In this episode of The Bible in a Year, hosts Katie Langston and Kathryn Schifferdecker sit down with Dr. Jenny Pietz, Associate Professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary, to explore justification by faith in Romans. Dr. Pietz walks through the letter's historical context, its thesis in Romans 1:16-17, and how Paul's core message of the gospel unites Jews and Gentiles as one body in Christ. The conversation also touches on Paul's likely reasons for writing to a church he had never visited, and how his own life and eventual martyrdom underscore the stakes of the gospel he proclaimed.

The discussion moves through some of Romans' most memorable passages, including chapter 8's assurance that nothing can separate believers from the love of God, and Romans 12's call to be transformed by the renewing of the mind. Dr. Pietz also highlights the influence of Romans on Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation, and points to women named in the letter — including Phoebe and Junia — as early evidence of women in gospel ministry. Whether you are new to Paul's letters or returning to Romans again, this episode offers a rich, accessible entry point into one of the most theologically significant books in the New Testament.

This episode offers a Book of Acts summary and overview featuring Dr. F. Scott Spencer, New Testament general editor for the SBL Study Bible. Hosts Jennie Wojciechowski and Dr. Kathryn Schifferdecker welcome Dr. Spencer to discuss the structure, genre, and major themes of Acts. He traces the gospel's expansion from Jerusalem to Rome using the geographic outline in Acts 1:8, and describes the book as a historical narrative of faith. The conversation also explores the meaning of "the Way," or hodos in Greek, and the significance of the word unhinderedly, which closes the book.

Dr. Spencer shares the striking story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, reflects on how the Book of Acts shaped his own faith during 2020, and joins the hosts for a round of Bible Bingo. He closes with a seven word summary of Acts: "Amazing journey of God's free spirit." Listeners will come away with a richer Book of Acts summary and a renewed sense of how this book speaks to openness, growth, and the movement of the Spirit today.

In this episode, we explore an overview of the Gospel of John with Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis, the Marbury E. Anderson Chair in Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary. She walks us through the book's clear structure, from the prologue in John 1 to the Book of Signs and the Book of Glory. Along the way, she highlights the seven signs, the farewell discourse, and the resurrection appearances. Most importantly, she shows how each piece points to one central message: Jesus invites us into an intimate, mutual relationship with God.

We also play a round of Bible Bingo, digging into key words like abide (meno), along with figures such as Lazarus, the beloved disciple, and the Good Shepherd. Dr. Lewis unpacks well known verses including John 3:16 and John 1:14, plus the story of the woman at the well, one of her favorite passages in all of scripture. Ultimately, she reminds us that faith in John's gospel is not about having all the answers. Instead, it is about relationship, witness, and testimony. Join us as we enter the Gospel of John with curiosity and faith.

This episode offers a Luke Bible overview for anyone wanting a clear introduction to this distinctive Gospel. Dr. Kathryn Schifferdecker and Jennie Wojciechowski welcome Dr. Matthew Skinner, New Testament professor at Luther Seminary, to unpack what makes Luke unique among the four Gospels. Dr. Skinner walks through Luke's account of Jesus's birth and ascension, his focus on the poor and marginalized, and the major themes that run through the book: fulfillment of promises, hospitality, wealth and possessions, prophecy, and parables. Listeners will also get a helpful roadmap for reading Luke, including must-read passages like the first two chapters, Luke 4, Luke 15, and Luke 24.

Along the way, the conversation touches on Mary's Magnificat, the parable of the prodigal son, the parable of the good Samaritan, and the story of Zacchaeus. Dr. Skinner also explores why Luke's Gospel emphasizes discipleship as active participation rather than passive comfort, and why understanding the Jewishness of Jesus matters for reading this book well. Whether you are new to the Bible or returning to Luke with fresh eyes, this episode of The Bible in a Year offers an inviting way in. Visit enterthebible.org for more resources as you continue your journey through scripture.

Gospel of Mark Free Leader Guide

The Gospel of Mark takes center stage in this episode of The Bible in a Year. Dr. Kristofer Phan Coffman, Assistant Professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary, joins the hosts to unpack why Mark is the shortest and most mysterious gospel. He explains the messianic secret, Mark's surprising humor, and its deep connections to the writings of Paul. Listeners will hear about the Gerasene demoniac, the demon named Legion, and the cosmic battle between Jesus and demonic powers that drives Mark's narrative forward.

Dr. Coffman also addresses the puzzling multiple endings of Mark 16 and why the earliest manuscripts leave the women fleeing the tomb in fear. The conversation explores why the Gospel of Mark has often been overlooked next to Matthew and Luke, and why modern scholars believe Mark served as a source for both later gospels. The episode closes with Dr. Coffman's take on Mark's central message: Jesus' power over Satan revealed through his self giving love on the cross. Visit enterthebible.org for more on the Gospel of Mark and every book of Scripture.

In this episode of The Bible in a Year, hosts Dr. Kathryn Schifferdecker and Rev. Katie Langston turn to the Gospel of Matthew. They're joined by Dr. Kristofer Phan Coffman, Assistant Professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary, who guides listeners through the book's genre, likely authorship, and original audience. The conversation covers Matthew's signature elements: the Sermon on the Mount, the Torah, Matthew's own story as a tax collector, and the Great Commission. Dr. Coffman also unpacks the visit of the Magi, explaining why this familiar Christmas story sets up a much bigger claim about who Jesus is.

The discussion moves through several of Matthew's distinctive parables, including the sheep and the goats, the wedding feast, and the workers in the vineyard, and considers why Matthew is remembered as a teaching gospel. Dr. Coffman describes Jesus in Matthew as "like Moses, but better," modeled on Moses yet working on a far grander scale. The episode also touches on Dietrich Bonhoeffer's The Cost of Discipleship as an example of the Sermon on the Mount's ongoing influence. It's a rich, accessible entry point into the Gospel of Matthew for anyone reading along with The Bible in a Year.

What does it mean to be restored, according to the Bible? This episode closes out the Old Testament with Zechariah and Malachi, two short books written after the people returned from exile in Babylon. Dr. Cory Driver, Director of Research at the Center for Life at Miami University of Ohio, joins hosts Dr. Kathryn Schifferdecker and Dr. Kristofer Phan Coffman to explore what restoration actually looks like. It turns out to be about more than rebuilt walls and a rebuilt temple. It's about a people learning what it means to follow God again, for the first time.

Dr. Driver walks through Zechariah's eight strange and beautiful night visions, the promise of a humble shepherd king, and the two anointed leaders who point forward to something greater. Then the conversation turns to Malachi's raw, honest argument between God and the people, including the hard passages on divorce and the promise that Elijah will return before the day of the Lord. Along the way, listeners will hear how both books shape the story of Jesus in the New Testament, setting up a hopeful and fitting close to the Hebrew Bible.

What does the Day of the Lord mean, and why does it look so different in two short prophetic books? In this episode, hosts Kathryn Schifferdecker and Jennie Wojciechowski welcome guest Kristin Wendland, associate professor of religion at Wartburg College, to explore Zephaniah and Haggai. Zephaniah confronts idolatry head-on, warning that the Day of the Lord brings judgment on unfaithfulness. But that judgment isn't the end of the story. Kristin shows how the book turns toward hope, restoration, and a faithful God who transforms rather than abandons.

Haggai takes us to a different moment entirely, after the Babylonian exile, when the returning people of Judah are called to rebuild the temple. Kristin unpacks why the timing mattered, what King Josiah's earlier reforms have to do with Zephaniah, and how both books point to a God who remains present through judgment and renewal. Though these two books are short and easy to skip, this conversation shows why they still matter for faith today.

What is the life of faith good for when there is nothing left to praise God for? In this episode, Dr. Kathryn Schifferdecker and Rev. Katie Langston welcome Dr. Rolf Jacobson, Dean of the Faculty and Old Testament professor at Luther Seminary, to discuss the book of Habakkuk. This short three-chapter book begins with Habakkuk's lament over injustice in Judah and God's surprising answer. Together they explore the famous verse "the righteous shall live by faith," the meaning of the Hebrew word mishpat, and how God works through even unjust powers to bring about a greater purpose.

The conversation also traces Habakkuk's influence on Paul's letter to the Romans and Martin Luther's Reformation theology. Rolf offers a moving reading of the book's final praise, offered even when the fields are empty and the flocks are gone. Listeners will come away with a richer understanding of what the life of faith truly asks of us, especially in seasons of hardship. This episode is part of The Bible in a Year podcast, a resource from Enter the Bible.

Hosts: Dr. Kathryn Schifferdecker, Rev. Katie Langston

Guest: Dr. Rolf Jacobson, Dean of the Faculty and Professor of Old Testament, Alvin N. Rogness Chair of Scripture, Theology, and Ministry at Luther Seminary

Seven-Word Summary: Habakkuk laments, then praises in the emptiness.

Key Themes:

• Habakkuk's argument with God over injustice in Judah
• The rise of Babylon (the Chaldeans) as God's instrument of judgment
• The meaning and threefold use of the Hebrew word mishpat (law, justice, judgment)
• The famous verse "the righteous shall live by faith" (Habakkuk 2:4) and its use by Paul in Romans
• Habakkuk's influence on Martin Luther and the Reformation
• The book's terrifying vision in chapter 3 and its closing hymn of praise amid total loss
• God's providence and the "long view" of faith

Scripture References:

• Habakkuk 1:1–4 (lament over injustice)
• Habakkuk 1:5–11 (God's answer, the rise of the Chaldeans)
• Habakkuk 2:1 ("I will stand at my watch post")
• Habakkuk 2:4 ("the righteous shall live by faith")
• Habakkuk 3 (the vision and closing praise, "though the fig tree does not blossom...")
• Romans 1:17 (Apostle Paul's quotation of Habakkuk 2:4)
• Isaiah's love song/judgment oracle and Assyria parallel (referenced for comparison)
• Amos's funeral dirge and intercession for Israel (referenced for comparison)
• Psalm 46 (referenced in connection with Habakkuk's terrifying vision)

Bible Bingo Words: Lament, Mishpat, Vision, Faith, Praise

People Mentioned:

• Walter Brueggemann, The Psalms and the Life of Faith (edited by Patrick D. Miller): referenced for Brueggemann's definition of lament as protest to God
• Karl N. Jacobson (Rolf's late brother), who held an alternate view that Habakkuk's lament was play acting
• Rolf's Great-Grandfather Roe, whose Depression-era story of loss and continued generosity is shared as an illustration of praising God amid hardship

Most people know Jonah as the guy who got swallowed by a whale, but this book of Jonah summary reveals a much stranger and funnier story than that. In this episode of the Bible in a Year podcast, hosts Katie Langston and Kathryn Schifferdecker are joined by Rolf Jacobson, Dean of the Faculty at Luther Seminary, to explore the books of Jonah and Nahum. Rolf walks through Jonah's reluctant call to preach against Nineveh, his flight in the opposite direction, the storm, the big fish, and the five word sermon that somehow converts an entire city from the king down to the animals. He also unpacks the book of Nahum, which pronounces God's judgment on Assyria for its brutality against Israel and sets the stage for everything Jonah wrestles with.

At the heart of the conversation is the Hebrew word hesed, God's steadfast loving mercy, and the uncomfortable question Jonah leaves us with. If you want mercy for yourself, can you also want it for the people who hurt you or the people you hate? Along the way, Rolf and the hosts play a round of Bible Bingo covering Nineveh, providence, nature, and obedience, and dig into some strange details in the Hebrew text that even seasoned scholars find surprising. Whether you are new to the minor prophets or have read Jonah a dozen times, this conversation offers a fresh way into a small book with a lot to say.