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
Aug 21, 2025 • 1h 15min
#132: Revelation, Part 33 (Rev. 18:14-24)
In the first half of the episode, Matt takes listeners through Revelation 18:14-24, which is embedded with multiple allusions to the Old Testament. The OT imagery of divine judgment that John employs is especially striking here. In the second half, Matt interacts with Jason Staples' recent article (link below), which argues that "Babylon the Great" is not a reference to Rome but, rather, to Jerusalem. Read Jason Staples' article: "Babylon the Great in Revelation Is Not Rome"+++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)!
Aug 12, 2025 • 57min
#131: Revelation, Part 32 (Rev. 18:1-13)
In this episode, Matt explores the various Old Testament texts embedded within Revelation 18:1-3. Why would John allude to them, and what do these allusions teach us about how he interprets the OT? +++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)!
Aug 5, 2025 • 24min
#130: Scripture, Story, and... the Shire
Matt and Tosha take a listener's question about Jesus and the story of Israel -- at which point they also discuss the importance of Hobbits.+++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)!
Jul 29, 2025 • 52min
#129: How Does God Act in the World? An Interview with David Wilkinson
Matt chats with Prof. David Wilkinson about his new book How Does God Act in the World? Science, Miracle, and Mission. This episode centers around a discussion regarding the various models of the universe, such as: Newtonian physics, quantum theory, etc. But how does science -- specifically, physics -- relate to biblical hermeneutics and theology? That's a good questions, and the answer is: More than one might imagine!Link to David's book: https://wipfandstock.com/9798385208838/how-does-god-act-in-the-world/ Bio: David Wilkinson is Professor of Theology and Religion and Director of Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science based at St John’s College, Durham University. He is author of several books on science and religion and a regular contributor to BBC Radio 4’s Thought for the Day.+++Support the The Bible (Unmuted) via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Jul 22, 2025 • 12min
#128: Faith, Doubt, and Prayer: Musings on Jeremiah 20
Jeremiah 20 is one of the most interesting passages in Scripture. It records a prayer from the prophet Jeremiah who, having been physically beaten by the priest Pashur and jailed, subsequently utters a very honest prayer to God that is full of doubt and faith. It's a fascinating text worthy of reflection because it nudges us to rethink some of our own misconceptions about prayer, as well as the relationship between faith and doubt.+++Support the The Bible (Unmuted) via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Jul 15, 2025 • 47min
#127: Resurrection, Joy, and Language: An Interview with Daniel Mikkelsen, Part 2
Part 2 of 2Matt chats with Daniel Mikkelsen (PhD cand., University of Edinburgh) about his research on Christ's resurrection. They focus specifically on 1 Corinthians 15. Daniel also shares about overcoming challenges with dyslexia as a Bible scholar, which requires a lot of reading and writing. Matt and Daniel also discuss the benefits of learning Greek and demonstrate with a few examples of how doing so can lend fresh insights into the message of the New Testament. Daniel's website: https://ntgreektutoring.co.uk+++Support the The Bible (Unmuted) via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 10min
#126: Resurrection, Joy, and Language: An Interview with Daniel Mikkelsen, Part 1
Part 1 of 2Matt chats with Daniel Mikkelsen (PhD cand., University of Edinburgh) about his research on Christ's resurrection. They focus specifically on 1 Corinthians 15. Daniel also shares about overcoming challenges with dyslexia as a Bible scholar, which requires a lot of reading and writing. Matt and Daniel also discuss the benefits of learning Greek and demonstrate with a few examples of how doing so can lend fresh insights into the message of the New Testament. Daniel's website: https://ntgreektutoring.co.uk+++Support the The Bible (Unmuted) via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Jul 1, 2025 • 29min
#125: A Conference on 1 Enoch: A Discussion with Mike Chu
Matt chats with Mike Chu, the academic director of Awakening School of Theology, about an upcoming conference they are hosting on 1 Enoch. Website: https://awkng.com+++Support the The Bible (Unmuted) via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Jun 24, 2025 • 47min
#124: The Disciple Dojo: An Interview with JM Smith, Part 2
Part 2 of 2James-Michael Smith runs an organization called DiscipleDojo, which is a multi-faceted ministry that serves refugees, publishes interviews with scholars and authors, and offers resources on biblical studies and theology. In this two-part discussion, JM and Matt cover a lot of territory: from Wesleyanism to the so-called "young, restless, reformed movement" to dispensationalism to mideast politics. Check out JM Smith's website and YouTube Channel:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DiscipleDojoWebsite: https://www.discipledojo.org/+++Support the The Bible (Unmuted) via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Jun 17, 2025 • 55min
#123: The Disciple Dojo: An Interview with JM Smith, Part 1
Part 1 of 2James-Michael Smith runs an organization called DiscipleDojo, which is a multi-faceted ministry that serves refugees, publishes interviews with scholars and authors, and offers resources on biblical studies and theology. In this two-part discussion, JM and Matt cover a lot of territory: from Wesleyanism to the so-called "young, restless, reformed movement" to dispensationalism to mideast politics. Check out JM Smith's website and YouTube Channel:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DiscipleDojoWebsite: https://www.discipledojo.org/+++Support the The Bible (Unmuted) via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
