By the Well

Robyn and Fran discuss Jeremiah 23:1-6; Colossians 1:11-20 and Luke 23:33-43, and bid farewell for now, as By the Well pauses.

Howard Wallace and Brendan Byrne discuss Isaiah 65:17-25, Isaiah 12 and Luke 21:5-19.

Daniel Sihombing and Sandy Brodine discuss Haggai 1:15-2:9; Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-7; and Luke 20:27-38.

Kylie Crabbe welcomes Prof Brendan Byrne SJ, Jesuit Priest and renowned scholar of the New Testament as guest to the podcast. We discuss the Habakkuk and 2 Thessalonians readings more briefly before turning to discussion of the reading about Zacchaeus in Luke. Themes across the episode include: finding hope in turbulent political times, eschatology, conversion of communities (not just individuals), salvation that comes to Zacchaeus, meals, “Lukan triangles”—whereby episodes in Luke show a contrast or challenge in how two different people or groups respond to the good news or an interaction with Jesus, and more! Listeners might also be especially interested in Brendan's wonderful (and highly accessible) commentary on Luke's Gospel: The Hospitality of God: A Reading of Luke's Gospel.

Kylie Crabbe and guest Rev Rachel Kronberger discuss Joel 2.23–32 and Luke 18.9–14. Themes include: hope after suffering, communal repentance, insiders and outsiders, portrayals of the Pharisees in the Gospels (and responsible interpretation), tax collectors in first-century Roman setting, reversal or restoration to relationship.  Resources include: Amy-Jill Levine's Jewish Annotated New Testament, Brendan Byrne's The Hospitality of God, Howard Wallace's Lectionary Resources blog, Speaking of the Pharisees event by The Enoch Seminar.  

Rev Sandy Brodine and Rev Brendan Byrne discuss Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14 and Luke 17:5-10. We refer to resources on intergen.org.au

Howard Wallace and Sally Douglas discuss Jeremiah 8:18-9:1, Psalm 79:1-9, 1 Tim 2:1-7, and Luke 16:1-13. They discuss the balance between truth and love, praying for leaders and issues of wealth.

Sandy and Adrian discuss Jeremiah 4:11-12,22-28; Psalm 14 and Luke 15:1-10.

Sandy and Adrian discuss Jeremiah 18:1-11 and Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18

This week Rachel and Sally explore the readings for Sunday August 31, Pentecost 12. Focusing on Jeremiah 2.4-13, Hebrews 13.1-8, 15-16, and Luke 14 1. 7-14, they discuss the hospitality of God and the challenge to think about where we seek our nourishment and who we offer hospitality to. In a world obsessed with status and wealth the way of Jesus disrupts expectations.

Sally and Monica are back again to refelect on Jeremiah 1:4-10; Psalm71:1-6; Hebrews 12:18-29; Luke 13:10-17.   

Sally and Monica reflect on Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80:1-2 and 8-19; Hebrews11:29-12:2; Luke12:49-56. God's desire for justice, the need to deform in order to form or reform, the place of conflict and division are some of the issues discussed against what is happening in Gaza as a backdrop. they bring attention the the recent Central Committe of the World Council of Churches statement

Robyn is joined by special guest, Rev. Dr Kristel Clayville, to discuss the readings for the 9th week of Pentecost - Isaiah 1:1, 1-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 and Luke 12:32-40. We explore themes of relationship / covenant, promise, transformation, and hope.

Howard and Sally does Hosea 11.1-11, Psalm 107.1-9, 43, Colossians 3.1-11(12), Luke 12.13-21. They explore the imagery of God as parent in Hosea, new life in Christ in Colossians and the parable of the rich fool in Luke.

Howard and Adrian explore Hosea 1:2-10; Psalm 85; Colossians 2:6-15; and Luke 11:1-13. Listeners may be interested in the upcoming Northey Lecture at Pilgrim Theological College "Dei Ex Machina: The Images of God in Our Conceptions of AI" on 29 July.

Sally and Monica reflect on Amos 8:1-12; Psalm 52; Colossians 1:15-28 and Luke 10:38-42.  We explore the prophetic indictment against misuse of power and wealth for personal gain and against the wellbeing of the community; early NT texts and the Nicene creed and the discipleship of women followers.    

Fran and Howard discuss the readings for the fifth week after Pentecost, focussing on Amos 7:7-17, Psalm 82 and Luke 10:25-37 We mention Bruce Barber's sermon on Luke 10 in Lanterns at Dusk

Monica and Robyn dicsuss the Naaman story in 2 Kings 5:1-14, the cry of the Psalmist in Psalm 30, and Jesus' commissioning of the 70 (72) in Luke 10:1-11, 16-20. We mention an article by Jione Havea on 2 Kings 5, which you can find here.   

Robyn and Brendan discuss 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14; Galatians 5:1, 13-25, and Luke 9:51-62. We discuss the echoes of the Elijah / Elisha tradition in the gospels, the tension between prophetic glory and suffering, transitions, change, and the demands of following Jesus. 

Fran and Sally discuss 1 Kings 19.1-15, Psalm 42, Galatians 3.23-29, Luke 8.26-39. They explore the place of silence, langauge and imagery for God, and the problem of evil (among other things).

Sally and Fran discuss Proverbs 8:1-4;22-31; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15 We mention Sally's book Jesus Sophia: Returning to Woman Wisdom in the Bible; the Nomad podcast interview with Sally; Martin Scott's Sophia and the Johanine Jesus Ben Myers Tweeting the trinity: because heresy is meh  

Robyn Whitaker is joined by theologian, Daniel Sihombing, to talk about the Spirit and Pentecost. We look at the various snapshots of the Holy Spirit in all the readings this week - Acts 2:1-21, Genesis 11:1-9, Psalm 104:24-35, Romans 8:14-17, and John 14:8-17 - discussing the range of activities of the Spirit and the centrality of her for Christian life. 

Fran and Robyn discuss John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, and Acts 16:16-34 with brief mention of Psalm 97. We mentioned Willy James Jennings' Acts Commentary and Dorothy Lee's The Gospels Speak. 

Robyn is joined by Rev. Brendan Byrne to discuss John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29 and Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5, with a brief mention of Psalm 67. We talk about the social justice dimensions of the healing in John 5 and the way Jesus' healing undermines moral assessments. We also noted the way John 14 and Revelation 22 talk about the movement of God towards God's people and creation to recreate a vision of an end where all the nations stream to God and God's dwelling place is with us. Those wanting to preach about Lydia in Acts 16 can tune in to our episode from 2022.

"A man may share in his prayer his concern for peace in the world and yet, in his own little world, be unwiliing to change his private attitude of antagoism or prejudice towards his fellows" Howard Thurman, Meditations of the Heart.  In this episode Sally and Robyn discuss the "new commandment" to love one another (John 13:31-35) as a mark of Christian community. We also look at the visions of God's expansive kingdom in Revelation 21:1-6, Acts 11:1-18, and the way the whole cosmos praises God in Psalm 148. We mention Willie Jennings' Acts Commentary. 

This Sunday is Good Shepherd Sunday in some traditions and Dorothy Lee and Robyn Whitaker explore images of both lamb and shepherd for Jesus in John 10:22-30, Psalm 23, and Revelation 7:9-17. Acts 9:36-43 continues the story of God's activity in the early church, this time through the resurrection of Tabitha, a female disciple of Jesus.  You can read more about Tabitha and the background to Acts 9 at Marg Mowczko's blog. We also mention CS Lewis's The Last Battle. 

Robyn Whitaker and Adrian Jackson give an overview of The Book of Revelation and the particular themes in the lectionary passages throughout the Easter season.  We recommend the following resources:  - Unveiling Apocalypse podcast by U-wen Low - Robyn Whitaker's Revelation for Normal People - Scott McKnight's Revelation for the Rest of Us - Lynn Huber, Revelation commentary - Eugen Boring's Revelation Commentary - Bible for Normal People podcast on Revelation (with Robyn Whitaker)

Robyn Whitaker and Dorothy Lee discuss Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-18, and Acts 10:34-43 to explore the different ways early Christians talked about the resurrection of Jesus.   

Rachel Kronberger and Fran discuss liturgical and homiletical choices for Palm/Passion Sunday, with reference to Isaiah 50:4-9a; Philippians 2:5-11; Luke 19:28-40 and Luke 23:1-49 We mention Stanley Hauerwas' Cross-shattered Christ: Mediations on the seven last words

Monica and Fran discuss Joshua 5:9-12; Psalm 32 and Luke 15:1-3; 11b-32

Howard and Robyn discuss themes of repentence, grace, judgment, and transformation in Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, and Luke 13:1-9.

Monica and Fran discuss Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Psalm 91:1-2; 9-16; Romans 10:8b-13 and Luke 4:1-13 We mention David H Kelsey's Imagining Redemption (Westminister John Knox) and  Robyn Whitaker's Even the Devil Quotes Scripture and Arvind P Nirmal's work on Dalit Theology

Monica and Sally discuss the readings for Transfiguration Sunday: Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99, 2 Cor 3:12–4:2; Luke 9:28–36.

Robyn is joined by guest co-host, Rev, Brendan Byrne, to discuss Genesis 45:3-11, 15 and Luke 6:27-38. Jesus' radical teaching to "love your enemies" is unpacked and embodied in both readings with themes of forgiveness, mercy, and compassion. For those who want to focus on 1 Corinthians 15:15-35, please check out our old episode that included that passage - https://bythewell.com.au/episodes/c109-epiphany-7  

Sally and Fran discuss Jeremiah 17:10; Psalm 1; 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 and Luke 6:17-26 

Robyn is joined by Adrian Jackson to talk about the way God appears in Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), Luke 5:1-11, and 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. These texts contrast holiness and sinfulness, poverty and abundance, and grace and unworthiness in interesting ways.   We refer to temple reliefs and the way the Isaiah 6 text might be a political satire of Assyrian temple imagery. You can find an example of such a relief here- https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/W_1849-0502-15  (note the posture of the attendants)

Hi listeners, we're on a summer hiatus so this episode is a re-post from 3 years ago. We believe its still relevant and will assist you in preparing to preach from these texts. Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, and Luke 4:21-30 are the focus this episode. We discuss Paul's ode to love and locate this ethic within his and other Christian teaching. Jeremiah and Luke both point to the challenge of prophetic call. Luke 4 continues to reveal Jesus' identity and ministry focus. We refer to bell hooks and Oda Wischmeyer's Love as Agape.

Hi listeners, we're on a summer hiatus so this episode is a re-post from 3 years ago. We believe its still relevant and will assist you in preparing to preach from these texts.Nehemiah 8:1-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, and Luke 4:14-21 are discussed this week. Luke and Nehemiah invite reflection on how we interpret Scripture and its fundamental role in grounding and forming the gathered people of God. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul offers the metaphor of the body to describe the way the Christian community is in unity through the Spirit and yet has difference and diversity as an essential part of it. We mention Chris Keith's Jesus Against the Scribal Elite and Joel Green's Luke Commentary.

Fran and Robyn discuss Isaiah 62:1-5; 1 Cor 12:1-11, and the wedding at Cana passage from John 2:1-11. 

Robyn and Fran discuss Isaiah 43:1-7; Acts 8:14-17; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

Dorothy and Fran discussed Micah 5:2-5, Hebrews 5:1-10 and Luke 1:39-55, and mentioned Brendan Byrne's Hospitality of God

Dorothy and Fran discussed: Zephaniah 3:14-20 and Luke 3:7-18. We mentioned Nick Cave's Red Hand Files

In this episode Dorothy Lee and Robyn Whitaker delve into the Advent 2 themes. We unpack Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 1:68-79 and Luke 3:1-6. We mention the following books: Brendan Byrne's Hospitality of God Fleming Rutledge, Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Jesus Christ During Advent we are delighted to have Dorothy Lee as a special guest co-host. The Rev'd Professor Dorothy Lee is an Australian theologian, New Testament scholar and Anglican priest, formerly dean of the Trinity College Theological School, Melbourne, a college of the University of Divinity, and Stewart Professor of New Testament. She is author of numerous books including The Ministry of Women in the New Testament, Transfiguration, and Flesh and Glory.   

During Advent we welcome Dorothy Lee as a special guest co-host. The Rev'd Professor Dorothy Lee is an Australian theologian, New Testament scholar and Anglican priest, formerly dean of the Trinity College Theological School, Melbourne, a college of the University of Divinity, and Stewart Professor of New Testament. She is author of numerous books including The Ministry of Women in the New Testament, Transfiguration, and Flesh and Glory.  In this episode Dorothy Lee and Robyn Whitaker delve into the Advent 1 theme of HOPE. We unpack Jeremiash 33:14-16 and Luke 21: 25-36.  

As we prepare for the focus on Luke's Gospel for Year C, Robyn Whitaker sat down to talk about themes in Luke with two experts. Bart Bruehler and Kylie Crabbe have both worked extensively on Luke-Acts. In this special episode we unpack the background to Luke, themes and theology, how Luke relates to the other gospels, and what preachers might want to think about as they delve into Luke's gospel in the year ahead.   Professor Bart Bruehler is Director of Biblical Studies at Uniting College for Leadership and Theology, Adelaide, within the University of Divinity. He is author of A Public and Political Christ. Bart is ordained in the Free Methodist tradition.  Associate Professor Kylie Crabbe is a Research Fellow at Australian Catholic University. She is author of a ground-breaking book called Luke/Acts and the End of History. Kylie is an ordained Uniting Church minister.  We recommended the following resources in this episode: Brendan Byrne, Hospitality of God: A Reading of Luke's Gospel  Joel Green, The Gospel of Luke Commentary Morna Hooker, Beginnings: Keys that Open the Gospels  

For the week of Christ the King/Reign of Christ Robyn, David Kim and Fran discuss 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8 and John 18:33-37

Monica and Fran discuss 1 Samuel 1:4-20; 2:1-10, and Mark 13:1-8

Sean and Robyn discuss Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 and Mark 12:38-44 with a slight reference to Hebrews 9:24-28.

Howard and Fran discuss Job 42:1-6, 10-17; Psalm 34:1-8 (19-22); Mark 10:46-52 We mention Kylie Crabbe's website Biblical Disability

Sally and Monica discuss the readings for October 20, 2024 (Pentecost 22) - Job 38:1-7 (34-41); Ps 91:9-16 Hebrews 5:1-10 and Mark 10:35-45. 

Robyn and Sally discuss suffering and questions of theodicy and discipleship in Job 23:1-9, 16-17; Psalm 22:1-15; and Mark 10:17-31 with a brief note about Hebrew 4:12-16