Tim Mackie

Mar 9, 2026 • 1h 2m

Psalms 1 & 2 E3 — So far in this short series, we’ve looked individually at Psalm 1 and Psalm 2. Now we’ll look at them side by side. The art of meditating on Scripture involves appreciating every single paragraph, poem, and story, but then also considering what comes before and after, because the biblical authors put everything in this order for a reason! Looking at Psalms 1 and 2 next to each other we find many overlapping words and ideas, so reading both together is crucial for understanding each one individually. In this episode, Jon and Tim explore all the connections, not only between Psalms 1 and 2, but also between these psalms and many other places in the Hebrew Bible. FULL SHOW NOTES For chapter-by-chapter summaries, biblical words, referenced Scriptures, and reflection questions, check out the full show notes for this episode . CHAPTERS Setup for Reading Psalm 1 and 2 Together (0:00-9:05) Connections in the First and Second Stanzas (9:05-30:36) Connections in the Third Stanza (30:36-41:15) Psalm 1 and 2 in the Hebrew Bible (41:15-1:02:29) PSALMS 1 & 2 BIBLEPROJECT TRANSLATION View our full translation of Psalms 1 & 2. REFERENCED RESOURCES Psalms Overview video and poster Check out Tim’s extensive collection of recommended books here. SHOW MUSIC “Sparks” by ØDYSSEE & Lazlow “Green Tea” by Toonorth “Bloom” by Sweeps & luv pug BibleProject theme song by TENTS SHOW CREDITS Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today’s episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty writes the show notes. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mar 2, 2026 • 55 min

Psalms 1 & 2 E2 — Psalm 2 presents a crisis perpetuated by a long line of corrupt empires in the ancient Near East. Every one of these empires makes a practice of conquering, murdering, raping, and pillaging across the known world, while ancient Israel is just one small nation conquered and occupied again and again. So how do Yahweh and his anointed king respond to this injustice? Surprisingly, a lot like how the evil imperial rulers do: with mocking laughter, hot anger, and by smashing them like pottery! But why? In this episode, Jon and Tim explore Psalm 2 as a minority report from an oppressed, ancient people group and an intentionally provocative portrait of God within the broader context of the Hebrew Bible.  FULL SHOW NOTES For chapter-by-chapter summaries, biblical words, referenced Scriptures, and reflection questions, check out the full show notes for this episode . CHAPTERS Why Do the Nations Rage? (0:00-22:47) Yahweh’s Laughter and Decree (22:47-39:28) A Warning for the Kings (39:28-55:26) PSALMS 1 & 2 BIBLEPROJECT TRANSLATION View our full translation of Psalms 1 & 2. REFERENCED RESOURCES Check out Tim’s extensive collection of recommended books here. SHOW MUSIC “Pivot” by Styles Davis & Venuz Beats “Hypha” by invention_ BibleProject theme song by TENTS SHOW CREDITS Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today’s episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty writes the show notes. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Feb 23, 2026 • 1h 6m

Psalms 1 & 2 E1 — The Psalms scroll—Israel’s ancient hymn book—has deeply shaped the worship and prayers of millions of people over several millennia. The first two psalms work together as a unified introduction to the whole collection. Psalm 1 starts with the phrase “How good is life for the man who…” or in most English translations, “Blessed is the man who…” We then find a list of activities to avoid and an instruction to practice daily Scripture meditation. So how does this way of living lead to “the good life”? And what happens to those who follow it—and to those who don’t? In this episode, Jon and Tim start a short series in Psalms 1 and 2 by first meditating on Psalm 1. FULL SHOW NOTES For chapter-by-chapter summaries, biblical words, referenced Scriptures, and reflection questions, check out the full show notes for this episode . CHAPTERS The Path of Tragedy (0:00-21:35) Becoming Like a Tree (21:35-40:40) Standing in the Judgment (40:40-1:06:14) OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT View this episode’s official transcript. PSALMS 1 & 2 BIBLEPROJECT TRANSLATION View our full translation of Psalms 1 & 2. REFERENCED RESOURCES The Hebrew Bible: A Translation with Commentary by Robert Alter Check out Tim’s extensive collection of recommended books here. SHOW MUSIC “Growing Season” by Gas Lab & Guillaume Muschalle “New Dae” by El Train & G Mills BibleProject theme song by TENTS SHOW CREDITS Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today’s episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty writes the show notes. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Feb 16, 2026 • 1h

The Letter of Jude Q+R (E7) — Are Jesus’ brothers his half-brothers or cousins? What are the love-meals that Jude mentions? And what did the early Church believe about spiritual beings procreating? In this episode, Tim and Jon respond to your questions from the Letter of Jude series. Thank you to our audience for your thoughtful contributions to this episode! FULL SHOW NOTES For summaries of Tim and Jon’s responses and referenced Scriptures, check out the full show notes for this episode . CHAPTERS Intro (0:00-3:17) Are Jesus’ Brothers His Half-Brothers or Cousins? (3:17-19:21) What Were Love-Meals? (19:21-31:11) How Should Jude Influence How We Think About the Deuterocanon? (31:11-43:50) What Did the Early Church Believe About Spiritual Beings Procreating? (43:50-50:41) Why Are Demons Never Mentioned in the Gospel of John? (50:41-55:32) Conclusion (55:32-1:00:08) REFERENCED RESOURCES "Firstborn: The Last Will Be First" (podcast series) Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary: Unveiling the Mother of the Messiah by Brant Pitre The Affections of Christ Jesus: Love at the Heart of Paul’s Theology by Nijay K. Gupta Word Biblical Commentary Vol. 50, 2 Peter, Jude by Richard J. Bauckham Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist: Unlocking the Secrets of the Last Supper by Brant Pitre Last Supper and Lord's Supper by I. Howard Marshall "How the Bible Was Formed" (podcast series) The Deuterocanon/Apocrypha (video series) "Why the Deuterocanon/Apocrypha Is in Some Bibles and Not Others" (article) The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible by Michael S. Heiser Angels: What the Bible Really Says About God’s Heavenly Host by Michael S. Heiser Demons: What the Bible Really Says About the Powers of Darkness by Michael S. Heiser Check out Tim’s extensive collection of recommended books here. SHOW MUSIC BibleProject theme song by TENTS SHOW CREDITS Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today’s episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty writes the show notes. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Feb 9, 2026 • 1h 9m

The Letter of Jude E6 — In the final nine verses of his letter, Jude transitions from warning about corrupt members to instructing the faithful. In so many words, he encourages them to keep pressing on as the living temple of God’s Spirit and love. Jude also guides them in how to care for the doubting and deceived in their community, while taking necessary caution for their own holiness. And he concludes with confidence in God’s ability to protect the Church and make them stand as blameless priests, all to the praise, honor, and majesty of God. In this episode, Jon and Tim finish our series in this short but powerful letter. FULL SHOW NOTES For chapter-by-chapter summaries, referenced Scriptures, and reflection questions, check out the full show notes for this episode . CHAPTERS Letter Recap and Words of the Apostles (0:00-22:25) Building Yourselves on Your Most Holy Faith (22:25-30:58) Showing Mercy to Some and Rescuing Others (30:58-45:24) Closing Doxology (45:24-1:08:56) BIBLEPROJECT JUDE TRANSLATION View our full translation of the Letter of Jude. REFERENCED RESOURCES Eternal Life : Jon and Tim reference this video when discussing language in Jude’s doxology about ages. The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis Check out Tim’s extensive collection of recommended books here. SHOW MUSIC “jazz club.” by Lofi Sunday, PAINT WITH SOUND “Church Pews” by Lofi Sunday, Oly.Lo, WISDM “little adventure” by Lofi Sunday, Cassidy Godwin BibleProject theme song by TENTS  SHOW CREDITS Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today’s episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty writes the show notes. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Powered and distributed by Simplecast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Feb 2, 2026 • 56 min

The Letter of Jude E5 — In verses 11-16, Jude continues warning his Jewish messianic audience about deceptive, immoral people infiltrating their house churches. He compares them to three characters from the Hebrew Bible—Cain, Balaam, and Korah—who choose rebellion for themselves and lead others astray. Next, he compares the corrupt church members to a series of images from Scripture, including selfish shepherds, rainless clouds, and wandering stars. In this episode, Jon and Tim continue exploring Jude’s dense prose, where he seamlessly weaves together allusions to the Hebrew Bible and Second-Temple period literature into a piercing critique of imposters within a community of disciples. FULL SHOW NOTES For chapter-by-chapter summaries, referenced Scriptures, and reflection questions, check out the full show notes for this episode . CHAPTERS Cain, Balaam, and Korah (0:00-23:23) Six Images of Corrupt Leaders (23:23-37:45) The Prophecy of Enoch (37:45-55:42) OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT View this episode’s official transcript. BIBLEPROJECT JUDE TRANSLATION View our full translation of the Letter of Jude. REFERENCED RESOURCES Antiquities of the Jews by Josephus Check out Tim’s extensive collection of recommended books here. SHOW MUSIC “Gentle Lamb” by Lofi Sunday, Yoni Charis “Purple Clouds ft. Marc Vanparla” by Lofi Sunday BibleProject theme song by TENTS  SHOW CREDITS Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today’s episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty writes the show notes. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 26, 2026 • 1h 6m

The Letter of Jude E4 — In verses 5-7, Jude warns a Jewish Messianic community about a group of people in their midst who live without moral restraint and reject Jesus’ authority. After comparing them to a series of human and angelic rebels in the Hebrew Bible, Jude then calls out the corrupt church members in verses 8-10 as ones who “slander the glorious-ones,” referring to angels. What is Jude talking about, and why would slandering spiritual beings be considered offensive? In this episode, Jon and Tim explore the Hebrew Bible and Second-Temple period apocryphal literature to understand the unique role and revered status of angels among 1st-century Jewish people. FULL SHOW NOTES For chapter-by-chapter summaries, referenced Scriptures, and reflection questions, check out the full show notes for this episode . CHAPTERS Recap of Introduction and Setup for Verses 8-10 (0:00-10:21) Angels in the Hebrew Bible and Second-Temple Literature (10:21-39:02) Michael the Archangel’s Restraint (39:02-1:06:12) OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT View this episode’s official transcript. BIBLEPROJECT JUDE TRANSLATION View our full translation of the Letter of Jude. REFERENCED RESOURCES God and Spiritual Beings Podcast Series Check out Tim’s extensive collection of recommended books. SHOW MUSIC “Chillbop ft. Me & The Boys” by Lofi Sunday “Cherish ft. PAINT WITH SOUND” by Lofi Sunday BibleProject theme song by TENTS SHOW CREDITS Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today’s episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty writes the show notes. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 19, 2026 • 52 min

The Letter of Jude E3 — After the letter’s opening appeal, Jude (or Judah) begins warning corrupt members of a Jewish messianic church community who cast off restraint and live openly immoral lives. He does so with an ancient rhetorical technique found in both the Hebrew Bible and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Jude shares three stories of rebellion in the Hebrew Bible: the spies fearful of the promised land in Numbers 13-14, the “sons of God” in Genesis 6, and the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19. Then he draws comparisons to the corrupt church members, promising they’ll receive the same judgment. Why does Jude write this way about the moral crisis in a church? What is he trying to communicate? In this episode, Jon and Tim explore verses 5-8, unpacking the dense biblical references and what they would have meant to Jude and his audience. FULL SHOW NOTES For chapter-by-chapter summaries, referenced Scriptures, and reflection questions, check out the full show notes for this episode . CHAPTERS A Jewish Rhetorical Technique (0:00-18:10) Rebellion of the Spies, Sons of God, and Sodom and Gomorrah (18:10-36:41) Concluding Thoughts on the First Triad (36:41-51:54) OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT View this episode’s official transcript. BIBLEPROJECT JUDE TRANSLATION View our full translation of the Letter of Jude. REFERENCED RESOURCES The Dead Sea Scrolls (Pesharim) Check out Tim’s extensive collection of recommended books. SHOW MUSIC “Fellowship” by Lofi Sunday, Cassidy Godwin “Peace With You ft. Oly.Lo” by Lofi Sunday BibleProject theme song by TENTS  SHOW CREDITS Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today’s episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty writes the show notes. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Powered and distributed by Simplecast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 12, 2026 • 45 min

The Letter of Jude E2 — In the introduction to his letter, Jude (or Judah) shares that he had hoped to write about the community’s “shared rescue” of salvation in Jesus. But urgent problems in the church forced him to send a warning instead. He calls his readers to “contend for the faith once for all handed down,” describing this faith as made up of trust in the story of Jesus and loyalty to Jesus’ way of life. But what is the threat Jude wants them to guard against, and how does he describe it? In this episode, Jon and Tim break down the introduction to the letter of Jude, revealing a multitude of Hebrew Bible hyperlinks and a method of reading Scripture as unified meditation literature. CHAPTERS Loved, Kept, and Called (0:00-13:20) Contend for the Faith (13:20-21:50) The Irreverent Ones (21:50-36:43) The Literary Design of the Letter (36:43-44:41) FULL SHOW NOTES For chapter-by-chapter summaries, referenced Scriptures, and reflection questions, check out the full show notes for this episode . OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT View this episode’s official transcript . BIBLEPROJECT JUDE TRANSLATION View our full translation of the Letter of Jude. REFERENCED RESOURCES Jude and the Relatives of Jesus in the Early Church by Richard Bauckham Check out Tim’s extensive collection of recommended books. SHOW MUSIC “Faithful ft. Marc Vanparla” by Lofi Sunday “City Sunset ft. Marc Vanparla” by Lofi Sunday “family dinner” by Lofi Sunday, Cassidy Godwin BibleProject theme song by TENTS  SHOW CREDITS Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today’s episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty writes the show notes. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Powered and distributed by Simplecast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 5, 2026 • 44 min

The Letter of Jude E1 — Jude is one of the shortest writings in the New Testament. It comes from one of Jesus’ own brothers (or cousins, or stepbrothers, depending on the tradition). Written in the early years of the Jesus movement, the letter addresses a Jewish community in Jerusalem or Galilee, made up of disciples who likely grew up with Jesus and knew his family. Jude (or Judah in Hebrew or Judas in Greek) is deeply rooted in the Hebrew Bible. His writing shows these roots through consistent biblical language and tons of hyperlinks. But who was Jude, and what do we know about his family and ancestors? In this episode, Jon and Tim introduce the background of this short letter and the larger world surrounding its author. FULL SHOW NOTES For chapter-by-chapter summaries, referenced Scriptures, and reflection questions, check out the full show notes for this episode . CHAPTERS Jude’s Identity and the Brothers of Jesus (0:00–8:29) Jesus’ Brothers in the Gospels and Early Church (8:29–24:01) James, Jude, and Their Descendants (24:01–44:15) OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT View this episode’s official transcript. BIBLEPROJECT JUDE TRANSLATION View our full translation of the Letter of Jude. REFERENCED RESOURCES Panarion by Epiphanius of Salamis The Perpetual Virginity of Blessed Mary: Against Helvidius by Jerome Proto-Gospel of James Commentary on Matthew by Origen Antiquities of the Jews by Flavius Josephus The Church History by Eusebius of Caesarea Check out Tim’s extensive collection of recommended books here. SHOW MUSIC “afternoon reads.” by Lofi Sunday, PAINT WITH SOUND. “date night” by Lofi Sunday, Cassidy Godwin BibleProject theme song by TENTS  SHOW CREDITS Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today’s episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty writes the show notes. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Powered and distributed by Simplecast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dec 31, 2025 • 44 min

As we wrap up 2025, we’re celebrating two big milestones: 10 years and 500 episodes of exploring the Bible together! To mark the occasion, we’re strolling down memory lane to see how it all began. How does a side project recorded in a closet turn into a decade-long global conversation? In this episode, producer Lindsey Ponder interviews Jon, Tim, and other team members about how the show came to be, its growth over time, and how it continues to shape us, even as it helps hundreds of thousands of listeners experience the Bible as a unified story that leads to Jesus.  FULL SHOW NOTES For detailed, chapter-by-chapter summaries and referenced resources, check out the full show notes for this episode . CHAPTERS Intro (0:00-2:22) Before the Mic (2:22-11:17) The Closet Under the Stairs (11:17-19:35) A Growing Audience and Team (19:35-22:29) The Podcast in Other Languages (22:29-30:03) Hearing From Listeners, Plus Jon and Tim on What Motivates Them (30:03-44:15) OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT View this episode’s official transcript . REFERENCED RESOURCES Heaven & Earth video Genesis 1-11 video Genesis 12-50 video The Messiah video The Law podcast series God and Money podcast episode Revelation Premiere live event Proyecto Biblia Pódcast (Spanish localized podcast) Japanese localized podcast ( Apple | Spotify ) SHOW MUSIC “The Way Forward” by Richie Kohan “Selah ft. Bobcat” by Lofi Sunday “Blue Sky ft. TBabz” by Lofi Sunday “She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain” by Kashido “date night” by Lofi Sunday, Cassidy Godwin “Bird In Hand” by Foreknown ft. JGivens “Eden Dreaming ft. sxxnt.” by Lofi Sunday "Defender (Remix)" by TENTS BibleProject theme song by TENTS SHOW CREDITS Production of today’s episode is by Jon Collins, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today’s episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty writes the show notes. The host and creative producer of this episode is Lindsey Ponder. Special thanks to all those interviewed: Jon Collins, Tim Mackie, Robert Perez, Dan Gummel, Tyler Bailey, Anna Wyche, Angela Keuter, and audience members Matthew, David, Emily, and Ausha. Powered and distributed by Simplecast.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dec 29, 2025 • 45 min

In our next-to-last episode of 2025, Tim, Jon, and BibleProject CEO, Steve Atkinson, review all the resources we released this year, while reflecting on the bigger worldwide movement of people reading the Bible as a unified story that leads to Jesus. The guys then share about some of what’s coming up next for BibleProject in 2026. TIMESTAMPS Gratitude for Our Mission (0:00-4:08) New “One Story That Leads to Jesus” Reading Plan (4:08-9:01) A Year Studying Themes From Exodus (9:01-16:15) How the Bible Was Formed and the Deuterocanon / Apocrypha (16:15-17:53) The Bigger Movement of Reading the Bible as One Story (17:53-27:34) 2025 Classroom Releases (27:34-30:02) 2025 Updates to the BibleProject App (30:02-31:58) Ten Years of the BibleProject Podcast (31:58-33:09) What Are We Releasing in 2026? (33:09-38:38) Gratitude for Our Volunteers, Prayer Team, and Patrons (38:38-45:01) OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT View this episode’s official transcript. REFERENCED RESOURCES Subscribe to the “ One Story That Leads to Jesus” annual reading plan on The Bible App by YouVersion. Check out our 2025 collections of resources! Each has a video, podcast series, scholar-written guide, reading plan, and group study. The Mountain The Exodus Way Redemption The Wilderness Listen to the 2025 podcast series How the Bible Was Formed . Watch the 2025 overview video series on The Deuterocanon / Apocrypha . Listen to the 2025 Advent podcast series . Check out OneStory , a creative nonprofit that develops free Bible studies, lessons, and homeschool curricula—all featuring BibleProject resources. See how Streetlights has localized BibleProject videos for their audience. Watch or listen to the final installment of our Genesis Classroom series, Joseph . Also check out the second installment of the Gospel of Matthew Classroom series, The Messianic Torah , which focuses on the Sermon on the Mount. Download the BibleProject App from the iOS App Store or Android Google Play Store . SHOW MUSIC BibleProject theme song by TENTS  SHOW CREDITS Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today’s episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty writes the show notes. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Special thanks to our guest, Steve Atkinson. Powered and distributed by Simplecast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dec 22, 2025 • 36 min

Advent E4 — We’re ending our short Advent series with a reflection on love. In the Hebrew Bible, the word “ ahavah” involves faithfulness to God and living by his wisdom, but it also means showing practical care to others—especially the vulnerable. Jesus views this love for God and neighbor as the greatest command, and he expands it to be indiscriminate, radical kindness and generosity even toward our enemies. The New Testament authors were so blown away by this kind of love that they adopted an obscure Greek word for love, “ agape ,” and redefined it to be a self-giving, sacrificial love that Jesus demonstrates in his life, teaching, death, and resurrection. In this episode, Jon and Tim explore the main biblical words for love, showing how the story of Advent characterizes agape as God’s own essence and our calling.  FULL SHOW NOTES For chapter-by-chapter notes including summaries, referenced Scriptures, biblical words, and reflection questions, check out the full show notes for this episode . CHAPTERS The Hebrew Bible’s Understanding of Love (0:00–13:17) Agape and Jesus’ Redefinition of Love (13:17–21:25) God Is Love (21:25–31:10) Reflections on Love With JoDee (31:10-36:12) OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT View this episode’s official transcript. REFERENCED RESOURCES The Affections of Christ Jesus: Love at the Heart of Paul’s Theology by Nijay Gupta Ahavah / Love : Though not referenced directly in the episode, this 2017 video explores the same biblical word ahavah. Agape / Love : Also not referenced directly in the episode, this 2017 video explores the same biblical word, agape. Check out Tim’s extensive collection of recommended books here. SHOW MUSIC “Clouds ft. ahmo” by Lofi Sunday “Warm Hugs” by Lofi Sunday & Cassidy Godwin “Snowflakes” by Aves BibleProject theme song by TENTS SHOW CREDITS Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today’s episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty does our show notes, and Hannah Woo provides the annotations for our app. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Special thanks to our guest JoDee Atherton. Powered and distributed by Simplecast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dec 15, 2025 • 41 min

Advent E3 — In the third week of Advent, we’re reflecting on joy. Joy’s not only a feeling based on circumstances but a rich biblical theme expressed in song, celebration, and even shouts of delight in all seasons of life. In the Hebrew Bible, words for joy appear most often in Psalms and describe communal feasts, temple offerings, and weddings. In these moments, joy is about remembering God’s goodness in the past and anticipating his future rescue. The New Testament continues this story, with Luke and Acts in particular overflowing with joy at the arrival of the Messiah, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the resurrection of Jesus. In this episode, Jon and Tim find the theme of joy everywhere in Scripture, even before God’s work is ultimately finished. FULL SHOW NOTES For chapter-by-chapter notes including summaries, referenced Scriptures, biblical words, and reflection questions, check out the full show notes for this episode . CHAPTERS The Hebrew Words for Joy (0:00–15:24) Joy in Psalms, Songs, and Processions (15:24–24:55) New Testament Joy in Jesus and the Spirit (24:55–36:59) Reflections on Joy With Alena (36:59-41:21) OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT View this episode’s official transcript. REFERENCED RESOURCES Chara / Joy : Though not referenced directly in the episode, this 2017 video explores one of the biblical words for joy, chara . Check out Tim’s extensive collection of recommended books here. SHOW MUSIC “I'll Be Warm This Christmas” by Lofi Sunday & TBabz “Joy” by Lofi Sunday & CRFT “Snowflakes” by Aves BibleProject theme song by TENTS  SHOW CREDITS Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today’s episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty does our show notes, and Hannah Woo provides the annotations for our app. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Special thanks to our guest Alena. Powered and distributed by Simplecast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dec 8, 2025 • 40 min

Advent E2 — In the second week of Advent, we’re reflecting on peace. The word most often translated as “peace” in the Hebrew Bible is shalom , but its meaning goes far beyond the absence of conflict. Shalom is about wholeness, completeness, and everything being as it should be. It describes uncut stones at an altar, honest weights in the marketplace, integrity of the heart, flourishing relationships, and life lived in harmony with God’s purposes. In this episode, Jon and Tim trace the deep biblical meaning of peace and show how Advent points to the arrival of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who reconciles divided people and makes them one. FULL SHOW NOTES For chapter-by-chapter notes including summaries, referenced Scriptures, biblical words, and reflection questions, check out the full show notes for this episode . CHAPTERS Shalom in Stones, Weights, and Hearts—and Also Fulfillment (00:00–15:15) Shalom as Well-Being and the Prince of Shalom   (15:15–29:21) Jesus, Our Peace (29:21–35:38) Reflections on Peace With Allison (35:38-39:42) OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT View this episode’s official transcript. REFERENCED RESOURCES Shalom / Peace : Though not referenced directly in the episode, this 2017 video explores the same biblical word, shalom . Check out Tim’s extensive collection of recommended books here. SHOW MUSIC “Silver N Gold” by  Lofi Sunday & Yoni Charis “Snow Fall” by Lofi Sunday & TBabz  “Snowflakes” by Aves BibleProject theme song by TENTS  SHOW CREDITS Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today’s episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty does our show notes, and Hannah Woo provides the annotations for our app. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Special thanks to our guest Allison Steyn.  Powered and distributed by Simplecast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dec 1, 2025 • 33 min

Advent E1 — Over the next four weeks, we’ll be exploring the four key words associated with the Advent season: hope, peace, joy, and love, starting with hope. The Hebrew words often translated as “hope,” yakhal and qavah , are rooted in images of waiting and being stretched, like a cord pulled tight. From Noah waiting for the flood waters to recede, to Israel longing for God’s loyal love, to Jesus followers ultimate hope in the new creation, the Bible presents hope as an active trust in God’s character. In this episode, Jon and Tim explore how the biblical story reframes hope as active waiting, a practice that keeps us moving toward God’s promises. FULL SHOW NOTES For chapter-by-chapter notes including summaries, referenced Scriptures, biblical words, and reflection questions, check out the full show notes for this episode . CHAPTERS Yakhal , a Waiting Hope (0:00–11:26) Qavah , a Stretching Hope (11:26–24:10) Biblical Hope vs. Optimism (24:10–27:47) Reflections on Hope With Dylan (27:47-32:50) OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT View this episode’s official transcript. REFERENCED RESOURCES The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament by Ludwig Koehler and Walter Baumgartner The Life of Moses and Homilies on the Song of Songs by Gregory of Nyssa The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis Yakhal / Hope : Though not referenced directly in the episode, this 2017 video explores the same biblical words, yakhal and qavah . Check out Tim’s extensive collection of recommended books here. SHOW MUSIC “Home For Christmas” by Lofi Sunday & Cassidy Godwin “That Gospel ft. Bobcat” by Lofi Sunday “Snowflakes” by Aves BibleProject theme song by TENTS  SHOW CREDITS Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today’s episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty does our show notes, and Hannah Woo provides the annotations for our app. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Special thanks to our guest Dylan Menges.  Powered and distributed by Simplecast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov 24, 2025 • 1h 3m

The Wilderness Q+R (E13) — Is Adam being formed outside of Eden a prototype of the wilderness pattern? Are the biblical authors linking David and Nabal to Jacob and Laban? And does Jesus experience a wilderness testing moment in the garden of Gethsemane? In this episode, Tim and Jon respond to your questions from our series on the wilderness. Thank you to our audience for your thoughtful contributions to this episode! View all of our resources for The Wilderness → CHAPTERS Intro (0:00-1:40) Is Adam being formed outside of Eden a prototype of the wilderness pattern? (1:40-15:24) Is the cherubim’s fiery sword at the entrance of Eden purification imagery? (15:24-26:03) Is there a hyperlink between Nabal and Laban—and therefore, between David and Jacob’s wilderness stories? (26:03-37:14) Why is there wilderness imagery in the Lord’s Prayer? (37:14-46:07) Does Jesus have a wilderness testing moment in Gethsemane? (46:07-1:02:35) OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT View this episode’s official transcript . REFERENCED RESOURCES The Art of Narrative Analogy: Identifying and Interpreting Parallel Passages in the Bible by Seth D. Postell The Testament of Moses , also known as The Assumption of Moses , is a pseudepigraphal Jewish text from the Second Temple Period. Check out Tim’s extensive collection of recommended books here. SHOW MUSIC BibleProject theme song by TENTS  SHOW CREDITS Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today’s episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty does our show notes, and Hannah Woo provides the annotations for our app. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Powered and distributed by Simplecast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov 17, 2025 • 42 min

The Wilderness Hyperlink Episode (E12) — In every theme study, we try to isolate a biblical topic and trace its appearances in the biblical story. But it's important to remember that biblical themes all harmonize and play off of one another, like instruments in an orchestra. That’s why as we went back through our library of episodes, the wilderness setting came up often. How did Moses fail his test in the wilderness? How did Jesus succeed in the wilderness? How does the wilderness lead us all into final Sabbath rest? In this hyperlink episode, we’ll listen to clips from previous podcast series where the theme of the wilderness came up in Jon and Tim’s conversations. View all of our resources for The Wilderness → CHAPTERS    Why Couldn’t Moses Enter the Promised Land? (0:00-19:37) Jesus With the Wild Beasts (19:37-33:35) Hebrews: The Quest for Final Rest (33:35-41:52) OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT View this episode’s official transcript. REFERENCED RESOURCES Clip 1 is from “ Why Couldn’t Moses Enter the Promised Land? ”, episode 6 in our 2022 series, Numbers Scroll . Clip 2 is from “ Jesus With the Wild Beasts ,” episode 7 in our 2019 series Son of Man . Clip 3 is from “ Hebrews: The Quest for Final Rest ,” episode 14 in our 2019 series Seventh-Day Rest - Sabbath . The Last Adam: A Theology of the Obedient Life of Jesus in the Gospels by Brandon Crowe You can view annotations for this episode—plus our entire library of videos, podcasts, articles, and classes—in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS . Check out Tim’s extensive collection of recommended books here. SHOW MUSIC “milk & honey.” by Lofi Sunday, PAINT WITH SOUND “Cool Breeze” by Lofi Sunday, Tbabz BibleProject theme song by TENTS SHOW CREDITS Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today’s episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty does our show notes, and Hannah Woo provides the annotations for our app. Our host for today is Michelle Jones. Our creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie.  Powered and distributed by Simplecast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov 10, 2025 • 1h

The Wilderness E11 — After his death and resurrection, Jesus sends his disciples out into the world to share the good news of the Kingdom and make disciples. These disciples, also known as apostles, plant churches across the Roman Empire and write letters to congregations made up of Jewish and Gentile believers. And their letters often wrestle with the tension of living in the new age of Jesus’ reign while also living in the old age of idolatry, corruption, and injustice. To talk about the overlap of these two ages, the apostles use a familiar metaphor: the wilderness. In this final episode of the series, Jon and Tim discuss how the New Testament authors use wilderness imagery to encourage and warn followers of Jesus to stay close to their good shepherd through the danger and deception of this present age. View all of our resources for The Wilderness → CHAPTERS The Wilderness Pattern in 1 Corinthians 10 (0:00-27:00) The Wilderness Warnings in 1 Corinthians 3 and 5  (27:00-37:08) More Wilderness Warnings in Hebrews 3-4 (37:08-52:43) Concluding Thoughts on the Wilderness (52:43-1:00:21) OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT View this episode’s official transcript. REFERENCED RESOURCES First Corinthians: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching by Richard B. Hays Echoes of Scripture in the Letters of Paul by Richard B. Hays The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis  In chapter 1, Tim mentions our video Eternal Life, which you watch here . You can view annotations for this episode—plus our entire library of videos, podcasts, articles, and classes—in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS . Check out Tim’s extensive collection of recommended books here. SHOW MUSIC “familydinner” by Lofi Sunday, Cassidy Godwin “Cruise” by Lofi Sunday, Just Derrick “Silver N Gold” by Lofi Sunday, Yoni Charis BibleProject theme song by TENTS SHOW CREDITS Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today’s episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty does our show notes, and Hannah Woo provides the annotations for our app. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie.  Powered and distributed by Simplecast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 3m

The Wilderness E10 — Throughout ancient Israel’s long history of wandering in the wilderness, failing in the garden land, being exiled to the nations, and then continuing to struggle after their return to the land, one thing has been clear. The people need a faithful shepherd like Moses who can guide them into God’s provision and wisdom. So after Jesus is baptized in the wilderness and succeeds in his own wilderness tests, you can probably guess where Jesus goes to feed, heal, and teach people! In this episode, Jon and Tim explore stories in the gospels where Jesus provides for Israelites and non-Israelites in the wilderness, acting as a new Moses-like shepherd. CHAPTERS Recap of Theme and Setup for Jesus as a New Moses Figure (0:00-14:03) The People’s Need for a Shepherd (14:03-24:04) Bread in the Wilderness for Israel (24:04-38:12) Discussing Bread With Pharisees and a Canaanite Woman (38:12-47:35) Bread in the Wilderness for the Nations (47:35-1:02:37) OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT View this episode’s official transcript. REFERENCED RESOURCES You can view annotations for this episode—plus our entire library of videos, podcasts, articles, and classes—in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS . Check out Tim’s extensive collection of recommended books here. SHOW MUSIC “Be Like Water” by Lofi Sunday, Zairis TéJion “Holy” by Lofi Sunday, Just Derrick “It's Gonna Be Alright-22” by Lofi Sunday, Marc Vanparla “jazz club” by Lofi Sunday, PAINT WITH SOUND BibleProject theme song by TENTS SHOW CREDITS Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today’s episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty does our show notes, and Hannah Woo provides the annotations for our app. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie.  Powered and distributed by Simplecast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.