Jude: A Family Legacy and a Short Letter

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 NOTESFor chapter-by-chapter summaries, referenced Scriptures, and reflection questions, check out the full show notes for this episode.CHAPTERSJude’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 TRANSCRIPTView this episode’s official transcript.BIBLEPROJECT JUDE TRANSLATIONView our full translation of the Letter of Jude.REFERENCED RESOURCESPanarion by Epiphanius of SalamisThe Perpetual Virginity of Blessed Mary: Against Helvidius by JeromeProto-Gospel of JamesCommentary on Matthew by OrigenAntiquities of the Jews by Flavius JosephusThe Church History by Eusebius of CaesareaCheck 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 GodwinBibleProject theme song by TENTS SHOW CREDITSProduction 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.

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 NOTESFor detailed, chapter-by-chapter summaries and referenced resources, check out the full show notes for this episode.CHAPTERSIntro (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 TRANSCRIPTView this episode’s official transcript.REFERENCED RESOURCESHeaven & Earth videoGenesis 1-11 videoGenesis 12-50 videoThe Messiah videoThe Law podcast seriesGod and Money podcast episodeRevelation Premiere live eventProyecto 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 TENTSBibleProject theme song by TENTSSHOW CREDITSProduction 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.

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.TIMESTAMPSGratitude 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 TRANSCRIPTView this episode’s official transcript.REFERENCED RESOURCESSubscribe 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 MountainThe Exodus WayRedemptionThe WildernessListen 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 MUSICBibleProject theme song by TENTS SHOW CREDITSProduction 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.

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 NOTESFor chapter-by-chapter notes including summaries, referenced Scriptures, biblical words, and reflection questions, check out the full show notes for this episode.CHAPTERSThe 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 TRANSCRIPTView this episode’s official transcript.REFERENCED RESOURCESThe Affections of Christ Jesus: Love at the Heart of Paul’s Theology by Nijay GuptaAhavah / 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 AvesBibleProject theme song by TENTS SHOW CREDITSProduction 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.

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 NOTESFor chapter-by-chapter notes including summaries, referenced Scriptures, biblical words, and reflection questions, check out the full show notes for this episode.CHAPTERSThe 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 TRANSCRIPTView this episode’s official transcript.REFERENCED RESOURCESChara / 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 AvesBibleProject theme song by TENTS SHOW CREDITSProduction 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.

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 NOTESFor chapter-by-chapter notes including summaries, referenced Scriptures, biblical words, and reflection questions, check out the full show notes for this episode.CHAPTERSShalom 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 TRANSCRIPTView this episode’s official transcript.REFERENCED RESOURCESShalom / 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 AvesBibleProject theme song by TENTS SHOW CREDITSProduction 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.

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 NOTESFor chapter-by-chapter notes including summaries, referenced Scriptures, biblical words, and reflection questions, check out the full show notes for this episode.CHAPTERSYakhal, 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 TRANSCRIPTView this episode’s official transcript.REFERENCED RESOURCESThe Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament by Ludwig Koehler and Walter BaumgartnerThe Life of Moses and Homilies on the Song of Songs by Gregory of NyssaThe Last Battle by C.S. LewisYakhal / 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 AvesBibleProject theme song by TENTS SHOW CREDITSProduction 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.

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 →CHAPTERSIntro (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 TRANSCRIPTView this episode’s official transcript.REFERENCED RESOURCESThe Art of Narrative Analogy: Identifying and Interpreting Parallel Passages in the Bible by Seth D. PostellThe 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 MUSICBibleProject theme song by TENTS SHOW CREDITSProduction 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.

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 TRANSCRIPTView this episode’s official transcript.REFERENCED RESOURCESClip 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 CroweYou 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, TbabzBibleProject theme song by TENTSSHOW CREDITSProduction 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.

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 →CHAPTERSThe 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 TRANSCRIPTView this episode’s official transcript.REFERENCED RESOURCESFirst Corinthians: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching by Richard B. HaysEchoes of Scripture in the Letters of Paul by Richard B. HaysThe 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 CharisBibleProject theme song by TENTSSHOW CREDITSProduction 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.