Episodes
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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?
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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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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.
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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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Missing episodes?
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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
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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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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
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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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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?
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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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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/7fuglXxDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)! Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted
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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?
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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 -
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!
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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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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/7fuglXxDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted
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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/7fuglXxDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted
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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:
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/4UdkIcEWNTw9EoniNWSa4e... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../the-divine.../id1732773760 Audible: https://www.audible.com/.../The-Divine-Council.../B0CW783R23 Website: https://sites.libsyn.com/513968/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/7fuglXxDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted
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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/7fuglXxDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted
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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 -
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?
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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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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!
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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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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!
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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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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/
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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)! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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