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The BEMA Podcast

BEMA Discipleship
Hosea
Qohelet
Isaiah
The Chosen
Jesus
Community
Talmud
Christianity
Psalms
Repentance
Hope
Wisdom
Faith
Idolatry
Israel
Shabbat
Discipleship
Sermon On the Mount
God
Ecclesiastes

The BEMA Podcast is a walk-through of the context of the Bible and the Text itself, as well as surrounding history. We deconstruct our common readings of the Bible and attempt to reconstruct them through the lens of historical context. The main body of work is contained in Seasons 1–5, and we encourage you to start with episode 0 (or even -1) and continue in order through episode 204. Beyond that,... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes522Founded10 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ChristianityReligion & Spirituality

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Artwork for The BEMA Podcast

Latest Episodes

Brent Billings interviews Marty Solomon and Reed Dent about their new book, The Gospel of Being Human.

The Gospel of Being Human by Marty Solomon and Reed Dent

BEMA 317: Asking Better Questions of the Bible w/ Erin Geiselman

Marty’s Appearances

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Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks unearth the story of Akhsah.

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Marty Solomon and Brent Billings join Elle Grover Fricks to investigate the story of the first biblical class action lawsuit.

“Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” by Nine Days — YouTube

“Story of a Squirrel” by ApologetiX — YouTube

Between the Lions — W... more

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Brent Billings and Reed Dent join Elle Grover Fricks to scout out the story of the surprise matriarch in Jesus’s family tree.

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Recent Guests

Reed Dent
College minister, preacher, and co-author of The Gospel of Being Human
Christian Campus Fellowship
Episode: 517: The Gospel of Being Human
Elle Grover Fricks
Biblical studies teacher who examines women's stories and biblical interpretation.
Episode: 516: Women in Joshua & Judges — Akhsah
Dieula Previlon
Founder and executive director of ElevateHer International Ministries, trauma-informed counselor and ordained minister
ElevateHer International Ministries
Episode: 511: Dieula Previlon — Does God See Me?
David Rudolph
Rabbi, Doctor of New Testament studies
The King's University, Texas
Episode: 500: David Rudolph — Passover
Brad Gray
Co-founder of Walking the Text, former pastor
Walking the Text
Episode: 497: Brad Gray and Brad Nelson — The Lord’s Prayer
Brad Nelson
Co-founder of Walking the Text, former church planner
Walking the Text
Episode: 497: Brad Gray and Brad Nelson — The Lord’s Prayer
Dr. Sandra Richter
Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont College and author of Abigail and the Waterfall
Westmont College
Episode: 491: Sandra Richter — Abigail and the Waterfall
Ethan Bryan
Author of A Year of Playing Catch, and many other books
Episode: 466: Ethan Bryan — If You Were Brave
Josh Bossé
A host and guide on the journey through wisdom literature, specifically Qohelet
Impact Campus Ministries
Episode: 465: Qohelet’s Reflection

Hosts

Marty Solomon
Host of The BEMA Podcast
Brent Billings
Co-host
Elle Grover Fricks
Co-host/interviewer

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 5.6k ratings
  • Perspective

    Is it different? Yes. Absolutely. But that’s what makes it so good. It’s the first Bible study I’ve ever done that doesn’t feel shallow, stretched, or subjective. It dives into the context and gives meaning that actually makes sense. I don’t know any other way to say it except it feels right. It is putting words to the thoughts I’ve always had about Western teachings and way of life.

    And if you’re skeptical, look at it this way: you listen to your preacher and take his words as fact. What make... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MSB4759
    United Statesa month ago
  • Needed

    Absolutely incredible podcast. Great perspective, great wisdom. I am locked into this.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    James18C
    United Statesa month ago
  • Vocal fry

    I like the content and have tried to listen many times. I find it difficult to listen considering the large amount of vocal fry in the speech patterns of both hosts. Is this something you have tried to address or plan to address?

    I understand there are ways you can reduce or remove vocal fry before publishing using digital audio workstations and plugins.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    HoopJD
    United Statesa month ago
  • Thank You!

    For the permission to question, to have confidence in the not knowing place, to understand better what God values and who He is, for widening my spirituality and pointing me to the freedom we have in Christ!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    K@W!
    United States2 months ago
  • Great content - Don’t let 5 mentions cost you 500 episodes

    BEMA has taken me into Hebrew context & ways of reading Scripture I’d never been handed before. I haven’t landed where the hosts land on everything, I didn’t expect to and don’t need to. I came to learn and I learned far more than I bargained for. I love the Bible even more than ever. Wrestle with the questions, my walk with God is better for it.

    * I can see reviews where people stopped listening because of a small handful of Rob Bell mentions in 500 episodes. I’m not a fan, but skipping all t... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Growing77777
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Critics note some episodes can feel dense or academic for casual listeners.
Many appreciate the emphasis on Jewish roots and accurate historical setting.
Fans highlight practical, applicable takeaways and thoughtful, respectful dialogue.
The show is valued for encouraging critical thinking and humility in interpretation.
Listeners praise the depth and context, calling it transformative for Bible study.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

517: The Gospel of Being Human
Q: What was the hardest part to write?
Dent found the Adam chapter difficult because the topic was familiar but foundational, and the Eve chapter required substantial theological discussion with editors. Solomon found the Romans Road chapters most challenging because he wanted to question familiar assumptions without dismissing the ideas they address.
517: The Gospel of Being Human
Q: What was the decision to bring Reed in?
Solomon says their conversations about curiosity, attention, and wonder showed him that Dent understood the ideas he wanted to explore. Dent had also contributed ideas to Solomon's previous book, so Solomon invited him to co-write the new project.
516: Women in Joshua & Judges — Akhsah
Q: But is that representative of anything?
Elle explains that Akhsah's name evokes ornamentation and suggests she is treated as an object valued for her appearance rather than as a person with agency.
516: Women in Joshua & Judges — Akhsah
Q: What stands out to you, Brent? Anything catch your eye, catch your ear? Any questions or curiosities?
Brent notices the unusual meanings of the names, particularly Akhsah's name meaning ankle bangle, and asks about Caleb's family relationship to Othniel. Elle explains that Caleb and Kenaz are brothers, making Othniel Caleb's nephew, and explores how the family's outsider heritage informs the story.
500: David Rudolph — Passover
Q: Where can listeners connect with you, David, and learn more about your work?
David Rudolph directs listeners to his personal website rabidavid.net and mentions that more of his work is available there; he also suggests checking courses at The King's University as additional avenues for study.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The BEMA Podcast

What is The BEMA Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A deep examination of biblical texts through historical context, linguistic nuance, and ancient Near Eastern perspectives. Episodes frequently feature scholars, practitioners, and ministry leaders exploring how text, community, and discipleship intersect in real life—from trauma-informed leadership in faith communities to the dynamics of how Scripture is read, remembered, and taught. A standout trait is the emphasis on asking questions, wrestling with interpretation, and tracing Scripture back to its original settings, often using classroom-style dialogue and practical takeaways for leaders and lay listeners alike. Notable for its hands-on approach to discipleship, community formation, and how Jewish roots reshape Christian reading, the sho... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The BEMA Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The BEMA Podcast:

1. BibleProject
2. Practicing the Way with John Mark Comer
3. Exploring My Strange Bible
4. Theology in the Raw
5. The Holy Post

How many episodes of The BEMA Podcast are there?

The BEMA Podcast launched 10 years ago and published 522 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The BEMA Podcast?

Recent guests on The BEMA Podcast include:

1. Reed Dent
2. Elle Grover Fricks
3. Dieula Previlon
4. David Rudolph
5. Brad Gray
6. Brad Nelson
7. Dr. Sandra Richter
8. Ethan Bryan

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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