Does Paul prefer Christians remain single, despite the rest of the Bible's positive portrayal of marriage? In this episode of What in the Word?, Kirk E. Miller sits down with Dr. Danielle Trewick to walk through numerous difficulties in 1 Corinthians 7.

For instance, does Paul teach that some receive a special Spirit-empowerment to remain single? What is the "present distress"? And what does it mean for married couples to live as though they are not? Trewick seeks to uncover our expose common assumptions about the text to uncover Paul's vision for whole-hearted, Christian devotion, whether single or married.

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Learn more about the episode:

https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-paul-singleness​-1-corinthians-7?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witw

Outline:

(00:00) Why 1 Corinthians 7

(00:55) Meet Dani Treweek

(04:13) Her Singleness Research

(06:59) Reading Paul’s Words

(07:41) Context and Categories

(11:37) Why It’s Difficult

(17:05) Paul’s Preference Explained

(21:13) Rethinking the Gift

(29:49) Better to Marry

(35:48) Present Distress

(41:52) As If Not Married

(46:45) Preaching Pastoral Wisdom

(50:48) Marriage and Singleness Pair

Psalm 137 ends with one of the Bible's most scandalizing lines: a prayer that an enemy's infants would be dashed against rocks. It understandably troubles believers, and for skeptics, it's a classic case against the Bible's goodness.

Does this cry for violence—especially against innocent babies—belong in what is supposed to be a sacred hymn book? On this episode of What in the Word?, Kirk E. Miller brings in Dr. Bruce Waltke to reckon with this troubling passage.

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Learn more about the episode:

https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-psalm137-meaning?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witw

Outline:

(01:27) Bruce Waltke Background

(04:41) Reading Psalm 137

(05:46) Why It Troubles Us

(08:53) Common Interpretations

(12:56) Imprecations and Justice

(17:32) Law Justice and Mercy

(25:13) Exile Context and Vengeance

(27:44) God’s Enemies, Not Personal

(31:01) Hyperbole or Literal

(35:34) Blessed or Rewarded

(38:11) Eschatology and Revelation

(42:41) Messianic Reading in Psalms

(44:21) Preaching and Application

Kirk E. Miller welcomes New Testament scholar Patrick Schreiner on to What in the Word? to tackle the question: Why was Jesus baptized? John’s baptism was for repentant sinners, yet Jesus was without sin.

They discuss the different interpretations of Matthew 3:13–17, focusing on what it means for Jesus to “fulfill all righteousness.” What is meant by “righteousness,” and how does Jesus’s baptism “fulfill” it? Finally, they consider the significance of the Spirit’s descent and the heavenly voice declaring Jesus “my Son.”

Get a free Mobile Ed course when you start a free trial: https://www.logos.com/show/what-in-the-word?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witw

Learn more about the episode:

https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-jesus-baptism-fulfill-righteousness?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witw

Episode outline:

(00:00) Why Jesus Baptized

(01:06) Meet Patrick Schreiner

(01:55) Patrick's Book on Matthew

(03:44) Reading Matthew 3

(04:52) Matthew's Context and Israel

(09:59) Why Baptism Is Tricky

(12:49) Jesus Identifies With Israel

(17:05) Fulfill All Righteousness

(25:08) Matthew Versus Other Gospels

(30:01) Spirit Descent and Sonship

(37:57) Practical Takeaways

(42:49) Final Wrap Up