Biblical World

Episode: In this on-location episode, Chris McKinny interviews Steven Notley about identifying and exploring the ancient city of Bethsaida/Julias. This is a crossover episode with OnScript and the new In Context university from Lipscomb University where Chris McKinny teaches.  Guest: Dr. R. Steven Notley is Dean of the School of Religious Studies at Pillar College.  He was Distinguished Professor...

Episode: Excavations have begun at the New Testament site of Lystra! In this episode, Jason Borges talks with Prof. Ilker Mimiroglu, the lead Turkish archaeologist at Lystra, about the city's history and excavations. Learn more on Instagram @lystraexcavations. Guest: Prof. Ilker Mimiroglu, head of Necmettin Erbakan University's Department of Early Christian and Byzantine Arts and lead Turkish arch...

Episode: In this episode, Kyle chats with Libby Backfish and Cynthia Shafer-Elliott about bringing archaeology and theology into conversation—the topic of their recent book,  Grounded Theology in the Hebrew Bible: Exploring the Cultural Context that formed Ancient Israel.  The conversation starts with the ancient Israelite household (and how it was essential to ancient thinking and theology), stay...

Episode: The Gospel of John is often ignored by those interested in archaeology and history. However, John includes more historically verified detail (both archaeologically and topographically) than the other gospels combined. Listen in as Anderson discusses why we need to pay attention to John as a historical source.  Guest: Paul N. Anderson is Professor of Biblical and Quaker studies at George F...

Episode: In this episode, James K. Hoffmeier discusses his new book — Israel In and Out of Egypt — an update of his previous books on the subject in light of the latest Egyptological discoveries, as well as the latest developments in Biblical scholarship in relation to the evidence for or against some form of a historical exodus. Co-hosts: Mark Janzen, Chris McKinny, Oliver Hersey Guest: James K. ...

Episode: In this episode, Chris McKinny interviews Jason Borges about his latest book — Christian Life in the Greco-Roman City — a unique guide to the foreign sites, sounds, and structures that defined the Biblical World of the emerging early Church. Guest: Dr. Jason Borges (Ph. D. Durham University) is the Associate Director of the Asia Minor Research Centre in Antalya, Türkiye. He lived in Avano...

Episode: We're back with the second (of 2) episodes on the best archaeological finds of 2025. They're so significant, we're still talking about them in April 2026. In this episode, hear about Lamassu, Apkallu, and cuneiform, oh my! Legends of the Lost Ark: To learn more about Chris’ new movie and to find how to buy tickets …  https://www.legendsofthelostark.com/ Hosts:  Chris McKinny and Kyle Keim...

Episode: Back by popular demand is our Best Archaeological Finds series, and this one for 2025 (we’re well into 2026, we know, but if you listen, it'll all make sense!). Enjoy this first of our series on these 2025 finds, where we discuss some really cool discoveries! Legends of the Lost Ark: To learn more about Chris' new movie and to find how to buy tickets ... https://www.legendsofthelostark.co...

Episode: It's go time for Amy's favorite tablet, tablet 11 of the Epic of Gilgamesh!! It's flood time, or at least, it's time to learn about the great flood, caused by Enlil. This episode will cover the events related to the great flood, as reported by Utnapishtim. Gilgamesh seeks immortality, but ultimately, learns about his human limitations and the need for a good nap.  Hosts:  Chris McKinny an...

Episode: Jason Staples and Stephen Carlson try to ruin your Nativity! Jason discusses Stephen's essay "The Accommodations of Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem: Κατάλυμα in Luke 2:7." They also discuss when and how Mary and Joseph get married, the census in Luke 2:2, and ... (wait for it) ... the Spanish Inquisition.  Guest: Dr. Stephen Carlson is Associate Professor in the Biblical and Early Christian...

Episode: In this episode, Kyle sits down for a chat with David deSilva about his two new volumes,  Archaeology and the Ministry of Paul: A Visual Guide  and  Archaeology and the World of Jesus: A Visual Guide (Baker Academic, 2025). The two chat about the importance of material culture for understanding the New Testament, discerning between good church traditions and "other" church traditions, and...

Episode: Mary Buck continues her study of the Second Temple period by focusing on the Persian Period, and especially, the Achaemenid Empire. Learn about this incredibly powerful yet lesser-known period of history, and figures like Cyrus, Darius, and others who shaped biblical history. Host: Learn about Mary Buck HERE . Image Attribution: Map, By Cattette - CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/...

Episode: We’re back with Tablet X of the Epic of Gilgamesh! Enjoy this next installment with Amy and Chris as Gilgamesh goes in search of Utnapishtim! Click to listen back to PART 1 ,   PART 2 ,  PART 3 ,  PART 4 ,  PART 5 ,  PART 6,   PART 7,   PART 8, PART 9 , and PART 10 . Hosts:  Chris McKinny and Amy Balogh Image Attribution: Item CBS7771 at Penn Museum - https://www.penn.museum/collections/o...

Episode: In part II of our intro to Biblical Archaeology, Kyle and Chris explore the contributions of W. F. Albright (who knew over 20 languages) and G. E. Wright, Kathleen Kenyon and others, and the emergence of New Archaeology, regional approaches, and other new methods. They also consider questions of faith and history, theology and archaeology, and text and the past. They discuss how archaeolo...

Episode: In this two-part series, Kyle and Chris delve deeply into the history of "biblical" archaeology. What is this field? How did we get to where we are today? Who are some of the characters that shaped the field along the way? If you've ever pondered these (or related) questions, then this mini-series is for you. Hosts:  Chris McKinny and Kyle Keimer Give: Visit our  Donate Page  if you want...

Episode: In this second of our “Second Temple Series,” Mary Buck discusses the Neo-Babylonian period. Of particular interest is the impact of the Babylonian Empire on the Kingdom of Judah. Babylonian Period. This short-lived "flash-in-the-pan" empire has an outsized impact on history. Learn how and why in this episode! Key BCE dates discussed: 627 - Nabopolassar (rebels against Assyria) 612 - Nine...

Episode: We're back with Tablet IX of the Epic of Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh must face reality. From the grief over Enkidu to a search for his (Noah-like) ancestor Utnapishtim on Mt. Mashu, Gilgamesh will learn about his mortality. Meet scorpion beings and enjoy this next installment with Amy and Chris! Click to listen back to PART 1 ,   PART 2 ,  PART 3 ,  PART 4 ,  PART 5 , PART 6, PART 7, PART 8 and...

Episode: We’re back now with Tablet VIII of the Epic of Gilgamesh, and our grief knows no bounds. Tune in and hear Amy and Chris discuss the depths of Gilgamesh's pain, grief, and loss. They also discuss how Gilgamesh memorializes his friend, and what might have happened in the missing part of the tablet. Click to listen back to PART 1 ,   PART 2 ,  PART 3 ,  PART 4 ,  PART 5 , PART 6, PART 7, and...

Episode: We’re back, with Tablet VII of the Epic of Gilgamesh, an emotional high point in the epic. Chris and Amy take us into the friendship of Gilgamesh and Enkidu, the aftermath of Humbaba's death, and the curse-filled waiting for Enkidu's fate to unfold. Tune in and enjoy! Click to listen back to PART 1 ,   PART 2 ,  PART 3 ,  PART 4 ,  PART 5 , PART 6, and PART 7 . Hosts:  Chris McKinny and A...

Episode: Kyle Keimer joins to add insights from archaeology to an earlier OnScript episode called Misunderstanding Sacrifice (listen HERE ). Dru and Matt L talk about the incomplete pictures gained from archaeology AND the Bible, and how to grapple with both. This episode is cross-listed with the OnScript podcast. Guest/Co-Host: Kyle Keimer is know to listeners of our Biblical World podcast, and f...

Episode: In this first of our "Second Temple Series," Mary Buck takes us back well before the Second Temple Period, back to the Assyrian Period. Beware, there's a pop quiz here! Learn which Second Temple site is her favorite, and much more! Host:  Mary Buck is back hosting this new series!! Image Attribution: By יעקב - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1570951...

Episode: We’re back, with Tablet VI of the Epic of Gilgamesh. Chris and Amy take us on a deep dive into the "love" of Ishtar, Gilgamesh refusing that love as cruel and temporary, the Bull of Heaven's rage and death, and the impending fate of Enkidu. Tune in and enjoy! Click to listen back to PART 1 ,   PART 2 ,  PART 3 ,  PART 4 , PART 5 , and PART 6 . Hosts:  Chris McKinny and Amy Balogh Image At...

Episode: Part 2 of our Best Archaeological Finds for 2024 (we’re not that far into 2025!). Enjoy this second of a two-part series.  Hosts:  Chris McKinny and Kyle Keimer Give: Visit our  Donate Page  if you want to help Biblical World and OnScript continue by becoming a regular donor. Related Episodes: Have a listen to Part I HERE . Image Attribution: Cuneiform tablet known as Letter ZTT 22. (Cred...

Episode: Back by popular demand is our Best Archaeological Finds series, and this one for 2024 (we're not that far into 2025!). Enjoy this first of a two-part series. Hosts:  Chris McKinny and Kyle Keimer Give: Visit our  Donate Page  if you want to help Biblical World and OnScript continue by becoming a regular donor. Image Attribution: Cuneiform tablet known as Letter ZTT 22. (Credit: Ziyaret Te...

Episode: We're continuing our series on Egypt and the Bible! In this episode we're focused on the geography, archaeology, and the history of the exodus, including the route and wilderness wanderings. We discuss the sites Pi-Ramesses, Pithom, and Succoth. Hosts:  Chris McKinny and Mark Janzen Give: Visit our  Donate Page  if you want to help Biblical World and OnScript continue by becoming a regula...