38:45 | |
The church of Laodicea considered itself rich and self-sustaining. And yet, it wasn't. Jesus calls it "wretched" and "poor." He also says the church is "lukewarm" and that he'd rather it be either "cold" or "hot." These metaphors have led to a lot of confusion and misunderstanding. What does Jesus mean by "hot"? Why does he say he'd rather them be "cold" than "lukewarm"? As with anything, if we want to understand the content of Revelation, we need to know a thing or two about the context of Revelation. And this includes Laodicea's geographical context. How does this help? Listen to find out! +++ Check out Matt's newest book, The End of the World As You Know It: (link here) Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #71: Revelation, Part 7 (Rev. 3:7-13) | 11 Jun 2024 | 00:51:00 | |
In the message to the church at Philadelphia, Jesus is described as one who possesses "the key of David." What is significant about a "key" in this context, and how does Isaiah shed light upon it? Many prophecy teachers, furthermore, think this message to the Philadelphian believers is actually a message about the final tribulation and specifically alludes to the "rapture" when it says that Jesus will keep this church "from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world" (v. 10). How well does this idea stack up? Listen to find out! +++ Check out Matt's newest book, The End of the World As You Know It: (link here) Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #70: Revelation, Part 6 (Rev. 3:1-6) | 03 Jun 2024 | 00:49:17 | |
The church at Sardis has a reputation for "being alive," but in reality they are a "dead" church. Jesus's response is simple: he tells them to have a change of heart and "wake up." But there are other aspects of this passage that are difficult to understand. For example, Jesus tells Sardis that, if they don't repent, he "will come like a thief." Does this mean his second coming is contingent on their decision? Moreover, Jesus seems to imply that, depending on how they respond, Christians in Sardis risk having their names blotted out of the "book of life." How do we make sense of this? +++ Check out Matt's newest book, The End of the World As You Know It: (link here) Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #69: Revelation, Part 5 (Rev. 2:18-29) | 28 May 2024 | 00:42:12 | |
In this episode, Matt leads listeners through the message given to the church at Thyatira (Rev. 2:18-29). This church was a growing church, though not without problems. A local false prophet, a person called "Jezebel," was apparently wreaking havoc upon the congregation by her teaching. Matt explores what, exactly, this might have been all about, as well as discusses how to make sense of the judgments depicted in vv. 22-23. He also explains the role Psalm 2:8-9 plays in this passage and outlines the textual difference between the Hebrew Bible and its corresponding Greek text. Lastly, Matt talks about the variety of ways commentators interpret "the morning star" passage in v. 28. +++ Check out Matt's newest book, The End of the World As You Know It: (link here) Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #68: An Interview with Brian Zahnd, Part 2 (The Wood Between the Worlds) | 21 May 2024 | 00:39:32 | |
Part 2 of 2 of Matt's interview with Brian Zahnd, the author of The Wood Between the Worlds: A Poetic Theology of the Cross (link below). Description: Everything about the gospel message leads to the cross, and proceeds from the cross. In fact, within the narrative of Scripture, the crucifixion of Jesus is literally the crux of the story―the axis upon which the biblical story turns. But it would be a mistake to think we could sum up the significance of the crucifixion in a tidy sentence or two. That kind of thinking only insulates us from the magnificence of what God has done. In our ongoing quest to make meaning of the cross, we need to recognize that this conversation will never conclude―that there is always something more to be said. Brian Zahnd reminds us that the meaning of the cross is multifaceted and should touch every aspect of our lives. Just as gazing through the eyepiece of a kaleidoscope reveals a new geometric image with every turn, Zahnd helps us see that there are infinite ways to behold the cross of Christ as the beautiful form that saves the world. The Wood Between the Worlds is an invitation to encounter the cross of Christ anew. Link to book: https://a.co/d/i02RYTa Brian's website: https://brianzahnd.com +++ Check out Matt's newest book: The End of the World As You Know It: (link here) Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #67: An Interview with Brian Zahnd, Part 1 (The Wood Between the Worlds) | 14 May 2024 | 00:40:15 | |
Part 1 of 2 of Matt's interview with Brian Zahnd, the author of The Wood Between the Worlds: A Poetic Theology of the Cross (link below). Description: Everything about the gospel message leads to the cross, and proceeds from the cross. In fact, within the narrative of Scripture, the crucifixion of Jesus is literally the crux of the story―the axis upon which the biblical story turns. But it would be a mistake to think we could sum up the significance of the crucifixion in a tidy sentence or two. That kind of thinking only insulates us from the magnificence of what God has done. In our ongoing quest to make meaning of the cross, we need to recognize that this conversation will never conclude―that there is always something more to be said. Brian Zahnd reminds us that the meaning of the cross is multifaceted and should touch every aspect of our lives. Just as gazing through the eyepiece of a kaleidoscope reveals a new geometric image with every turn, Zahnd helps us see that there are infinite ways to behold the cross of Christ as the beautiful form that saves the world. The Wood Between the Worlds is an invitation to encounter the cross of Christ anew. Link to book: https://a.co/d/i02RYTa Brian's website: https://brianzahnd.com +++ Check out Matt's newest book: The End of the World As You Know It: (link here) Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #66: Revelation, Part 4 (Rev. 2:12-17) | 07 May 2024 | 00:44:24 | |
The city of Pergamum had a long history with the Imperial Cult. How might knowing about that relationship help modern readers understand Rev. 2:12-17 -- particularly with respect to how John writes that "Satan's throne" resides in Pergamum? Are there other things in Pergamum to which this could refer? There's also the mention of the Old Testament character Balaam, which may shed light upon the enigmatic Nicolaitans. How do we make sense of this group? And finally, there is the mysterious "hidden manna" reference in v. 17. What is John talking about and what role does it play in encouraging the church at Pergamum to be faithful in their chaotic world? +++ Check out Matt's newest book, The End of the World As You Know It: (link here) Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #65: Revelation, Part 3 (Rev. 2:1-11) | 30 Apr 2024 | 00:52:05 | |
In this episode, Matt takes listeners through the first and second messages to the seven churches -- to Ephesus and Smyrna, respectively. How do we understand the critique given to the Ephesian church? What is meant, for example, by their having "abandoned the love [they] had at first"? Moreover, who were the Nicolaitans, and what challenge did they present to these believers? When the church at Smyrna was told they would encounter difficulties for "ten days," how should we interpret that? +++ Check out Matt's newest book, The End of the World As You Know It: https://a.co/d/7fuglXx Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #64: Revelation, Part 2 (Rev. 1:9-20) | 23 Apr 2024 | 00:53:50 | |
John’s opening vision of “the Son of Man” is full of Old Testament allusions, and readers need to gain familiarity with these OT texts in order to understand the depth of meaning John seeks to convey. It invites us to ask, “What did John’s vision—and the symbols inherent to it—intend to communicate? Why was it important for the seven churches to learn about this vision?” Moreover, some prophecy teachers think John’s “seven churches” represent seven eras of church history. How plausible is this view? Is there warrant for this idea?
+++
Check out Matt's newest book, The End of the World As You Know It: https://a.co/d/7fuglXx
Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted
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| #63: Revelation, Part 1 (Rev. 1:1-8) | 16 Apr 2024 | 00:47:34 | |
Revelation is an ancient text that garners a lot of speculation in today's modern world. Sadly, it's been read in such a way that has spread a lot of fear --not to mention confusion about what Christianity actually teaches about eschatology. In this episode, Matt kicks off a new series on this fascinating text, showing how it was originally intended to spread encouragement and clarity for the church, not despair and confusion. A range of questions are explored, such as: What (or who!) is Revelation revealing? What kind of "book" is it? How did it's author intend it to be read? Listen to find out! + + + Check out Matt's newest book, The End of the World As You Know It: https://a.co/d/7fuglXx Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #98: Revelation, Part 19 (Rev. 11) | 10 Dec 2024 | 00:53:28 | |
Revelation 11 kicks off by talking about a "temple." Is this a reference to a physical temple? Or is there another way to understand it? How might considering other passages in the New Testament help us in this regard? And who are the two witnesses? Is John saying that, at some point in the future, there will be two individuals who show up (Moses? Elijah? Others?) to prophesy? Many modern prophecy teachers are confident this is the case. In this episode, though, Matt argues that, perhaps, the truth of the matter is far more interesting -- and relevant for today. + + + Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted Read Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.com Matt's newest book: The End of the World As You Know It Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! | |||
| #62: Hermeneutics and Genre Theory: An Interview with Andrew Judd | 09 Apr 2024 | 01:08:22 | |
In this episode, Matt talks with Andrew Judd, whose research brings together hermeneutics, genre theory, and biblical studies. Andrew gives listeners a tour of some of the more troubling/difficult passages of Scripture and brings to bear upon them them the insights of his research, specifically as it has to do with genre theory and the hermeneutics of Hans-Georg Gadamer -- both of which can help modern interpreters think critically and carefully about interpreting the Bible. Andrew's website: www.andyjudd.com Check out Andrew's books: www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CPLZNJKF + + + Check out Matt's newest book, The End of the World As You Know It: https://a.co/d/7fuglXx Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #61: All The Genealogies of the Bible - An Interview with Nancy Dawson | 02 Apr 2024 | 01:17:13 | |
Matt chats with Dr. Nancy Dawson about her new book, All the Genealogies of the Bible: Visual Charts and Exegetical Commentary. Why are genealogies important? How do they contribute to discovering Scripture's narrative? How do genealogies give us insights into the way early Jewish and Christian people viewed the past in relation to their present? Listen to find out! Order Dr Dawson's book: https://a.co/d/62Ysg27 + + + Check out Matt's newest book, The End of the World As You Know It: https://a.co/d/7fuglXx Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #60: The Divine Council Worldview - An Interview with Ronn Johnson and Mike Chu | 26 Mar 2024 | 01:27:52 | |
Matt chats with Ronn Johnson and Mike Chu, who both host The Divine Council Worldview Podcast. The conversation covers a range of topics, from what is a divine council worldview and the fall of spiritual beings to translation issues and the practical benefits of DCW. Subscribe to The Divine Council Worldview Podcast on all major podcast platforms, including:
AWKNG School of Theology: https://awkngschooloftheology.com/ Check out Matt's newest book, The End of the World As You Know It: https://a.co/d/7fuglXx Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #59: Thy Kingdom Come: Rethinking the Darkness of Earth in Light of the Dawn of Heaven | 20 Mar 2024 | 00:10:35 | |
How can the Lord's Prayer help us anticipate the eschaton? In this episode, Matt takes listeners from Eden to Easter, showing how the bodily resurrection of Jesus can inspire us to work for the Kingdom here and now as we await our own resurrection. *This is based on an article posted to Matt's website, which you can read here: "Thy Kingdom Come" + + + Check out Matt's newest book, The End of the World As You Know It: https://a.co/d/7fuglXx Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #58: Eschatology and Psalm 45 LXX (46 MT) | 19 Mar 2024 | 00:47:21 | |
Matt takes listeners through Psalm 45 LXX (46 MT). This Psalm is well-known ("Be still, and know that I am God"; NRSV, v. 10), but many people might not be aware of its eschatological context -- the first clue of which can be found in the LXX superscription ("For the end"). What, for instance, does this Psalm have to do with the temple visions of Ezekiel and Revelation? And how does all this connect to the Creation story of Genesis 1? Listen to find out!
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Check out Matt's newest book, The End of the World As You Know It: https://a.co/d/7fuglXx
Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted
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| #57: Musings on Psalm 22 (LXX) | 12 Mar 2024 | 01:00:51 | |
Matt takes a deep dive into Psalm 22 LXX (23 MT). Lots of questions are explored. For example, what is meant by "soul" in v. 3? And what does it have to do with the body? Moreover, what sort of image is evoked in v. 5, where God sets a table "opposite those who afflict" the psalmist? Furthermore, how might Christians understand this "table" in light of what Paul says about the Eucharist in 1 Corinthians? + + + Check out Matt's newest book, The End of the World As You Know It: https://a.co/d/7fuglXx Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #56: Romans, Part 25 (Rom 16) | 05 Mar 2024 | 01:06:03 | |
In this final episode of the Romans series, Matt tackles a number of topics and addresses several important questions, such as: How does Romans 16 fit within the letter as a whole? Are there reasons for thinking it was not part of the original letter and, if so, how do these reasons hold up to critical scrutiny? Paul mentions a number of other people in this section, too, (Phoebe, for example) and their ministry work. What can we learn from this "greeting section"? Moreover, how does the reference to Satan being crushed under the feet of the Roman Christians shed light upon Paul's ecclesiology and christology? Listen to find out! + + + Check out Matt's newest book, The End of the World As You Know It: https://a.co/d/7fuglXx Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #55: Romans, Part 24 (Rom 15:14-33) | 27 Feb 2024 | 00:41:55 | |
How did Paul envision his apostolic ministry with respect to, say, the Old Testament's levitical/sacrificial system? Did Paul think his ministry was wholly discontinuous with that system? Or did he see it as operating in continuity with it? Moreover, how did Paul think his missionary efforts related to the ministry of Isaiah's suffering servant? And finally, what role did "signs and wonders" play in Paul's work as an apostle? Listen to find out! + + + Check out Matt's newest book, The End of the World As You Know It: https://a.co/d/7fuglXx Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #54: Acts and More - An Interview with Steve Walton | 20 Feb 2024 | 01:00:03 | |
Matt chats with Steve Walton, a Senior Research Fellow at Trinity, College, Bristol. Steve is the author of Reading Acts Theologically, which was published by T&T Clark in the Library of New Testament Studies series. He is currently working on an Acts commentary, which will be published as part of the Word Biblical Commentary set. Steve’s Acts commentary comes in three volumes, the first of which will come out in October of 2024. Steve and I discuss a range of topics, including the way Luke depicts early Christian ecclesiology and missions, visions and divine revelation, the Roman empire, and what Luke can teach us about Paul. Steve Walton's website: https://stevewalton.info/ + + + Check out Matt's newest book, The End of the World As You Know It: https://a.co/d/7fuglXx Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #53: Covenants and Cross-Purposes - An Interview with Berel Dov Lerner, Part 2 | 13 Feb 2024 | 01:08:24 | |
In this episode (Part 2 of 2), Matt talks with philosopher Berel Dov Lerner (PhD, Tel Aviv University) about his new book, Human-Divine Interactions in the Hebrew Scriptures: Covenants and Cross-Purposes. The conversation touches on a range of topics, including the benefits of an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the Hebrew Bible, the Abrahamic Covenant, the problem of evil, Job's suffering, the concept of "negative theology," and other topics as well. Berel's bio: https://herzlinstitute.org/en/people/berel-dov-lerner/ Check out Berel's book here: https://a.co/d/aFuT4uR Berel also mentioned Charlotte Katzoff's book, Human Agency and Divine Will: The Book of Genesis, which you can find here: https://a.co/d/cIi7liY + + + Check out Matt's newest book, The End of the World As You Know It, here: https://a.co/d/4Hvbv8R Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #97: The Concept of Faith in Luke 17:1-19 | 03 Dec 2024 | 00:34:02 | |
On the podcast, Matt has been going verse-by-verse through Revelation. The core narrative found in this last book of the New Testament is how the weak (the slain Lamb and his people) are victorious over the strong (the dragon and his people). We see this same narrative elsewhere in the New Testament, namely, in the Gospels. There Jesus elevates the small, the weak, the marginalized; the heroes of his stories are often cultural outcasts. In this vein, how does Jesus' teaching on faith in Luke 17 shed light on the faithfulness the seven churches are called to exhibit in Revelation? + + + Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted Read Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.com Matt's newest book: The End of the World As You Know It Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! | |||
| #52: Covenants and Cross-Purposes - An Interview with Berel Dov Lerner, Part 1 | 06 Feb 2024 | 01:07:14 | |
In this episode (Part 1 of 2), Matt talks with philosopher Berel Dov Lerner (PhD, Tel Aviv University) about his new book, Human-Divine Interactions in the Hebrew Scriptures: Covenants and Cross-Purposes. The conversation touches on a range of topics, including the benefits of an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the Hebrew Bible, the Abrahamic Covenant, the problem of evil, Job's suffering, the concept of "negative theology," and other topics as well. Berel's bio: https://herzlinstitute.org/en/people/berel-dov-lerner/ Check out Berel's book here: https://a.co/d/aFuT4uR Berel also mentioned Charlotte Katzoff's book, Human Agency and Divine Will: The Book of Genesis, which you can find here: https://a.co/d/cIi7liY + + + Check out Matt's newest book, The End of the World As You Know It, here: https://a.co/d/4Hvbv8R Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||
| #51: The Hebrew Bible - Language, Translation, and "The Heresy of Explanation": An Interview with Robert Alter | 30 Jan 2024 | 01:04:34 | |
In this episode, Matt talks with Dr. Robert Alter (PhD, Harvard University) about his Hebrew Bible translation. They discuss translation theory in general and what Alter calls "the heresy of explanation." A range of other topics are discussed as well: How the language of the Hebrew Bible compared with the everyday language of an ancient Hebrew, the poem in Jeremiah 20, the two creation stories of Genesis 1-2, as well as Alter's personal writing practices through the years and a new book he's working on. About Robert Alter: https://complit.berkeley.edu/user/260 Alter's Hebrew Bible translation: https://www.amazon.com/Hebrew-Bible-Translation-Commentary-Three/dp/0393292495/ref=sr_1_1?crid=IM1Z1D0CYETK&keywords=alter+bible+translation&qid=1551481284&s=gateway&sprefix=alter+bible%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-1 + + + Pre-order Matt's newest book, The End of the World As You Know It, here: https://www.amazon.com/End-World-You-Know-Really/dp/1683597125/ref=sr_1_1?crid=QDN940K0TNGN&keywords=the+end+of+the+world+as+you+know+it&qid=1706044398&sprefix=the+end+of+the+world+as+you+know+it%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-1 Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted | |||