What in the Word?

Fellipe do Vale, a tutor in doctrine at Trinity College Bristol, dives deep into the complexities of the Song of Solomon. He discusses its dual nature as both a literal love poem and an allegory for divine love, offering insights on the rich imagery and dynamic character relationships. The conversation navigates themes of desire, the significance of marriage, and how human love reflects the divine. Listeners will appreciate the exploration of these ideas within the broader context of biblical teaching and the transformative power of love.

Lynn Cohick, a New Testament scholar and professor at Houston Christian University, dives into Paul's teachings in Philippians 2:12–13. She unpacks the idea of 'working out salvation' and addresses the tension between grace and action. The conversation touches on the need for community in spiritual growth, emphasizing unity and humility among believers. They explore the meaning of 'fear and trembling' and clarify that good works stem from a relationship with God rather than being a means to earn salvation.

Jeannine Brown, a New Testament scholar and professor at Bethel Seminary, dives into the complexities of Matthew 16:28, questioning whether Jesus inaccurately predicted His return. She explores interpretations including the transfiguration, resurrection, and Pentecost, each shedding light on Jesus's words. Brown emphasizes the challenges of prophecy and the theological implications for discipleship. This engaging discussion offers listeners clarity on a often-misunderstood scripture, enriching their understanding of biblical texts.

Phillip Cary, a philosophy professor specializing in Christian thought and St. Augustine, joins to unravel the origins of evil as outlined in Genesis 3. He discusses the intriguing role of the serpent as a tempter in a world created by a good God. Cary explores Augustine's view of evil as the deprivation of good rather than a created entity, highlighting the profound philosophical and theological challenges this raises. The conversation also touches on free will's role in sin and the importance of community in resisting evil.

In this discussion, Vern Poythress, a Professor of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary and an expert in the intersection of science and faith, dives into the complexities of the Genesis creation story. He explores various interpretative models, such as literal days versus the literary framework view, while addressing the theological implications of creation. The conversation also reflects on the mature creation perspective and how these interpretations can impact our understanding of God as the Creator in a contemporary context.

Malcolm Foley is a Co-pastor of Mosaic Waco and a Special Advisor at Baylor University, known for his work on biblical perspectives of wealth. He delves into 1 Timothy 6:6–10, discussing the spiritual dangers of desiring wealth. The conversation highlights how the love of money can lead to moral downfall and contrasts societal views on prosperity with biblical teachings on contentment. Foley emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth and generosity over material gain, encouraging listeners to rethink their approach to resources.

Is Jesus really less than the Father? In this What in the Word? episode, Kirk E. Miller is joined by theologian Michael Horton to tackle John 14:28, where Jesus says, “The Father is greater than I.”Does this verse contradict Jesus divinity and equality with the Father? What did Jesus mean in context—and what have Christians historically believed about this passage?Together, Kirk and Mike explore multiple interpretations explanation, including Arianism, eternal generation, the state of Christ’s humiliation, eternal functional subordination, and more. They conclude with practical insights for teaching and applying this deeply theological text.Learn more and get special offers from Logos: https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-john-14-28?utm_campaign=show-witw&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=socialDisclaimer: Logos values thoughtful and engaging discussions on important biblical topics. However, the views and interpretations presented in this episode are those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Logos. We recognize that Christians may hold different perspectives on this passage, and we welcome diverse engagement and respectful dialogue.Episode outline:00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:54 Guest Introduction: Dr. Michael Horton02:39 Context of John 14:2803:24 Jesus' Upper Room Discourse05:20 Theological Implications of John 14:2810:53 Orthodox Interpretation of John 14:2817:52 Alternative Interpretations and Debates26:14 Exploring Social Distinctions and Hierarchical Roles26:45 Understanding Heresies: Modalism and Subordination28:58 Logos Bible Study Platform: Enhancing Your Scripture Study29:43 Diverse Views on the Trinity and Eternal Generation30:40 Theological Implications of Eternal Generation33:10 Practical Applications of Theological Concepts38:57 Jesus' Redemptive Mission and the Role of the Holy Spirit44:06 Teaching and Preaching: Equipping Others to Read the Bible47:53 Conclusion and Call to Action

Joseph Dodson, the Craig L. Blomberg Endowed Chair of New Testament at Denver Seminary, delves into the intricacies of Romans 7, probing whether Paul illustrates a believer's struggle with sin or a non-believer's experience. The discussion highlights the tension between desires and actions, explores different interpretations of Paul's 'I', and emphasizes the transformative journey through the Spirit. Dodson critiques personal psychological applications of the text while underscoring the importance of contextual understanding and the implications for community accountability in the Christian faith.

Thomas Schreiner, a distinguished New Testament scholar at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, dives into the enigmatic 1 Peter 3:18–22. He unpacks the meaning behind Jesus preaching to spirits in prison, exploring interpretations from the Augustinian view to the idea of second chances for the wicked. The discussion links Christ's suffering and resurrection to the encouragement of believers facing persecution. Ultimately, Schreiner emphasizes humility in theological debates and the significance of Christ's victory over evil, offering hope to those in adversity.

Richard Lucas, Pastor at First Baptist Church and a New Testament scholar, dives deep into the theological intricacies of Romans 11:26. He explores what Paul means by "All Israel will be saved," contemplating interpretations from the salvation of ethnic Jews to the concept of spiritual Israel. The discussion navigates the implications for both Jews and Gentiles, shedding light on divine mercy and the broader narrative of God's salvation plan. Lucas encourages thoughtful engagement with these ideas, highlighting their relevance in today’s faith community.