The Bible (Unmuted)

In this episode, Matt continues the journey through Romans 2, this time addressing vv. 17-29. The discussion centers around Israel's calling to be a light to the nations and how, due to her sin, Israel has not fulfilled this God-given mission. In fact, according to Paul, not only has Israel not glorified God's name among the nations, but her sin (and exile) has caused God's name to be dishonored among the nations -- despite the fact that Israel has boasted in Torah, believing it to be the source of truth and wisdom. Given that Israel is called to be a blessing, bringing the nations back to God (Genesis 12:1-3), Paul envisions a scenario in which this does happen -- though in a way that does not include performing works of the Torah (e.g., circumcision of the flesh). Paul's vision is, perhaps, controversial: covenant membership is about circumcision of the heart. And yet, Matt shows how this idea is not novel to Paul, for the Torah and the Prophets testify to this truth. In this episode, listeners get a glimpse of Paul's Messiah-centered, yet Torah-immersed, vision of what it means to be a covenant member of the family of God. + + + Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and share it with others! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted www.matthewhalsted.com

In this episode, Matt takes listeners through the first section of Romans 2 (vv. 1-16). This episode covers a lot of ground, tackling topics such as the relationship between good works and the final judgment, as well as addressing larger questions about the relationship between "grace" and "faithfulness." Specifically, this show focuses in on Paul's enigmatic statement that "it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified" (2:13). What does Paul mean by doing the law in this verse? And, furthermore, how does this statement align with Paul's later claim that "by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight" (3:20)? In this episode, all these questions (and more) are discussed and analyzed. + + + Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and share it with others! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted www.matthewhalsted.com

In this fourth installment of the Romans series, Matt guides listeners through the text of Romans 1:18-32, where Paul talks about the "wrath" of God. How should we think of divine wrath and judgment? Is the concept of divine wrath consistent with the idea that God is love? Matt addresses these and other questions in light of Greg Boyd's work on the subject -- particularly with respect to his idea of divine wrath as "aikido" and "divine withdrawal." + + + Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and share it with others! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted www.matthewhalsted.com

+ + + If you like this podcast, consider becoming a Patreon supporter. You can do so by visiting https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted Don't forget to subscribe and share with others! www.matthewhalsted.com

In this third installment of our series through Romans, Matthew gives a tour through Romans 1:8-17. He begins by talking about "charisma" and Paul's mention of "grace-gift" in vv. 11-12. After a brief discussion regarding "spiritual gifts," Matthew takes listeners to the heart of this section, namely, to vv. 16-17. It is there where Paul offers readers his fundamental thesis that, in the gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed. Time is spent investigating what, exactly, Paul meant by not being "ashamed" of the gospel (especially in light of the Old Testament texts like Psalm 71). Matthew also addresses questions about what Paul meant by "the righteousness of God," as well as his interpretation of Habakkuk 2:4 in Romans 1:17. + + + If you like this podcast, consider becoming a Patreon supporter. You can do so by visiting https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted Don't forget to subscribe and share with others! www.matthewhalsted.com

In this episode, Matthew continues through Romans 1:1-7, finishing up the introduction of Paul's letter to Romans. He revisits the concept of "gospel" by looking at Isaiah 52:7 and how Paul uses this verse in Romans. Matthew also looks at how Paul thinks Jesus' resurrection vindicated (=justified) his claim to be "son of God" and how this helps us understand the believer's own justification in Christ. Listeners are also given a tour into that ambiguous phrase "the obedience of faith" (Romans 1:5). What did Paul mean by this? What is the relationship between obedience and faith? How does this phrase relate to the Jewish Shema prayer in Deuteronomy 6? These and other questions are explored in this episode. In the end, listeners are introduced to a Paul who is thoroughly Jewish and covenantal with respect to his belief that Jesus is the Messiah. + + + If you like this podcast, consider becoming a Patreon supporter. You can do so by visiting https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and share it with others! www.matthewhalsted.com

In this episode, Matthew kicks off his extended series through the book of Romans. In this first installment, Matthew focuses on Romans 1:1. Specifically, he talks about Paul's calling as an apostle and his Damascus Road experience of the risen Christ. The remainder of the time is spent unpacking what Paul meant by "gospel” (Rom 1:1). To guide us in this investigation, Matthew points listeners to an ancient inscription -- the so-called "Priene Inscription," which was written around 9 BC. Arguably, this inscription offers important insights into how people of the first century thought about, and used, the word "gospel.” As a result, it helps us modern readers contextualize the New Testament's use of the word, too. + + + If you like this podcast, consider becoming a Patreon supporter. You can do so by visiting https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and share it with others! www.matthewhalsted.com

In this “review and preview” episode, Matt offers reflections on some of the highlights from the last 8 episodes. He also shares about an upcoming series from the New Testament he will be doing, as well as the various topics/subjects that will be explored in the weeks and months ahead related to that series. Hint: If you’re interested in questions surrounding divine and human agency with respect to sin/evil, judgment, and salvation, then you won’t want to miss future episodes! + + + If you like this podcast, consider becoming a Patreon supporter. You can do so by visiting https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and share it with others! www.matthewhalsted.com

Is it reasonable to believe Jesus rose from the dead? Do the historical facts support the conclusion that Jesus resurrected? During this holy week (2023), I chat with Dr. Gary Habermas about these and other related questions. Gary is a well-known scholar of resurrection studies, and in this conversation he shares about his lifelong investigation into what really happened on that first Easter morning. A link to Gary's books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Gary-R.-Habermas/author/B001H6IJPO?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Gary's website: https://www.garyhabermas.com/ + + + If you like this podcast, consider becoming a Patreon supporter. You can do so by visiting https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and share it with others! www.matthewhalsted.com

Dr. Scot McKnight, a New Testament professor and biblical scholar, shares insights from his book, Revelation for the Rest of Us. He dives into divine judgment, encouraging listeners to rethink traditional views of wrath and grace through a Christ-centered lens. McKnight underscores the need for understanding Revelation’s ancient context, revealing its relevance to modern political and social issues like systemic injustice. He also contrasts Paul and John’s strategies in navigating faith and politics, advocating for a courageous engagement with today’s challenges.