The Bible (Unmuted)
The Bible (Unmuted) with Dr. Matthew L. Halsted
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 6, 2025 • 38min
#143: Revelation, Part 39 (Rev. 20:7-15)
In Revelation 20:7-10, Satan is released from his prison and goes out to deceive the nations to rally them for war against the people of God. This is similar to other passages in Revelation, and so the question becomes: What's the relationship? Is this an instance of recapitulation, or does Revelation present yet another scene that speaks of different events? The text also speaks of "Gog and Magog." Who (or what) are these entities? How does the rest of the passage (vv. 11-15) factor into the equation? Listen to find out!+++Support The Bible (Unmuted) via Patreon: patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedMatthew's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Oct 30, 2025 • 44min
#142: Revelation, Part 38 (Rev. 20:4-6)
Revelation 20:4-6 is the subject of much debate and poses several interpretive challenges -- from translation questions to theological issues, it's all here. Who, for example, does John see on the thrones? What is meant by "the first resurrection"? How many resurrections are associated with the millennial reign of Christ? +++Support The Bible (Unmuted) via Patreon: patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedMatthew's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Oct 23, 2025 • 1h 4min
#141: Revelation, Part 37 (Rev. 20:1-3)
There is no consensus on how to interpret Revelation 20, specifically the verses that speak about the binding of Satan and the 1,000-year reign of Christ. In this episode, Matthew introduces listeners to the ins and outs of that debate, outlining along the way the interpretive questions readers ought to be asking. To shed light on Revelation 20, Matthew takes listeners to the Gospels, as well as to other early Jewish writings such as Tobit, 4 Ezra, and 1 Enoch. +++Support The Bible (Unmuted) via Patreon: patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedMatthew's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Oct 16, 2025 • 35min
#140: Revelation, Part 36 (Rev. 19:17-21)
This episode examines the last part of Revelation 19. Here the beast gathers the nations for battle against the Rider on the white horse (i.e., Jesus) and his army. What can we learn about the way in which Jesus conquers the beast? And how are we to understand this passage with respect to the so-called "end times"? Does Revelation teach that the beast (i.e., Rome) will be around when Jesus returns? +++Support The Bible (Unmuted) via Patreon: patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Oct 9, 2025 • 38min
#139: Revelation, Part 35 (Rev. 19:11-16)
Matt walks listeners through Revelation 19:11-16, which describes a Rider on a White Horse -- Jesus, the Messiah. A lot of questions are raised (and answered) along the way, such as: How does this passage help us understand the way Jesus conquers evil? How does it relate to other texts in Revelation? And how does this passage help us understand the structure of the book as a whole? And what can we learn by comparing it with the Dead Sea Scrolls?+++Support The Bible (Unmuted) via Patreon: patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Oct 2, 2025 • 34min
#138: Revelation, Part 34 (Rev. 19:1-10)
Revelation 19 begins with a hymn to God for his commitment to justice and his bringing an end to the destructive power of Babylon (i.e., Rome) who has "corrupted the earth." But why does the text describe ancient Rome as an agent of corruption--specifically of the earth? Listen to find out!+++Support The Bible (Unmuted) via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Sep 25, 2025 • 53min
#137: An Interview with Craig and Médine Keener
Matt and Tosha chat with Craig and Médine Keener about their book Impossible Love: The True Story of an African Civil War, Miracles and Hope against All Odds (link below). This book tells this story of how they met, the trials and difficulties they faced, as well as the miracles they encountered along the way. In the course of the episode, important questions about spiritual gifts are discussed. Is prophecy for today? Did the spiritual gifts cease at the death of the last apostle? What does the Bible actually say about these and related questions? About Craig and Médine - website/bioBuy their book Impossible Love (link here)+++Support The Bible (Unmuted) via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Sep 18, 2025 • 52min
#136: An Interview with Fr. Gerald McDermott, Part 2
Part 2 of 2In part 2 of this extended conversation with Fr. Gerald McDermott, the discussion centers around the sacraments, purgatory, the intermediate state, and prayers for the dead. Why are the sacraments important? Is the Eucharist just a time of remembrance -- a memorial and nothing else? Is there biblical evidence for purgatory? What about prayers for the dead? At the end of the conversation, Fr. Gerald also offers a brief preview of his view about Israel and the gift of the land. Get a copy of Fr. McDermott's book, Deep Anglicanism - link here+++Support The Bible (Unmuted) via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Sep 11, 2025 • 45min
#135: An Interview with Fr. Gerald McDermott, Part 1
Part 1 of 2Fr. Gerald McDermott's new book, Deep Anglicanism: A Brief Guide, offers readers an insightful introduction to the Anglican tradition. In part 1 of this extended conversation, Fr. Gerald introduces listeners to Anglican belief and practice, addressing topics such as Sola Scriptura, tradition, hermeneutics, apostolic succession, the priesthood, and the Jewish roots of ordination. Get a copy of Fr. McDermott's book, Deep Anglicanism - link here+++Support The Bible (Unmuted) via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Sep 4, 2025 • 47min
#134: An Interview with Matthew Bates - Part 2
Part 2In this 2-part series, Joshua Sherman and Matthew Halsted chat with Matthew Bates about his new book, Beyond the Salvation Wars: Why Both Protestants and Catholics Must Reimagine How We Are Saved. The book has garnered a lot of attention since it was published earlier this year (2025). In this extended conversation, Bates fields questions from Sherman and Halsted, continuing the dialogue about all things salvation, justification, faith (pistis), and a whole lot more. Check out Matthew Bates' book: https://a.co/d/j3udm0j+++Support The Bible (Unmuted) via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
