Love: God’s Gift and Our Calling

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.

The Wilderness E10 — Throughout ancient Israel’s long history of wandering in the wilderness, failing in the garden land, being exiled to the nations, and then continuing to struggle after their return to the land, one thing has been clear. The people need a faithful shepherd like Moses who can guide them into God’s provision and wisdom. So after Jesus is baptized in the wilderness and succeeds in his own wilderness tests, you can probably guess where Jesus goes to feed, heal, and teach people! In this episode, Jon and Tim explore stories in the gospels where Jesus provides for Israelites and non-Israelites in the wilderness, acting as a new Moses-like shepherd.CHAPTERSRecap of Theme and Setup for Jesus as a New Moses Figure (0:00-14:03)The People’s Need for a Shepherd (14:03-24:04)Bread in the Wilderness for Israel (24:04-38:12)Discussing Bread With Pharisees and a Canaanite Woman (38:12-47:35)Bread in the Wilderness for the Nations (47:35-1:02:37)OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPTView this episode’s official transcript.REFERENCED RESOURCESYou 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“Be Like Water” by Lofi Sunday, Zairis TéJion“Holy” by Lofi Sunday, Just Derrick“It's Gonna Be Alright-22” by Lofi Sunday, Marc Vanparla“jazz club” by Lofi Sunday, PAINT WITH SOUNDBibleProject 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.

The Wilderness E9 — After Jesus’ baptism, the Holy Spirit leads him into the wilderness to be tested for 40 days. The exodus generation spent 40 years in the wilderness, so we’d be right to expect parallels with their experience. But why does Jesus need to go through this wilderness test? And what does it mean for his followers? In this episode, Jon and Tim look at Jesus’ three wilderness tests, discovering the long-awaited faithful human who is ready to enter the garden land.CHAPTERSRecap of Theme and Setup for Jesus in the Wilderness (0:00-16:59)Final Thoughts on Baptism and Intro to Wilderness Tests (16:59-39:29)Jesus’ Wilderness Tests (39:29-1:01:46)OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPTView this episode’s official transcript.REFERENCED RESOURCESJesus on the Mountain: A Study in Matthean Theology by Terence DonaldsonThe Gospel according to Matthew: A Commentary by Matthias KonradtYou 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“Heaven Is Home” by Lofi Sunday, Zairis TéJion“Fellowship” by Lofi Sunday, Cassidy GodwinBibleProject 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.

The Wilderness E8 –– In the Bible, God often turns wilderness wanderings into times of testing, purification, and preparation for returning to the garden land. The tragedy of the Hebrew Bible, however, is that when people do return to the garden, they keep following their own distorted wisdom and desires. This is why the beginning of every gospel account features a wild prophet named John, who is out in the wilderness by the Jordan River, preaching a baptism of repentance. It’s a symbolic reenactment of when God purified the exodus generation through the deadly chaos waters and treacherous desert. But then Jesus approaches John, also asking to be baptized. Why? In this episode, Jon and Tim unpack the background and ministry of John the Baptizer and how Jesus’ baptism connects to his larger Kingdom mission.CHAPTERSRecap of Theme and Setup for John the Baptizer (0:00-15:53)John’s Background and Words to the Pharisees (15:53-38:03)Why Jesus Participates in a Baptism of Repentance (38:03-44:47)The Heavenly Announcement After Jesus’ Baptism (44:47-51:33)OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPTView this episode’s official transcript.REFERENCED RESOURCESThe Complete Dead Sea Scrolls in English, translated by Geza VermesYou 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“Lunch Break ft. Abstractv” by Lofi Sunday“Old Record” by Lofi Sunday, Marc VanparlaBibleProject 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.