Enter the Bible

Will we know our loved ones in heaven? This question emerges from the deepest places of human longing and loss, touching anyone who has ever said goodbye to someone they cherish. In this profound episode of Enter the Bible, hosts Katie Langston and Kathryn Schifferdecker welcome back Rev. Dr. Mary Hinkle Shore, former Luther Seminary professor and current Aging Life Care Management specialist, to explore what Scripture reveals about eternal relationships. Through careful examination of Jesus's resurrection appearances, Paul's teachings in 1 Thessalonians 4, and the great cloud of witnesses in Hebrews 11-12, the conversation navigates both the mystery and the hope that surrounds our understanding of heavenly relationships.Rather than offering simplistic answers, this thoughtful discussion acknowledges the complexity of biblical texts while affirming the central Christian hope that love—not separation—defines eternity. The panel explores challenging questions about marriage in heaven, the nature of resurrected bodies, and what it means that "nothing good is ever lost" in God's care. Drawing from pastoral experience alongside scholarly insight, this episode provides comfort and biblical grounding for anyone wrestling with questions about reunion with loved ones, offering hope rooted in Scripture's promise that we will indeed recognize and be with those we love in the new heaven and new earth.

How do you distinguish between true and false prophets? This timeless question, which plagued biblical communities for centuries, remains just as relevant today. In this thought-provoking episode, Professor Emeritus Richard Nysse from Luther Seminary joins hosts Katie Langston and Kathryn Schifferdecker to explore the biblical wisdom surrounding false prophets and spiritual discernment. Drawing from key Old Testament passages including Deuteronomy 18 and the dramatic confrontation between Jeremiah and Hananiah, the conversation reveals why the Bible itself doesn't simply assign "true" or "false" labels to prophets, leaving believers to wrestle with discernment in real time.The discussion moves beyond surface-level tests like prediction fulfillment to examine deeper biblical principles for identifying false prophets. From Jesus' teaching about knowing them "by their fruits" in Matthew 7 to understanding the prophetic role as exposition rather than fortune-telling, this episode offers practical wisdom for modern believers navigating questions of spiritual authority. Whether you're evaluating church leadership, processing conflicting teachings, or simply seeking to grow in biblical discernment, this conversation provides essential tools for recognizing authentic spiritual voices while avoiding the pitfalls of false prophets who may lead God's people astray.

The Jephthah's daughter Bible story in Judges 11 has puzzled scholars and believers for centuries, raising difficult questions about faith, sacrifice, and the nature of biblical narrative. In this episode, hosts Catherine Shifreder and Katie Langston welcome back Dennis Olson, Professor of Old Testament Theology Emeritus at Princeton Theological Seminary and author of the New Interpreter Commentary on Judges, to explore this controversial passage. The discussion centers on whether Jephthah actually sacrificed his daughter or dedicated her to lifelong service to God, examining the ambiguous Hebrew text and the various interpretive traditions that have emerged over time.Professor Olson provides crucial context for understanding this Jephthah's daughter Bible story, including Jephthah's background as an outcast turned judge, his negotiations with the Ammonites, and the significance of his vow in light of the Spirit of the Lord coming upon him. The conversation explores how this narrative fits into the larger theme of moral decline in Judges, where "everyone did what was right in their own eyes," and draws parallels to other biblical stories including Abraham's near-sacrifice of Isaac and Saul's vow regarding Jonathan. Through scholarly analysis and thoughtful discussion, this episode demonstrates that not every story in the Bible serves as a moral example, but rather some narratives function as cautionary tales about the dangers of acting without community wisdom and divine guidance.

What do the mysterious numbers in the Book of Revelation really mean? In this fascinating episode, we explore Revelation numbers meaning with distinguished biblical scholar Professor Craig Koester, author of the Anchor Bible Commentary on Revelation. From the infamous 666 to the seven churches and seven stars, discover how these ancient numerical symbols made perfect sense to first-century readers and what they reveal about early Christian struggles with Roman imperial power.Professor Koester explains how the number 666 likely refers to Emperor Nero through ancient Hebrew letter-number calculations, why the seven churches represented completeness rather than limitation, and how the mark of the beast symbolized allegiance rather than literal markings. This episode transforms confusing biblical puzzles into clear historical insights, showing how understanding the original context unlocks the deeper meaning of Revelation's most enigmatic passages.

How should Christians approach biblical interpretation when it comes to Old Testament law? This episode tackles the essential question of Christian biblical interpretation with father-daughter theologians Paul Hinlicky and Sarah Hinlicky Wilson. They explore how proper interpretive methods help us understand the relationship between biblical law, Jesus' fulfillment of the law, and contemporary Christian living. The discussion emphasizes that effective Christian biblical interpretation requires avoiding supersessionism while recognizing Jesus as the interpretive key to understanding Torah and Old Testament law.The conversation reveals why Christian biblical interpretation must be grounded in deep scriptural knowledge and practiced within faithful communities. The guests discuss Lutheran interpretive frameworks, including the three uses of law, and address how churches can develop better practices of Christian biblical interpretation. They emphasize that biblical law interpretation shouldn't be a weapon or burden, but should promote human flourishing when approached through proper Christian biblical interpretation methods rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

What does it mean that faith is Gods work rather than human achievement? In this thought-provoking episode, father-daughter duo Lutheran theologians Paul Hinlicky and Sarah Hinlicky Wilson tackle a listener's question about the nature of faith and Gods work in our spiritual lives. They explore how Gods work manifests in gifting us faith while still crediting Abraham's faith as righteousness, addressing the seeming paradox between divine initiative and human response.The conversation delves deep into Lutheran theology's understanding of how Gods work operates through grace, breaking down barriers in our hearts while respecting human dignity. From Augustine's journey to modern faith crises, the hosts demonstrate how Gods work encompasses both the gift of faith and our authentic human response, showing that doubt itself can be part of Gods work in deepening our trust and understanding.

Why Doesn't the Gospel of Mark Include Any Resurrection Eye Witness Accounts Like the Other Gospels? Why doesn't the Gospel of Mark contain any resurrection eye witness accounts when the other three gospels do? This question about the gospel of mark resurrection eye witness problem has fascinated biblical scholars for generations. In this episode, New Testament professor Kristofer Phan Coffman from Luther Seminary tackles this complex issue, explaining why Mark - considered the oldest and potentially most historically accurate gospel - ends so abruptly without Jesus appearing to his followers after the resurrection.Through expert analysis of ancient manuscripts like Codex Sinaiticus and Vaticanus, Coffman reveals how the "longer ending" of Mark was likely added later to address this very concern. He explores the literary context of ancient Greek writings, the relationship between Paul and the original disciples, and what Mark's unique ending tells us about early Christian communities. Rather than undermining the resurrection, Mark's approach may actually invite readers into the ongoing story of faith in ways that make the Gospel of Mark resurrection eye witness question less problematic than it initially appears.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:The Oxford Handbook of the Synoptic Gospels (2023)MORE FROM US:Our website: https://enterthebible.org/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enterthebible/SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review!

The Hidden Agenda Behind How We've Been Reading Hebrews All Wrong.Can you read the Book of Hebrews without displacing the Jews? This crucial question gets to the heart of how Christians interpret one of the New Testament's most challenging books. In this episode, New Testament scholar Craig Koester explains why centuries of interpretation have wrongly positioned Hebrews as anti-Jewish, tracing this problematic reading back to John Chrysostom's 4th-century commentary. Koester, author of the Anchor Bible Commentary on Hebrews, reveals how the book was actually written to encourage a small, beleaguered community of Jesus-followers—not to condemn or replace Jewish people.Rather than promoting displacement theology, Hebrews invites its readers into Israel's ongoing story and God's expanding covenant. Koester demonstrates how understanding the book's original context, audience, and purpose completely transforms its meaning, showing how early Christians saw themselves as participants in—not replacements of—God's relationship with Israel. This conversation offers essential insights for pastors, Bible study leaders, and anyone seeking to read Scripture responsibly in our contemporary context, where anti-Semitism remains a persistent threat.HERE ARE THE 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:1. The Anti-Jewish Reading of Hebrews Is a Historical Mistake – The interpretation of Hebrews as demonstrating Christianity's superiority over Judaism traces back to John Chrysostom's 4th-century agenda to prevent Christians from participating in Jewish community life.2. Hebrews Includes Rather Than Excludes – The Book of Hebrews never condemns Jewish people who don't follow Jesus, but instead shows how Jesus-followers participate in Israel's expanding story through journey metaphors and covenant language.3. Understanding Context Transforms Interpretation – Reading Hebrews as encouragement to a discouraged early Christian community—rather than as anti-Jewish polemic—reveals it as a book about God's expanding grace rather than religious replacement.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:- Anchor Bible Commentary on Hebrews by Craig Koester- John Chrysostom's 4th-century commentary on Hebrews

Why does Joseph's lineage in Matthew 1 matter if Joseph wasn't Jesus' biological father? Professor Diane Jacobson reveals how this apparent contradiction actually unlocks the key message of Matthew's Gospel. Through adoption, Jesus becomes the son of David, demonstrating that God's family extends far beyond bloodlines to include all who are claimed and named as God's own.The Joseph lineage Bible passage also features five remarkable women - Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary - whose stories of survival, courage, and faith show how God works through unexpected people. From foreign women to those with questionable reputations, these ancestors reveal that Jesus came for everyone, including those society might reject. This conversation transforms a seemingly boring genealogy into a profound theological statement about divine inclusion.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Luther Seminary – Where Professor Diane Jacobson taught Old Testament studiesBook of Faith Initiative – ELCA program promoting biblical study and literacy (directed by Diane Jacobson)Enter the Bible Course on the Book of Ruth by Diane Jacobson

What's the difference between biblical infallibility and inerrancy, and does it matter for your faith? Join hosts Rev. Dr. Kathryn Schifferdecker and Rev. Katie Langston as they welcome PhD candidate Bridget Jack Jeffries to explore this crucial theological distinction. Many Christians struggle with apparent contradictions in Scripture and wonder if they can still trust the Bible's authority. This episode provides clarity on biblical infallibility as an alternative to strict inerrancy, showing how Scripture can be sufficient for salvation without requiring perfection in every historical detail.Bridget shares her journey from skepticism to faith, explaining how biblical infallibility allows for narrative choices by biblical authors while maintaining Scripture's trustworthiness. The conversation covers practical interpretation methods, the role of church tradition, and how to approach difficult passages without losing faith. Whether you're questioning biblical reliability or seeking to understand different evangelical perspectives, this discussion offers valuable insights into biblical infallibility and its implications for Christian belief and practice.

Can women be pastors? This question continues to divide Christian communities, with faithful believers reaching different conclusions based on their interpretation of Scripture. In this episode, we welcome Bridget Jack Jeffries, a PhD candidate at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, to explore both complementarian and egalitarian perspectives on women's ordination. We examine key biblical passages including 1 Timothy 2:12, which seems to restrict women's teaching authority, alongside compelling examples of female leaders like Deborah, Miriam, Anna, and the apostle Junia mentioned in Romans 16:7.The conversation reveals how Christians who deeply love Scripture can interpret the same passages differently when asking "can women be pastors." From examining house church leaders in the New Testament to understanding how different denominations approach women's ordination, this episode provides a charitable exploration of both sides. Whether you're from an evangelical, Lutheran, Catholic, or other Christian tradition, you'll gain insight into the biblical, historical, and theological factors that inform this ongoing discussion about women in ministry and church leadership.

In this engaging episode of Enter the Bible, hosts Rev. Dr. Kathryn Schifferdecker and Rev. Katie Langston welcome biblical scholar Dr. Cory Driver to tackle listener questions about understanding biblical prophecy. The conversation explores the historical context and theological significance of Amos's bold critique of the wealthy northern kingdom, Micah's geographically diverse preaching locations, and the complex role of Job's friends in biblical wisdom literature. Dr. Driver provides fascinating insights into how these prophetic voices challenged the religious and social status quo of their time, offering contemporary listeners a deeper understanding of biblical prophecy beyond surface readings.As the discussion unfolds, the hosts and guest explore how Amos confronted religious hypocrisy in Bethel, how Micah cleverly used wordplay with town names in the Judean foothills, and whether Job's friends' speeches contain any theological value despite God's rebuke. This episode demonstrates how understanding biblical prophecy requires engaging with the texts in their historical context while recognizing how they continue to challenge our comfortable theological systems today. Perfect for Bible study groups, seminary students, or anyone wanting to move beyond superficial readings of these profound prophetic texts.

What does the Bible say about God and life on other planets? In this thought-provoking episode of Enter the Bible, hosts Katie Langston and Kathryn Schifferdecker welcome theologian Dr. Alan Padgett to explore this cosmic question. While the Bible doesn't specifically mention planets as we understand them today, Dr. Padgett explains how the biblical affirmation of God as Creator of everything provides a theological framework that can accommodate the possibility of extraterrestrial life.The conversation ranges from ancient biblical cosmology to modern discoveries of exoplanets, addressing fascinating theological questions like whether aliens would need salvation and how God might interact with beings on other worlds. Dr. Padgett reminds listeners that while Scripture's primary focus is on God's relationship with humanity, the truth that God created everything in the universe means any life elsewhere would also be part of God's creation. A perfect blend of biblical wisdom, theological depth, and scientific awareness for curious Christians.

Welcome to Season 8 of the Enter the Bible podcast! In our premiere episode, hosts Kathryn Schifferdecker and Katie Langston welcome back Professor Alan Padgett from Luther Seminary to tackle a challenging question from a listener: "Is believing in God or Jesus like having an imaginary friend?"Professor Padgett offers a thoughtful exploration of the philosophical foundations of belief in God, addressing skeptical perspectives while providing insights into the rationality of faith. Whether you're a believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, this episode provides valuable perspectives on these perennial questions.Professor Padgett approaches this question from multiple angles:Rethinking "Imaginary" - Rather than dismissing imaginary friends as negative or childish, Padgett notes their positive developmental role and cultural significance.Monotheism as Sophisticated Philosophy - He explains how monotheism represents a complex philosophical tradition developed over centuries by brilliant minds from Plato and Aristotle to Augustine and Aquinas.Scientific and Philosophical Evidence - The conversation explores how belief in God provides philosophical explanations for scientific observations like fine-tuning in the universe and the existence of natural laws.When Science Reaches Its Limits - Padgett shares his personal journey from studying physics to recognizing science's limitations in addressing questions about meaning, purpose, beauty, and morality.General vs. Special Revelation - The discussion concludes with an important distinction between knowing a creator God through nature versus understanding a loving God through Jesus.

In this episode of the Enter the Bible podcast, hosts Katie Langston and Kathryn Schifferdecker engage with retired Charles T. Haley Professor of Old Testament Theology and Chair of the Biblical Studies Department at Princeton Theological Seminary, Dennis T. Olson to explore the significance of the Sabbath commandment for Christian believers. In our season seven finale, we explore the rich meaning of Sabbath rest—its roots, its connection to Jesus’ life, and its relevance today. From the shift to Sunday worship to the challenges of finding rest in a fast-paced world, we discuss how the Sabbath is both a gift for flourishing and a practice of trust. Drawing on biblical stories like the manna in the wilderness, we reflect on how embracing the Sabbath can bring joy, community, and deeper reliance on God’s provision.

In this episode of the Enter the Bible Podcast, we tackle a listener-submitted question that explores the complex relationship between early Christianity and Jewish identity. Drawing from Paul's writings and the historical context of the early church, we uncover the tensions and unity between Jewish and Gentile believers. Learn how faith practices can foster joy and community, the significance of humility for Gentile Christians, and how Ephesians 2 calls for breaking down barriers.Join hosts Rev. Katie Langston (Director of Digital Strategy at Faith+Lead) and Kathryn M. Schifferdecker (Professor and Elva B. Lovell Chair of Old Testament at Luther Seminary) along with guest Diane L. Jacobson (Prof. Emerita, Old Testament at Luther Seminary) us as we reflect on lessons from history and their impact on faith today.Do you have Bible questions you would like answered? As we wind down season 7 of the Enter the Bible Podcast, were looking for your burning questions on the Bible. Go to our website at https://enterthebible.org/about to get started.Watch this video on YouTube at https://youtu.be/UWGPEex_6lY.

In this episode of Enter the Bible, hosts Katie Langston and Kathryn Schifferdecker are joined by Professor Mary Hinkle Shore to explore the meaning of 1 Corinthians 13:12. Together, they unpack the powerful imagery of "seeing through a mirror dimly" and its connection to love, community, and navigating a world of imperfect understanding.Tune in for a conversation filled with:- Insights into the depth of God's love- The importance of humility in faith- Practical wisdom for engaging across divides in a polarized worldWatch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/pkxWKjD8dgs.

In this episode of Enter the Bible, hosts Katie Langston and Kathryn Schifferdecker welcome Professor Diane Jacobson to discuss one of the Bible’s most complex and compelling books: Job. Together, they explore: The profound questions raised by God's whirlwind speeches.The nature of suffering and its relationship to faith. Job’s restoration and its implications for understanding divine justice.This conversation offers rich theological insights and challenges listeners to wrestle with the text, emphasizing the importance of questioning and engaging with scripture.Watch this video on YouTube at https://youtu.be/w9fImIEB6-0.

Join the Enter the Bible podcast with hosts Katie Langston and Kathryn Schifferdecker as they sit down with Luther Seminary Professor of New Testament Matthew L. Skinner to tackle the question: Was Paul the real founder of Christianity?Explore how Paul’s writings shaped the early church, his focus on the cross and resurrection, and his revolutionary views on community, gender, and the gospel. Discover the cosmic scope of his theology and how Jesus profoundly influenced his mission. This conversation will challenge your perspective and deepen your understanding of Paul’s role in Christianity.Do you have Bible questions you would like answered? Go to our website at https://enterthebible.org/about to get started.Watch this video on YouTube at https://youtu.be/0aLzkZ7oYtM.

In this episode of the Enter the Bible podcast, hosts Kathryn Schifferdecker and Katie Langston are joined by Assistant Professor of New Testament at  Luther Seminary, Kristofer Phan Coffman, to explore the question: Does anyone sit at God’s left hand? Together, they examine the biblical and cultural symbolism of the right and left hands, with insights from figures like Martin Luther and the Midrash. Discover how these seating positions convey power and presence in scripture.Do you have Bible questions you would like answered? Go to our website at https://enterthebible.org/about to get started.Watch this video on YouTube at https://youtu.be/VBqNuAInWWc.