Jonathan navigates the perils of Greek politics and runs aground. Plus: History has layers!

Theron Mathis, author of The Rest of the Bible, discusses the ongoing relevance of the so-called Apocrypha in church and devotional life with Joel and Jamey.

Jonathan plays Syrian politics and wins big. Plus, we take a deep dive into Jewish festivals, just in time for Hanukkah.

Alcimus, a compromising priest, takes the stage; Judas gets the band back together; and Israel allies with Rome. Plus: How the heck did everyone get around back then?

Alcimus, a compromising priest, takes the stage; Judas gets the band back together; and Israel allies with Rome. Plus: How the heck did everyone get around back then?

Antiochus the Madman dies, the Seleucids loosen their grip, and the Jews take another step toward freedom. Bonus: Joel provides some background with a sketch of Seleucid history.

A look inside some of our favorite books for studying the so-called Apocrypha. Plus: How did ancient Jews access the Torah?

Judas Maccabeus takes charge, earns his nickname “The Hammer,” and rededicates the Temple. Plus, what do ugly Hanukkah sweaters have to do with repelling foreign invaders?

Mattathias refuses participation in pagan worship and starts a revolt—before dying and leaving his sons in charge. Joel Miller and Jamey Bennett also take an excursion on the canon of Scripture among Ethiopian Christians and Jews.

“Bad” Books of the Bible returns with an essential chapter in Jewish history. 1 Maccabees 1 covers the rise of tyrant and “madman” Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Jews that tried to accommodate Greek dominance, and the start of resistance.