What in the Word?

Brandon Crowe, a New Testament scholar at Westminster Theological Seminary, dives deep into the intriguing question of Jesus' knowledge of his return as stated in Mark 13:32. He discusses the complexities of Jesus' divine and human nature, emphasizing the theological implications of his supposed ignorance. The conversation also explores various interpretations, from historical viewpoints to contemporary perspectives, shedding light on important themes in Christology and salvation. Crowe’s insights challenge listeners to rethink their understanding of Christ's dual nature.

Carmen Joy Imes, an Associate Professor of Old Testament at Talbot School of Theology, dives into the rich layers of Exodus 20:7 and what it truly means to take God's name in vain. She explores historical and linguistic insights, emphasizing the command's significance beyond mere speech. Imes discusses the responsibilities of the Israelite nation as representatives of God and the profound implications for contemporary believers. This fascinating conversation challenges listeners to reflect on how their actions embody God's character in daily life.

Dr. Mark Strauss, a New Testament professor and involved in the NIV Bible translation, takes a deep dive into the Olivet Discourse. He discusses the intriguing predictions of Jesus regarding Jerusalem's destruction and his future return. The conversation covers various interpretative lenses: preterist, futurist, and others. Strauss emphasizes how Jesus's apocalyptic language encourages us to stay vigilant amid current tribulations. Listeners gain insight into how these ancient texts remain relevant to modern faith and expectations.

Michael Bird, an Anglican priest and deputy principal at Ridley College, dives into the complexities of Jesus’ statement about rendering to Caesar. The discussion unpacks its historical context, exploring whether Jesus endorsed government authority or challenged it. They highlight the nuanced balance between civic duties and spiritual allegiance, revealing the revolutionary implications behind the phrase. Bird emphasizes the need for discernment in navigating faith and authority, making the topic incredibly relevant for Christians today.

Jonathan Leeman, Editorial director of Nine Marks and author, joins to discuss the rich theological passage of Matthew 16:19, focusing on the 'keys of the kingdom.' He unpacks the concepts of 'binding and loosing' and contrasts interpretations from different Christian traditions, particularly Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. They explore Peter's authority and the church's role in addressing sin and maintaining accountability. Leeman emphasizes the community's responsibility in exercising ecclesiastical authority to fulfill Christ's mission.

Kaitlyn Schiess, author of "The Ballot and the Bible" and a theology student at Duke Divinity School, dives deep into Romans 13, exploring the nuanced command for Christians to submit to governing authorities. She discusses various interpretations of this passage, the historical context, and the implications of civil disobedience. Schiess highlights the balance between obedience to earthly powers and the ultimate authority of Christ while encouraging thoughtful engagement with politics informed by faith.

Tremper Longman, a Distinguished Scholar and Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies, joins the discussion to tackle the controversial question: Did God command genocide in the Old Testament? He navigates complex themes like divine judgment, the ethical dilemmas of warfare, and differing interpretations of scriptural texts. Longman addresses how these narratives relate to modern faith and morality, emphasizing the need for contextual understanding and thoughtful teaching on spiritual warfare as highlighted in Jesus' teachings.

Join B. J. Oropeza, a professor of biblical studies known for his expertise on Paul's writings, as he unpacks the intriguing verse 1 Corinthians 15:29 about "baptism for the dead." They dive into various interpretations, from traditional to modern views, and explore the historical context of this perplexing phrase. Oropeza emphasizes the theological implications related to resurrection and discusses how early Christian practices inform contemporary understanding. Expect insightful interpretations that could reshape your views on this controversial scripture!

In this engaging discussion, Dr. James M. Hamilton Jr., a biblical theology professor and pastor, delves into Genesis 6:1–4. He unpacks the identities of the 'sons of God' and the mysterious Nephilim, exploring interpretations ranging from angelic beings to the godly line of Seth. The conversation highlights the nuances of biblical language and its implications for understanding human sin. Hamilton also emphasizes the themes of judgment and mercy as vital elements of the narrative, offering rich insights for both teaching and personal reflection.

​​Introducing: What in the Word?— a new show doing in-depth study of the hardest Bible verses. Join host Kirk E. Miller for “What in the Word?” as he navigates some of the Bible's toughest texts with expert guests. Whether you're a pastor, Bible teacher, or just a curious Christian, this show aims to boost your biblical understanding. Learn how to make sense of difficult sections of Scripture, such as passages about the Nephilim, baptism for the dead, and more. Tune in weekly for insights from biblical scholars and take advantage of special offers from Logos. Get more info about the show and special offers: https://bit.ly/4h7mESh 00:00 Introduction to Difficult Bible Passages 00:37 Welcome to 'What in the Word?' 00:54 The Clarity of Scripture 01:46 Understanding Tough Texts with Expert Guests 02:38 About Kirk Miller 03:46 Subscribe and Stay Tuned Hosted by Kirk E. Miller Produced by Matt Barrios Edited by Glenn Allyn