The Bible Project

Are there two creation stories in Genesis? How do Genesis 1 and 2 fit together and into the rest of the biblical story? In this episode, Tim and Jon explore these questions and the theme of water in the opening chapters of the Bible. Yahweh’s transformation of the chaos waters into waters of life set the stage for his calling upon his people and an important theme that will carry us from Genesis to Revelation.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (0:00-9:20)Part two (9:20-13:45)Part three (13:45-26:50)Part four (26:50-end)Referenced ResourcesInterested in more? Check out Tim’s library here.L. Michael Morales, Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord?: A Biblical Theology of the Book of LeviticusL. Michael Morales, Tabernacle Pre-Figured: Cosmic Mountain Ideology in Genesis and ExodusShow Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTS“Canary Forest” by Middle School, Aso, AviinoShow produced by Dan Gummel, Zach McKinley, and Cooper Peltz. Show notes by Lindsey Ponder. Powered and distributed b

The biblical authors often use creation imagery that clearly didn’t come from Genesis 1. Did they borrow from the creation accounts of other cultures? In this episode, join Tim and Jon for a deep dive into Genesis 1:1-2 and discover its similarity to other ancient cosmologies, plus one key difference: Yahweh is infinitely greater than all other gods.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (0:00-9:00)Part two (9:00-26:00)Part three (26:00-40:00)Part four (40:00-50:00)Part five (50:00-56:30)Part six (56:30-end)Referenced ResourcesInterested in more? Check out Tim’s library here.L. Michael Morales, Tabernacle Prefigured: Cosmic Mountain Ideology in Genesis and ExodusGeorge Landes, Creation Traditions in Proverbs 8 and Genesis 1John Sailhamer, Genesis Unbound: A Provocative New Look at the Creation AccountShow Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTS“Synth Groove” by An Awesome Supporter“Feather” by Waywell“Luvtea” by Autumn Keys“Bloc” by kv“Mind Your Time” by me.soShow produced by Dan Gummel,

What is existence? What existed before humans did? Ancient people groups asked the same questions we do today, with totally different answers. In this episode, Tim and Jon survey the cosmologies of Israel’s neighbors, ancient Egypt, Canaan, and Babylon––people groups the biblical authors shared more in common with than modern readers––to shed light on the Bible’s creation account.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (0-6:30)Part two (6:30-19:00)Part three (19:00-39:30)Part four (39:30-50:45)Part five (50:45-end)Referenced ResourcesInterested in more? Check out Tim’s library here.Hermann Gunkel, Creation and Chaos in the Primeval Era and the EschatonBernard Batto, In the Beginning: Essays on Creation Motifs in the Ancient Near East and the BibleShow Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTSEvil Needle by Sound EscapesLightness by AnonymousShow produced by Dan Gummel, Zack McKinley, and Cooper Peltz. Show notes by Lindsey Ponder. Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

What does the Bible really say about the origins of the universe? The biblical authors had a completely different framework for this question than we do. When we expect the Bible to settle our debates, we close ourselves off from understanding the text as they intended it. In this episode, join Tim and Jon as they kick off a new series on Genesis 1-3, beginning with a look at ancient cosmologies.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (0:00-8:15)Part two (8:15-12:30)Part three (12:30-20:00)Part four (20:00-27:00)Part five (27:00-end)Referenced ResourcesInterested in more? Check out Tim’s library here.John H. Walton, Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old TestamentWilliam Brown, The Seven Pillars of Creation: The Bible, Science, and the Ecology of WonderShow Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTSLofi Birds“Imagination” by Montell Fish“All Night” by Unwritten StoriesShow produced by Dan Gummel, Zack McKinley, and Cooper Peltz. Show notes by Lindsey Ponder. Powered and distributed by Simp

Who was at the beginning of the cosmos with God? God’s Spirit? God’s word? Or Lady Wisdom? Rich with creation narrative ties, the book of Proverbs contains important insights for how we understand God’s relationship to his creation and who Jesus is. Join Tim, Jon, and Carissa as they explore Proverbs 8.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (0:00-8:30)Part two (8:30-21:00)Part three (21:00-36:00)Part four (36:00-52:00)Part five (52:00-end)Referenced ResourcesInterested in more? Check out Tim’s library here.Michael V. Fox, Proverbs 1-9Show Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTS“Euk's First Race” by David Gummel“Scream Pilots” by Moby“Drug Police” by Moby“Shot in the Back of the Head” by MobyShow produced by Dan Gummel, Zack McKinley, and Cooper Peltz. Show notes by Lindsey Ponder. 

Of all the people in the Hebrew Bible, why is Melchizedek so crucial for understanding Jesus? In this episode, join Tim, Jon, and special guest Dr. Josh Mathews as they take a deep dive into the Old Testament, the book of Hebrews, and the life of the mysterious priest-king Melchizedek in relationship to the ultimate priest-king, Jesus.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (0:00-15:30)Part two (15:30-24:00)Part three (24:00-31:30)Part four (31:30-41:00)Part five (41:00-51:00)Part six (51:00-end)Referenced ResourcesInterested in more? Check out Tim’s library here.Josh Mathews, Melchizedek’s Alternative Priestly Order: A Compositional Analysis of Genesis 14:18-20 and its Echoes Throughout the TanakShow Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTS“Aso x Aviino x Middle School” by Canary Forest“Acquired in Heaven” by Beautiful Eulogy“Blue Wednesday x Shopan” by Directions“Tell Me Yours” by Beautiful EulogyShow produced by Dan Gummel and Cooper Peltz. Show notes by Lindsey Ponder. Powered and dist

Jesus is our priest, our atoning sacrifice––and our brother? In this episode, join Tim, Jon, and special guest the Rev. Amy Peeler, Ph.D., as they discuss the book of Hebrews and how the many characteristics of God found in this epistle set him apart as wholly other and also form our identities as his followers.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (0:00-13:15)Part two (13:15-28:20)Part three (28:20-38:30)Part four (38:30-51:30)Part five (51:30-end)Referenced ResourcesInterested in more? Check out Tim’s library here.Amy L. B. Peeler, You Are My Son: The Family of God in the Epistle to the HebrewsAmy L. B. Peeler and Patrick Gray, Hebrews: An Introduction and Study GuideMadison N. Pierce, Divine Discourse in the Epistle to the Hebrews: The Recontextualization of Spoken Quotations of ScriptureShow Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTS“Into the Past” by CYGN“Cycles” by SwuM“Surrender” by PilgrimShow produced by Dan Gummel and Cooper Peltz. Show notes by Lindsey Ponder. Powered and distri

Thanks to our audience for all your incredible questions! In this week’s episode, we tackle questions like: How could God break his covenant with the tribe of Levi? What’s the connection between the forehead markings of priests and followers of the beast? And why did offering his own sacrifice cost Saul his kingship? Listen in to hear the team answer your questions.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps What’s the Connection Between Israel’s Priests and Modern Church Leaders? (1:04)Are We Meant to “Shine” as God’s Image? (7:40)Mark of the Priest or Mark of the Beast? (14:10)Why Was David Allowed to Break the Sabbath? (20:20)Did God Break His Promise to the Tribe of Levi? (28:30)What Was Wrong With Saul’s Sacrifice? (36:22)Referenced ResourcesInterested in more? Check out Tim’s library here.Show Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTSShow produced by Dan Gummel and Cooper Peltz. Show notes by Lindsey Ponder. Audience questions collected by Christopher Maier.Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

After Jesus’ disciples receive the Holy Spirit, they become God’s temple and the physical embodiment of Jesus on earth. This has huge implications for our understanding of what it means to be the church today and live in unity. Dive into this discussion with Tim and Jon as they unpack what it means for followers of Jesus to be the royal priesthood, now and in eternity.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (0:00-6:56)Part two (6:56-16:13)Part three (16:13-31:55)Part four (31:55-42:35)Part five (42:35-end)Show Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTS“Loving Someone You Lost” by The Field Tapes“Friends Circle” by Sitting Duck“Two For Joy” by Foxwood“Fills the Skies” by PilgrimShow produced by Dan Gummel and Cooper Peltz. Show notes by Lindsey Ponder.Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

What does it mean for Jesus to be humanity’s cosmic priest? It means he intercedes on behalf of humanity––and so much more! Through Jesus, God has forever included humanity into his own self. In this episode, join Tim and Jon as they discuss Jesus’ ascension and the eternal union of heaven and earth.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (0:00-18:30)Part two (18:30-23:00)Part three (23:00-31:00)Part four (31:00-43:00)Part five (43:00-end)Show Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTS“Window” by Phury“Everything Fades to Blue EP” by Sleepy FishShow produced by Dan Gummel and Cooper Peltz. Show notes by Lindsey Ponder.Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

Why were the Levitical priests always getting mad at Jesus? Jesus identified himself as another of God’s anointed priests––except he came in his own authority. In this episode, Tim and Jon discuss how Jesus fulfills Moses’ prophet-priest role and the priest-king role we saw in David.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (0:00-12:00)Part two (12:00-21:30)Part three (21:30-34:00)Part four (34:00-45:30)Part five (45:30-end)Show Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTSChillhop Essentials Spring 2021 EPShow produced by Dan Gummel. Show notes by Lindsey Ponder.Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

What will God do with the continually failing Levitical priesthood? God announces that he will elect his own faithful priest from a household that can be counted on. In this episode, join Tim and Jon as they follow the royal priesthood all the way to David, anointed priest-king of Jerusalem, fulfillment of Melchizedek’s role, and foreshadowing of the coming priest-king Jesus.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (0:00–14:30)Part two (14:30–28:00)Part three (28:00–36:30)Part four (36:30–47:00)Part five (47:00–end)Show Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTS“Canary Forest” by Middle School, Aso, and AviinoShow produced by Dan Gummel. Show notes by Lindsey Ponder.Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

The origins of Israel’s royal priesthood are anything but glamorous. From Moses rejecting God five times to Aaron creating an idol while God is instructing Moses about priests, the Levitical priesthood seems doomed from the start. In this episode, discover just how important the failed priesthood is to the story of the Bible.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (0:00-15:00)Part two (15:00-24:00)Part three (24:00-35:00)Part four (35:00-end)Show Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTS“Aarigod” by Forest LoreShow produced by Dan Gummel. Show notes by Lindsey Ponder.Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

What do Abraham, Melchizedek, and David all have in common? They’re part of the unfolding theme of the royal priesthood in the Bible. In this week’s episode, join Tim and Jon as they explore how this theme is part of humanity’s quest to get back to the blessings of Eden.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (0:00–11:30)Part two (11:30–18:45)Part three (18:45–25:00)Part four (25:00–31:30)Part five (31:30–end)Show Music “Defender Instrumental” by Tents“We Must Believe in Spring” by Psalm Trees and Guillaume MuschalleChillhop Essentials Fall 2020Show produced by Dan Gummel. Show notes by Lindsey Ponder.Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

In the story of the Bible, all the main players are prophets, priests, or kings. While it might seem foreign to us today, those three roles are intimately connected to what it means to be people created in the image of God. Join Tim and Jon for the first episode of a new series on the royal priesthood!View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (0:00–19:00)Part two (19:00–29:00)Part three (29:00–34:30)Part four (34:30–50:00)Part five (50:00–end)Mentioned ResourcesS. Dean McBride, “Divine Protocol: Genesis 1:1-2:3 as Prologue to the Pentateuch.”John H. Walton, The Lost World of Adam and Eve.Tim Mackie, "Jesus is Your Priest," Exploring My Strange Bible podcast.Show Music “Defender Instrumental” by Tents“Directions” by Blue Wednesday and Shopan“Prophet Priest King” by Smalltown PoetsDiscover LP by CYGNShow produced by Dan Gummel. Show notes by Lindsey Ponder.Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

A coming king and a bunch of crying babies? Psalm 8 can seem kind of confusing. But when we look closer and understand its context, we can see that it’s actually a beautiful meditation on the image of God. Join Tim, Jon, and Carissa as they discuss this important poem.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (00:00-10:45)Part two (10:45-26:45)Part three (26:45-46:30)Part four (46:30-54:30)Part five (54:30-end)Show Music “Defender Instrumental” by Tents“Psalm 8” by Poor Bishop HooperShow produced by Dan Gummel. Show notes by Lindsey Ponder.Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

How can the book of Ephesians contribute to conversations surrounding modern race and justice issues? Tim and Jon interview New Testament scholar Andrew Rillera and discuss Ephesians 2 and the unified, diverse family of God.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one: (0:00–11:00)Part two: (11:00–19:45)Part three: (19:45–30:00)Part four: (30:00–43:30)Part five: (43:30–55:00)Part six: (55:00–61:15)Part seven: (61:15–64:30)Part eight: (64:30–end)Mentioned ResourcesPreston Sprinkle, Nonviolence: The Revolutionary Way of JesusAndrew Rillera, "Tertium Genus or Dyadic Unity? Investigating Sociopolitical Salvation in Ephesians"R. Kendall Soulen, The God of Israel and Christian TheologyWillie James Jennings, The Christian Imagination: Theology and the Origins of RaceTommy Givens, We the People: Israel and the Catholicity of JesusShow Music “Defender Instrumental” by TentsShow produced by Dan Gummel. Show notes by Lindsey Ponder.Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

From biblical deconstruction to the responsibility of Jesus followers in government and social justice, we’re looking at what the Bible has to say about some of society’s biggest questions today. Join Tim and Jon as they interview New Testament scholar Esau McCaulley, author of Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (0:00-13:00)Part two (13:00-26:30)Part three (26:30-33:30)Part four (33:30-42:30)Part five (42:30-end)Show Music “Defender Instrumental” by Tents“Pablo” by jlsmrl“Skydive” by loxbeats“Wanderlust” by Crastel“Mind Your Time” by Me.SoShow produced by Dan Gummel. Show notes by Lindsey Ponder.Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

Thank you to our audience for your incredible questions. In this week’s episode, we tackle questions like, did Adam represent a male human? Where did Cain’s wife come from? And what is the relationship of the Church to Israel?  Listen in to hear the team answer your questions.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps How Could There Be Descendants of Cain After the Flood? (0:50)Where Did Cain’s Wife Come From? (13:25)Was Adam Male? (19:35)Was the Promised Land Conquest a Case of Sibling Rivalry? (36:28)Does the Church Replace Israel? (52:35)Referenced ResourcesS. Joshua Swamidass, The Genealogical Adam and Eve: The Surprising Science of Universal AncestryC. John Collins, Reading Genesis Well: Navigating History, Poetry, Science, and Truth in Genesis 1-11Interested in more? Check out Tim’s library here.Show Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TentsShow produced by Dan Gummel. Show notes by Lindsey Ponder.  Audience questions collected by Christopher Maier.Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

God’s plan has always been to bring all of humanity into one diverse and connected family. Jesus carried forward this mission in his teachings, calling God’s people to look past societal divisions and be unified in him. Join Tim and Jon in this week’s podcast episode as they look at the theme of unity in the New Testament.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (0:00–9:20)Part two (9:20–23:30)Part three (23:30–34:00)Part four (34:00–39:00)Part five (39:00–59:00)Part six (59:00–end)Show Music “Defender Instrumental” by Tents“Loving Someone You Lost” by The Field Tapes“Today Feels Like Everyday” by Mama AiutoShow produced by Dan Gummel. Show notes by Lindsey Ponder.Powered and distributed by Simplecast.