The Bible Project

Writing a letter in Paul’s day wasn’t as simple as grabbing a pen and paper and placing the finished letter in a mailbox. In this episode, Tim and Jon explore the world of 1st century letter writing, including “cosenders,” letter drafts, the cost of production, and delivery. Listen in on this fascinating conversation.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (0:00–19:40)Part two (19:40–29:15)Part three (29:15–44:30)Part four (44:30–57:30)Part five (57:30–end)Additional Resources Randolph Richards, Paul and First-Century Letter Writing: Secretaries, Composition and CollectionJerome Murphy-O'Connor, O.P., Paul the Letter-Writer: His World, His Options, His SkillsShow Music Defender Instrumental by TentsScream Pilots by MobyLittle Spirit by DelaydeShow produced by Dan Gummel and Camden McAfee. Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

Do we have to follow all the commands in the New Testament? Did Paul know his words were inspired? And why doesn’t the Bible condemn slavery? Tim and Jon respond to these questions and more in this week’s Question and Response episode.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Could it be beneficial to memorize and perform New Testament letters? (00:36)Did Paul craft his letters as meditation literature? (03:17)What was included when Paul said “all Scripture” was God-breathed? (10:11)What about 1 Enoch? (15:54)Did Paul know his letters were inspired? (19:45)Are the letters wisdom or commands? (33:10)Why doesn’t the Bible condemn owning slaves? (39:58)What does it mean to submit to government authorities? (48:20)Additional Resources Scot McKnight, The Blue ParakeetScot McKnight, The Letter to Philemon (The New International Commentary on the New Testament) Esau McCaulley, Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in HopeShow Music Defender Instrumental by TentsShow pr

Did Paul actually say that? In this week’s podcast episode, Tim and Jon talk about how to wisely read the New Testament letters by asking key questions about Paul’s context. This practice, known as mirror reading, can help us read and apply these letters to our lives responsibly.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (0:00–14:00)Part two (14:00–25:00)Part three (25:00–39:30)Part four (39:30–59:30)Part five (59:30–end)Additional Resources John M. G. Barclay, Obeying the Truth: Paul's Ethics in GalatiansScot McKnight, Reading Romans Backwards: A Gospel of Peace in the Midst of EmpireNijay Gupta, “Mirror-Reading Moral Issues in Paul’s Letters,” in Journal for the Study of the New Testament, vol. 34 (2012), pp. 361-381.Robert Jewett, Romans: A Commentary, 59.Show Music Defender Instrumental by TentsPlaya by Mauro SommBubble by KVPale Horses by MobyA Case for Shame by MobyShow produced by Dan Gummel and Camden McAfee. Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

The New Testament letters were written to address specific situations among specific groups of people. In this episode, Tim and Jon discuss how to discern situational context, what to do when information is missing, and how context helps us apply the wisdom of the letters today.View full show notes from this episode →Learn more about Classroom at Classroom.bible.Timestamps Part one (0:00–11:20)Part two (11:20–24:34)Part three (24:34–32:00)Part four (32:00–40:50)Part five (40:50–54:10)Part six (54:10–end)Show Music Defender Instrumental by TentsDreams by XanderCocktail Hour by StrehlowAcquired in Heaven by Beautiful EulogyShow produced by Dan Gummel and Camden McAfee. Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

Paul wrote his letters in the shadow of Rome. His words stood in stark contrast to Roman rule and its honor-shame culture. Join Tim and Jon in exploring the cultural context of the New Testament letters and the questions we should consider when reading these texts. View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (0:00–6:15)Part two (6:15–23:30)Part three (23:30–33:30)Part four (33:30–40:10)Part five (40:10–end)Additional Resources Michael Gorman, Apostle of the Crucified LordShow Music Defender Instrumental by TentsCoastal Town by KuplaClocks by Smith the Misterdoing laundry by weird insideFrame by KVShow produced by Dan Gummel and Camden McAfee. Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

The New Testament letters all share a core conviction that shapes how the apostles taught followers of Jesus to live in the first century. Listen in as Tim and Jon discuss the focus of the New Testament letters and how they help us live wisely today. View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (0:00–28:45)Part two (28:45–38:00)Part three (38:00–47:30)Part four (47:30–end)Additional Resources Scot McKnight, Reading Romans BackwardsShow Music Defender Instrumental by TentsFar from Home by Toonorthdoing laundry by weird insideFrame by KVShow produced by Dan Gummel and Camden McAfee. Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

How do the New Testament letters fit with the rest of the biblical story? In this second part of a live recording in Dallas, Texas, Tim and Jon talk about how the apostles saw themselves as fulfilling God’s promise to bring blessing to all nations and how this perspective transforms the way we read the letters. View full show notes from this episode → Timestamps Part one (0:00–39:30)Part two (39:30–end)Additional Resources Bruce Longnecker, The Lost Letters of Pergamum Show Music Defender Instrumental by TentsWhispering Wind by MobyShow produced by Dan Gummel and Camden McAfee. Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

In this live episode, Tim and Jon interact with an audience in Dallas, Texas for the launch of a new series on how to read the New Testament letters. Letters make up much of the New Testament, and knowing how to view and interpret them is essential for seeing the story of Jesus woven through the New Testament. View full show notes from this episode → Timestamps Part one (0:00–35:45) Part two (35:45–end) Show Music Defender Instrumental by Tents Memory Gospel by Moby Show produced by Dan Gummel and Camden McAfee. Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

In this special mid-week podcast episode, Tim and Jon address recent events in light of The Revelation. Listen in as they discuss the use of “word and testimony,” the meaning of Babylon, and the exposure of slavery in the book of Revelation.View full show notes from this episode →TimestampsPart 1 (0:13:30)Part 2 (13:30-28:30)Part 3 (28:30-39:30)Part 4 (39:30-47:00)Part 5 (47:00-end)Additional ResourcesRichard Bauckham, “The Economic Critique of Rome in Revelation 18,” p. 370-371.BibleProject, Exile podcast seriesBibleProject, Way of the ExileShow MusicDefender Instrumental by TentsNo Spirit: Snacks EPChillhop Essentials Summer 2020Conquor by Beautiful EulogyShow produced by Dan Gummel and Camden McAfee.Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

Are these the end times? Why does the Bible use language of fiery judgment? And what is the mark of the beast? In this episode, Tim and Jon answer your questions about how to read apocalyptic literature.View full show notes from this episode →TimestampsDoes the Bible Predict the End of the World? (1:30)Are There Personal Apocalypses? (16:28)How Can You Tell a True Apocalypse? (24:20)Has Every Follower of Jesus had an Apocalypse? (30:14)Is There a Link Between Apocalyptic and Test Narratives in the Bible? (34:50)How Should We Understand Fiery Judgment in the Bible? (40:10)Bonus: What About the Mark of the Beast? (55:59)Additional ResourcesMichael Gorman, Reading Revelation Responsibly, p. 64.BibleProject, Tree of Life podcast seriesRichard Bauckham, The Theology of the Book of RevelationShow MusicDefender Instrumental by TentsShow produced by Dan Gummel and Camden McAfee.Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

The book of Revelation is full of symbols and images that are confusing when we remove them from the context of the Hebrew Bible. But if we understand the context, community, and nature of apocalyptic literature, the text can reshape the way we see the world. In this final episode of our series How to Read Apocalyptic Literature, Tim and Jon look at the book of Revelation.View full show notes from this episode →Additional ResourcesMichael Gorman, Reading Revelation Responsibly, p. 64.Melodysheep, Timelapse of the Future: A Journey to the End of TimeBibleProject, Overview: Revelation Part One and TwoSteve Moyice, The Old Testament in the Book of RevelationShow MusicDefender Instrumental by TentsSnacks EP by No SpiritFills The Skies by Josh WhiteShow produced by Dan Gummel and Camden McAfee.Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

The opening pages of the Bible show us God’s good plan to rule with humanity as his image in heaven and on earth. Later characters in the story experience apocalyptic moments where they glimpse this ideal world and gain perspective to bring comfort and challenge to the world. Listen in as Tim and Jon discuss how this all points us to Jesus.View full show notes from this episode → Additional ResourcesHeaven and Earth Podcast SeriesMore on the divine counsel in podcast episode Spiritual Warfare: God E3Image of God Podcast SeriesOur video Image of GodCrispin Fletcher-Louis, “God’s Image, His Cosmic Temple, and the High Priest,” Heaven on Earth: The Temple in Biblical Theology, pp. 83-84.S. Dean McBride Jr, Divine Protocol: Genesis 1:1-2:3 as Prologue to the Pentateuch, pp. 16-17.Richard Bauckham, The Theology of the Book of Revelation, pp. 6-7. Show MusicDefender Instrumental by TentsMind Garden by 
leavvWhite Oak by dryhopeCinnamon Sugar by Philanthrope x G Mills

Our dreams are often filled with strange images. What happens when a prophet, steeped in the Scriptures, receives a dream from God? The resulting imagery is packed with hyperlinks to the Hebrew Bible. In this episode, Tim and Jon begin discussing Revelation and tracing these visions through the rest of the Bible.View full show notes from this episode →Additional ResourcesRichard Bauckham, The Theology of the Book of RevelationOur video TempleShow MusicDefender Instrumental by TentsMemories of Spring by Tokyo Music WalkerPerilune by AeroheadJimi? Is that you? by David GummelShow produced by Dan Gummel.Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

Are the Gospel accounts apocalyptic? In this episode, Tim and Jon break down the use of the word apocalypse in the ancient Jewish world and highlight examples from the Gospel accounts and the life of Paul.View full show notes from this episode →Show MusicDefender Instrumental by TentsWhite Oak by dryhopeMy Room Becomes the Sea by Sleepy FishShow produced by Dan Gummel.Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

The Bible is filled with key moments that hinge on dreams. How did people in the Bible understand these moments, and what can we learn from them? In this episode, Tim and Jon have a fascinating conversation about the nature of apocalyptic dreams and visions in the Bible.View full show notes from this episode →Show MusicDefender Instrumental by TentsAfter Dark by Sugi.waMy Room Becomes the Sea by Sleepy FishCold Weather Kids by AerocityShow produced by Dan GummelPowered and distributed by Simplecast

Is this the apocalypse? Tim and Jon begin a new series, How to Read Apocalyptic Literature. They’ll be talking about the COVID-19 pandemic and how the Bible opens our eyes and changes us in our present moment. Want to share how you're experiencing this present crisis as an apocalypse? Send us an email at support@bibleproject.com.View full show notes from this episode →Additional ResourcesSon of Man Podcast SeriesShow MusicDefender Instrumental by TentsSnacks by No SpiritYesterday on Repeat by VexentoShow produced by Dan GummelPowered and distributed by Simplecast

Why didn’t Paul use more parables? Is the parable of the four soils about salvation, or something else? In this episode, Tim and Jon answer these and other excellent audience questions on the parables of Jesus.View full show notes from this episode →Additional ResourcesRichard Bauckham, “The Rich Man and Lazarus: The Parable and the Parallels,” New Testament Studies 37, no. 2 (1991), 225–246.Tim Mackie, “How We Listen [Parables of the Kingdom],” Blackhawk Church, July 24, 2011.Show MusicDefender Instrumental by TentsShow produced by Dan GummelPowered and distributed by Simplecast

How do you determine the meaning of a parable? And how should you apply it to your life? In this episode, Tim and Jon discuss how to identify the meaning and significance of the parables of Jesus.View full show notes from this episode →Additional ResourcesCraig Blomberg, Interpreting the ParablesShow MusicDefender Instrumental by TentsOcean Patio bu Philanthrope x DayleInstrumental by KaleidoscopeJumping off the Porch by Broke in SummerMy Room Becomes The Sea by Sleepy Fishdoing laundry by weird insideShow produced by Dan GummelPowered and distributed by Simplecast

In this episode, Tim and Jon talk about the first of three questions to help us become wise readers of the parables and gain insight from them. What symbols did Jesus weave in the parables—and which did he not? Join Tim and Jon for this fascinating discussion.View full show notes and images from this episode →Additional ResourcesKlyne Snodgrass, Stories with Intent: A Comprehensive Guide to the Parables of JesusCraig Blomberg, Interpreting the ParablesAmy Jill-Levine, Short Stories by JesusShow MusicDefender Instrumental by TentsBeneath Your Waves by Sleepy FishShow produced by Dan GummelPowered and distributed by Simplecast

The parables of Jesus force a choice for his listeners. Will they embrace the upside-down value system of the Kingdom of God, or will they refuse to participate in the party? In this episode, Tim and Jon discuss two additional themes of the parables.View full show notes and images from this episode →Show MusicDefender Instrumental by TentsLate Night Driving by Broke In SummerMorning Station by Tokyo Music WalkerCollages by Sleepy FishShow produced by Dan GummelPowered and distributed by Simplecast