Biblical Theology

1 Samuel 26–28: On the Witch of Endor’s Surprising Success, the Ghost of Samuel’s Final Sermon, and the King of Israel’s Meal with the Devil (Bible Talk, Ep. 96)

By A. Duke, J. Hamilton, S. Emadi | 11.01.2023

When Saul stops hearing from the LORD, he gets so desperate that he decides to consult . . . a witch! It’s one of the most shocking stories in the Bible. In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about 1 Samuel 26–28.

1 Samuel 25: On a Fake King, a Sinful King, and the Biggest Argument in Bible Talk History (Bible Talk, Ep. 95)

By A. Duke, J. Hamilton, S. Emadi | 10.25.2023

In 1 Samuel 25, David is face-to-face with a foolish man who thinks he’s a king. As readers, we’re face-to-face with a vital question: What kind of king will David be? Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss (and have their biggest argument yet!).

1 Samuel 23–24: On that One Time King Saul Walked Down the Aisle and Prayed a Prayer (Bible Talk, Ep. 94)

By A. Duke, J. Hamilton, S. Emadi | 10.18.2023

The cat-and-mouse game between David and Saul continues and, in the quiet darkness of a cave in the wilderness, it reaches a shocking climax. We don’t get revenge. We get . . . a reunion?

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about 1 Samuel 23–24.

1 Samuel 20–22: On the Ethics of Lying While Dodging the King’s Spears (Bible Talk, Ep. 93)

By A. Duke, J. Hamilton, S. Emadi | 10.11.2023

David’s now a fugitive on the run. But he’s not alone. He’s got the support of his best friend Jonathan. He’s gathered to himself Israel’s strugglers and stragglers. Oh, and he’s also got Goliath’s sword.

Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss 1 Samuel 20–22.

1 Samuel 18–19: On Affectionate Men, Attempted Murders, and Arranged Marriages (Bible Talk, Ep. 92)

By A. Duke, J. Hamilton, S. Emadi | 10.04.2023

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Eamdi about 1 Samuel 18–19.

What Is Catholicity and What Does It Require?  

By Jonathan Leeman | 9Marks Journal: Catholicity | 09.29.2023

What do our churches mean by “catholic” when we recite the Nicene creed (381) and declare our belief in the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church?

1 Samuel 17: On Our Everyday Battles and David’s Evangelistic Beheading (Bible Talk, Ep. 91)

By A. Duke, J. Hamilton, S. Emadi | 09.27.2023

The story of David and Goliath is not giving us a strategy for how we can fight our everyday battles. It’s giving us an evangelistic beheading.

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi about 1 Samuel 17.

Are Ecclesiological Convictions and Catholic Affirmations Mutually Exclusive?

By Jonathan Leeman | 9Marks Journal: Catholicity | 09.25.2023

The charge of anti-catholicity, when used to critique ecclesial convictions, evinces an inadequate understanding of catholicity.

1 Samuel 16: On the Ruddy Seed of Judah from the Little Town of Bethlehem (Bible Talk, Ep. 90)

By A. Duke, J. Hamilton, S. Emadi | 09.20.2023

In 1 Samuel 16, we finally meet David. He’s an afterthought to his father, a caretaker to his father’s sheep, and a comforter to the demon-addled king Saul. But to the Lord? He’s the King. Alex Duke, Jim Hamilton, and Sam Emadi discuss.

Ecclesiological Triage

By Michael Lawrence | 9Marks Journal: Catholicity | 09.19.2023

How do we decide when and to what extent to cooperate with churches that are more or less like-minded?

Book Review: Until Unity, by Francis Chan

Review by Taylor Hartley | 9Marks Journal: Catholicity | 09.15.2023

Chan’s ‘Until Unity’ appeals for Christians to be united.

1 Samuel 15: On Some Gilgal Gab about Saul’s “Repentance” and the Lord’s “Regret” (Bible Talk, Ep. 89)

By A. Duke, J. Hamilton, S. Emadi | 09.13.2023

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex, Jim and Sam chat about the beginning of the end for Saul.

1 Samuel 13–14: On Israel’s Military-Industrial Complex, Saul’s Hoarding of AK-47s, and Jonathan’s Holy Heroics (Ep. 88)

By A. Duke, J. Hamilton, S. Emadi | 09.06.2023

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex, Jim and Sam talk about 1 Samuel 13–14.

1 Samuel 8–10: On the Comedic Coronation of Israel’s Handsome, High-High “Hero” Who Can’t Even Find His Father’s Donkey (Bible Talk, Ep. 86)

By A. Duke, J. Hamilton, S. Emadi | 08.23.2023

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex Duke chats with Jim Hamilton and Sam Emadi on 1 Samuel 8–10.

1 Samuel 4–7: On Eli’s Death, Dagon’s Destruction, and the Philistines Wondering about YHWH’s Return Policy (Bible Talk, Ep. 85)

By A. Duke, J. Hamilton, S. Emadi | 08.16.2023

From Dagon’s decapitation to Eli’s death, from Ichabod to Ebenezer, 1 Samuel 4–7 has a lot going on. What’s it all mean?