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
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)!
Jun 10, 2025 • 1h 1min
#122: Hermeneutics and Geography: An Interview with Dr. John Beck
In this episode, Matt chats with Dr. John ("Jack") Beck. Jack has spent much of his career helping people to see the importance of biblical geography and how becoming familiar with it can help readers better understand the depths of meaning of the biblical text. What is significant, for example, about the physical location of Jesus' baptism at the Jordan River? Where did Jesus give his famous "Sermon on the Mount" and why might that place be important? And what's up with all the mountains in the Bible -- especially, Mount Hermon? Listen to find out!For more information about Dr. Beck and his books, visit: www.johnabeckauthor.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 3, 2025 • 45min
#121: Revelation, Part 31 (Rev. 17:9-18)
In this section, Revelation offers an interpretation of the beast's 7 heads and 10 horns. These symbols prove to be highly important and easily discernible -- but they are only discernible when modern readers interpret them in light of an important text in Daniel and when it is remembered how apocalyptic imagery works in the first place (such as in the case of the number "7"). Modern readers even have to know a thing or two about Rome's geography! +++Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
May 27, 2025 • 10min
#120: It's all about the ending
Here's a question we need to ask: How do the endings (plural!) of the Old Testament direct and guide our reading of the New Testament, specifically the Gospels? Listen to find out...+++Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
May 20, 2025 • 55min
#119: Revelation, Part 30 (Rev. 17:1-8)
Who is the great prostitute in Revelation 17? And why does she have the name "Babylon" written across her forehead? And, moreover, what is the significance of John seeing her in the "wilderness"? A variety of Old Testament passages and stories -- and even non-canonical texts such as the Sibylline Oracles -- can help modern readers understand the important symbolism of this passage. +++Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
May 13, 2025 • 58min
#118: Revelation, Part 29 (Rev. 16:8-21)
Matt continues his discussion through Revelation 16 -- the seven bowls of judgment. This passage continues to allude to key sections of the Exodus narrative, specifically the plagues. Matt also draws attention to the way the bowls relate to the seals and trumpets, noting especially the way Revelation depicts a cosmos that is deteriorating. He also chats about various views regarding the "Armageddon" passage in v. 16. To what does this refer? Is it a physical location, or is something else going on?One-day seminar on 1 Enoch: Link to Information+++Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
May 6, 2025 • 56min
#117: Revelation, Part 28 (Rev. 16:1-7)
In Revelation 16, readers encounter a third cycle of seven judgments -- the "seven bowls." In this episode, Matt looks at the first three bowls and observes similarities with the previous cycle of judgments (the seven trumpets). He also points out the ways in which the bowls are conceptually linked back to the the Egyptian plagues of Exodus and why its important to make this connection for understanding Revelation's core message about a worldwide exodus. Matt also compares texts from the Wisdom of Solomon (an apocryphal/deuterocanonical text) to show how Revelation's understanding of divine judgment is similar to the way other Jews of the same era thought about it.+++Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Apr 29, 2025 • 8min
#116: Did God forsake Jesus on the cross?
When Jesus was on the cross, he cried out: "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" Does this mean that God actually forsook Jesus? Many people think so. But in this episode, Matt offers some reasons why that's not the case at all. +++Support the podcast via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmutedRead Matt's blog: matthewhalsted.substack.comDon't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!
Apr 22, 2025 • 35min
#115: Revelation, Part 27 - Why does Revelation depict sevenfold judgment cycles?
Why does Revelation depict sevenfold judgment cycles -- e.g., seven seals, seven trumpets, seven bowls? How might the Old Testament help us to understand the logic of Revelation's structure in this regard? And what other biblical prophet depicted divine judgment along the lines of a sevenfold schema?+++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)!
Apr 15, 2025 • 56min
#114: Lost Words and Forgotten Worlds: An Interview with Andrew Perrin
Matt chats with Andrew Perrin (PhD, McMaster University) about all things Dead Sea Scrolls. Andrew has written a new book on the subject called Lost Words and Forgotten Worlds: Rediscovering the Dead Sea Scrolls. On this episode, Andrew talks about what the Scrolls are, what they contain, and why they are important. If you are serious student of the Bible, then you will find this conversation relevant and informative. Dr. Andrew Perrin's website: https://andrewperrin.com/Order his new book: Lost Words and Forgotten WorldsAbout: Andrew B. Perrin (PhD, McMaster University) is associate vice president of research at Athabasca University in Alberta, Canada. Previously, he was director of the Dead Sea Scrolls Institute at Trinity Western University and Canada research chair in religious identities of ancient Judaism. He is the author and editor of several books, including The Dynamics of Dream-Vision Revelation in the Aramaic Dead Sea Scrolls, and his research has been recognized with several academic awards.+++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)!
