In this podcast, author and professor Matthew Halsted helps listeners understand the Bible in light of its ancient cultural and literary context. These episodes dig deep into the world of Scripture, theology, interpretation, and religion. But don't worry: it's not all cerebral. Each episode comes with practical insights to help listeners walk away with something meaningful and applicable from a Christian worldview. Some episodes are standalone, while others are part of a longer series. Many episodes feature guests (e.g., authors and speakers) who offer their insights into a particular topic.
The Bible (Unmuted) with Dr. Matthew L. Halsted
I recently came across The Bible (Unmuted) podcast thanks to an introduction on the Naked Bible Podcast. From the very first episode, I was captivated by Dr. Matthew L. Halsted's ability to present scholarly information in a manner that is accessible and engaging for all listeners. His deep understanding of the Bible and its context shines through in each episode, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to dive deeper into the Word.
One of the best aspects of The Bible (Unmuted) podcast is Dr. Halsted's ability to break down complex biblical concepts and make them understandable for listeners of all levels. His passion for the New Testament and his reverence for the Old Testament are evident in every episode, making it easy for listeners to connect with the material on a personal level. Additionally, his calm and clear speaking voice, along with his use of transitions with bass guitar, adds a unique touch to each episode that keeps listeners coming back for more.
While it may be difficult to pinpoint any major flaws in The Bible (Unmuted) podcast, one minor aspect that could be improved upon is the frequency of new episodes. As a listener who eagerly consumes each new episode as soon as it is released, I find myself wanting more content from Dr. Halsted on a more consistent basis. However, this minor issue does not detract from the overall quality of the podcast.
In conclusion, The Bible (Unmuted) podcast is an invaluable resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of Scripture in light of its ancient context. Dr. Matthew L. Halsted's expertise and passion shine through in each episode, making it a must-listen for both new believers and seasoned theologians alike. I highly recommend this podcast to anyone looking to grow in their faith and knowledge of God's Word.
Part 1 of 2James-Michael Smith runs an organization called DiscipleDojo, which is a multi-faceted ministry that serves refugees, publishes interviews with scholars and authors, and offers resources on biblical studies and theology. In this two-part discussion, JM and Matt cover a lot of territory: from Wesleyanism to the so-called "young, restless, reformed movement" to dispensationalism to mideast politics. Check out JM Smith's website and YouTube Channel:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DiscipleDojoWebsite: https://www.discipledojo.org/+++Support the The Bible (Unmuted) via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
In this episode, Matt chats with Dr. John ("Jack") Beck. Jack has spent much of his career helping people to see the importance of biblical geography and how becoming familiar with it can help readers better understand the depths of meaning of the biblical text. What is significant, for example, about the physical location of Jesus' baptism at the Jordan River? Where did Jesus give his famous "Sermon on the Mount" and why might that place be important? And what's up with all the mountains in the Bible -- especially, Mount Hermon? Listen to find out!For more information about Dr. Beck and his books, visit: www.johnabeckauthor.com+++Support the The Bible (Unmuted) via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
In this section, Revelation offers an interpretation of the beast's 7 heads and 10 horns. These symbols prove to be highly important and easily discernible -- but they are only discernible when modern readers interpret them in light of an important text in Daniel and when it is remembered how apocalyptic imagery works in the first place (such as in the case of the number "7"). Modern readers even have to know a thing or two about Rome's geography! +++Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Here's a question we need to ask: How do the endings (plural!) of the Old Testament direct and guide our reading of the New Testament, specifically the Gospels? Listen to find out...+++Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Who is the great prostitute in Revelation 17? And why does she have the name "Babylon" written across her forehead? And, moreover, what is the significance of John seeing her in the "wilderness"? A variety of Old Testament passages and stories -- and even non-canonical texts such as the Sibylline Oracles -- can help modern readers understand the important symbolism of this passage. +++Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Matt continues his discussion through Revelation 16 -- the seven bowls of judgment. This passage continues to allude to key sections of the Exodus narrative, specifically the plagues. Matt also draws attention to the way the bowls relate to the seals and trumpets, noting especially the way Revelation depicts a cosmos that is deteriorating. He also chats about various views regarding the "Armageddon" passage in v. 16. To what does this refer? Is it a physical location, or is something else going on?One-day seminar on 1 Enoch: Link to Information+++Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
In Revelation 16, readers encounter a third cycle of seven judgments -- the "seven bowls." In this episode, Matt looks at the first three bowls and observes similarities with the previous cycle of judgments (the seven trumpets). He also points out the ways in which the bowls are conceptually linked back to the the Egyptian plagues of Exodus and why its important to make this connection for understanding Revelation's core message about a worldwide exodus. Matt also compares texts from the Wisdom of Solomon (an apocryphal/deuterocanonical text) to show how Revelation's understanding of divine judgment is similar to the way other Jews of the same era thought about it.+++Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
When Jesus was on the cross, he cried out: "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" Does this mean that God actually forsook Jesus? Many people think so. But in this episode, Matt offers some reasons why that's not the case at all. +++Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Why does Revelation depict sevenfold judgment cycles -- e.g., seven seals, seven trumpets, seven bowls? How might the Old Testament help us to understand the logic of Revelation's structure in this regard? And what other biblical prophet depicted divine judgment along the lines of a sevenfold schema?+++Support the The Bible (Unmuted) via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Matt chats with Andrew Perrin (PhD, McMaster University) about all things Dead Sea Scrolls. Andrew has written a new book on the subject called Lost Words and Forgotten Worlds: Rediscovering the Dead Sea Scrolls. On this episode, Andrew talks about what the Scrolls are, what they contain, and why they are important. If you are serious student of the Bible, then you will find this conversation relevant and informative. Dr. Andrew Perrin's website: https://andrewperrin.com/Order his new book: Lost Words and Forgotten WorldsAbout: Andrew B. Perrin (PhD, McMaster University) is associate vice president of research at Athabasca University in Alberta, Canada. Previously, he was director of the Dead Sea Scrolls Institute at Trinity Western University and Canada research chair in religious identities of ancient Judaism. He is the author and editor of several books, including The Dynamics of Dream-Vision Revelation in the Aramaic Dead Sea Scrolls, and his research has been recognized with several academic awards.+++Support the The Bible (Unmuted) via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Matt takes listener questions, which opens up quite a bit of discussion on some fun (and important) topics: Should the church utilize non-canonical texts (such as the Dead Scrolls, Pseudepigrapha, etc) for teaching the Bible? How can the Dead Sea Scrolls be useful for understanding the New Testament? Is the academic study of the Bible threatening to faith and personal devotion? How do the Seals, Trumpets, and Bowls relate to one another?+++Support the The Bible (Unmuted) via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Aimee Byrd joins us once again to chat about her latest book, Saving Face: Finding My Self, God, and One Another Outside a Defaced Church. She offers careful reflections on navigating disillusionment and pain that, sadly, sometimes comes through the church. Aimee's relentless commitment to pursuing the saving face of Jesus Christ is absolutely contagious, and she offers a lot of food for thought for those who want to think carefully about all things church, spiritual trauma, and pursing Jesus as the healer and savior.Link to Aimee's book: https://www.amazon.com/Saving-Face-Finding-Another-Outside/dp/0310167604/ Follow her on social media:https://aimeebyrd.com/https://www.instagram.com/aimeebyrdlife/https://www.facebook.com/aimee.byrd.39https://twitter.com/aimeebyrdPYWhttps://www.threads.net/@aimeebyrdlifehttps://aimeebyrd.substack.com/+++Support the The Bible (Unmuted) via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Part 2 of 2 Matt chats with Amber Dillon (PhD, Ridley College), who teaches at Eternity Bible College and Denver Seminary. In her doctoral work (supervised by New Testament scholar Michael Bird), she researched the literary portrait of John the Baptist, as depicted in the Gospel of John. In the previous episode (part 1/Ep #110), we kicked things off by discussing what goes into writing a dissertation and the necessity of being able to receive constructive criticism during the writing process. We also chatted about how women are underrepresented in evangelical academic circles and how certain historical events may have created that situation. In this episode (part 2), we talk specifically about her work on John the Baptist. How does the Gospel of John portray him in relation to the synoptic Gospels? Are their similarities and differences? Why are these questions important? And to what texts, exactly, does John refer when he describes Jesus as "the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world?" (Jn 1:29)? +++Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Part 1 of 2 Matt chats with Amber Dillon (PhD, Ridley College), who teaches at Eternity Bible College and Denver Seminary. In her doctoral work (supervised by New Testament scholar Michael Bird), she researched the literary portrait of John the Baptist, as depicted in the Gospel of John. In this episode (part 1), we kick things off by discussing what goes into writing a dissertation and the necessity of being able to receive constructive criticism during the writing process. We also chat about how women are underrepresented in evangelical academic circles and how certain historical events may have created that situation. In part 2 (Ep #111), we talk specifically about her work on John the Baptist. How does the Gospel of John portray him in relation to the synoptic Gospels? Are their similarities and differences? Why are these questions important? And to what texts, exactly, does John refer when he describes Jesus as "the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world?" (Jn 1:29)? +++Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Is it ever okay to lie? That's the question Matt takes up on the show today. Interestingly, this question is not merely an ethical one but also has bearing upon larger issues related to theology, anthropology, and hermeneutics. Resources mentioned on the show: (1) David Bentley Hart,You Are Gods: On Nature and Supernature // see chapter 4: Pia Fraus: Our Words and God's Truth(2) Craig G. Bartholomew, Introducing Biblical Hermeneutics: A Comprehensive Framework for Hearing God in Scripture +++Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Revelation 15 is a remarkable passage, for it offers a vision of a christologized exodus. This is a powerful illustration of the ways in which the New Testament employs Old Testament material and bridges the story of Jesus of Nazareth to the story of Israel -- especially the Exodus story. There are a number of insights this conceptual bridging affords -- not least in how it illuminates the way the Gospel frees people from evil empires and the spiritual realities that empower them.+++Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
This passage centers around the proclamations and actions of several angels, who play a decisive role in the eschaton. Readers are also confronted with further images of divine judgment. How should one interpret these judgment texts, specifically, the gruesome picture given in v. 20? +++Support the podcast via Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
In Revelation 14:1-5, we meet once again 144,000 people who are marked on their foreheads. This mirrors the content of Revelation 7, furthering the narrative of the text as a whole. But new material is introduced in the process. Matt analyzes this new content, revealing important allusions that tie Rev. 14 back to Old Testament passages found in Deuteronomy, Zephaniah, and Isaiah. +++Support the podcast via Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Matt answers a listener's question about evangelism, specifically: Should Christians first preach about sinbefore talking about grace? The answer to that question requires a story...+++Support the podcast via Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Matt chats with Paul Wilson, a PhD candidate at the University of Edinburgh. His research focuses on migration in the book of Acts. This is a topic that not only garners attention among biblical scholars but also among those engaged in modern political discourse. It's a hot topic, to say the least. In this conversation, Paul guides listeners to think through the subject of migration and, specifically, forced migration, in a way that leans into the insights of the New Testament and Christ's vision for the church to be a loving and welcoming community. +++ 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)!
Revelation 13 describes two beasts: the first rises from the sea, the second from the earth. In this episode, Matt chats about this mysterious second beast. Who, or what, does the land beast symbolize? How would John's first readers have understand this passage? And, moreover, how should modern readers interpret it? Finally, what about the actual mark of the beast? Are there relevant Old Testament passages that serve as the conceptual background for this concept? And what does it have to do with buying and selling? 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)!
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)!
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)!
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.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
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)!
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)!
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)!
This episode is brought to you from sunny San Diego, where the 2024 annual IBR/SBL/AAR conference was hosted. Matt offers thoughts on the value of academic conferences, not least with respect to the Bible. In short, deep reflection happens best in community, where the back-and-forthness of dialogue can take place and where encouragement and critique can blossom. Biblical hermeneutics, after all, is a dialogical endeavor, one that simply cannot happen in the silo of individualism. In this vein, Matt also discusses anti-intellectualism in the church and why the academic study of Scripture is a gift to the kingdom. + + + 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)!
Christians are called to be peacemakers. But what, exactly, does this entail? Specifically, how do we live as peacemakers in a world such as ours? How are we, for instance, called to handle toxic relationships? And how can the story of creation in Genesis 1 help us answer these questions? + + + 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)!
Revelation 10 introduces a "mighty angel" from heaven. The angel's speech, message, and activities resemble that of an angel depicted in the Old Testament (i.e. in Daniel). But there are also dissimilarities between the two. How might observing these features help us understand Revelation 10, especially with respect to the angel's enigmatic speech about time (10:6)? There's also the mysterious message of "the seven thunders," which John is told not to write down. What does this mean, and how could the Old Testament help us understand the message's concealment? Finally, what's going on with John being told to "eat" a scroll, and how does this lead into the discussion about the two witnesses in Revelation 11? Listen to find out! + + + 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)!
The sixth trumpet brings about the release of four angels, who had been bound (imprisoned) at the Euphrates River. Who are these angels, and what's the point of their being bound at a geographical location such as the Euphrates? Readers also encounter a cavalry that numbers 200 million. What's the significance off this number, and what, exactly, is this cavalry? Is it a demonic ? Is it a human? And will this cavalry appear in the future, or should we think differently about it? + + + 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)!
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)!
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. Get a copy of Mark Beuving's book: Resonate: Enjoying God's Gift of Music + + + 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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://aimeebyrd.com/ 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
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
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
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