70 episodes
The Bible (Unmuted) The Bible (Unmuted) with Dr. Matthew L. Halsted
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- Religion & Spirituality
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5.0 • 89 Ratings
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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.
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#70: Revelation, Part 6 (Rev. 3:1-6)
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 -
#69: Revelation, Part 5 (Rev. 2:18-29)
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 -
#68: An Interview with Brian Zahnd, Part 2 (The Wood Between the Worlds)
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 -
#67: An Interview with Brian Zahnd, Part 1 (The Wood Between the Worlds)
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 -
#66: Revelation, Part 4 (Rev. 2:12-17)
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 -
#65: Revelation, Part 3 (Rev. 2:1-11)
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?
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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
Customer Reviews
Excellent job.
Always enjoy listening to Matt’s discussion and interviews. Thanks for taking the time to prepare and publish this podcast.
Roman’s study
I just finished listening to the final installment for the Roman’s study. I thought it was as a great study and covered a very difficult book in a fair and very complete way. I look forward to the next study that Dr. Halsted puts out. This podcast is a weekly must for me.
Routine Listener & Supporter
Dr. Matthew Halsted is a gracious and and thoughtfully informed communicator. He focuses on the teaching the text with a historical context versus modern idiosyncratic interpretations…he aims to help his listeners understand like the original audiences would have. Halsted excels in dialogue with scholars of same and differing confessions or faiths. It is one of my favorite aspects of the podcast. It is a pleasure to listen to scholars politely discuss (and even disagree) about aspects of the Bible! Through his interviews and teachings in the podcast, Dr. Halsted will connect you with other academic resources for your review. Don’t forget to check out Halsted’s Patreon and his blog/website! God bless.