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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42episodes
Episodes
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How Will “All Israel” Be Saved? | Richard Lucas on Romans 11:26
Apr 2, 202501:08:07Tap to summarizeWhat does Paul mean when he says that “All Israel will be saved” in Romans 11:26? Does this refer to a restoration of the nation of Israel, the salvation of the church (i.e., “spiritual Israel”), or something else?In this episode of What in the Word?, Richard Lucas joins Kirk E. Miller to explore the various interpretations of this passage, weigh their strengths and weaknesses, and discuss how this passage fits into the broader biblical narrative, helping us understand how to apply and preach it today.Explore more and get special offers from Logos: https://www.logos.com/grow//witw-all-israel-saved-romans-11?utm_campaign=show-witw&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=socialDisclaimer: Logos values thoughtful and engaging discussions on important biblical topics. However, the views and interpretations presented in this episode are those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Logos. We recognize that Christians may hold different perspectives on this passage, and we welcome diverse engagement and respectful dialogue.Episode outline:00:00 Introduction00:55 Guest Introduction: Dr. Richard Lucas02:25 Context of Romans 1107:54 Interpretive Options for 'All Israel Will Be Saved'09:54 View 1: All Israel as Spiritual Israel17:40 View 2: All Israel as Elect Israel32:52 Understanding the Adverb of Manner33:06 Temporal Reference and Salvation Debate34:10 Gentile and Israel Salvation Sequence34:47 Introduction to Different Views on Israel's Salvation35:36 View 3: Future Salvation of Ethnic Israel36:58 View 4: Future Mass Conversion of Ethnic Jews45:59 Dispensationalism and National Israel Restoration52:02 Critique of Dispensationalism01:05:23 Practical Advice for Teaching the Passage01:07:01 Conclusion
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Shouldn't Jesus Know the Future? | Brandon Crowe on Mark 13:32
Mar 26, 202500:41:30Tap to summarizeIn Mark 13:32 (and Matthew 24:36), Jesus states that He does not know the day or hour of His return—only the Father does. But how can that be? If Jesus is fully God, wouldn’t He be omniscient?In this episode of What in the Word?, Kirk E. Miller is joined by Brandon Crowe to explore this challenging passage. They discuss different possible explanations—including bad ones!—and the importance of distinguishing Christ’s two natures. Nothing short of our salvation is at stake!Explore more and get special offers from Logos: https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-did-jesus-know-the-future?utm_campaign=show-witw&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=socialDisclaimer: Logos values thoughtful and engaging discussions on important biblical topics. However, the views and interpretations presented in this episode are those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Logos. We recognize that Christians may hold different perspectives on this passage, and we welcome diverse engagement and respectful dialogue.Outline:00:00 Introduction to the Episode00:19 Show Announcements and Listener Engagement00:55 Meet Dr. Brandon Crow02:48 Understanding the Context of Mark 13:3205:22 Exploring Different Interpretations08:46 Orthodox Explanations and Theological Insights20:18 Practical Applications and Hermeneutical Principles39:09 Conclusion and Additional Resources
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What Does It Mean to Take God's Name in Vain? | Carmen Imes on Exodus 20:7
Mar 19, 202500:56:02Tap to summarizeWhat does it really mean to take God’s name in vain? Is it just about using God’s name irreverently, or is there more to it?In this episode of What in the Word?, Kirk E. Miller is joined by Carmen Joy Imes, an expert in Old Testament studies, to explore Exodus 20:7 (cf. Deut 5:11). They examine the historical, linguistic, and theological dimensions of this command, including how it relates to bearing God’s name as His people. Along the way, they discuss different interpretations—ranging from speech and oath-taking to representing God rightly in daily life.Don’t miss this deep dive into one of the most commonly misunderstood commandments!Explore more and get special offers from Logos: https://www.logos.com/grow//witw-take-gods-name-in-vain?utm_campaign=show-witw&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=socialDisclaimer: Logos values thoughtful and engaging discussions on important biblical topics. However, the views and interpretations presented in this episode are those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Logos. We recognize that Christians may hold different perspectives on this passage, and we welcome diverse engagement and respectful dialogue.00:00 Introduction: Taking God's Name in Vain00:22 Show Introduction and Listener Engagement00:58 Meet Dr. Carmen Imes01:55 Exploring Exodus 20:703:14 Understanding the Context of the Commandments06:21 Interpretations of 'Taking God's Name in Vain'09:54 Examining the Hebrew Text13:57 Alternative Interpretations and Proposals25:02 Exploring Leviticus and Lashakher26:34 Aaron Bearing the Names of Israel29:13 The Significance of Bearing Yahweh's Name30:09 Logos Bible Study Platform30:53 Recap and Broader Implications34:06 Biblical Theology and the Exodus Context41:20 Bearing God's Name Throughout Scripture52:13 Teaching and Preaching the Command54:51 Conclusion and Call to Action
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What is the Olivet Discourse Predicting? | Mark Strauss on Mark 13, Matthew 24, and Luke 21
Mar 12, 202500:51:43Tap to summarizeThe Olivet Discourse (Mark 13; Matt 24; Luke 21) has puzzled interpreters for centuries. Is Jesus predicting the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, his future return, or both? Dr. Mark Strauss joins Kirk E. Miller on What in the Word? to explore this complex passage. They examine its structure, exegetical issues, and interpretive options—futurist (dispensationalist), preterist, and telescoping views.Learn how Jesus’s apocalyptic language challenges us to live expectantly in light of the current tribulation and his imminent return.Learn more and get special offers from Logos: https://www.logos.com/grow/?utm_campaign=show-witw&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=socialDisclaimer: Logos values thoughtful and engaging discussions on important biblical topics. However, the views and interpretations presented in this episode are those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Logos. We recognize that Christians may hold different perspectives on this passage, and we welcome diverse engagement and respectful dialogue.Episode outline:00:00 Introduction to the Olivet Discourse00:29 Show Introduction and Listener Engagement01:05 Guest Introduction: Dr. Mark Strauss02:35 Context of the Olivet Discourse03:54 Reading and Analyzing Mark 1305:32 Challenges in Interpreting the Olivet Discourse07:27 Prominent Interpretations: Preterist, Futurist, and Mixed Views09:03 Futurist View: Arguments and Counterarguments22:09 Preterist View: Arguments and Counterarguments25:32 Interpreting the Destruction of Jerusalem26:42 Sponsor Message: Logos Bible Study27:26 The Return of Christ in New Testament Context28:29 Preterist View and Revelation References29:44 Mixed View: Destruction of the Temple and Second Coming30:34 Inaugurated Eschatology and the End Times37:25 Illustrations of Two Events44:00 Practical Significance and Teaching Tips49:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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What Does It Mean to “Render to Caesar”? | Michael Bird on Matthew 22:21
Mar 6, 202500:37:38Tap to summarizeWhat did Jesus mean when he said, “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s” (cf. Matt 22:15–22; Mark 12:13–17; Luke 20:20–26)? Was he endorsing government authority, drawing a line between politics and faith, or making a more subversive statement?In this episode of What in the Word?, Kirk E. Miller sits down with Michael Bird to unpack this complex passage. They explore its historical and political context, the different ways it has been interpreted, and what it means for Christians today.Does Jesus affirm paying taxes as a matter of obedience, or is he subtly challenging the system? What does this passage teach about our allegiance to God versus our responsibilities to the state? Join us as we explore one of Jesus’s most famous—and debated—statements.Disclaimer: Logos values thoughtful and engaging discussions on important biblical topics. However, the views and interpretations presented in this episode are those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Logos. We recognize that Christians may hold different perspectives on this passage, and we welcome diverse engagement and respectful dialogue.Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Fj4aQL00:00 Introduction: What Does Jesus Mean by 'Render to Caesar'?00:24 Show Introduction and Listener Support00:59 Meet Dr. Michael Bird03:26 Context of the Passage05:47 Reading the Passage07:06 Debate and Interpretation12:12 The Trap Set for Jesus15:38 Jesus' Clever Response25:46 Historical and Theological Implications31:37 Practical Significance and Preaching Tips36:32 Conclusion and Listener Engagement
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What Are the Keys of the Kingdom? | Jonathan Leeman on Matthew 16:19
Feb 26, 202500:40:45Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Jonathan Leeman joins Kirk E. Miller to discuss the theologically complex passage of Matthew 16:19 and its mention of the “keys of the kingdom.”Together, they unpack the meaning of “binding and loosing,” parallel passages like Matthew 18:18, and how different interpretations have yielded competing conceptions of church authority.Join us as we explore how church participates in Christ’s mission through the authority he entrusts to it.Logos values thoughtful and engaging discussions on important biblical topics. However, the views and interpretations presented in this episode are those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Logos. We recognize that Christians may hold different perspectives on this passage, and we welcome diverse engagement and respectful dialogue.Explore More: https://bit.ly/3Xr4mnkDisclaimer: Logos values thoughtful and engaging discussions on important biblical topics. However, the views and interpretations presented in this episode are those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Logos. We recognize that Christians may hold different perspectives on this passage, and we welcome diverse engagement and respectful dialogue.00:00 Introduction to the Keys of the Kingdom00:25 Show Introduction and Listener Engagement01:01 Guest Introduction: Jonathan Lehman02:03 Reading and Context of Matthew 16:1904:08 Historical Interpretations of Binding and Loosing05:40 Roman Catholic Perspective on Peter and the Keys10:32 Alternative Views on Binding and Loosing13:05 Contextual Analysis of Binding and Loosing23:53 Practical Implications of Church Authority39:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts39:38 Listener Call to Action
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Must Christians Submit to Government? | Kaitlyn Schiess on Romans 13:1–7
Feb 20, 202500:49:45Tap to summarizeIn Romans 13:1–7, Paul tells Christians to submit to governing authorities, even calling these authorities “ministers of God.” But does this mean we must always submit? Or, if there are exceptions, what are they and how do we know?Kaitlyn Schiess joins us to talk about this frequently debated text.Disclaimer: Logos values thoughtful and engaging discussions on important biblical topics. However, the views and interpretations presented in this episode are those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Logos. We recognize that Christians may hold different perspectives on this passage, and we welcome diverse engagement and respectful dialogue.Explore More: https://bit.ly/3CURQ8I00:00 Introduction to Romans 1300:26 Show Introduction and Host Welcome01:02 Guest Introduction: Kaitlin Chess01:56 Context of Romans 1303:06 Reading Romans 13:1-704:20 Debate Over Submission to Authorities05:40 Different Interpretations of Romans 1306:16 Historical and Theological Perspectives08:40 Biblical Context and Broader Theology13:08 Practical Implications for Modern Christians14:54 Paul's Reasoning and Commands22:34 Government as God's Servant25:16 The Role of Government in Biblical Context26:17 Debates on Historical Context27:30 Paul's Perspective on Government Power29:06 Interpreting Paul's Instructions33:06 Balancing Obedience and Civil Disobedience42:00 Practical Applications and Teaching47:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Did God Command Genocide? | Tremper Longman on the Canaanite Conquest
Feb 12, 202500:52:55Tap to summarizeDid God command genocide in the Old Testament? Join Kirk E. Miller and Tremper Longman as they explore the challenging passages, such as Deuteronomy 7:1-6 and Joshua, examining the Canaanite conquest.Discover how to address the moral and theological concerns raised by these texts, including divine judgment, violence, and the question of religious warfare. Learn how these accounts fit into God’s plan and how to teach these passages effectively today.Get more info about the episode and special offers: https://bit.ly/4hpuoj1Disclaimer: Logos values thoughtful and engaging discussions on important biblical topics. However, the views and interpretations presented in this episode are those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Logos. We recognize that Christians may hold different perspectives on this passage, and we welcome diverse engagement and respectful dialogue.00:00 Introduction: Did God Command Genocide?00:16 Show Introduction and Listener Engagement00:52 Meet Dr. Tremper Longman01:58 The Ethical Issue of Divine Warfare03:00 Difficult Passages and Modern Implications07:35 Different Interpretations of Divine Warfare10:48 The Continuity and Discontinuity Approach25:46 Jesus and the Intensification of Spiritual Warfare36:13 Hyperbole in Ancient Near Eastern Battle Reports39:59 Theological and Moral Justifications for the Canaanite Conquest48:38 Practical Advice for Preachers and Teachers51:27 Conclusion and Listener Call to Action
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What Does Paul Mean by “Baptism for the Dead”? | B. J. Oropeza on 1 Corinthians 15:29
Feb 6, 202500:53:07Tap to summarizeIn this episode of What in the Word?, we dive into one of the most puzzling verses in the New Testament: 1 Corinthians 15:29 and its reference to “baptism for the dead.” Host, Kirk E. Miller, is joined by biblical scholar, B. J. Oropeza, to explore various interpretations as well as key exegetical insights that unlock the meaning of this cryptic passage.Tune in to gain practical insights for interpreting, applying, and teaching this verse that has sparked debate for centuries!Explore more and check out special offers: https://bit.ly/4jOnKUMDisclaimer: Logos values thoughtful and engaging discussions on important biblical topics. However, the views and interpretations presented in this episode are those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Logos. We recognize that Christians may hold different perspectives on this passage, and we welcome diverse engagement and respectful dialogue.00:00 Introduction: Baptism for the Dead?00:26 Show Introduction and Listener Appreciation01:02 Meet the Expert: BJ Oropesa03:24 Diving into 1 Corinthians 15: Context and Controversy06:28 Exploring Interpretations: Traditional and Modern Views17:11 Metaphorical and Martyrdom Interpretations23:22 Sponsorship Break27:15 Paul's Argument and Exegesis43:47 Concluding Thoughts and Practical Applications52:02 Final Remarks and Listener Engagement
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Who Are the “Sons of God” and Nephilim? | James Hamilton on Genesis 6
Jan 30, 202500:51:26Tap to summarizeIn this inaugural episode of What in the Word?, James M. Hamilton Jr., a professor of biblical theology and a pastor, joins Kirk to talk about one of Scripture’s most notorious passages: Genesis 6:1–4.Together, they explore the possible identities of the “sons of God” and the Nephilim. They discuss different interpretations, including the possibilities of angelic beings or the godly line of Seth, and outline their key arguments. Tune in to uncover how this passage highlights humanity’s fallen state and the need for redemption through Christ.Explore more and get special offers: https://bit.ly/3EjRA3qDisclaimer: Logos values thoughtful and engaging discussions on important biblical topics. However, the views and interpretations presented in this episode are those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Logos. We recognize that Christians may hold different perspectives on this passage, and we welcome diverse engagement and respectful dialogue.Episode outline:00:00 Introduction to Genesis 6:1-400:18 Meet Dr. James Hamilton01:58 Reading the Passage03:26 Interpreting the Sons of God06:35 Biblical Language Insights12:09 New Testament References24:42 Who Are the Nephilim?36:29 Practical Implications and Preaching Tips44:42 Conclusion and Farewell
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