The Bible Project

In our final episode of the Firstborn series, we look at the New Testament’s description of Jesus as the firstborn of creation. Join Tim and Jon as they explore some of Paul’s letters, the book of Hebrews, and the Revelation, and discover how Jesus reveals who God is––and what it means to be truly human, too.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (00:00-14:29)Part two (14:29-25:26)Part three (25:26-48:43)Part four (48:43-1:08:38)Referenced ResourcesNew Testament Christological Hymns: Exploring Texts, Contexts, and Significance, Matthew E. GordleyThe Birth of the Trinity: Jesus, God, and Spirit in New Testament and Early Christian Interpretations of the Old Testament, Matthew BatesThe Letter to the Colossians (New International Commentary on the New Testament), Scot McKnightInterested in more? Check out Tim’s library here.You can experience the literary themes and movements we’re tracing on the podcast in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.Show Music “Defender (Instrumenta

Under levitical law, touching anyone unclean would make you unclean too. But when Jesus touches people who are unclean, they get healed and become clean instead––it’s like his holiness is contagious. In this episode, Tim and Jon talk about the way Jesus uses his power and authority as the cosmic firstborn.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (00:00-19:35)Part two (19:35-31:19)Part three (31:19-46:15)Part four (46:15-1:03:45)Part five (01:03:45-1:12:51)Referenced ResourcesInterested in more? Check out Tim’s library here.You can experience the literary themes and movements we’re tracing on the podcast in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.Show Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTS"The String That Ties Us" by Beautiful Eulogy"Peaches" by The Field Tapes & Philanthropy"Through Trees" by The Field Tapes & Sleepy FishSound design by Tyler BaileyShow produced by Cooper Peltz with Associate Producer Lindsey Ponder, Lead Editor Dan Gummel, and Editors Tyler Bailey and

The authors of the gospel accounts in the Bible—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—regularly refer to Jesus as the Son of God, a title that’s connected to the theme of the firstborn. In this episode, Tim and Jon explore what it means that Jesus is God’s Son through the stories of his baptism and testing in the wilderness. Listen in to find out how Jesus uses his power in a way we’ve never seen another human do before.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (00:00-12:44)Part two (12:44-26:31)Part three (26:31-40:14)Part four (40:14-54:41)Referenced ResourcesRichard B. HaysThe Gospel of Mark (The New International Greek Testament Commentary), R.T. FranceInterested in more? Check out Tim’s library here.You can experience the literary themes and movements we’re tracing on the podcast in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.Show Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTS"Colors Fade" by Sleepy Fish"BreaKmode" by Tyler Bailey"Catching the Wave" by Tyler Bailey & Sam StewartShow produ

In the scroll of Samuel, Israel demands a king in place of the judges that have been ruling over them. It sounds like a simple enough request, but Yahweh calls it idolatrous. Why? In this episode, Tim and Jon discuss the motives behind Israel’s request and the role of Israel’s first kings, Saul and David, in the unfolding theme of the firstborn.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (00:00-20:32)Part two (20:32-38:25)Part three (38:25-48:35)Part four (48:35-1:02:35)Referenced ResourcesInterested in more? Check out Tim’s library here.You can experience the literary themes and movements we’re tracing on the podcast in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.Show Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTS"Lotus Tea" by Xihcsr"Just Jammin" byTyler BaileySound design by Tyler BaileyShow produced by Cooper Peltz with Associate Producer Lindsey Ponder. Edited by Dan Gummel, Tyler Bailey, and Frank Garza. Podcast annotations for the BibleProject app by Hannah Woo.Powered and distributed

This episode is a special re-release of an interview we did in 2018 with Dr. Michael Heiser. Mike has been a significant influence to Tim’s own scholarship and, by extension, much of BibleProject’s content, as well as to thousands of other people. Mike is in the final stages of his battle with pancreatic cancer, and we want to honor his incredible life by sharing this episode again. View the original episode →Timestamps Part one (00:00-18:05)Part two (18:05- 33:00)Part three (33:00-44:30)Part four (44:30-59:18)Referenced ResourcesOld Testament Theology, Gerhard von RadThe Genius of John: A Composition-Critical Commentary on the Fourth Gospel, Peter F. EllisThe Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible, Michael S. HeiserAngels: What the Bible Really Says About God's Heavenly Host, Michael S. HeiserInterested in more? Check out Tim’s library here.You can experience the literary themes and movements we’re tracing on the podcast in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.Show Mu

Hannah was an oppressed woman, scorned by her husband’s rival wife because of her barrenness. But the way she prayed and trusted Yahweh through this hardship became a remarkable example of how God works through the lowly to subvert human notions of power and status. In this episode, join Tim and Jon as they trace the theme of the firstborn in the scroll of Samuel.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (00:00-9:59)Part two (09:59-27:27)Part three (27:27-46:11)Part four (46:11-1:03:54)Referenced ResourcesInterested in more? Check out Tim’s library here.You can experience the literary themes and movements we’re tracing on the podcast in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.Show Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTS"Downhill" by Leavv"The Birds Will Leave Soon" by fantompower"Shakshuka" by Philanthrope & mommyShow produced by Cooper Peltz with Associate Producer Lindsey Ponder. Edited by Dan Gummel, Tyler Bailey, and Frank Garza. Podcast annotations for the BibleProject

How does the plague of the firstborn from Exodus fit into the biblical theme of the firstborn? And what does it mean when Yahweh calls Israel his firstborn son? In this episode, Tim and Jon explore the theme of the firstborn in the Exodus scroll.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (00:00-19:23)Part two (19:23-37:19)Part three (37:19-52:07)Part four (52:07-1:11:44)Referenced ResourcesInterested in more? Check out Tim’s library here.You can experience the literary themes and movements we’re tracing on the podcast in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.Show Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTS"Mitigating the Distance" by Xihcsr"Enclosed by You" by Liz Vice"Fallen Angel" by Tyler BaileyShow produced by Cooper Peltz with Associate Producer Lindsey Ponder. Lead Editor Dan Gummel. Edited by Tyler Bailey and Frank Garza. Mixed by Tyler Bailey. Podcast annotations for the BibleProject app by Hannah Woo.Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

Early in the story of the Bible, God chooses the family of Abraham, his son Isaac, and Isaac’s son Jacob as his chosen representatives to bless other peoples. But these families are full of the same rivalry, envy, and division present in any other family. What is God doing with these less-than-ideal candidates? Join Tim and Jon as they trace the theme of the firstborn in the narratives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (00:00-11:35)Part two (11:35-26:44)Part three (26:44-40:08)Part four (40:08-53:40)Part five (53:40-1:09:20)Referenced ResourcesInterested in more? Check out Tim’s library here.You can experience the literary themes and movements we’re tracing on the podcast in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.Show Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTS"Chilling at Last" by Emapea"Beautifully So" by less.people"Bloc" by KVSound design by contributorShow produced by Cooper Peltz with Associate Producer Lindsey Ponder. Lead Editor Dan Gumm

Only a few pages into the story of the Bible, the story starts to get really bleak. Cain kills his brother Abel, Cain’s descendants become famous murderers, and Noah’s youngest son violates his father and mother. And all of it happens because humans decide that power is worth the cost of harming others. In this episode, Tim and Jon discuss the dark side of human nature and the God who favors the powerless—the people who choose to trust him for blessing and exaltation.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (00:00-17:05)Part two (17:05-32:06)Part three (32:06-45:29)Part four (45:29-01:08:11)Referenced ResourcesInterested in more? Check out Tim’s library here.You can experience our full library of resources in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.Show Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTS“Hayride" by Florent Garcia and anbuu"Zero Point" by dryhope"Indifference" by Magnole & Ben Bada BoomShow produced by Cooper Peltz with Associate Producer Lindsey Ponder. Edited by Dan

It’s not explicitly stated, but the theme of the firstborn first appears in the opening narratives of the Hebrew Bible. In Genesis 1 and 2, Yahweh elevates humans, the latecomers of creation, to rule the land. In Genesis 3, a snake, who is some kind of spiritual being, tricks the humans despite their authority as God’s image bearers. This story is echoed in other accounts of sibling rivalry that continue throughout the Hebrew Bible. Join Tim and Jon as they discuss the land rulers and sky rulers and the theme of the firstborn in Genesis 1-3.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (00:00-14:38)Part two (14:38-36:14)Part three (36:14-55:26)Part four (55:26-01:07:43)Referenced ResourcesTraditions of the Bible: A Guide to the Bible As It Was at the Start of the Common Era, James L. KugelInterested in more? Check out Tim’s library here.You can experience the literary themes and movements we’re tracing on the podcast in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.Show Music “Defender (In

In ancient Near Eastern societies, firstborn sons were prized above all other children and inherited special privileges and authority simply because of their birth order. In this episode, Tim and Jon start a new theme study covering the theme of the firstborn. Spoiler alert: The God of the Bible opposes lots of human ideas about power, and the privilege of the firstborn is no exception. Again and again, we’ll see Yahweh picking younger siblings and people we wouldn’t expect to be his chosen representatives.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (00:00-21:51)Part two (21:51-37:16)Part three (37:16-52:27)Part four (52:27-1:09:34)Referenced ResourcesZondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary, Clinton E. ArnoldInterested in more? Check out Tim’s library here.You can experience the literary themes and movements we’re tracing on the podcast in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.Show Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTS"Find Yourself" by Blue Wednesday and juniorodeo

We shared a lot of firsts together in 2022—from launching our first app, to reading the Torah movement by movement as an international community, to experiencing the Bible through new classes and videos. In our final episode of 2022, Tim, Jon, and BibleProject CEO, Steve, reflect on the year behind us and look forward to the years ahead.View full show notes from this episode →Referenced ResourcesInterested in more? Check out Tim’s library here.You can experience all of our resources in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.Show Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTSShow produced by Cooper Peltz with Associate Producer Lindsey Ponder. Edited by Dan Gummel, Tyler Bailey, and Frank Garza. Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

When a Jewish synagogue finishes reading through the Torah together, they celebrate Simkhat Torah. What is Simkhat Torah? Find out on today’s episode as Jon and Tim reflect on our year-long journey through the Torah and look ahead to the rest of the TaNaK.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (00:00-09:30)Part two (09:30-31:00)Part three (31:00-57:45)Part four (57:45-01:15:47)Referenced ResourcesInterested in more? Check out Tim’s library here.You can experience the literary themes and movements we’re tracing on the podcast in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.Show Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTS“Tzur Teudati” by Yaacov Alkobi“Simchu Na” by Hibba – Israeli Heritage Movement“For When it's Warmer” by Sleepy Fish“A Note From My Book” by Sleepy Fish and CoaShow produced by Cooper Peltz with Associate Producer Lindsey Ponder. Edited by Dan Gummel, Tyler Bailey, and Frank Garza. Podcast annotations for the BibleProject app by Hannah Woo.Powered and distributed by Sim

How do we know the biblical authors intended to link certain words and stories? When do someone’s words become a blessing? How do sacrifices actually atone for sins? In this episode, Tim and Jon respond to audience questions from a year’s worth of conversations about the Torah. Thank you to our audience for your questions!View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps How Do We Know the Biblical Authors Used Hyperlinks? (1:19)When Do Words Become a Blessing? (13:47) Is the Genesis 3 Curse Part of a Covenant? (20:31)What’s the Significance of Passing Through the Waters? (27:58)Why Do Firstborns Have to be Redeemed? (35:36)How Do Sacrifices Atone for Sin? (46:50)Referenced ResourcesInterested in more? Check out Tim’s library here.You can experience the literary themes and movements we’re tracing on the podcast in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.Show Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTSShow produced by Cooper Peltz with Associate Producer Lindsey Ponder. Edited by Dan Gummel, Tyler Ba

Which ancient Israelite laws still apply today and which don’t? Should the law be divided into moral, civil, and ceremonial categories? And why did Jesus quote Deuteronomy when Satan tempted him? In this episode, Tim and Jon respond to audience questions about the Deuteronomy scroll. Thanks to our incredible audience for your questions.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Which Laws Still Apply and Which Don’t? (1:30)Can Laws Be Categorized as Moral, Civil, and Ceremonial Rules? (12:52) Were Jesus and His Disciples Considered Sojourners Under the Law? (22:47)Why Did Jesus Quote Deuteronomy When Satan Tempted Him? (27:55)How Did Jesus Connect Idolatry and Adultery? (33:38)Did the Prophets Really Use Moses’ Song to Confront People? (37:48)How Many Covenants Did Yahweh Make with Israel? (44:38)Referenced ResourcesOld Testament Ethics for the People of God, Christopher J. H. WrightJohn H. SailhamerInterested in more? Check out Tim’s library here.You can experience the literary themes and movements w

Who are Yahweh’s children? Up until the conclusion of the Torah, the answer to that question has appeared to be all of Israel. But in his final moments, Moses warns Israel that Yahweh’s true children are those who remain faithful to his covenant. In the final episode of our journey through the Torah, join Tim and Jon as they explore a prophetic poem that will set the tone for the rest of the TaNaK.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (00:00-23:25)Part two (23:25-48:13)Part three (48:13-01:01:53)Part four (01:01:53-1:19:19)Referenced ResourcesThe Violence of the Biblical God: Canonical Narrative and Christian Faith, L. Daniel HawkNaked Bible Podcast, Michael HeiserInterested in more? Check out Tim’s library here.You can experience the literary themes and movements we’re tracing on the podcast in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.Show Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTSTrack 1 by a contributor"Redefine Cutter" by Propaganda"Memories of When" by Shrimpnose"Catching t

Moses gives the least motivating pep talk ever in the third movement of Deuteronomy. He outlines God’s covenant and the various blessings and curses associated with it, and then he tells Israel, “You’re going to fail.” Talk about demoralizing! In this episode, join Tim and Jon as they explore the paradox of righteousness accomplished by divine sovereignty and human freedom through the lens of Deuteronomy and the New Testament writers.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (00:00-11:45)Part two (11:45-35:15)Part three (35:15-47:30)Part four (47:30-58:00)Part five (58:00-1:18:50)Part six (01:18:50-1:25:58)Referenced ResourcesInterested in more? Check out Tim’s library here.You can experience the literary themes and movements we’re tracing on the podcast in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.Show Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTS“Bird in Hand” by Beautiful Eulogy“Toonorth” AmbedoShow produced by Cooper Peltz with Associate Producer Lindsey Ponder. Edited by Dan Gummel

In the final movement of Deuteronomy, there’s a pretty lengthy list of curses that will fall upon Israel if they break their covenant with Yahweh. But what exactly is a curse? Why are there so many of them, and what do they have to do with Israel’s covenant with Yahweh? In this episode, Tim and Jon talk about blessings and curses, ancient Near Eastern law code, and the choice all humans have between death or life.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (00:00-18:28)Part two (18:28-40:25)Part three (40:25-58:02)Referenced ResourcesThe Context of Scripture: Canonical Compositions, Monumental Inscriptions, and Archival Documents from the Biblical World, William W. HalloInterested in more? Check out Tim’s library here.You can experience the literary themes and movements we’re tracing on the podcast in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.Show Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTS“In Minutes” by Shrimpnose“I Won’t Wait for You (feat. Philanthrope)” by Psalm Trees and Guillaume

The Pharisees frequently tested Jesus on his knowledge of the law, and in Matthew 19, they grill him on a particularly challenging law about divorce. In this episode, join Tim and Jon as they wrap up the second movement of Deuteronomy by exploring Jesus’ understanding of the law and how it can help us interpret the Torah.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (00:00-12:00)Part two (12:00-35:00)Part three (35:00-55:00)Part four (55:00-1:09:51)Referenced ResourcesThe Aims of Jesus, Ben F. MeyerInterested in more? Check out Tim’s library here.You can experience the literary themes and movements we’re tracing on the podcast in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.Show Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTS“Truly Today” by Liz Vice“Fills the Skies” by Pilgrim“Cocoon” by AviinoShow produced by Cooper Peltz with Associate Producer Lindsey Ponder. Edited by Dan Gummel, Tyler Bailey, and Frank Garza. Podcast annotations for the BibleProject app by Hannah Woo.Powered and distribute

Israel’s laws were meant to form them into people of wisdom who lived differently than the nations around them. But what wisdom can Christians gain from the law? In this episode, listen in as Tim and Jon discuss the wisdom the apostles gleaned from the law.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (00:00-13:40)Part two (13:40-29:00)Part three (29:00-43:30)Part four (43:30-53:55)Referenced ResourcesCreated Equal: How the Bible Broke with Ancient Political Thought, Joshua A. BermanInterested in more? Check out Tim’s library here.You can experience the literary themes and movements we’re tracing on the podcast in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.Show Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTS“Conquer” by Beautiful Eulogy“Into the Past” by C Y G N“Where Peace and Rest Are Found” by GreyfloodShow produced by Cooper Peltz with Associate Producer Lindsey Ponder. Edited by Dan Gummel, Tyler Bailey, and Frank Garza. Podcast annotations for the BibleProject app by Hannah Woo.Powered a