Enter the Bible

How do you distinguish between true and false prophets? This timeless question, which plagued biblical communities for centuries, remains just as relevant today. In this thought-provoking episode, Professor Emeritus Richard Nysse from Luther Seminary joins hosts Katie Langston and Kathryn Schifferdecker to explore the biblical wisdom surrounding false prophets and spiritual discernment. Drawing from key Old Testament passages including Deuteronomy 18 and the dramatic confrontation between Jeremiah and Hananiah, the conversation reveals why the Bible itself doesn't simply assign "true" or "false" labels to prophets, leaving believers to wrestle with discernment in real time.The discussion moves beyond surface-level tests like prediction fulfillment to examine deeper biblical principles for identifying false prophets. From Jesus' teaching about knowing them "by their fruits" in Matthew 7 to understanding the prophetic role as exposition rather than fortune-telling, this episode offers practical wisdom for modern believers navigating questions of spiritual authority. Whether you're evaluating church leadership, processing conflicting teachings, or simply seeking to grow in biblical discernment, this conversation provides essential tools for recognizing authentic spiritual voices while avoiding the pitfalls of false prophets who may lead God's people astray.

The Jephthah's daughter Bible story in Judges 11 has puzzled scholars and believers for centuries, raising difficult questions about faith, sacrifice, and the nature of biblical narrative. In this episode, hosts Catherine Shifreder and Katie Langston welcome back Dennis Olson, Professor of Old Testament Theology Emeritus at Princeton Theological Seminary and author of the New Interpreter Commentary on Judges, to explore this controversial passage. The discussion centers on whether Jephthah actually sacrificed his daughter or dedicated her to lifelong service to God, examining the ambiguous Hebrew text and the various interpretive traditions that have emerged over time.Professor Olson provides crucial context for understanding this Jephthah's daughter Bible story, including Jephthah's background as an outcast turned judge, his negotiations with the Ammonites, and the significance of his vow in light of the Spirit of the Lord coming upon him. The conversation explores how this narrative fits into the larger theme of moral decline in Judges, where "everyone did what was right in their own eyes," and draws parallels to other biblical stories including Abraham's near-sacrifice of Isaac and Saul's vow regarding Jonathan. Through scholarly analysis and thoughtful discussion, this episode demonstrates that not every story in the Bible serves as a moral example, but rather some narratives function as cautionary tales about the dangers of acting without community wisdom and divine guidance.

What do the mysterious numbers in the Book of Revelation really mean? In this fascinating episode, we explore Revelation numbers meaning with distinguished biblical scholar Professor Craig Koester, author of the Anchor Bible Commentary on Revelation. From the infamous 666 to the seven churches and seven stars, discover how these ancient numerical symbols made perfect sense to first-century readers and what they reveal about early Christian struggles with Roman imperial power.Professor Koester explains how the number 666 likely refers to Emperor Nero through ancient Hebrew letter-number calculations, why the seven churches represented completeness rather than limitation, and how the mark of the beast symbolized allegiance rather than literal markings. This episode transforms confusing biblical puzzles into clear historical insights, showing how understanding the original context unlocks the deeper meaning of Revelation's most enigmatic passages.

How should Christians approach biblical interpretation when it comes to Old Testament law? This episode tackles the essential question of Christian biblical interpretation with father-daughter theologians Paul Hinlicky and Sarah Hinlicky Wilson. They explore how proper interpretive methods help us understand the relationship between biblical law, Jesus' fulfillment of the law, and contemporary Christian living. The discussion emphasizes that effective Christian biblical interpretation requires avoiding supersessionism while recognizing Jesus as the interpretive key to understanding Torah and Old Testament law.The conversation reveals why Christian biblical interpretation must be grounded in deep scriptural knowledge and practiced within faithful communities. The guests discuss Lutheran interpretive frameworks, including the three uses of law, and address how churches can develop better practices of Christian biblical interpretation. They emphasize that biblical law interpretation shouldn't be a weapon or burden, but should promote human flourishing when approached through proper Christian biblical interpretation methods rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

What does it mean that faith is Gods work rather than human achievement? In this thought-provoking episode, father-daughter duo Lutheran theologians Paul Hinlicky and Sarah Hinlicky Wilson tackle a listener's question about the nature of faith and Gods work in our spiritual lives. They explore how Gods work manifests in gifting us faith while still crediting Abraham's faith as righteousness, addressing the seeming paradox between divine initiative and human response.The conversation delves deep into Lutheran theology's understanding of how Gods work operates through grace, breaking down barriers in our hearts while respecting human dignity. From Augustine's journey to modern faith crises, the hosts demonstrate how Gods work encompasses both the gift of faith and our authentic human response, showing that doubt itself can be part of Gods work in deepening our trust and understanding.

Why Doesn't the Gospel of Mark Include Any Resurrection Eye Witness Accounts Like the Other Gospels? Why doesn't the Gospel of Mark contain any resurrection eye witness accounts when the other three gospels do? This question about the gospel of mark resurrection eye witness problem has fascinated biblical scholars for generations. In this episode, New Testament professor Kristofer Phan Coffman from Luther Seminary tackles this complex issue, explaining why Mark - considered the oldest and potentially most historically accurate gospel - ends so abruptly without Jesus appearing to his followers after the resurrection.Through expert analysis of ancient manuscripts like Codex Sinaiticus and Vaticanus, Coffman reveals how the "longer ending" of Mark was likely added later to address this very concern. He explores the literary context of ancient Greek writings, the relationship between Paul and the original disciples, and what Mark's unique ending tells us about early Christian communities. Rather than undermining the resurrection, Mark's approach may actually invite readers into the ongoing story of faith in ways that make the Gospel of Mark resurrection eye witness question less problematic than it initially appears.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:The Oxford Handbook of the Synoptic Gospels (2023)MORE FROM US:Our website: https://enterthebible.org/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enterthebible/SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review!

The Hidden Agenda Behind How We've Been Reading Hebrews All Wrong.Can you read the Book of Hebrews without displacing the Jews? This crucial question gets to the heart of how Christians interpret one of the New Testament's most challenging books. In this episode, New Testament scholar Craig Koester explains why centuries of interpretation have wrongly positioned Hebrews as anti-Jewish, tracing this problematic reading back to John Chrysostom's 4th-century commentary. Koester, author of the Anchor Bible Commentary on Hebrews, reveals how the book was actually written to encourage a small, beleaguered community of Jesus-followers—not to condemn or replace Jewish people.Rather than promoting displacement theology, Hebrews invites its readers into Israel's ongoing story and God's expanding covenant. Koester demonstrates how understanding the book's original context, audience, and purpose completely transforms its meaning, showing how early Christians saw themselves as participants in—not replacements of—God's relationship with Israel. This conversation offers essential insights for pastors, Bible study leaders, and anyone seeking to read Scripture responsibly in our contemporary context, where anti-Semitism remains a persistent threat.HERE ARE THE 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:1. The Anti-Jewish Reading of Hebrews Is a Historical Mistake – The interpretation of Hebrews as demonstrating Christianity's superiority over Judaism traces back to John Chrysostom's 4th-century agenda to prevent Christians from participating in Jewish community life.2. Hebrews Includes Rather Than Excludes – The Book of Hebrews never condemns Jewish people who don't follow Jesus, but instead shows how Jesus-followers participate in Israel's expanding story through journey metaphors and covenant language.3. Understanding Context Transforms Interpretation – Reading Hebrews as encouragement to a discouraged early Christian community—rather than as anti-Jewish polemic—reveals it as a book about God's expanding grace rather than religious replacement.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:- Anchor Bible Commentary on Hebrews by Craig Koester- John Chrysostom's 4th-century commentary on Hebrews

Why does Joseph's lineage in Matthew 1 matter if Joseph wasn't Jesus' biological father? Professor Diane Jacobson reveals how this apparent contradiction actually unlocks the key message of Matthew's Gospel. Through adoption, Jesus becomes the son of David, demonstrating that God's family extends far beyond bloodlines to include all who are claimed and named as God's own.The Joseph lineage Bible passage also features five remarkable women - Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary - whose stories of survival, courage, and faith show how God works through unexpected people. From foreign women to those with questionable reputations, these ancestors reveal that Jesus came for everyone, including those society might reject. This conversation transforms a seemingly boring genealogy into a profound theological statement about divine inclusion.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Luther Seminary – Where Professor Diane Jacobson taught Old Testament studiesBook of Faith Initiative – ELCA program promoting biblical study and literacy (directed by Diane Jacobson)Enter the Bible Course on the Book of Ruth by Diane Jacobson

What's the difference between biblical infallibility and inerrancy, and does it matter for your faith? Join hosts Rev. Dr. Kathryn Schifferdecker and Rev. Katie Langston as they welcome PhD candidate Bridget Jack Jeffries to explore this crucial theological distinction. Many Christians struggle with apparent contradictions in Scripture and wonder if they can still trust the Bible's authority. This episode provides clarity on biblical infallibility as an alternative to strict inerrancy, showing how Scripture can be sufficient for salvation without requiring perfection in every historical detail.Bridget shares her journey from skepticism to faith, explaining how biblical infallibility allows for narrative choices by biblical authors while maintaining Scripture's trustworthiness. The conversation covers practical interpretation methods, the role of church tradition, and how to approach difficult passages without losing faith. Whether you're questioning biblical reliability or seeking to understand different evangelical perspectives, this discussion offers valuable insights into biblical infallibility and its implications for Christian belief and practice.

Can women be pastors? This question continues to divide Christian communities, with faithful believers reaching different conclusions based on their interpretation of Scripture. In this episode, we welcome Bridget Jack Jeffries, a PhD candidate at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, to explore both complementarian and egalitarian perspectives on women's ordination. We examine key biblical passages including 1 Timothy 2:12, which seems to restrict women's teaching authority, alongside compelling examples of female leaders like Deborah, Miriam, Anna, and the apostle Junia mentioned in Romans 16:7.The conversation reveals how Christians who deeply love Scripture can interpret the same passages differently when asking "can women be pastors." From examining house church leaders in the New Testament to understanding how different denominations approach women's ordination, this episode provides a charitable exploration of both sides. Whether you're from an evangelical, Lutheran, Catholic, or other Christian tradition, you'll gain insight into the biblical, historical, and theological factors that inform this ongoing discussion about women in ministry and church leadership.