

Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman
Bart Ehrman
"Misquoting Jesus" is the only show where a six-time New York Times bestselling author and world-renowned Bible scholar uncovers the many fascinating, little known facts about the New Testament, the historical Jesus, and the rise of Christianity. The show features Dr. Bart Ehrman and host, Megan Lewis.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 20, 2026 • 41min
Must Christians Keep Kosher? Decoding Matthew's Answer
Join Bart Ehrman, a renowned New Testament scholar and bestselling author, as he delves into whether Christians should keep kosher. He explores the historical context of Jewish law and its evolution. Ehrman dissects Matthew’s interpretation of law, emphasizing love of God and neighbor as central. He argues that Gentiles can enter the faith without strict adherence to rituals. The discussion highlights important themes of inclusivity and moral responsibility, illustrating how Matthew's teachings resonate beyond ethnicity.

16 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 38min
Sin, Death, and Salvation: Paul's Mysterious View
Bart Ehrman, a six-time New York Times bestselling biblical scholar, delves into the complex views of sin and salvation as articulated by the apostle Paul. He discusses how ancient Jewish concepts of sin contrast with Pauline theology, emphasizing sin's dual nature as both transgression and a cosmic power. Ehrman explains how Paul's teachings shape the understanding of repentance and divine forgiveness, the significance of baptism, and how Jesus' resurrection overcomes sin's grip on humanity. He also reflects on the evolution of these ideas into later doctrines.

Jan 6, 2026 • 44min
Does the Book of Revelation Predict our Future?
Dr. Bart Ehrman, a renowned New Testament scholar and bestselling author, dives into the chilling predictions of the Book of Revelation. He explores its 90s CE authorship and the political backdrop of ancient Rome, shedding light on its intended audience. Ehrman contrasts early literal interpretations with Augustine's symbolic view of the millennium. He critiques modern futurist readings, like Hal Lindsey's helicopter analogy, arguing they misinterpret the text. The conversation delves into the scholarly consensus that Revelation primarily targets the Roman Empire, not contemporary events.

27 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 47min
Did Ancient Scribes Alter Jesus' Words? Evidence from the Gospel of Matthew
In this engaging discussion, Bart Ehrman, a renowned New Testament scholar and author, delves into the intriguing alterations of the Gospel of Matthew over centuries of copying. He reveals how scribes’ choices, both accidental and intentional, affected crucial text meanings, including variants that could undermine the virgin birth. Ehrman also examines changes to key phrases and discusses New Testament themes like forgiveness and early Christian preferences for texts like John and Revelation. This insightful exploration sheds light on the complexities of biblical transmission.

Dec 23, 2025 • 44min
The Real Mary: History vs Christmas Legend
Dr. James Tabor, a retired Religious Studies professor and author, explores the historical Mary, mother of Jesus, revealing layers beyond traditional views. He discusses Mary's potential royal and priestly lineage, shaping her societal role. Tabor anchors her life timeline to Herod the Great's death and dives into archaeological links, including a house in Sepphoris possibly connected to her. He argues for recognizing Mary's influence in early Christianity and challenges devotional myths, portraying her as a significant matriarch of the movement.

Dec 16, 2025 • 35min
The Real Story Behind the Virgin Birth in Christianity
Bart Ehrman, a prominent New Testament scholar and author, dives into the complex origins of the virgin birth narrative in Christianity. He discusses how this concept is absent in Mark, Paul, and John, emphasizing its earliest appearance in Matthew. Ehrman contrasts this with Greco-Roman myths and explores the theological implications of the virgin birth for understanding Jesus' humanity and divinity. He also analyzes the differing perspectives on divinity found across the Gospels, revealing the rich tapestry of early Christian thought.

Dec 9, 2025 • 44min
Is the Christmas Story a Myth?
In this discussion, renowned Bible scholar Bart Ehrman debunks the common Christmas story, revealing it’s a mix of narratives from Matthew and Luke, each presenting unique details and theological motives. He contrasts these accounts, detailing inconsistencies like the flight to Egypt versus a quick return and the differing roles of shepherds and Magi. Ehrman argues that these stories serve as mythic narratives conveying deeper truths rather than strict history, inviting listeners to reconsider the origins of the Nativity.

10 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 53min
How Did Scribes Change the Gospel of Mark?
In this engaging discussion, Bart Ehrman, a renowned New Testament scholar and bestselling author, explores the many ways scribes altered the Gospel of Mark. He reveals the fascinating differences among manuscripts, from accidental mistakes to deliberate theological changes. Bart debates the controversies surrounding phrases like 'Son of God' and the reasons behind the non-original longer ending of Mark. Listeners will also gain insight into textual variants that reflect deeper themes, such as the portrayal of Jesus's emotions and the significance of changes in his familial description.

10 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 44min
Missing Manuscripts: Uncovering the Original Gospels' Text
Bart Ehrman, a New York Times bestselling scholar and expert on the New Testament, dives deep into the world of original gospel manuscripts. He discusses why these texts rarely survive and defines what an 'original' really means. Bart reveals how manuscript variations occur and why scholars face challenges in determining true originals. He highlights early Christians' awareness of textual differences and defends the academic pursuit of reconstructing original texts, emphasizing its importance for both theology and scholarship.

29 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 47min
Did Peter Really Found the Church in Rome?
In this enlightening discussion, New Testament scholar Bart Ehrman delves into the historical claims surrounding Peter as the founder of the church in Rome. He explores the earliest evidence, including Paul's letter, which intriguingly omits Peter's presence. Ehrman describes the early church's lack of formal hierarchy and examines how different cities organized their communities. He also traces the development of the tradition linking Peter to Rome, while revealing that many claims arose centuries after his time. It’s a thought-provoking take on early Christianity!


