The BEMA Podcast

Asking Better Questions of the Bible by Marty Solomon

Discussion Video for BEMA 304

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the different elements of John’s construction and consider some of the scholarly theories and observations that have been made over the years, seeing what there might be to learn in those possibilities.

Asking Better Questions of the Bible by Marty Solomon

Discussion Video for BEMA 303

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-11-03

303: The History and Style of the Gospel of John

46 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings take a tour through the history of textual criticism that surrounds the Gospel of John and we look at the unique styles and attributes of John’s writing.

Historical Tradition and Sources in John

Discussion Video for BEMA 303

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings take a tour through the history of textual criticism that surrounds the Gospel of John and we look at the unique styles and attributes of John’s writing.

Historical Tradition and Sources in John

Discussion Video for BEMA 302

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-10-26

302: John — Do You Even Like Me?

41 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings listen in on the restoration of Peter and consider the conclusion John writes for his Gospel account.

Pre-order: Asking Better Questions of the Bible by Marty Solomon

Discussion Video for BEMA 302

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings listen in on the restoration of Peter and consider the conclusion John writes for his Gospel account.

Pre-order: Asking Better Questions of the Bible by Marty Solomon

Discussion Video for BEMA 301

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-10-19

301: John — On Doubting and Locked Doors

72 min

View

Brent Billings and Reed Dent discuss Thomas—a seemingly strange disciple—and question the nature of doubt and belief.

“The Seeing Heart” by Frederick Buechner — YouTube

“Frederick Buechner, Novelist With a Religious Slant, Dies at 96” by Robert D. McFadden — The New York Times

Wishful Thinking by Frederick Buechner

“St. Thomas Didymus” by Denise Levertov

The Stream & the Sapphire by Denise Levertov

Discussion Video for BEMA 301

More description

Brent Billings and Reed Dent discuss Thomas—a seemingly strange disciple—and question the nature of doubt and belief.

“The Seeing Heart” by Frederick Buechner — YouTube

“Frederick Buechner, Novelist With a Religious Slant, Dies at 96” by Robert D. McFadden — The New York Times

Wishful Thinking by Frederick Buechner

“St. Thomas Didymus” by Denise Levertov

The Stream & the Sapphire by Denise Levertov

Discussion Video for BEMA 300

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-10-12

300: John — The Migdal

75 min

View

Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks witness the resurrection of Jesus and consider the figure of Miriam the Migdal, more commonly known as Mary Magdalene.

Isis — Wikipedia

Early Christian Women and Pagan Opinion by Margaret Y. MacDonald

The Resurrection of Mary Magdalene by Jane Schaberg

The Woman Jesus Loved by Antti Marjanen

Discussion Video for BEMA 300

More description

Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks witness the resurrection of Jesus and consider the figure of Miriam the Migdal, more commonly known as Mary Magdalene.

Isis — Wikipedia

Early Christian Women and Pagan Opinion by Margaret Y. MacDonald

The Resurrection of Mary Magdalene by Jane Schaberg

The Woman Jesus Loved by Antti Marjanen

Discussion Video for BEMA 299

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-10-05

299: John — One Pierced

29 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings pick up after the moment of Jesus’s death on the cross, looking at the preparations for his burial and the work of two unexpected characters who take their own stand in honoring Jesus.

Arimathea — Wikipedia

Discussion Video for BEMA 299

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings pick up after the moment of Jesus’s death on the cross, looking at the preparations for his burial and the work of two unexpected characters who take their own stand in honoring Jesus.

Arimathea — Wikipedia

Discussion Video for BEMA 298

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-09-28

298: John — Not Forsaken

43 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings dive into John’s account of Jesus’s crucifixion.

The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel

Shmuel Safrai — Wikipedia

Discussion Video for BEMA 298

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings dive into John’s account of Jesus’s crucifixion.

The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel

Shmuel Safrai — Wikipedia

Discussion Video for BEMA 297

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-09-21

297: Kat Armas — Abuelita Faith

47 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Kat Armas, author of Abuelita Faith, whose earliest theological formation came from her grandmother and ultimately inspired her to tell the stories of those we find on the margins. She teaches people to reflect on the abuelitas in their lives and shows us how to live out this kind of faith on a daily basis.

The Protagonistas

Abuelita Faith by Kat Armas

Abuelita Fe by Kat Armas

Sacred Belonging by Kat Armas

BEMA 52: Jonah — Potential

Kat Armas’s website

Kat Armas on Twitter

Kat Armas on Instagram

Additional audio production by Gus Simpson

Special Guest: Kat Armas.

Discussion Video for BEMA 297

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Kat Armas, author of Abuelita Faith, whose earliest theological formation came from her grandmother and ultimately inspired her to tell the stories of those we find on the margins. She teaches people to reflect on the abuelitas in their lives and shows us how to live out this kind of faith on a daily basis.

The Protagonistas

Abuelita Faith by Kat Armas

Abuelita Fe by Kat Armas

Sacred Belonging by Kat Armas

BEMA 52: Jonah — Potential

Kat Armas’s website

Kat Armas on Twitter

Kat Armas on Instagram

Additional audio production by Gus Simpson

Special Guest: Kat Armas.

Discussion Video for BEMA 296

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-09-14

296: John — I Am He

45 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings see Jesus arrested, finding himself questioned, Peter questioned, finding himself lacking in courage, and Pilate drawn into an argument, finding himself cornered.

Discussion Video for BEMA 296

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings see Jesus arrested, finding himself questioned, Peter questioned, finding himself lacking in courage, and Pilate drawn into an argument, finding himself cornered.

Discussion Video for BEMA 295

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-09-07

295: John — Strategy

41 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at Jesus’s famous prayer for unity. Why is this his foremost concern before he goes to the cross?

Discussion Video for BEMA 295

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at Jesus’s famous prayer for unity. Why is this his foremost concern before he goes to the cross?

Learning Hebrew with Elle — Sacrifices (PDF)

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-08-31

294: John — Sacrifice, Suffering, and Joy

70 min

View

Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks consider the various words for sacrifices in Hebrew before moving on to the second half of John 16 as we work our way through the Farewell Discourses.

Discussion Video for BEMA 294

Consider the Birds by Debbie Blue

Michael Pakaluk — The Catholic University of America

George Parsenios — Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology

Urban von Wahlde — Loyola University Chicago

Raymond E. Brown — Wikipedia

Burton Visotzky — Wikipedia

“Wine, Women, and the Polis” by Brigette Ford Russell — JSTOR

BEMA 248: Joy and Lot’s Untitled Wife w/ Elle Grover Fricks

Learning Hebrew with Elle — Sacrifices (PDF)

More description

Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks consider the various words for sacrifices in Hebrew before moving on to the second half of John 16 as we work our way through the Farewell Discourses.

Discussion Video for BEMA 294

Consider the Birds by Debbie Blue

Michael Pakaluk — The Catholic University of America

George Parsenios — Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology

Urban von Wahlde — Loyola University Chicago

Raymond E. Brown — Wikipedia

Burton Visotzky — Wikipedia

“Wine, Women, and the Polis” by Brigette Ford Russell — JSTOR

BEMA 248: Joy and Lot’s Untitled Wife w/ Elle Grover Fricks

Discussion Video for BEMA 293

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-08-24

293: John — Sin, Righteousness, Judgment

34 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue Jesus’s discussion about the place of persecution in the coming days, decades, and centuries. What is the Holy Spirit’s job (or at least one of them) in this process of glorification?

Discussion Video for BEMA 293

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue Jesus’s discussion about the place of persecution in the coming days, decades, and centuries. What is the Holy Spirit’s job (or at least one of them) in this process of glorification?

Discussion Video for BEMA 292

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-08-17

292: John — The Pruning Work of Persecution

48 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings spend time in one of the staple passages of Impact Campus Ministries, and a foundational text for intimacy with God. Jesus is the true vine—what can we learn by taking this truth seriously?

BEMA 24: Creating a Space

About — Impact Campus Ministries

Discussion Video for BEMA 292

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings spend time in one of the staple passages of Impact Campus Ministries, and a foundational text for intimacy with God. Jesus is the true vine—what can we learn by taking this truth seriously?

BEMA 24: Creating a Space

About — Impact Campus Ministries

Discussion Video for BEMA 291

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-08-10

291: John — Parakletos

38 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue into Jesus’s discourse in preparation for his death, where he promises the Advocate, the Helper, the Counselor—the Holy Spirit.

Holy Spirit — BibleProject

Discussion Video for BEMA 291

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue into Jesus’s discourse in preparation for his death, where he promises the Advocate, the Helper, the Counselor—the Holy Spirit.

Holy Spirit — BibleProject

Discussion Video for BEMA 290

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-08-03

290: John — This Is the Way

48 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin Jesus’s final discourse in John as he prepares for his imminent arrest, considering what it means that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

BEMA 22: Under the Chuppah

The Jewish Annotated New Testament by Oxford University Press (NRSV)

BEMA 137: A Dry Tree

Discussion Video for BEMA 290

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin Jesus’s final discourse in John as he prepares for his imminent arrest, considering what it means that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

BEMA 22: Under the Chuppah

The Jewish Annotated New Testament by Oxford University Press (NRSV)

BEMA 137: A Dry Tree

John — Loved to the End Presentation (PDF)

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-07-27

289: John — Loved to the End

36 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin an examination of the “Book of Hours” or the “Book of Glory.” What does it look like to believe in Jesus?

Discussion Video for BEMA 289

The Fidelity of Betrayal by Peter Rollins

John — Loved to the End Presentation (PDF)

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings begin an examination of the “Book of Hours” or the “Book of Glory.” What does it look like to believe in Jesus?

Discussion Video for BEMA 289

The Fidelity of Betrayal by Peter Rollins

Discussion Video for BEMA 288

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-07-20

288: Steve Park — Little Lights

62 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Steve Park, founder of Little Lights Urban Ministries in Washington, DC. He teaches race literacy for Christians, provides after-school and summer programs, adult and employment programs, Christian mentoring and Bible studies, and so much more.

Little Lights

The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck

The World’s Religions by Huston Smith

Race: The Power of an Illusion — PBS

Race Literacy 101 Class

Little Lights on YouTube

Little Lights on Facebook

Little Lights on Instagram

Little Lights on LinkedIn

Little Lights on Twitter

Additional audio production by Gus Simpson

Special Guest: Steve Park.

Discussion Video for BEMA 288

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Steve Park, founder of Little Lights Urban Ministries in Washington, DC. He teaches race literacy for Christians, provides after-school and summer programs, adult and employment programs, Christian mentoring and Bible studies, and so much more.

Little Lights

The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck

The World’s Religions by Huston Smith

Race: The Power of an Illusion — PBS

Race Literacy 101 Class

Little Lights on YouTube

Little Lights on Facebook

Little Lights on Instagram

Little Lights on LinkedIn

Little Lights on Twitter

Additional audio production by Gus Simpson

Special Guest: Steve Park.

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-07-13

287: John — The Test of Meat

68 min

View

Brent Billings and Josh Bossé resume an reexamination of John 6 as Jesus continues to subvert the expectations of the people as the second Moses.

More description

Brent Billings and Josh Bossé resume an reexamination of John 6 as Jesus continues to subvert the expectations of the people as the second Moses.

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-07-06

286: John — The Test of Bread

50 min

View

Brent Billings and Josh Bossé examine John 6 for a second time, looking at the test Jesus gives to his disciples as they prepare to feed the 5000.

BEMA 281: John — You Are Gods

More description

Brent Billings and Josh Bossé examine John 6 for a second time, looking at the test Jesus gives to his disciples as they prepare to feed the 5000.

BEMA 281: John — You Are Gods

Discussion Video for BEMA 285

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-06-29

285: John — Book of Signs

34 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings finish John’s “Book of Signs” and the concluding examination of belief and disbelief.

BEMA 64: 3 Isaiah — Servant

Thought of the Day: Two Hands of Faith — Marty Solomon, YouTube

The Universal Christ by Richard Rohr

Discussion Video for BEMA 285

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings finish John’s “Book of Signs” and the concluding examination of belief and disbelief.

BEMA 64: 3 Isaiah — Servant

Thought of the Day: Two Hands of Faith — Marty Solomon, YouTube

The Universal Christ by Richard Rohr

Discussion Video for BEMA 284

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-06-22

284: John — The Hour Has Come

33 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings work toward the closing of the Book of Signs in the Gospel of John as Jesus states that his hour has come.

BEMA 124: Statement of Triumph

The Jewish Annotated New Testament by Oxford University Press (NRSV)

Voice of God — Wikipedia

Discussion Video for BEMA 284

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings work toward the closing of the Book of Signs in the Gospel of John as Jesus states that his hour has come.

BEMA 124: Statement of Triumph

The Jewish Annotated New Testament by Oxford University Press (NRSV)

Voice of God — Wikipedia

Discussion Video for BEMA 283

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-06-15

283: John — Missing God in the Name of God

37 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings consider the Pharisees’ reaction to the raising of Lazarus, as well as the story of Mary anointing Jesus for burial.

“Missing God in the Name of God” sermon — University Christian Church, YouTube

The Jewish Annotated New Testament by Oxford University Press (NRSV)

Discussion Video for BEMA 283

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings consider the Pharisees’ reaction to the raising of Lazarus, as well as the story of Mary anointing Jesus for burial.

“Missing God in the Name of God” sermon — University Christian Church, YouTube

The Jewish Annotated New Testament by Oxford University Press (NRSV)

Discussion Video for BEMA 282

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-06-08

282: John — The Dance of Grief

82 min

View

Brent Billings and Reed Dent discuss a story about Mary and Martha and Jesus, which also happens to contain an episode about the death and resurrection of Lazarus.

“Lazarus Come Forth” by Carmen — YouTube

“The Way of Suffering: A Reasoning of the Heart” by Jerome A. Miller

Existence of God by John R. Jacobson

Discussion Video for BEMA 282

More description

Brent Billings and Reed Dent discuss a story about Mary and Martha and Jesus, which also happens to contain an episode about the death and resurrection of Lazarus.

“Lazarus Come Forth” by Carmen — YouTube

“The Way of Suffering: A Reasoning of the Heart” by Jerome A. Miller

Existence of God by John R. Jacobson

Discussion Video for BEMA 281

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-06-01

281: John — You Are Gods

54 min

View

Brent Billings and Josh Bossé discuss spiritual leadership and the conversations with Jesus in the temple courts at the Festival of Dedication.

Support Josh Bossé

Discussion Video for BEMA 281

More description

Brent Billings and Josh Bossé discuss spiritual leadership and the conversations with Jesus in the temple courts at the Festival of Dedication.

Support Josh Bossé

Discussion Video for BEMA 280

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-05-25

280: The Road Back to Eden

46 min

View

Brent Billings provides an introduction for Marty Solomon to lead us in a special conversation that means a lot to him personally, meant to help us consider one of the things God is inviting us to as we partner with Him to put the world back together. How do we make it back to Eden?

BEMA 6: A Tale of a Tower

The Beast that Crouches at the Door by Rabbi David Fohrman (Amazon)

The Beast that Crouches at the Door by Rabbi David Fohrman (Aleph Beta)

Discussion Video for BEMA 280

More description

Brent Billings provides an introduction for Marty Solomon to lead us in a special conversation that means a lot to him personally, meant to help us consider one of the things God is inviting us to as we partner with Him to put the world back together. How do we make it back to Eden?

BEMA 6: A Tale of a Tower

The Beast that Crouches at the Door by Rabbi David Fohrman (Amazon)

The Beast that Crouches at the Door by Rabbi David Fohrman (Aleph Beta)

John — My Sheep, My Voice Presentation (PDF)

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-05-18

279: John — My Sheep, My Voice

36 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at Jesus’s claim to be the true gate and the good shepherd for his sheep.

Discussion Video for BEMA 279

BEMA 26: Images of the Desert — Shepherd

BEMA 105: An Explosive Kingdom

The 7 Great I Ams #3: I Am the Door sermon — YouTube

The 7 Great I Ams (Sermon Series) — YouTube

John — My Sheep, My Voice Presentation (PDF)

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings look at Jesus’s claim to be the true gate and the good shepherd for his sheep.

Discussion Video for BEMA 279

BEMA 26: Images of the Desert — Shepherd

BEMA 105: An Explosive Kingdom

The 7 Great I Ams #3: I Am the Door sermon — YouTube

The 7 Great I Ams (Sermon Series) — YouTube

Discussion Video for BEMA 278

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-05-11

278: John — Only the Blind Can See

45 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss the healing of a blind man and Jesus’s subsequent teaching on a different kind of blindness.

Everyman’s Talmud by Abraham Cohen

The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann

Addendum to BEMA 80 — Marty Solomon, YouTube

Discussion Video for BEMA 278

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings discuss the healing of a blind man and Jesus’s subsequent teaching on a different kind of blindness.

Everyman’s Talmud by Abraham Cohen

The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann

Addendum to BEMA 80 — Marty Solomon, YouTube

Discussion Video for BEMA 277

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-05-04

277: John — Before Abraham Was

29 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings consider a provocative teaching of Jesus that nearly got him executed.

Discussion Video for BEMA 277

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings consider a provocative teaching of Jesus that nearly got him executed.

Discussion Video for BEMA 276

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-04-27

276: John — Who Is Your Father?

52 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the dispute Jesus has with those who believed him about who their father is.

Discussion Video for BEMA 276

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings examine the dispute Jesus has with those who believed him about who their father is.

Discussion Video for BEMA 275

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-04-20

275: Kate Schmidgall — BitterSweet

49 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Kate Schmidgall, the founder and director of BitterSweet Creative, and the founder and editor of BitterSweet Monthly.

National Community Church, Lincoln Theatre Campus

NCC Lincoln Theatre Campus Staff

Contemplations Series with Walter Brueggemann

An Other Kingdom by Peter Block, Walter Brueggemann, and John McKnight

Breaking Ground by Anne Snyder and Susannah Black

Comment Magazine

Resident Aliens by Stanley Hauerwas and William H. Willimon

Flourishing on the Edge of Faith by Andrew DeCort

Additional audio production by Gus Simpson

Special Guest: Kate Schmidgall.

Discussion Video for BEMA 275

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by special guest Kate Schmidgall, the founder and director of BitterSweet Creative, and the founder and editor of BitterSweet Monthly.

National Community Church, Lincoln Theatre Campus

NCC Lincoln Theatre Campus Staff

Contemplations Series with Walter Brueggemann

An Other Kingdom by Peter Block, Walter Brueggemann, and John McKnight

Breaking Ground by Anne Snyder and Susannah Black

Comment Magazine

Resident Aliens by Stanley Hauerwas and William H. Willimon

Flourishing on the Edge of Faith by Andrew DeCort

Additional audio production by Gus Simpson

Special Guest: Kate Schmidgall.

Discussion Video for BEMA 274

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-04-13

274: John — Light of the World

34 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings hear Jesus talk about his own identity and testimony in the face of those who grapple with his teachings.

BEMA 85: Mark — Roman Gospel

“Written in the Dust” sermon (Brad Gray) — YouTube

Jesus Within Judaism by James H. Charlesworth

Discussion Video for BEMA 274

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings hear Jesus talk about his own identity and testimony in the face of those who grapple with his teachings.

BEMA 85: Mark — Roman Gospel

“Written in the Dust” sermon (Brad Gray) — YouTube

Jesus Within Judaism by James H. Charlesworth

Discussion Video for BEMA 273

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-04-06

273: John — Pericope of an Honor Contest

51 min

View

Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks talk about the cultural context of Jesus being confronted in the courts with the woman accused of adultery in John 8.

The Daniel Scene Brent Could Not Remember (from April 1986)

Hebrew Classes with Elle

“John 7:53-8:11: A Study in Misreading” by Gail R. O’Day — JSTOR

BEMA 82: The Text — When, Where, Who, and Why

Misreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes by E. Randolph Richards and Richard James

The Pericope Adulterae, the Gospel of John, and the Literacy of Jesus by Chris Keith

“Earth Accuses Earth: Tracing What Jesus Wrote on the Ground” by Jennifer Knust and Tommy Wasserman — JSTOR

To Cast the First Stone by Jennifer Knust and Tommy Wasserman

Discussion Video for BEMA 273

More description

Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks talk about the cultural context of Jesus being confronted in the courts with the woman accused of adultery in John 8.

The Daniel Scene Brent Could Not Remember (from April 1986)

Hebrew Classes with Elle

“John 7:53-8:11: A Study in Misreading” by Gail R. O’Day — JSTOR

BEMA 82: The Text — When, Where, Who, and Why

Misreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes by E. Randolph Richards and Richard James

The Pericope Adulterae, the Gospel of John, and the Literacy of Jesus by Chris Keith

“Earth Accuses Earth: Tracing What Jesus Wrote on the Ground” by Jennifer Knust and Tommy Wasserman — JSTOR

To Cast the First Stone by Jennifer Knust and Tommy Wasserman

(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 272

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-04-03

272: The Chosen S2E8 — “Beyond Mountains” (Bonus Episode)

42 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings conclude a review of Season 2 of The Chosen with a discussion on the eighth episode.

Dallas Regrets This One Thing (Season Finale Reaction) — The Chosen, YouTube

BEMA 93: Blessed

BEMA 99: Fruit of Fools

(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 272

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings conclude a review of Season 2 of The Chosen with a discussion on the eighth episode.

Dallas Regrets This One Thing (Season Finale Reaction) — The Chosen, YouTube

BEMA 93: Blessed

BEMA 99: Fruit of Fools

Discussion Video for BEMA 271

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-03-30

271: John — The Greatest Day of the Feast

45 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings finish John 7, discussing the differing opinions about the identity of Jesus.

Miracles of Messiah by Ron Miller

BEMA 76: Silent Years — Sadducees

BEMA 130: The Plot to Kill Jesus

Discussion Video for BEMA 271

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings finish John 7, discussing the differing opinions about the identity of Jesus.

Miracles of Messiah by Ron Miller

BEMA 76: Silent Years — Sadducees

BEMA 130: The Plot to Kill Jesus

(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 270

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-03-27

270: The Chosen S2E7 — “Reckoning” (Bonus Episode)

42 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue reviewing The Chosen with a discussion on the seventh episode of Season 2.

(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 270

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue reviewing The Chosen with a discussion on the seventh episode of Season 2.

Discussion Video for BEMA 269

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-03-24

269: John — Any Time Will Do

31 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings jump into John 7, discussing Jesus’s engagement with the Festival of Tabernacles.

Sukkot & Simchat Torah — Chabad.org

Rabbi Jesus by Bruce Chilton

Discussion Video for BEMA 269

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings jump into John 7, discussing Jesus’s engagement with the Festival of Tabernacles.

Sukkot & Simchat Torah — Chabad.org

Rabbi Jesus by Bruce Chilton

(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 268

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-03-21

268: The Chosen S2E6 — “Unlawful” (Bonus Episode)

32 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings return to The Chosen with a discussion on the sixth episode of Season 2.

Episode 6: "This line wrecks me." (Director Reaction) — The Chosen, YouTube

(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 268

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings return to The Chosen with a discussion on the sixth episode of Season 2.

Episode 6: "This line wrecks me." (Director Reaction) — The Chosen, YouTube

Discussion Video for BEMA 267

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-03-17

267: John — The Far Side of a Tumultuous Sea

71 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Reed Dent to finish examining the sixth chapter of John, and attempt to bring some closure to this challenging portion of the Text.

I Asked for Wonder by Abraham Joshua Heschel

Prototype by Jonathan Martin

BEMA 230: Mandy Smith — Unfettered

Unfettered by Mandy Smith

The Experience of God by David Bentley Hart

Discussion Video for BEMA 267

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Reed Dent to finish examining the sixth chapter of John, and attempt to bring some closure to this challenging portion of the Text.

I Asked for Wonder by Abraham Joshua Heschel

Prototype by Jonathan Martin

BEMA 230: Mandy Smith — Unfettered

Unfettered by Mandy Smith

The Experience of God by David Bentley Hart

(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 266

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-03-14

266: The Chosen S2E5 — “Spirit” (Bonus Episode)

38 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue a review of The Chosen with a discussion on the controversial fifth episode of Season 2.

I'm firing back about one criticism — The Chosen, YouTube

Zealot by Reza Aslan

Whoa! Episode 5 was controversial (Director reacts) — The Chosen, YouTube

Our Bible consultants discuss our most controversial moment — The Chosen, YouTube

(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 266

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue a review of The Chosen with a discussion on the controversial fifth episode of Season 2.

I'm firing back about one criticism — The Chosen, YouTube

Zealot by Reza Aslan

Whoa! Episode 5 was controversial (Director reacts) — The Chosen, YouTube

Our Bible consultants discuss our most controversial moment — The Chosen, YouTube

Discussion Video for BEMA 265

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-03-10

265: John — Make Him King

44 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrestle with the potential interpretations of what is happening in the beginning of John 6.

A Harmony of the Gospels (NASB) by Robert L. Thomas and Stanley N. Gundry

The NIV Harmony of the Gospels by Robert L. Thomas and Stanley N. Gundry

A Harmony of the Gospels by A. T. Robertson

BEMA 115: 5 Loaves, 2 Fish, and 1 Big Lesson

Boaty McBoatface — Wikipedia

Discussion Video for BEMA 265

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings wrestle with the potential interpretations of what is happening in the beginning of John 6.

A Harmony of the Gospels (NASB) by Robert L. Thomas and Stanley N. Gundry

The NIV Harmony of the Gospels by Robert L. Thomas and Stanley N. Gundry

A Harmony of the Gospels by A. T. Robertson

BEMA 115: 5 Loaves, 2 Fish, and 1 Big Lesson

Boaty McBoatface — Wikipedia

(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 264

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-03-07

264: The Chosen S2E4 — “The Perfect Opportunity” (Bonus Episode)

45 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings venture further into a review of The Chosen with a discussion on the fourth episode of Season 2.

Pool of Bethesda — Wikipedia

BEMA 261: John — What Do You Want?

Cohortes Urbanae — Wikipedia

Our best ever? Episode 4 Director Reaction — The Chosen, YouTube

100 Fold Studio

(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 264

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings venture further into a review of The Chosen with a discussion on the fourth episode of Season 2.

Pool of Bethesda — Wikipedia

BEMA 261: John — What Do You Want?

Cohortes Urbanae — Wikipedia

Our best ever? Episode 4 Director Reaction — The Chosen, YouTube

100 Fold Studio

Discussion Video for BEMA 263

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-03-03

263: John — Weighty Testimony

49 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings consider the reactions to Jesus healing on the Sabbath in John 5, and discuss the authority of and testimonies about Jesus.

Impact Staff Opening at the University of Oregon

BEMA 95: Abolish or Fulfill

God Was in This Place & I, I Did Not Know by Rabbi Lawrence Kushner

BEMA 190: Session 4 Capstone

Discussion Video for BEMA 263

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings consider the reactions to Jesus healing on the Sabbath in John 5, and discuss the authority of and testimonies about Jesus.

Impact Staff Opening at the University of Oregon

BEMA 95: Abolish or Fulfill

God Was in This Place & I, I Did Not Know by Rabbi Lawrence Kushner

BEMA 190: Session 4 Capstone

(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 262

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-02-28

262: The Chosen S2E3 — “Matthew 4:24” (Bonus Episode)

48 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue reviewing The Chosen with a discussion on the third episode of Season 2.

Our most talked about scene ever? Chosen director reacts — The Chosen, YouTube

Story by Robert McKee

“Who Would Have Dreamed” by Sovereign Grace Music — YouTube

(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 262

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue reviewing The Chosen with a discussion on the third episode of Season 2.

Our most talked about scene ever? Chosen director reacts — The Chosen, YouTube

Story by Robert McKee

“Who Would Have Dreamed” by Sovereign Grace Music — YouTube

Discussion Video for BEMA 261

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-02-24

261: John — What Do You Want?

60 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Kevan Chandler of We Carry Kevan to continue through the Gospel of John, exploring the healing of the official’s son and the healing at the pool of Bethesda.

BEMA 102: Son of Man

Addendum to BEMA 102 — Marty Solomon, YouTube

Additional audio production by Gus Simpson

Special Guest: Kevan Chandler.

Discussion Video for BEMA 261

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Kevan Chandler of We Carry Kevan to continue through the Gospel of John, exploring the healing of the official’s son and the healing at the pool of Bethesda.

BEMA 102: Son of Man

Addendum to BEMA 102 — Marty Solomon, YouTube

Additional audio production by Gus Simpson

Special Guest: Kevan Chandler.

(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 260

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-02-21

260: The Chosen S2E2 — “I Saw You” (Bonus Episode)

37 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue a review of The Chosen with a discussion on the second episode of Season 2.

BEMA 78: Silent Years — Essenes

BEMA 253: John — Come and See

BEMA 119: The Gates of Hell

Banias Archaeological Dig of 2020 — YouTube

(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 260

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue a review of The Chosen with a discussion on the second episode of Season 2.

BEMA 78: Silent Years — Essenes

BEMA 253: John — Come and See

BEMA 119: The Gates of Hell

Banias Archaeological Dig of 2020 — YouTube

Discussion Video for BEMA 259

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-02-17

259: Kevan Chandler — We Carry Kevan

64 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Kevan Chandler, author of the book We Carry Kevan, and founder of the nonprofit organization We Carry Kevan.

We Carry Kevan by Kevan Chandler

The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson

Andrew Peterson

Additional audio production by Gus Simpson

Special Guest: Kevan Chandler.

Discussion Video for BEMA 259

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Kevan Chandler, author of the book We Carry Kevan, and founder of the nonprofit organization We Carry Kevan.

We Carry Kevan by Kevan Chandler

The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson

Andrew Peterson

Additional audio production by Gus Simpson

Special Guest: Kevan Chandler.

(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 258

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-02-14

258: The Chosen S2E1 — “Thunder” (Bonus Episode)

48 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are breaking ground with a first-time-ever Monday episode of BEMA, beginning the continuation of our review of The Chosen with a discussion on the first episode of Season 2.

BEMA 167: James — Mitzvoth

Addendum on James — Marty Solomon, YouTube

(No) Discussion Video for BEMA 258

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are breaking ground with a first-time-ever Monday episode of BEMA, beginning the continuation of our review of The Chosen with a discussion on the first episode of Season 2.

BEMA 167: James — Mitzvoth

Addendum on James — Marty Solomon, YouTube

Discussion Video for BEMA 257

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-02-10

257: John — Wells and Husbands

56 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Elle Grover Fricks to continue through the Gospel of John, exploring who the Samaritans are, the place of women in Jewish and Christian practice around the first century, and a sprinkling of Midrash to top it all off.

Samaritans Cooking for Passover

Targum — Wikipedia

Targum Jerusalem, Genesis 28:10 — Sefaria

The Samaritan Woman Story: An Alternative View — Israel Institute of Biblical Studies

“Women Leaders in the Ancient Synagogue” by Bernadette J. Brooten — Brown University Library

Serah — Sefaria

Transcript for BEMA 257

Discussion Video for BEMA 257

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by Elle Grover Fricks to continue through the Gospel of John, exploring who the Samaritans are, the place of women in Jewish and Christian practice around the first century, and a sprinkling of Midrash to top it all off.

Samaritans Cooking for Passover

Targum — Wikipedia

Targum Jerusalem, Genesis 28:10 — Sefaria

The Samaritan Woman Story: An Alternative View — Israel Institute of Biblical Studies

“Women Leaders in the Ancient Synagogue” by Bernadette J. Brooten — Brown University Library

Serah — Sefaria

Transcript for BEMA 257

Discussion Video for BEMA 256

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-02-03

256: John — The One from Above

42 min

View

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue the journey through the Gospel of John, looking at the testimony of John the Baptist as he ratifies the identity and ministry of Christ.

Map of the Regions of Israel in Ancient Times

Thought of the Day: Imposter Syndrome — Marty Solomon, YouTube

sphragizo — Blue Letter Bible

Transcript for BEMA 256

Discussion Video for BEMA 256

More description

Marty Solomon and Brent Billings continue the journey through the Gospel of John, looking at the testimony of John the Baptist as he ratifies the identity and ministry of Christ.

Map of the Regions of Israel in Ancient Times

Thought of the Day: Imposter Syndrome — Marty Solomon, YouTube

sphragizo — Blue Letter Bible

Transcript for BEMA 256

Discussion Video for BEMA 255

Extract Knowledge

Listen elsewhere

Audio Web

Published 2022-01-27

255: John — Water, Spirit, Darkness, Light

69 min

View

Brent Billings and Josh Bossé continue the journey through the Gospel of John, discussing the meeting of Jesus and Nicodemus, and the themes of their conversation.

BEMA 226: The Chosen S1E7 — “Invitations”

The Great British Bake Off — Wikipedia

The Tree of Life (2011 film) — Letterboxd

God in Search of Man by Abraham Joshua Heschel

Man Is Not Alone by Abraham Joshua Heschel

Transcript for BEMA 255

Discussion Video for BEMA 255

More description

Brent Billings and Josh Bossé continue the journey through the Gospel of John, discussing the meeting of Jesus and Nicodemus, and the themes of their conversation.

BEMA 226: The Chosen S1E7 — “Invitations”

The Great British Bake Off — Wikipedia

The Tree of Life (2011 film) — Letterboxd

God in Search of Man by Abraham Joshua Heschel

Man Is Not Alone by Abraham Joshua Heschel

Transcript for BEMA 255