The Ten Minute Bible Hour Podcast
Matt Whitman
Welcome to the Ten Minute Bible Hour Podcast where we pick a book of the Bible and work our way through it a little bit each day! You can start with today's episode or go back to the beginning of any of these five seasons:Season 1 - Matthew (Began October, 2019 - Episodes 1-800)Season 2 - One Book of the Bible Per Day (Began January, 2023)Season 3 - Esther (Began April 9, 2023)Season 4 - Nehemiah (Began January 1, 2024)Season 5 - Galatians (Began August 26, 2024)Season 6 - Philemon (CURRENT SEASON Began October 19, 2025)You can also check out the daily audio-only podcast on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@TenMinuteBibleHourMore About the Show: I'm Matt, and if you're interested in understanding the Bible better and you prefer your Christianity quick and punchy with a healthy side of humor, and an equally healthy side of me not telling you what to do, we're probably going to get along great. This is my podcast where we pick a book of the Bible and then break it down one part at a time every weekday morning.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 27, 2025 • 28min
BONUS EPISODE - Philemon Makes an Appearance in a Forbidden and (Later) Beloved Song That You Know the Words To
Dive into the captivating origins of the beloved Christmas hymn, O Holy Night, and discover its profound connections to themes of justice and freedom. Learn about Placide Cappeau's poetic roots and the initial rejection from churches due to its Romantic flair. Hear how Adolphe Adam swiftly composed the music that transformed it into a holiday classic. Explore the abolitionist undertones in the English translation by Sullivan Dwight and the hymn's historic radio debut. Finally, uncover its surprising link to the biblical figure Philemon.
Dec 26, 2025 • 17min
PLMN050 - Ancient Expectations on What You're Obligated to do if You Find a Runaway Slave
Delve into the complexities of ancient slavery through the lens of the book of Philemon. Explore the contrast between household and brutal labor slavery as well as the legal obligations surrounding runaway slaves. Discover how Paul navigates these issues with Onesimus, presenting a compelling case for reconciliation. Learn about peculiar practices like runaway insurance and the societal unease toward slavery in late Rome, highlighted by the uprising of Spartacus. This insightful discussion sheds light on historical perspectives still relevant today.
Dec 25, 2025 • 15min
PLMN049 - Nobody Wanted to Be on That Bus, But If You Had to, I Was In the Seat You'd Want
Explore the complexities of ancient slavery, where Matt uses a bus-seat metaphor to illustrate varying conditions. He highlights that slavery was class-based, not racial, and discusses the moral expectations placed on slaves. Legal protections against abuse and pathways to freedom through manumission are examined, along with notable perspectives from thinkers like Seneca and Plutarch advocating for humane treatment. The episode delves into ancient legal frameworks that surprisingly favored some protections for slaves, revealing a nuanced historical view.
Dec 24, 2025 • 16min
PLMN048 - CONTENT WARNING - We're Talking About Very Bleak Aspects of Ancient Slavery Today
A content warning opens the discussion, leading to a deep dive into the bleak realities of ancient and American slavery. The hosts explore nostalgia for the early internet's wildness versus today's sanitized version. Matt shares his unsettling encounters with graphic death imagery and compares the brutality of ancient torture with American practices. Cultural expectations of restraint in ancient times reveal unexpected legal limits. The conversation examines how these histories resonate in today's world, highlighting the unfiltered violence on social media.
Dec 23, 2025 • 14min
PLMN047 - Manumission
Philemon You might like to get some copies of The Lightning-Fast Field Guide to the Bible for yourself and for others - here's a link that gets TMBH a little kickback: https://amzn.to/4pEYSS9Thanks to everyone who supports TMBH at patreon.com/thetmbhpodcastYou're the reason we can all do this together!Discuss the episode hereMusic by Jeff Foote
Dec 22, 2025 • 17min
PLMN046 - Many Ancients Thought Slaves Weren't Evil, but Simple; and That Slavery Was a Mercy
Philemon You might like to get some copies of The Lightning-Fast Field Guide to the Bible for yourself and for others - here's a link that gets TMBH a little kickback: https://amzn.to/4pEYSS9Thanks to everyone who supports TMBH at patreon.com/thetmbhpodcastYou're the reason we can all do this together!Discuss the episode hereMusic by Jeff Foote
Dec 19, 2025 • 16min
PLMN045 - I Read Hundreds of Primary Sources on Ancient Slavery - Here's What I Found
The podcast dives into the complex world of ancient slavery, challenging modern perceptions by emphasizing classism over racism. It highlights the philosophical struggles of thinkers like Aristotle on the moral justifications of slavery. Historical contexts are explored, including how individuals became slaves through various legal means, such as voluntary sale or warfare. The discussion reveals the spectrum of slavery experiences and connects these insights to biblical texts like Philemon and Colossians, providing a richer understanding of the past.
Dec 18, 2025 • 13min
PLMN044 - Paul's Remarks on Slavery are Shocking, But Maybe Not For the Reason You Expect
Explore the surprising insights from Paul's letter to Philemon, focusing on the complex relationship between Philemon and Onesimus. Discover how the original audience would react to Paul's unexpected framing of slavery, which humanizes those enslaved. Learn about the contrast between Greco-Roman household codes and Paul's Christ-centered ethics, which emphasize dignity and moral agency. This engaging discussion sets the stage for a deeper understanding of slavery in a biblical context, with much more to come!
Dec 17, 2025 • 15min
PLMN043 - Households Hit Pretty Close to Home Because of How They Are Home
Join an engaging discussion as the host humorously compares smartphone recalibrations to theological updates. Explore the 'supremacy of Christ' in Colossians as a mental upgrade and the practical advice offered for household roles. Dive into the challenging teachings about marriages and parenting, while addressing legitimate objections and historical contexts like slavery. This thought-provoking conversation encourages a deeper understanding of relationships and institutions, framing them in a modern context.
Dec 16, 2025 • 12min
PLMN042 - Apparently Chad Likes His KIDS More Than His Snake
Matt kicks things off with a funny story about his friend Chad, setting the tone for a deep dive into Colossians. Key passages highlight Christ’s supremacy and the transformation of identity in Him. He contrasts the old self with a renewed image, emphasizing the importance of compassion and unity. The discussion covers practical virtues to embody in daily life and shows how theology relates directly to ethics. The chat wraps with a sneak peek into the intriguing dynamics between Philemon and Onesimus.
