The Carson Center Podcast

Matt Harmon and Ben Gladd talk with Mary Hannah about Old Testament theology, biblical theology in the local church, Christ-centered interpretation, moral application, and how ordinary Christians can grow in seeing the beauty of Christ across Scripture. Resources Mentioned: Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin  God’s Big Picture by Vaughan Roberts  TGC Courses   According to Plan by...

Matt Harmon and Ben Gladd examine Mark 4:35–41 and show how the stilling of the storm reveals Jesus as the faithful prophet, the greater David, the true Joshua, and Yahweh in the flesh. Through Old Testament allusions and biblical-theological connections, they explain why this familiar story is central to understanding Jesus’s identity and the arrival of God’s kingdom. Resources Mentioned: Comment...

Tom Schreiner joins Matt Harmon and Ben Gladd to discuss why biblical theology matters, how to read the whole Bible as one story, and how typology, covenant, and careful attention to the text help Christians interpret Scripture faithfully. They also reflect on the future of biblical theology, the value of humility in difficult passages, and the rich Old Testament background behind Mary’s song in L...

Jen Wilkin joins Matt Harmon and Ben Gladd to explain why Christians should read Revelation as a symbolic, Old-Testament-saturated book that trains believers for endurance—not escapism—and why repeated, whole-book reading is essential for understanding it. Resources Mentioned Revelation by Jen Wilkin Revelation by G. K. Beale All Things New by Brian Tabb Postmillennialism by Keith Mathison 📧 Emai...

Matt Harmon and Ben Gladd explain why Luke highlights Jesus’ Christ-centered reading of the Old Testament and argue Christians should learn to read Scripture the way Jesus taught his disciples—responsibly, contextually, and with the Spirit’s help. Resources Mentioned Asking the Right Questions by Matt Harmon In All the Scriptures by Nicholas G. Piotrowski Mere Christian Hermeneutics by Kevin J. Va...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Biblical Theology Briefing, a podcast from The Gospel Coalition, hosted by Ben Gladd and Matt Harmon. Biblical theology is not a verse-by-verse commentary or a devotional. Instead, it focuses on tracing the connections, themes, and patterns across Scripture, helping us see how the Bible tells one unified and coherent story. Resources Mentioned From Adam and Isra...

In this lecture, Don Carson examines Revelation 5 to underscore Christ's unparalleled worthiness to open the scroll, symbolizing God's sovereign plan for redemption and judgment. Carson emphasizes that only the Lamb—Jesus Christ—can enact God's purposes, highlighting His central role in the cosmic narrative. Carson calls believers to respond with worship and adoration, recognizing Christ's suprema...

In this lecture, Don Carson delves into Revelation 4, presenting a vivid portrayal of God's throne room. Carson emphasizes the holiness and sovereignty of God, highlighting the worship of celestial beings. Carson underscores the significance of this vision for believers, offering encouragement to remain steadfast and hopeful amidst trials, as it reaffirms God's ultimate authority and divine purpos...

In this lecture, Don Carson explores the distinctive role of apocalyptic literature in biblical theology. Carson highlights how its vivid imagery and symbolism convey transcendent truths about God, moral absolutes, and the ultimate fulfillment of biblical themes. Carson underscores the genre's effectiveness in evangelism, teaching believers to anticipate Christ's return, and revealing the cosmic d...

In this lecture, Don Carson teaches that Jesus Christ must remain the central focus in interpretations of the Book of Revelation. Carson critiques various scholarly approaches that often marginalize Christ, urging that all aspects of Revelation are inseparable from His death and resurrection. Carson underscores that Revelation presents a grand vision of Christ's mediatorial kingship and priesthood...

In this lecture, Don Carson discusses the unique nature of apocalyptic literature, emphasizing its distinct historical context and symbolic language. Carson argues that apocalyptic texts like Revelation can be engaging and evangelistically effective. Carson discusses the importance of understanding these texts within their original setting and literary genre to grasp their full theological signifi...

In this lecture, Don Carson examines 2 Thessalonians 3, offering practical guidance for Christians living between Christ's first and second comings. Carson emphasizes the importance of prioritizing gospel advancement through prayer and cultivating peace amidst a turbulent world. Carson teaches that waiting for the end times involves active obedience, communal responsibility, and reliance on God's...

In this lecture, Don Carson examines 2 Thessalonians 2, offering biblical insight into how Christians should anticipate Christ’s return. Carson emphasizes the importance of being steadfast in faith. Carson discusses the necessity of understanding prophetic events, and he urges believers to stand firm in the truth as they await the fulfillment of God's promises. He teaches the following: Christ’s r...

In this lecture, Don Carson explores 2 Thessalonians 1, highlighting the centrality of Christ in the believer's life. Carson unpacks how the Thessalonians' faith and love amid persecution reveal God's righteous judgment and the gospel's transforming power. Carson emphasizes perseverance, the hope of Christ's return, and the vital role of prayer in glorifying Christ and sustaining faith. He teaches...

In this lecture, Don Carson emphasizes the role of Christian leaders as servants of Christ and the importance of faithfulness, humility, and integrity in their leadership. Carson urges Christian leaders to avoid pride, remain accountable to God, and uphold the way of the cross in their lives. Carson stresses the importance of discipline and the need for leaders to serve as models of Christ-likenes...

In this lecture, Don Carson discusses 1 Corinthians 3, highlighting the Apostle Paul's warning against factionalism and emphasizing that Christian leaders are servants of God. The church is portrayed as God's temple, where believers are accountable for how it is treated, and Christian work will be tested by fire. Carson urges believers to value the church's eternal significance, live in unity, and...

In this lecture on 1 Corinthians 2:6-16, Don Carson emphasizes that the wisdom of God, revealed through the cross, is accessible only through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit helps believers understand and proclaim the wisdom of the cross, which is foundational to spiritual growth and revival. Carson warns against elitism and stresses the importance of humility and the gospel in true spiritual understa...

In this lecture, Don Carson highlights the original scandal of the cross in the ancient world and its power to divide humanity between those perishing and those being saved. Paul’s message emphasizes that true ministry must center on Christ crucified, not human eloquence or cultural status. Carson warns against modern evangelical distractions and urges a return to the transforming power of the gos...

In this lecture, Don Carson unpacks the rich symbolism of Revelation 21–22, highlighting the Lamb’s victorious role in bringing about the New Heaven and New Earth where God dwells fully with His people. Carson emphasizes that this final consummation, secured by Christ’s sacrifice, fulfills God’s promises and transforms all creation into a place of eternal life, healing, and glory. Carson ties this...

In this lecture, Don Carson examines Romans 3:21–26 as the theological heart of the gospel, where God's righteousness is revealed apart from the law and made available to all through faith in Jesus Christ. Carson emphasizes the necessity of understanding human sin, idolatry, and divine wrath to fully grasp the weight of Christ’s sacrifice. Carson highlights the transformative power of the gospel,...

In this lecture, Don Carson examines John 3:1-21 to discuss the complexity of the gospel, emphasizing its transformative nature. Carson critiques the view that the gospel is merely a gateway to discipleship and highlights the importance of being born again. Carson explains that new birth involves supernatural transformation, grounded in God's love and action. He teaches the following: The gospel i...

Don Carson explores the theme of waiting, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for Jesus’s return. Through examining Matthew 24 and 25, Carson teaches that true believers are marked by faithful service and transformed lives. Carson stresses that such service reflects genuine faith and leads to eternal reward. He teaches the following: The importance of being prepared and faithful in waitin...

In this lecture, Don Carson contrasts cultural visions of the end of the world with a Christian focus on spiritual readiness. Through examining three parables in Matthew, Carson urges believers to stay alert and serve faithfully as they wait for Christ’s return. Carson encourages believers to think strategically, live responsibly, and train the next generation. He teaches the following: Why the We...

In this lecture, Don Carson discusses John 11, focusing on Jesus's delayed response to Lazarus's illness and subsequent death. Carson highlights the irony in this account, illustrating how Jesus's actions reveal his sovereignty over death and his role as the resurrection and the life, ultimately pointing to his future sacrifice. Carson reflects on the broader implications of Jesus's death and resu...

In this lecture, Don Carson discusses John 10:1–21, emphasizing Jesus as the Good Shepherd who knows, nurtures, and lays down his life for his sheep. He contrasts Jesus with thieves, showing that, unlike them, Jesus sacrifices for his sheep and leads them with authority and care. Carson reflects on the practical implications of this metaphor for believers and church leaders, urging them to underst...