Podcast
The Bible Sojourner
Hosted by Peter Goeman · EN
Welcome to The Bible Sojourner, the podcast that dives into challenging Bible passages, thought-provoking theology, and the cultural intricacies that shape our world. Join Dr. Peter Goeman, a seasoned professor of Old Testament and Biblical Languages, as he embarks on a captivating journey through the text of Scripture and beyond. Unravel the mysteries behind enigmatic passages and gain a deeper understanding of ancient world and their relevance in our modern lives. The Bible Sojourner is your compass to navigate the fascinating landscapes of Scripture, history, and contemporary thought.
17episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
One of the Clearest Prophecies About Israel's Future (Ep 238)
2w ago00:40:27Tap to summarizeDoes the Old Testament really teach a future for national Israel? In this episode, Peter Goeman walks verse-by-verse through Jeremiah 32, arguing that one of the clearest prophetic passages in Scripture leaves little room to deny God's future restoration of Israel. Along the way, he examines church history, prophetic interpretation, the New Covenant, and why fulfilled prophecy provides the pattern for understanding prophecy that is still future.Time Stamps00:00 Introduction: Does Israel Have a Future?01:20 Why Many Christians Rejected Israel's Future07:20 The Niagara Bible Conference and the Return to Scripture10:50 Jeremiah 32: Judgment Before Restoration20:30 The New Covenant and Israel's Future28:10 Jeremiah 32:42—The Verse That Changes Everything38:00 Why Israel's Future Still Matters TodayMichael Vlach on Spiritual Vision vs New Creation Model: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HL_zdh7Tv6MIf you have found the podcast helpful, consider leaving a review on Itunes or rating it on Spotify. You can also find The Bible Sojourner on Youtube. Consider passing any episodes you have found helpful to a friend.Visit petergoeman.com for more information on the podcast or blog.Visit shepherds.edu for more on Shepherds Theological Seminary where Dr. Goeman teaches.
Transcribe →20 Questions that Expose Dispensationalism? (Ep 237)
3w ago01:01:20Tap to summarizeDo these twenty questions expose fatal problems with dispensationalism? Critics argue that dispensational theology cannot adequately explain key Bible passages concerning Israel and the church, the kingdom of God, Daniel’s seventieth week, the pretribulation rapture, biblical prophecy, and the New Covenant. In this episode, Peter Goeman works rapidly through twenty common objections to dispensationalism and asks whether they genuinely overturn the system.Along the way, he examines covenant theology, the interpretation of Old Testament prophecy, the “last trumpet,” the timing of the rapture, the future of Israel, and the relationship between the church and the New Covenant. Some questions raise legitimate issues, while others depend upon misunderstandings or outdated caricatures. Ultimately, the question is not whether the label “dispensationalism” can survive criticism, but whether its central beliefs accurately reflect what Scripture teaches.Time Stamps:00:00 — Introduction3:25 — 1. Did Anyone Believe Dispensationalism Before Darby?7:29 — 2. Do the Apostles Interpret the Old Testament Dispensationaly?10:34 — 3. Why Is Israel Called an Assembly of Peoples?14:43 — 4. Are There Two Peoples of God or One Flock?17:47 — 5. Does Matthew Identify Jesus as Israel?18:43 — 6. Was the Gospel Preached to Abraham?21:35 — 7. Why Insert a Gap Before Daniel’s Seventieth Week?25:57 — 8. Is a Prophetic Gap Consistent with Literal Interpretation?26:25 — 9. How Can the Rapture Occur Before the “Last Trumpet”?29:33 — 10. Does 2 Thessalonians 2 Contradict a Pretribulation Rapture?34:09 — 11. Did Jesus Pray Against a Pretribulation Rapture?34:51 — 12. Have the Last Days Already Begun?36:13 — 13. Did Jesus Say the Kingdom Had Already Come?41:25 — 14. Is the Kingdom Like a Mustard Seed or David’s Kingdom?43:55 — 15. Is Christ’s Kingdom Earthly or “Not of This World”?47:08 — 16. Was the Kingdom Already in Their Midst?47:37 — 17. Did John the Baptist Fulfill the Promise of Elijah?50:28 — 18. Did Pentecost Fulfill Joel’s Prophecy?52:20 — 19. Does Hebrews 8 Apply Israel’s New Covenant to the Church?54:52 — 20. Did the Old Testament Prophets Understand Their Prophecies?Article Being Reviewed: https://johncarpenter.substack.com/p/twenty-questions-for-dispensationalistsIf you have found the podcast helpful, consider leaving a review on Itunes or rating it on Spotify. You can also find The Bible Sojourner on Youtube. Consider passing any episodes you have found helpful to a friend.Visit petergoeman.com for more information on the podcast or blog.Visit shepherds.edu for more on Shepherds Theological Seminary where Dr. Goeman teaches.
Transcribe →William Lane Craig is No Longer Premillennial? (Ep 236)
Jul 1100:58:52Tap to summarizeWilliam Lane Craig recently explained why he no longer believes Revelation 20 describes a literal millennial reign of Christ. In this episode, Peter Goeman examines Craig’s arguments, his interpretation of the first resurrection, and his claim that premillennialism creates insurmountable theological problems.Does Craig’s approach arise from careful biblical exegesis, or does he allow philosophical assumptions to override the straightforward meaning of Scripture? This discussion considers Revelation 20, Old Testament kingdom prophecies, millennial sacrifices, the resurrection, and the importance of authorial intent.Time Stamps:00:00 William Lane Craig Changes His Eschatology04:25 Will There Be a Literal Millennium?05:51 Craig on the First Resurrection & Literalism13:13 Does the Millennium Contradict the Rest of Scripture?20:18 The Major Problem with Craig’s Methodology22:31 What Did the Old Testament Prophets Predict?28:34 Millennial Sacrifices and Ezekiel’s Temple35:45 Craig’s Objections to the Millennial Kingdom47:46 Philosophy, Exegesis, and the Authority of ScriptureVideo on Sacrifices in Ezekiel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTD4x5-qij4WLC article reviewed in this video: https://www.reasonablefaith.org/writings/question-answer/will-there-be-a-millenniumIf you have found the podcast helpful, consider leaving a review on Itunes or rating it on Spotify. You can also find The Bible Sojourner on Youtube. Consider passing any episodes you have found helpful to a friend.Visit petergoeman.com for more information on the podcast or blog.Visit shepherds.edu for more on Shepherds Theological Seminary where Dr. Goeman teaches.
Transcribe →Christian Zionism, Scofield, and the Claims JD Hall Got Wrong (Ep 235)
Jun 2601:30:28Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Peter Goeman reviews Tucker Carlson’s interview with JD Hall on Christian Zionism, dispensationalism, Scofield, and Israel. Peter evaluates the major biblical and historical claims made in the interview, including the definition of Zionism, Genesis 12:3, Galatians 3, Darby, the Scofield Reference Bible, Oxford University Press, the Balfour Declaration, and claims about Ottoman treatment of Christians.Time Stamps00:00 — Introduction: why review Tucker Carlson’s interview with JD Hall06:55 — The missing definition of Zionism and Christian Zionism10:36 — Genesis 12:3 and what it means to “bless Israel”16:41 — Fact-checking the claimed Zionist homeland options22:04 — What dispensationalism is—and what JD Hall gets wrong29:26 — Covenant theology, dispensationalism, and church history40:38 — Galatians 3, Abraham’s promise, and ethnic Israel43:24 — Does “God shows no partiality” disprove Israel’s special role?48:26 — Isaiah 19, Egypt, Assyria, and God’s plan for the nations55:13 — Scofield, Oxford, funding claims, and the Balfour Declaration01:13:27 — Ottoman claims, church taxation, and Raymond Ibrahim’s responseLinks mentioned:Tucker Carlson interview with JD Hall: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KN36yhie2_cRaymond Ibrahim’s video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJQpKbgVgh8Raymond Ibrahim’s written response: https://raymondibrahim.substack.com/p/were-muslims-very-kind-to-christiansAre Gentiles the True Israel in Galatians 3? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXPZJV2c0lAIf you have found the podcast helpful, consider leaving a review on Itunes or rating it on Spotify. You can also find The Bible Sojourner on Youtube. Consider passing any episodes you have found helpful to a friend.Visit petergoeman.com for more information on the podcast or blog.Visit shepherds.edu for more on Shepherds Theological Seminary where Dr. Goeman teaches.
Transcribe →Is the Bible Historically Reliable? Archaeology Says Yes, with Paul Weaver (Ep 234)
Jun 2101:07:22Tap to summarizePeter Goeman talks with Paul Weaver about biblical archaeology and his new book, Faith-Affirming Findings: 50 Archaeological Discoveries that Validate the Historicity and Reliability of Scripture. They discuss how archaeology helps illuminate the world of the Bible, strengthens confidence in Scripture, and answers common skeptical claims about figures and events such as David, Sennacherib, Caiaphas, Pontius Pilate, Luke, Paul, and the destruction of Jerusalem.Get Paul Weaver’s book here:https://www.amazon.com/Faith-Affirming-Findings-Archaeological-Discoveries-Historicity/dp/0825448859/Watch the accompanying Faith Affirming Findings archaeology playlist here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRLT8RbUb3vSiKplCbL0vYyEFChJnU9kVVisit Paul Weaver’s Bible and Theology Matters YouTube channel here:https://www.youtube.com/c/BibleandTheologyMatters## Timestamps00:00 — Archaeology, Scripture, and why truth does not fear inspection02:01 — Introducing Paul and his work in Bible teaching and archaeology07:22 — What is Faith Affirming Findings?10:48 — Why say archaeology “affirms” the Bible rather than “proves” it?13:10 — Is biblical archaeology mainly for believers or unbelievers?17:26 — What are the benefits and limitations of biblical archaeology?24:25 — How should archaeology relate to biblical interpretation?26:53 — The Tel Dan Stele and evidence for the House of David36:33 — Sennacherib, Lachish, and the failed conquest of Jerusalem42:14 — The Pool of Siloam and archaeology from the time of Jesus47:51 — Archaeological evidence related to Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection54:43 — Luke’s historical accuracy, Paul, Gallio, and the Arch of Titus01:00:48 — Why were some discoveries left out of the book?01:02:52 — How pastors, teachers, and Bible study leaders can use these resources01:05:48 — Final takeawayIf you have found the podcast helpful, consider leaving a review on Itunes or rating it on Spotify. You can also find The Bible Sojourner on Youtube. Consider passing any episodes you have found helpful to a friend.Visit petergoeman.com for more information on the podcast or blog.Visit shepherds.edu for more on Shepherds Theological Seminary where Dr. Goeman teaches.
Transcribe →Galatians 3, Israel, and the Singular Seed (Ep 233)
Jun 700:40:26Tap to summarizePeter Goeman examines Galatians 3:16 and Paul’s claim that the promises were made to Abraham and to his singular “offspring,” who is Christ. By tracing the argument back to Genesis 22:17–18, comparing translation differences, and interacting with C. John Collins and Andrew E. Steinmann, he explains why Paul’s reading is rooted in the Old Testament context and why Christ as the seed of Abraham does not erase Israel’s identity or future promises.Timestamps00:00 — Introduction 00:36 — Why Galatians 3 matters for Israel and the church02:13 — The exegetical issue: singular offspring vs. plural descendants04:05 — Genesis 22:17–18 and the Abrahamic promise05:22 — Translation differences: ESV, NASB, and “his/their enemies”07:01 — The Hebrew word zeraʿ: seed, offspring, descendant09:11 — John Collins, pronouns, verbs, and singular indicators12:31 — Four biblical categories for the “seed of Abraham”18:32 — Why Genesis 22 points to a singular victorious offspring21:15 — Steinmann’s argument against a purely collective reading25:38 — Connecting Genesis 22 with Galatians 326:15 — Paul’s use of composite Old Testament allusions28:24 — Steinmann and Collins on Galatians 3:8, 3:16, and Genesis 22:1832:02 — Why Paul’s argument fits the grammar of Genesis 2233:31 — Christ as the seed does not erase Israel’s role38:06 — Jesus as true Israel and the future of national Israel38:53 — Conclusion: Christ as the center of Abrahamic blessingArticles ReferencedSteinmann, Andrew E. “Jesus and Possessing the Enemies’ Gate (Genesis 22:17–18; 24:60).” Bibliotheca Sacra 174, no. 693 (January–March 2017): 13–21. https://www.academia.edu/26154981/Jesus_and_Possessing_the_Enemies_Gate_Genesis_22_17_18_Genesis_24_60_Collins, C. John. “Galatians 3:16: What Kind of Exegete Was Paul?” Tyndale Bulletin 54, no. 1 (2003): 75–86.https://www.tyndalebulletin.org/article/30224-galatians-3-16-what-kind-of-exegete-was-paul.pdfAre Gentiles the True Israel in Galatians 3?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXPZJV2c0lAIf you have found the podcast helpful, consider leaving a review on Itunes or rating it on Spotify. You can also find The Bible Sojourner on Youtube. Consider passing any episodes you have found helpful to a friend.Visit petergoeman.com for more information on the podcast or blog.Visit shepherds.edu for more on Shepherds Theological Seminary where Dr. Goeman teaches.
Transcribe →Why Greek and Hebrew Matter for Every Christian (Ep 232)
May 2401:05:45Tap to summarizeThe Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Greek, and a little Aramaic. But if we have so many good English translations today, do the original languages still matter?In this episode, we argue that Greek and Hebrew are not just academic extras for pastors and theologians. They are deeply connected to the health of the church, the clarity of Scripture, and the preservation of sound doctrine.We’ll look at why the Reformers cared so much about the biblical languages, especially Martin Luther and John Calvin. We’ll also consider what happens when churches, pastors, seminaries, and Christians begin to downplay the importance of returning to the original text of Scripture.Even if you never personally learn Greek or Hebrew, this episode explains why you should still care whether your pastors and teachers value them.Article mentioned: The Reformers and the Original Languages (https://petergoeman.com/papers/reformers_and_original_languages.pdf)Timestamps0:00 — Introduction3:22 — When Christians downplay the biblical languages5:15 — The dumbing down of theological education6:27 — Biblical languages as a barometer of church health8:20 — Before the Reformation: Latin and the average churchgoer9:47 — Wycliffe and the groundwork for reform11:27 — Luther, Bible translation, and the languages24:20 — Luther’s warning about neglecting the languages27:29 — Modern examples of being swayed by attractive false teaching29:44 — Calvin and the importance of literal interpretation34:02 — Calvin’s Geneva Academy and language training40:38 — Why English alone can sometimes limit interpretation42:27 — Do modern translations and commentaries make languages unnecessary?47:49 — Three problems when teachers lack biblical language tools52:34 — Machen and Princeton Seminary56:33 — Three benefits of studying biblical languages1:04:32 — Final appeal: be strong advocates for the biblical languagesIf you have found the podcast helpful, consider leaving a review on Itunes or rating it on Spotify. You can also find The Bible Sojourner on Youtube. Consider passing any episodes you have found helpful to a friend.Visit petergoeman.com for more information on the podcast or blog.Visit shepherds.edu for more on Shepherds Theological Seminary where Dr. Goeman teaches.
Transcribe →How Old Was Isaac when Abraham Sacrificed Him? (Ep 231)
May 900:14:17Tap to summarizeHow old was Isaac when Abraham took him to Mount Moriah in Genesis 22?In this short episode of The Bible Sojourner, we take a fresh look at one of the most famous passages in the Old Testament and ask a question many readers have never really considered: was Isaac a small child, or was he much older than we often assume? Drawing from the chronological clues in Genesis, I walk through the biblical data and argue that Isaac was likely old enough to understand what was happening, carry the wood for the sacrifice, and willingly submit to his father.That changes the way we read the story. Instead of picturing Abraham overpowering a helpless boy, this episode explores the possibility that Isaac knowingly trusted his father and participated in the event in a far more meaningful way. We also consider how this helps us understand Genesis 22, highlights the character of God, and sheds light on the substitutionary pattern that runs through Scripture.If you have found the podcast helpful, consider leaving a review on Itunes or rating it on Spotify. You can also find The Bible Sojourner on Youtube. Consider passing any episodes you have found helpful to a friend.Visit petergoeman.com for more information on the podcast or blog.Visit shepherds.edu for more on Shepherds Theological Seminary where Dr. Goeman teaches.
Transcribe →Peter or James: A Case for James's Leadership in the Early Church (Ep 230)
May 100:56:40Tap to summarizeWas Peter really the undisputed leader of the early church—or does the New Testament point somewhere else?In this episode of The Bible Sojourner, we walk through Will Varner’s provocative article, “Was James the First Pope?” and explore the biblical and historical evidence that James, the brother of Jesus, may have functioned as the central leader of the early church in a way many Christians have overlooked.We look at the centrality of Jerusalem, James’s growing prominence in Acts, Galatians, and 1 Corinthians, his decisive role at the Jerusalem Council, and the way both Josephus and early church writers seem to confirm his importance. Along the way, we also consider what this means for common assumptions about Peter, Paul, Roman Catholic claims, and even Protestant blind spots.Whether you agree or disagree, this is a fascinating discussion that challenges tradition and pushes us back to the text of Scripture.If you enjoy thoughtful conversations on the Bible, theology, and culture, be sure to subscribe and join the discussion in the comments.Chapter Headings00:00 Intro: Was James More Important Than Peter?00:00:47 Why This Argument Was So Eye-Opening00:02:06 The Main Thesis of Varner’s Article00:04:35 James and the Centrality of Jerusalem00:06:23 The Gospel Expands From Jerusalem to the Nations00:09:55 Why Jerusalem Was Seen as the Center of the World00:12:25 James’s Rise to Leadership in the Early Church00:15:18 Paul’s Early Contact With Peter and James00:17:02 James, Peter, and John as the “Pillars”00:20:11 Peter Defers to James00:21:31 The Jerusalem Council and James’s Final Judgment00:28:18 Paul Continues to Follow James’s Lead00:33:35 Josephus and the Historical Importance of James00:36:29 James in Early Church Tradition00:42:09 The Letter of James and the Order of the Canon00:45:26 Why James’s Leadership Matters00:50:09 Implications for Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Protestantism00:54:06 Final Conclusions: Was James the First Pope?00:56:06 OutroArticle Written by Will Varner: https://cf.sbts.edu/equip/uploads/2024/05/SBJT-27.3-Was-James-the-First-Pope-Varner.pdfIf you have found the podcast helpful, consider leaving a review on Itunes or rating it on Spotify. You can also find The Bible Sojourner on Youtube. Consider passing any episodes you have found helpful to a friend.Visit petergoeman.com for more information on the podcast or blog.Visit shepherds.edu for more on Shepherds Theological Seminary where Dr. Goeman teaches.
Transcribe →Progressive Covenantalism vs. Dispensationalism: The Real Issues (Ep 229)
Apr 1901:13:21Tap to summarizeHow do progressive covenantalists understand Israel and the land promise?In this episode of Bible Sojourner, Peter Goeman reviews comments from Stephen Wellum in a recent interview with Grant Castleberry. Peter interacts with the core claims of progressive Covenantalism and talks about many of the presuppositions involved.The big questions in this discussion are these:• How does progressive covenantalism understand the people of Israel? • What happens to the Old Testament land promises? • Does Christ’s role as the true Israel mean national Israel no longer has significance?• Does typology fulfill earlier promises in a way that sets aside their specific details?• What role should the New Testament and Old Testament play in shaping our hermeneutic? If you enjoy thoughtful discussions on Bible, theology, and culture, subscribe and join the conversation.Video reviewed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4p3UKiZ1ccTime Stamps00:00 Introduction: Progressive Covenantalism, Israel, and the Land Promise00:01:43 Setting the Stage: Grant Castleberry and Stephen Wellum00:06:54 Wellum’s Summary of Dispensationalism00:09:35 Peter’s Initial Response: A Fair Definition, but One Addition00:11:50 Castleberry’s Experience with Older Dispensationalism00:13:04 Why Those Older Views Are Not Essential to Dispensationalism00:18:50 Why Wellum Rejects Dispensationalism00:27:56 Are All God’s Promises Fulfilled in Christ in the Same Way?00:33:31 Does Representation Erase Israel’s National Identity?00:37:36 Is the Church “Spiritual Israel”? Romans 9 and Galatians 600:43:13 The Problem of New Testament Priority00:45:27 Matthew 19, Acts 1, and Acts 3 on Israel’s Future00:50:04 Wellum on the Land Promise and New Creation00:53:49 Peter’s Response: The Presuppositions Behind That View01:09:27 The Real Divide: Typology and Whether the Type Must DisappearIf you have found the podcast helpful, consider leaving a review on Itunes or rating it on Spotify. You can also find The Bible Sojourner on Youtube. Consider passing any episodes you have found helpful to a friend.Visit petergoeman.com for more information on the podcast or blog.Visit shepherds.edu for more on Shepherds Theological Seminary where Dr. Goeman teaches.
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