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
Nov 17, 2025 • 11min
PLMN021 - The Third Flag over Colossae: Cimmeria
Explore the fascinating history of Colossae and its cultural identity. Discover ancient origins linked to myth and Noah through coin evidence. Learn about Phrygia's golden age during the reigns of Gordius and Midas, alongside recent archaeological findings. Uncover the impact of Assyrian expansion on Phrygia's decline and the swift chaos brought by the Cimmerian invasion. Delve into how this brief occupation shaped the region's history, leaving a limited but intriguing legacy.
Nov 14, 2025 • 13min
PLMN020 - King Midas and the Golden Age of Phrygia
Discover the fascinating link between Phrygia and the legendary King Midas. Explore how this ancient region in central Turkey shaped cultural stories and identities, including the ethnic distinctions from the Greeks. Learn about Phrygia's wealth from wool and red dye, and its unique visual identity featuring floppy caps. Delve into the Phrygian musical sound, echoed in familiar tunes like Hava Nagila. All this ties back to significant locations in the New Testament, revealing deep historical connections.
Nov 13, 2025 • 12min
PLMN019 - Hey What Do You Know, They Had a Giant Flood That Covered Everything in Phrygia Too
Discover the captivating myths and history of Philemon and Colossae, diving into the early origins of Phrygia. Unravel the mystery of a legendary ancient flag and learn why settlers were drawn to this picturesque region. Explore the intriguing tales of legendary kings Nanakus and Manus. Delve into the striking parallels between the Phrygian flood myth and the biblical narrative of Noah’s Ark, exploring their implications on morality and divine judgment. Get ready for a rich journey through ancient culture!
Nov 12, 2025 • 16min
PLMN018 - The Complex Cosmopolitan Story of the Colossians
Dive into a fascinating exploration of how personal history shapes identity and influences culture. Unpack the complex identities of the ancient Colossians, whose roots span Viking to Phrygian heritage. Discover the multiple cultural layers within ancient civilizations and the significant historical influences on Phrygia. Explore the beauty of the Lycus Valley and ponder how catastrophic events, like the Santorini eruption, may have driven migrations that shaped this intriguing town's history.
Nov 11, 2025 • 14min
PLMN017 - Six Flags Over Colossae
Explore the rich historical backdrop of Philemon with insights into the ancient world. Learn why the original audience's perspective is vital for understanding Scripture. Delve into the complex issues surrounding slavery, particularly through the lens of Onesimus and the dilemmas he faced. Discover how Colossae's geographical and cultural intersections shaped its unique identity, influenced by Greek, Roman, and Jewish traditions. The episode encourages grappling with moral complexities rather than offering simplistic interpretations.
Nov 10, 2025 • 11min
PLMN016 - What Would You Do if Antiochus IV Came for You?
Dive into the tumultuous world of the intertestamental period, where Antiochus IV's oppressive regime challenged the faith of many. Explore the Maccabean plight and the choices faced under persecution. What do personal fears and family responsibilities reveal about courage in hard times? Discover the failures of historical revolts, culminating in the hope for a promised Messiah. Finally, witness how Jesus offers a revolutionary, nonviolent response, reshaping social norms and expectations for justice.
Nov 7, 2025 • 16min
PLMN015 - Once You Wanted Revolution, Now You Are the Institution
The discussion explores the intriguing evolution of revolutionaries into rulers, questioning the challenges faced by leaders like Judas Maccabees. From guerrilla tactics to confronting Seleucid war elephants, the narrative captures the highs and lows of revolutionary warfare. Personal heroism shines but ultimately reveals its limits. The Maccabees' diplomatic quest for Roman recognition highlights a mix of short-term success and long-term peril. The tale culminates in dynastic struggles, corruption, and the dramatic transition from independence to Roman control.
Nov 6, 2025 • 11min
PLMN014 - Stop. Hammer Time!
The discussion kicks off with a captivating introduction to Philemon and historical context. Learn about Mattathias' bold refusal of Greek sacrifices that sparked the Maccabean revolt. Dive into Judas Maccabeus' clever guerrilla tactics, showcasing his strategic ambushes in rugged terrain. The narrative unfolds with Judas' efforts to restore Jewish practices while ousting collaborators. Discover the political chaos following Antiochus IV's death and the origins of Hanukkah through temple purification. Finally, ponder the challenges of governance after victory.
Nov 5, 2025 • 15min
PLMN013 - Old Man Mattathias Runs A Guy Through and Now the Beacons Are Lit
Dive into the historical drama of the Maccabean revolt as Matt explores the differences between 1 and 2 Maccabees. Discover the rise of Hellenizing elites and the fierce resistance against Antiochus IV's harsh religious persecution. Hear the thrilling tale of Mattathias, who sparked a rebellion by killing a man over pagan sacrifices, igniting a fierce fight for Jewish independence. The conversation charts a compelling journey from defiance to guerrilla warfare, setting the stage for Judas Maccabees' military triumphs in future discussions.
Nov 4, 2025 • 11min
PLMN012 - Truly Wicked Kings and Priests Finally Overplay Their Hands
Dive into a fascinating tale where heroes and villains blur, revealing corruption in intertestamental Jewish leadership. Discover how Antiochus IV's alliance with local rulers fueled chaos and greed, as figures like Jason and Menelaus commodified the high priesthood. Explore the public outrage over massive tributes to Antiochus and the ensuing persecution of pious Jews, setting the stage for the Maccabean Revolt. This thrilling narrative uncovers the heavy price of corruption and the spark that ignited a revolution.
