Podcast
What in the Word?
Hosted by Presented by Logos · EN
"What in the world does that verse mean?" This show tackles the hardest Bible verses to understand.
Each episode, host Kirk E. Miller interviews an expert guest to discuss a text in the Bible that is known to be challenging to interpret. They do in-depth Bible study and survey scholars' interpretations. By investigating the strangest and hardest Bible verses, What in the Word? gets below the surface to learn their implications for understanding God and living the Christian life.
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34episodes
Episodes
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Does the Bible Condone Slavery? | Rebecca McLaughlin
3d ago00:51:41Tap to summarizeIf the Bible teaches that human beings are made in the image of God, why does the Bible seem to allow their enslavement? It’s a question that often troubles believers and serves as an objection for skeptics.Kirk E. Miller sits down with author and apologist Rebecca McLaughlin to work through the issue historically, biblically, and theologically. As we’ll see, those passages that often seem like roadblocks to faith, when read carefully and in context, turn out to be signposts pointing toward it.Get a free Mobile Ed course when you start a free trial: https://www.logos.com/show/what-in-the-word?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witwLearn more about the episode: https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-bible-slavery?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witwEpisode outline:(00:00) Why Slavery in the Bible?(01:06) Meet Rebecca McLaughlin(04:56) Why Understanding Feels Hard(08:57) Misuse and the Curse Of Ham(10:31) Old Testament Slavery Context(19:06) Laws Limit Harm(22:31) Jesus Upends Power(26:36) Early Church And Philemon(33:06) Why Not Condemn Directly(38:31) Modern Equality From Scripture(44:04) The Cross and Kingdom Humility(47:39) Exodus and the Black Church(49:45) Serving Christ Conclusion
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Did the Early Church Share Possessions? | Darrell Bock on Acts 2 & 4
1w ago00:53:09Tap to summarizeLuke records that the early Jesus followers in Jerusalem “held everything in common” (Acts 2:44–45; 4:32–37). Does this mean the early church abolished private property and embraced a sort of communalism? Luke-Acts scholar Darrell L. Bock joins Kirk E. Miller on this episode of What in the Word? to discuss these texts and what they might mean for us today.Get a free Mobile Ed course when you start a free trial: https://www.logos.com/show/what-in-the-word?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witwLearn more about the episode: https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-acts-all-things-in-common? utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witw Outline:(0:00) Introduction(3:32) What's the difficulty?(5:06) The context of Acts 2(9:16) The context of Acts 4(14:00) Elsewhere in Acts & NT(17:17) What's going on?(25:54) An exceptional community(30:03) Descriptive yet persuasive(36:38) Important details(43:05) The practical significance(47:58) Advice for preaching or teaching
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Who Are Paul’s Law-Abiding Gentiles? | Jarvis Williams on Romans 2:14–15
2w ago01:06:06Tap to summarizeWhen Paul says that gentiles “do what the law requires” (Rom 2:14) and have “the work of the law written on their hearts” (Rom 2:15), is he describing morally conscious pagans who have God’s natural law or believing gentiles who experience the inward transformation of the new covenant? And how does this inform our reading of Paul’s teachings on judgment according to works just prior (Rom 2:6–11)? On this episode of What in the Word?, Kirk E. Miller sits down with Dr. Jarvis Williams to work through the interpretive issues.Get a free Mobile Ed course when you start a free trial: https://www.logos.com/show/what-in-the-word?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witwLearn more about the episode: https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-romans-2-14-15?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witwOutline:(0:00) Introduction(3:29) Setting the stage(10:13) What makes Romans 2 difficult?(16:38) View 1: Moral pagans with consciences(25:07) View 2: Regenerate gentile believers(37:23) Alternative outcomes in the final judgment(48:14) Judgment according to works?(1:01:06) The practical application of Romans 2
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What Is the Curse of Ham? | Chad Bird on Genesis 9:18–29
3w ago00:49:23Tap to summarizeJoin Kirk E. Miller and Old Testament scholar Chad Bird as they discuss the so-called "Curse of Ham" in one of the Bible's most cryptic and infamously abused passages: Genesis 9:18–29. Discover the different views on the nature of Ham's sin, why Noah curses his son Canaan instead of Ham, and how to properly interpret and apply this passage.Get a free Mobile Ed course when you start a free trial: https://www.logos.com/show/what-in-the-word?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witwLearn more about the episode: https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-curse-of-ham-genesis-9?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witwOutline:(00:00) Introduction(02:08) Genesis 9's Context(06:11) Why It's Debated(11:14) The Castration View(12:46) Sexual Violation View(18:07) Incest With Mother View(22:35) Verse 23's Literal Expression(25:25) Sexual Sin in Genesis(26:41) Voyeurism View(28:10) Why Curse Canaan Though?(33:43) The So-Called Curse of Ham(38:00) The Promised Line Narrows(43:06) Blessing and Curse(47:05) Preaching and Final Wrap
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Did Paul Allegorize Sarah & Hagar? | David deSilva on Galatians 4:21–31
Apr 2900:56:25Tap to summarizeIn Galatians 4:21–31, the Apostle Paul refers to the story of Sarah and Hagar as an allegory. But what does he mean by that? Does he impose foreign ideas onto the Genesis account?Join host Kirk E. Miller and New Testament scholar David deSilva as they tackle this difficult passage, exploring how Paul’s use of the Old Testament is a powerful and sophisticated defense of God’s redemptive promises to be received by faith.Get a free Mobile Ed course when you start a free trial: https://www.logos.com/show/what-in-the-word?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witwLearn more about the episode: https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-moses-sin-promised-land?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witwEpisode outline:(00:45) Meet David DeSilva(01:58) Galatians 4(02:45) Galatiam Crisis Context(05:58) Covenants and Circumcision(07:51) Why This Passage Is Hard(12:00) Reading Galatians 4:21-31(13:51) What Allegorically Means(16:46) Typology vs Allegory(18:07) Paul Reverses Lineage(22:01) Galatians 3 Groundwork(24:35) Torah and Pedagogue(27:20) Word Study Deep Dive(28:30) Typology Versus Figural(29:46) Paul’s Argument in Galatians(34:14) Genesis Infertility Theme(37:25) Spirit and Scripture Authority(40:10) Hagar and Sarah Correspondences(43:28) Isaiah 54 and Mission(45:31) Logos Study Workflow(47:35) Pastoral Takeaways Freedom(51:46) Preaching This Passage(55:46) Wrap Up and Next Steps
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Why Couldn't Moses Enter the Promised Land? | Michael Morales on Numbers 20
Apr 2200:51:36Tap to summarizeWhy did God forbid Moses, the great leader whom God used to lead Israel out of Egypt, from entering the Promised Land? In this episode of What in the Word? Michael Morales joins Kirk E. Miller to tackle one of the more perplexing passages in the Old Testament: Numbers 20.Together they unpack the text's rich theological layers, explaining how Moses's failure to "sanctify" God by publicly misrepresenting his character before the people.Get a free Mobile Ed course when you start a free trial: https://www.logos.com/show/what-in-the-word?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witwLearn more about the episode: https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-moses-sin-promised-land?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witwOutline:(00:00) Moses and the Rock(00:44) Meet Michael Morales(03:10) Why Numbers 20 Is Hard(04:15) Reading the Passage(06:11) Setting the Wilderness Context(10:16) Common Views on Moses Sin(14:32) Rebellion at Meribah(15:56) Exodus 17 Parallels(18:22) Aaron Rod and Kingship(22:47) Misrepresenting God Holiness(25:06) Moses Misrepresents God(26:15) Ezekiel Temple Waters(26:53) Whose Rod Was It(28:36) High Handed Rebellion(31:06) Why The Sin Matters(34:24) Hinge To New Generation(37:13) Edom Sandwich Structure(40:59) Kingship Theme Emerges(41:59) Practical Takeaways Today(47:55) Teaching And Preaching Tips(50:54) Final Thanks And Outro
Transcribe →Who Is Melchizedek? | Madison Pierce on Hebrews 7
Apr 1500:57:12Tap to summarizeMelchizedek is one of the most mysterious figures in the Bible, with only two incredibly brief mentions in the Old Testament. Yet, in Hebrews 7, the author makes the astounding argument that this fleeting character from Genesis anticipates the end of the Levitical priesthood and the establishment of Christ's eternal role.Join Kirk E. Miller and Dr. Madison Pierce on What in the Word? as they unravel this challenging passage, exploring how a complex theological argument can provide a practical anchor for our souls and a better hope for believers.Get a free Mobile Ed course when you start a free trial: https://www.logos.com/show/what-in-the-word?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witwLearn more about the episode: https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-who-is-melchizedek-hebrews-7?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witwOutline:(00:00) Mystery of Melchizedek(03:07) Why Hebrews 7 Matters(06:14) Hebrews: Big Picture Context(13:20) Four Views on Melchizedek(17:23) Reading Hebrews 7:1-3(21:13) Without Genealogy, Explained(23:46) Dead Sea Scrolls Connections(26:22) Applying the Traditions(28:06) Qumran Melchizedek Traditions(28:58) Angelic Priests and Genealogy(30:04) Saint Nicholas to Santa Analogy(31:12) Hebrews Comparison Strategy(34:03) Tithes Blessing and Levi(41:09) Law Change and Better Covenant(44:13) Perfection Indestructible Life(49:38) Oath Priest Forever(52:47) Preaching Takeaways and Conclusion
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What Is the Image of God? | Richard Middleton on Genesis 1:26–28
Apr 800:51:47Tap to summarizeIn this episode of What in the Word?, Kirk E. Miller talks with Richard Middleton about one of the Christian theology's most foundational and widely discussed ideas: humanity as the image of God (imago dei). Yet despite how important this concept is, its meaning has long been debated.Does the image of God refer to some special human trait like reason? Does it describe our capacity for relationship? Or is it primarily about a task God has given humanity? Together Kirk and Richard discuss Genesis 1:26–28 and unpack its theological implications.Get a free Mobile Ed course when you start a free trial: https://www.logos.com/show/what-in-the-word?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witwLearn more about the episode: https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-image-of-god-genesis-1?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witwOutline:(00:00) What Is God’s Image?(00:47) Meet Richard Middleton(02:11) Context Context Context(03:24) Human Vocation In Genesis(05:55) Reading Genesis 1:26(06:49) Why It’s Debated(07:47) Assumptions and Exegesis(11:52) Representing, Not Resembling(12:53) Substantial View Explained(15:54) Relational View And Barth(21:11) Vocational Functional View(24:39) Image as Gift and Call(27:29) Dignity Beyond Abilities(29:14) Image and Likeness Debate(31:07) Case for Vocational Image(37:27) Imago Dei Ethics(40:38) Christ and New Humanity(42:36) Abraham Israel and Mission(46:06) Ancient Near East Context(49:28) Practical Takeaways Preaching(52:18) Final Thanks and Outro
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Did God Forsake Jesus on the Cross? | Tom McCall on Matthew 27:46
Apr 100:51:08Tap to summarizeIn this episode of What in the Word?, Thomas H. McCall joins Kirk E. Miller to discuss Jesus’s cry of dereliction from the cross (Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34), a remark that has often played an important role in Christians' understanding of the atonement.Together they explore different historical interpretations and viewpoints on what it meant for Christ to cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Tom helps listeners navigate the exegesis and theological implications of this passage, as well as avoiding important pitfalls.Get a free Mobile Ed course when you start a free trial: https://www.logos.com/show/what-in-the-word?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witwLearn more about the episode: https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-did-god-forsake-jesus?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witwEpisode outline:(00:00) Introduction: Did God Forsake Jesus?(00:14) Meet Dr. Tom McCall(02:43) Understanding the Cry of Dereliction(03:34) Theological Implications and Context(04:34) Exploring Matthew’s Gospel(08:17) The Significance of Jesus’ Cry(12:00) Historical and Modern Interpretations(17:28) Divergent Theological Views(21:35) Logos Bible Study Tool(24:46) Exploring Theological Perspectives on Christ’s Forsakenness(25:50) Calvin’s Interpretation of Christ’s Descent into Hell(27:17) The Cry of Dereliction and Its Theological Implications(30:06) Exegetical Insights from Psalm 22(46:42) Practical Applications for Preaching the Cry of Dereliction(50:37) Conclusion
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Does Paul Allow Divorce & Remarriage? | Craig Keener on 1 Corinthians 7:15
Mar 2501:01:10Tap to summarizeDid the apostle Paul allow for divorce and remarriage? In this episode of What in the Word?, Kirk E. Miller sits down with renowned New Testament scholar Craig Keener to navigate the challenging and often debated passage of 1 Corinthians 7:12–16.They explore its historical context, dissect key Greek terms like "leave" and "not bound," and survey the different interpretive viewpoints on what Paul's words mean for believers in religiously mixed marriages.Get a free Mobile Ed course when you start a free trial: https://www.logos.com/show/what-in-the-word?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witwLearn more about the episode: https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-1-corinthians-7-divorce-remarriage/?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witwOutline:(00:00) Introduction and Purpose of the Episode(00:59) Meet Dr. Craig Keener(02:06) Understanding the Context of 1 Corinthians 7:12-16(04:38) Diverse Interpretations of Divorce and Remarriage(05:50) Paul’s Teachings on Marriage and Divorce(09:36) Implications of Being ‘Bound’ and ‘Loosed’(27:23) Practical Considerations and Exceptions(28:48) Permissions for Divorce and Remarriage(29:44) Key Terms in the Passage(30:29) Cultural Context of Divorce(31:40) Exceptions for Divorce(32:23) Analogous Situations and Abuse(40:49) Hyperbole in Jesus’ Teachings(55:17) Pastoral Implications of Divorce(01:00:18) Concluding Thoughts and Reflections
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