Shows
By the WellC235 Pentecost 9Robyn is joined by special guest, Rev. Dr Kristel Clayville, to discuss the readings for the 9th week of Pentecost - Isaiah 1:1, 1-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 and Luke 12:32-40.
We explore themes of relationship / covenant, promise, transformation, and hope.
2025-07-3130 minBy the WellC230 Pentecost 4 (Proper 9)Monica and Robyn dicsuss the Naaman story in 2 Kings 5:1-14, the cry of the Psalmist in Psalm 30, and Jesus' commissioning of the 70 (72) in Luke 10:1-11, 16-20.
We mention an article by Jione Havea on 2 Kings 5, which you can find here.
2025-06-2430 minBy the WellC229 Pentecost 3 (Proper 8)Robyn and Brendan discuss 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14; Galatians 5:1, 13-25, and Luke 9:51-62. We discuss the echoes of the Elijah / Elisha tradition in the gospels, the tension between prophetic glory and suffering, transitions, change, and the demands of following Jesus.
2025-06-1735 minBy the WellC226 PentecostRobyn Whitaker is joined by theologian, Daniel Sihombing, to talk about the Spirit and Pentecost. We look at the various snapshots of the Holy Spirit in all the readings this week - Acts 2:1-21, Genesis 11:1-9, Psalm 104:24-35, Romans 8:14-17, and John 14:8-17 - discussing the range of activities of the Spirit and the centrality of her for Christian life.
2025-06-0237 minBy the WellC225 Easter 7Fran and Robyn discuss John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, and Acts 16:16-34 with brief mention of Psalm 97.
We mentioned Willy James Jennings' Acts Commentary and Dorothy Lee's The Gospels Speak.
2025-05-2131 minBy the WellC224 Easter 6Robyn is joined by Rev. Brendan Byrne to discuss John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29 and Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5, with a brief mention of Psalm 67. We talk about the social justice dimensions of the healing in John 5 and the way Jesus' healing undermines moral assessments. We also noted the way John 14 and Revelation 22 talk about the movement of God towards God's people and creation to recreate a vision of an end where all the nations stream to God and God's dwelling place is with us.
Those wanting to preach about Lydia in Acts 16 can tune in to our episode from 2022.
2025-05-1630 minBy the WellC223 Easter 5"A man may share in his prayer his concern for peace in the world and yet, in his own little world, be unwiliing to change his private attitude of antagoism or prejudice towards his fellows" Howard Thurman, Meditations of the Heart.
In this episode Sally and Robyn discuss the "new commandment" to love one another (John 13:31-35) as a mark of Christian community. We also look at the visions of God's expansive kingdom in Revelation 21:1-6, Acts 11:1-18, and the way the whole cosmos praises God in Psalm 148.
We mention Willie Jennings' Acts Commentary.
2025-05-0729 minBy the WellC222 Easter 4This Sunday is Good Shepherd Sunday in some traditions and Dorothy Lee and Robyn Whitaker explore images of both lamb and shepherd for Jesus in John 10:22-30, Psalm 23, and Revelation 7:9-17. Acts 9:36-43 continues the story of God's activity in the early church, this time through the resurrection of Tabitha, a female disciple of Jesus.
You can read more about Tabitha and the background to Acts 9 at Marg Mowczko's blog. We also mention CS Lewis's The Last Battle.
2025-04-3029 minBy the WellC221 Easter 3Dorothy Lee and Robyn Whitaker discuss John 21:1-19, Psalm 30, Acts 9:1-20, and Revelation 5:11-14 (or 1-14). We explore themes of call / recall, transformation, and commissioning into resurrection life.
2025-04-2837 minBy the WellC220 Special Episode - Introduction to The Book of RevelationRobyn Whitaker and Adrian Jackson give an overview of The Book of Revelation and the particular themes in the lectionary passages throughout the Easter season.
We recommend the following resources:
- Unveiling Apocalypse podcast by U-wen Low
- Robyn Whitaker's Revelation for Normal People
- Scott McKnight's Revelation for the Rest of Us
- Lynn Huber, Revelation commentary
- Eugen Boring's Revelation Commentary
- Bible for Normal People podcast on Revelation (with Robyn Whitaker)
2025-04-2040 minBy the WellC219 Easter 2Robyn Whitaker and Dorothy Lee discuss John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8, and Acts 5:27-32.
We mention the work of Candida Moss on the scars of Jesus as well as Lynn Huber's Revelation commentary.
For those wanting to listen to the special episode introducing the Book of Revelation, it was published as C219.
2025-04-1734 minBy the WellC218 Easter SundayRobyn Whitaker and Dorothy Lee discuss Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-18, and Acts 10:34-43 to explore the different ways early Christians talked about the resurrection of Jesus.
2025-04-1133 minBy the WellC215 Lent 3Howard and Robyn discuss themes of repentence, grace, judgment, and transformation in Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, and Luke 13:1-9.
2025-03-1328 minBy the WellC214 Lent 2Fran and Robyn discuss images of violence, sacrifice, and covenant in Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18; imitating Paul in Philippians 3:17-4:1; and Jesus as mother hen in Luke 13:31-35.
We mention Fleming Rutledge's "And God Spoke to Abraham".
2025-03-0634 minBy the WellC213 Lent 1Monica and Fran discuss Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Psalm 91:1-2; 9-16; Romans 10:8b-13 and Luke 4:1-13
We mention David H Kelsey's Imagining Redemption (Westminister John Knox) and
Robyn Whitaker's Even the Devil Quotes Scripture and
Arvind P Nirmal's work on Dalit Theology
2025-02-2831 minBy the WellC211 Epiphany 7Robyn is joined by guest co-host, Rev, Brendan Byrne, to discuss Genesis 45:3-11, 15 and Luke 6:27-38. Jesus' radical teaching to "love your enemies" is unpacked and embodied in both readings with themes of forgiveness, mercy, and compassion.
For those who want to focus on 1 Corinthians 15:15-35, please check out our old episode that included that passage - https://bythewell.com.au/episodes/c109-epiphany-7
2025-02-1429 minBy the WellC209 Epiphany 5Robyn is joined by Adrian Jackson to talk about the way God appears in Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), Luke 5:1-11, and 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. These texts contrast holiness and sinfulness, poverty and abundance, and grace and unworthiness in interesting ways.
We refer to temple reliefs and the way the Isaiah 6 text might be a political satire of Assyrian temple imagery. You can find an example of such a relief here- https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/W_1849-0502-15 (note the posture of the attendants)
2025-01-2931 minBy the WellC206 Epiphany 2Fran and Robyn discuss Isaiah 62:1-5; 1 Cor 12:1-11, and the wedding at Cana passage from John 2:1-11.
2025-01-1532 minBy the WellC205 Baptism of Jesus (Epiphany 1)Robyn and Fran discuss Isaiah 43:1-7; Acts 8:14-17; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
2025-01-0229 minBy the WellC202 Advent 2In this episode Dorothy Lee and Robyn Whitaker delve into the Advent 2 themes. We unpack Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 1:68-79 and Luke 3:1-6.
We mention the following books:
Brendan Byrne's Hospitality of God
Fleming Rutledge, Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Jesus Christ
During Advent we are delighted to have Dorothy Lee as a special guest co-host. The Rev'd Professor Dorothy Lee is an Australian theologian, New Testament scholar and Anglican priest, formerly dean of the Trinity College Theological School, Melbourne, a college of the University of Divinity, and Stewart Professor of N...
2024-11-2829 minBy the WellC201 Advent 1During Advent we welcome Dorothy Lee as a special guest co-host. The Rev'd Professor Dorothy Lee is an Australian theologian, New Testament scholar and Anglican priest, formerly dean of the Trinity College Theological School, Melbourne, a college of the University of Divinity, and Stewart Professor of New Testament. She is author of numerous books including The Ministry of Women in the New Testament, Transfiguration, and Flesh and Glory.
In this episode Dorothy Lee and Robyn Whitaker delve into the Advent 1 theme of HOPE. We unpack Jeremiash 33:14-16 and Luke 21: 25-36.
2024-11-2129 minBy the WellC200 Preaching Luke in Year CAs we prepare for the focus on Luke's Gospel for Year C, Robyn Whitaker sat down to talk about themes in Luke with two experts. Bart Bruehler and Kylie Crabbe have both worked extensively on Luke-Acts. In this special episode we unpack the background to Luke, themes and theology, how Luke relates to the other gospels, and what preachers might want to think about as they delve into Luke's gospel in the year ahead.
Professor Bart Bruehler is Director of Biblical Studies at Uniting College for Leadership and Theology, Adelaide, within the University of Divinity. He is au...
2024-11-1845 minBy the WellB249 Reign of ChristFor the week of Christ the King/Reign of Christ Robyn, David Kim and Fran discuss 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8 and John 18:33-37
2024-11-1432 minBy the WellB247 Pentecost 25Sean and Robyn discuss Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 and Mark 12:38-44 with a slight reference to Hebrews 9:24-28.
2024-10-3026 minBy the WellB243 Pentecost 21Robyn and Sally discuss suffering and questions of theodicy and discipleship in Job 23:1-9, 16-17; Psalm 22:1-15; and Mark 10:17-31 with a brief note about Hebrew 4:12-16
2024-10-0233 minBy the WellB239 Pentetost 17Robyn Whitaker and guest co-host Rev. Alistair Macrae explore the dynamics of speech in Psalm 19 and James 3:1-12 as well as the call to "pick up one's cross" and be prepared to suffer for the gospel in Mark 8:27-38.
we refer to Call and Consequence by Racquel St Clair, Morality by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, and C.S. Lewis.
2024-09-0528 minBy the WellB238 Pentecost 16Robyn is joined by Rev. Alistair Macrae to discuss Psalm 125, James 2:1-7, and Mark 7:24-37. We talk about favouritism, racism, and how the gospel compels us to act across boundaries.
We mention Garry Deverell's book Gondwana Theology.
2024-08-2931 minBy the WellB233 Pentecost 11Howard and Robyn continue their discussion of David and Bathsheba in 2 Sam 11:26-12:13, then dive into Psalm 51 and John 6:24-35.
Those interested in preaching the David and Bathsheba story might like to listen to last week's episode and also look at the following further resources:
The Bloody Bible Podcast episode on "David's Entitlement"
Shiloh blog on this story by Princess O’Nika Auguste
This sermon on the text by Tanya Riches
Robyn Whitaker's book - Even the Devil Quotes Scripture which offers a reading of this story in the conc...
2024-07-2331 minBy the WellB232 Pentecost 10Howard and Robyn discuss 2 Sam 11:1-15; Psalm 14; and John 6:1-21. We do a deep dive into the David and Bathsheba story but suggest preachers might like to look at the following further resources:
The Bloody Bible Podcast episode on "David's Entitlement"
Shiloh blog on this story by Princess O’Nika Auguste
This sermon on the text by Tanya Riches
Robyn Whitaker's book - Even the Devil Quotes Scripture which offers a reading of this story in the conclusion
2024-07-1934 minBy the WellB231 Pentecost 9Sean and Robyn discuss themes in 2 Samuel 7:1-14; Ephesians 2:11-22; and Mark 6:30-34, 53-56.
2024-07-1134 minBy the WellB224 Pentecost 2For the second week of Pentecost season, Sally and Robyn discuss 1 Sam 3:1-20; Psalm 139; 2 Corinthians 4:5-12; and Mark 2:23-3:6.
It is also the Sunday of Reconciliation week in Australia and were grateful to Brooke Prentis for sharing some thoughts about how Christians might mark that in their worship.
We also refer to Howard Wallace's Lectionary blog.
2024-05-2436 minBy the WellB222 PentecostThis week we are joined by a guest host, Brooke Prentis, an Aboriginal Christian leader who brings her indigenous perspective to the texts. Brooke and Robyn discuss Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27, and Psalm 104.
To learn more about Brooke Prentis and her ministry resources, including her prayers and poetry, check out https://www.brookeprentis.com/
If you are interested to know more about Ezekiel 37:1-14 you can listen to our episode from three years ago. https://bythewell.com.au/episodes/pentecost-acts-21-12-ezekiel-371-14
2024-05-0733 minBy the WellB221 Easter 7Fran and Robyn discuss Psalm 1, Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, and John 17:6-19.
We refer to Andrew Root's When the Church Stops Working.
2024-05-0632 minBy the WellB220 Easter 6Fran and Robyn discuss Acts 10:44-48, Psalm 98 and John 15:9-17
We mention Willie James Jennings Commentary on Acts
and Eugene Peterson's The Contemplative Pastor
2024-04-2532 minBy the WellB218 Easter 4Robyn and Sean discuss Acts 4:5-12; 1 John 3:16-24; Psalm 23; and John 10:11-18.
We also answered your questions about preferred translations and mentioned the following specific translations:
NT Wright, Kingdom NT
David Bentley Hart, The New Testament
Robert Alter, The Hebrew Bible
and the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition which can be found online at Bible Gateway.
2024-04-1232 minBy the WellB217 Easter 3Sean and Robyn discuss resurrection, witness, and atonement in Luke 24:36-48, Acts 3:12-19 (21), and 1 John 3:1-7.
2024-04-0834 minBy the WellB216 Easter 2Fran and Robyn talk about the way resurrection shapes community life in Acts 4:32-35 and John 20:19-31 (with a brief look at Ps 133).
We mention Gail Ramshaw's "Treasures Old and New".
2024-03-3130 minBy the WellB215 Easter DayFran and Kylie talk about 1 Cor 15.1–11 and Mark 16.1–8. For Good Friday episodes, you can listen to A121 (Fran with Frank Rees), and C115 (Robyn, with Dorothy Lee and Andrew McGowan).
2024-03-2530 minBy the WellB214 Palm / Passion SundayRobyn Whitaker talks with liturgist, Prof. Stephen Burns, about the Palm and Passion Sunday traditions. We discuss Mark 11:1-11 and Mark 14:1-15:47 and ideas for "preaching" without preaching this week.
We mention Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings and the apocryphal text "Acts of John".
2024-03-1432 minBy the WellB210 Lent 2Kylie and Robyn discuss Genesis 17.1–7, 15–16, Romans 4.13–25, and Mark 8.31–38. As we contemplate Lent, the themes in the readings we touch on include the promise to both Sarai and Abram, the reality of death and how we approach faith in impossible circumstances, and discipleship.
2024-02-1631 minBy the WellB209 Lent 1For the first week in Lent Robyn and Fran discuss Mark 1:9-14; Psalm 25:1-10 and Genesis 9:8-17
We mention Gail Ramshaw's Treasures Old and New
Fleming Rutledge's The Crucifixion
Garry Worete Deverell's Contemplating Country: More Gondwana Theology
2024-02-0832 minBy the WellB208 TransfigurationRobyn and Fran discuss 2 Kings 2:1-12, Psalm 50:1-6, 2 Corinthaisn 4:3-6 and Mark 9:2-9.
We mention Gail Ramshaw's book "Treasures old and new: Images in the Lectionary"
2024-02-0232 min
By the WellB207 - Epiphany 5 (Mk 1:29-39, Isaiah 40:21-31)FROM THE ARCHIVES AND REPOSTING FOR 2024:
Both readings this week give profound insight into the nature of God in diverse and complementary ways. Robyn and Fran talk about “Jesus the exorcist” in Mark’s gospel and how healing and exorcism are signs of the capacity of Jesus to liberate humanity from evil. Isaiah 40 poses the question “to whom can you liken God?”. Addressed to exiles to inspire hope, Isaiah offers an expansive, awe-inspiring account of the God who strengthens the weak and overturns the powerful.
We refer to this article by Julia Baird on the “overview eff...
2024-01-2924 minBy the WellB200 - An introduction to MarkThis is a repost of a bonus episode for the lectionary Year of Mark recorded in 2021. Robyn sat down with Rev. Dr. Sally Douglas to unpack the themes and theology of Mark’s gospel. Mark is the earliest, shortest and perhaps most dramatic of the gospels. It proclaims the good news of liberation from evil through divine inversion of power, epitomised in the cross. Costly discipleship, cosmic battles, and the cross are key themes throughout.
We mention “The Dark Side” documentary and Raquel St Clair’s “Call and Consequences: A Womanist Reading of Mark”.
2024-01-0329 minBy the WellB203 Advent 3Craig Thompson steps in as guest co-host and speaks with Robyn about the readings for Advent 3. We discuss Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; Psalm 126; John 1:6-8, 19-28; and 1 Thess 5:16-24.
We mention Fleming Rutledge's Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Jesus Christ.
2023-12-0832 minBy the WellA253 Reign of Christ / Christ the KingSally Douglas and Robyn Whitaker finish the lectionary year with the a discussion of kingship and other themes in Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; Psalm 100; Ephesians 1:5-23; and Matthew 25:31-46.
We mention Ben Myers' "The Apostles Creed" and David Bentleigh Hart on reading "eternal punishment" in the New Testament.
2023-11-1626 minBy the WellA252 Pentecost 25Sally and Robyn discuss Judges 4:1-7; Psalm 123; 1 Thess 5:1-11, and Matthew 25:14-30.
The Thessalonians quote is from Nijay Gupta's commentary. The quote from Yahia Lababidi was from this episode of Soul Search.
2023-11-0831 minBy the WellA251 Pentecost 24Kylie and Robyn discuss Matt 25.1–13, 1 Thess 4.13–18, and Josh 24.1–3a, 14–25. We set the Matthew reading in the context of the wider set of eschatological sayings in this section, noting some traps in translation (bridesmaids! lamps!), and the irony that all ten young women (including the wise ones) fall asleep! On 1 Thessalonians, we counter the idea of a rapture and talk about the pastoral issue being addressed by Paul. And in Joshua, we look at both the difficult claims about colonising the land and the passage's focus on choosing God.
2023-11-0332 minBy the WellA250 Pentecost 23Fran and Robyn discuss Joshua 3:7-17; Matthew 23:1-12; and 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13. We quote from Robert Alter's Hebrew Bible introduction to Joshua.
2023-10-2632 minBy the WellA 249 Pentecost 22Kylie and Rachel discuss Deuteronomy 34.1–12, Psalm 90.1–6, 13–17, and Matthew 22.34–46. In the story of Moses's death they reflect on the images of perfection the passage leaves us with and transition of leadership when the task is not yet fulfilled, and in Matthew, the conflicts over the greatest commandment and Jesus's identity. Robyn Whitaker's Book Even the Devil Quotes Scripture, and John Barclay's treatment of the "one-way gift" in Paul and the Gift also feature in the conversation.
2023-10-1828 minBy the WellA247 Pentecost 20Monica and Robyn discuss themes of anxiety, leadership, and much more in Exodus 32:1-14; Philippians 4:1-9; and Matthew 22:1-4.
We refer to these blog posts by Marg Mowczko on the women in Philippians.
2023-10-0930 minBy the WellA244 Pentecost 17Brian and Robyn discuss Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, and Matthew 20:1-16. Themes of grumbling, freedom, and equity emerge.
We refer to this cartoon.
2023-09-1832 minBy the WellA240 Pentecost 13Brian and Robyn discuss Exodus 1:8-2:10, Romans 12:1-8, and Mattew 16:13-20.
2023-08-1730 minBy the WellA239 Pentecost 12Robyn and Fran discuss Genesis 45:1-15; Romans 11:1-2, 29-32; and Matthew 15:21-28.
We recommmend this chapter in Texts of Terror by Dorothy Lee about the various ways to interpret the gospel reading.
2023-08-1027 minBy the WellA238 Pentecost 11Fran and Robyn discuss Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28; Romans 10:5-15; and Matthew 14:22-33.
We mentioned Dorothy Lee's book The Gospels Speak: Addressing Life's Questions.
2023-08-0431 minBy the WellA238 Pentecost 10Robyn is joined by John Bottomly and Brendan Byrne from Working the Lectionary podcast. We discuss Genesis 32:22-31 and Matthew 14:13-21 through the lens of work, economy, justice, and theology.
2023-07-2738 minBy the WellA235 Pentecost 7Robyn and Sean discuss Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, and the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23.
2023-07-0528 minBy the WellA234 Pentecost 6Sean and Robyn discuss Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67; Romans 7:15-25; and Matthew 11:16-10, 25-30. We mention Sally Douglas's new book, Jesus Sophia.
2023-06-2831 minBy the WellA231 Pentecost 3Robyn and Howard discuss Genesis 18:1-15, Romans 5:1-8, and Matthew 9:35-10:8. We also mention Rublev's icon.
2023-06-0729 minBy the WellA227 Easter 7This week Fran and Sean focus on two New Testament texts: Acts 1:6–14 and John 17:1–11. They talk about the ascension of Jesus and the mission of the church, the importance of thinking about space and time in Luke's narrative, and the meaning of glory and eternal life in the gospel of John.
Reference is made to Willie Jennings' commentary on Acts
and to an article by By the Well host Robyn Whitaker, 'From Cross to Ascension: The Surprising Locus of Salvation in Luke–Acts', Australian Biblical Review 65 (2017), 47–60.
2023-05-1028 minBy the WellA226 Easter 6Sally and Robyn discuss Acts 17:22-31; 1 Peter3:13-22; John 14:15-21. We look at themes of resurrection, gentleness, love, and testimony.
2023-05-0427 minBy the WellA225 Easter 5Robyn and Fran focus on Acts 7:55-60 and John 1:1-14. For discussion about 1 Peter 2:2-10, please see this episode from Easter 5 in 2020
We mention Willie Jennings' commentary on Acts
2023-04-2630 minBy the WellA222 Easter 2Robyn Whitaker and guest-host, Greg Carey, discuss Acts 2 14a, 22-32 and John 20:19-31. Greg has recently published a book on eschatology.
If you'd like to hear more about 1 Peter 1:3-9, you can listen to our Easter 2 episode from 2020.
2023-04-0525 minBy the WellA221 Easter SundaySean Winter, Robyn Whitaker, and guest-host Greg Carey discuss the two possible gospel readings for Easter Sunday - John 20:1-18 and Matthew 28:1-10.
2023-03-2932 minBy the WellA220 Palm SundayRobyn Whitaker and guest co-host, Greg Carey, discuss Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, and Matthew 21:1-11 (with a bit of a look at the Zechariah passage that lies behind it).
2023-03-2229 minBy the WellA217 Lent 3Sean Winter and Robyn Whitaker discuss Exodus 17:1-7, Rom 5:1-11, and John 4:5-42 for the third Sunday in Lent.
2023-03-0131 minBy the WellA216 Romans: an overviewIn this special episode, Robyn interviews Sean Winter about all things Romans. Romans appears in both the Lent nad Pentecosts seasons in Year A, so its a great chance to do a preaching series on Romans. We talk about the ocassion for writing, the shape of this letter, and some resources for those of you who want to dig deeper.
We mention these two books:
Beverley Gaventa, When in Romans: An Invitation to Linger with the Gospel According to Paul
Michael Gorman, Romans:A Theological and Pastoral Commentary
2023-02-2726 minBy the WellA212 Epiphany 6Brian Fiu Kolia and Robyn Whitaker discuss Deut 30:15-20, Matt 5:21-37, and 1 Cor 3:1-9.
2023-02-0135 minBy the WellA211 Epiphany 5Robyn Whitaker and Brian Fiu Kolia talk about Isaiah 59:1-9, 1 Cor 2:1-12 (13-16), and Matt 5:13-20.
2023-01-2633 minBy the WellA210 Epiphany 4Sean and Robyn continue delving into 1 Corinthians, with a focus on 1:18-31, as well as Matthew 5:1-12 (the Beatitudes) and Micah 6:1-8.
2023-01-1830 minBy the WellA207 Baptism of the Lord (Epiphany 1)Fran and Robyn focus on Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43 and Matthew 3:13-17.
We refer to Willie James Jennings' Theological Commentary on Acts
and Brendan Byrne's Lifting the Burden
2022-12-2931 minBy the WellC140 - Pentecost 15 (Proper 20)U-Wen and Fran delve into 1 Timothy 2:1-7 and Luke 16:1-13, and Robyn and Liz Boase discuss Jeremiah 8:18-9:1.
We mention Brendan Byrne's The Hospitality of God
N.T. Wright's Luke For Everyone
2022-09-0830 minBy the WellC139 - Pentecost 14 (1 Timothy 1:12-17; Luke 15:1-10; Jeremiah 4: 11-12; 22-28)U-Wen and Fran discuss 1 Timothy 1:12-17 and Luke 15:1-10; Robyn and Liz Boase focus on Jeremiah 4: 11-12; 22-28 We mention a sermon by Rev Craig Thompson; and a sermon by Fleming Rutledge in God Spoke to Abraham
2022-09-0131 minBy the WellC125 - PentecostFran and Robyn discuss the different theologies of the Spirit in Genesis 11:1-9, Acts 2:1-21; Romans 8:14-17, and John 14:8-17.
2022-05-2528 minBy the WellC121 - Easter 4Robyn and Fran sit down and talk about Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17; John 10:22-30.
We mention Willie Jennings' commentary on Acts, and our episode B118 on Psalm 23
2022-04-2833 minBy the WellC117 - Good FridayIn this special, longer episode for Good Friday, Robyn Whitaker sits down with two guests: Dorothy Lee brings her literary and theological insights to John's passion (John 18-19) and Andrew McGowan discusses preaching traditions for Good Friday, his book Seven Last Words, and atonement theologies.
2022-04-0549 minBy the WellC110 - TransfigurationFran and Robyn discuss themes of change and transformation after divine encounter in Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Cor 3:12-4:2, and Luke 9:28-36.
2022-02-1632 minBy the WellB131 - Pentecost 9 (Proper 12)Robyn and Fran discuss David’s rape of Bathsheba and murder of Uriah (2 Samuel 11:1-15) asking how God’s story might redeem our stories whether we be perpetrator or victim. David is ultimately confronted with his sin and Bathsheba claims her own authority as mother of the future king Solomon. We touch on the prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21 and explore the nuances of John’s version of the feeding of the 5000 (John 6:1-21).
We refer to these articles on Working Preacher by Will Gafney and Gennifer Brooks as well as this article in the Journal for the Study...
2021-07-1528 minBy the WellB118 - Easter 4 (Good Shepherd)Robyn and Fran unpack the good shepherd imagery used for God in Psalm 23 and Jesus in John 10:11-18. We discuss the complexity of “laying down one’s life” and its afterlife in the way we talk about veterans and self-sacrifice (noting it is Anzac Day in Australia this Sunday). We refer to a discussion of sacrifice in Rutledge’s The Crucifixion.
Kylie Crabbe returns to look at Acts 4:5-12 where questions of power and resurrection arise again.
2021-04-1637 minBy the WellB110 - Lent 2 (Mark 8:31-38; Gen 17:1-7; 15-17)God comes to Abraham with the promise of a new future, one where God is present and faithful. We talk about covenant, the paradox of walking before God and following the call. We mention the nature of human response to God: Abram falls on his face – laughing, Peter (in Mark) rebukes Jesus. God’s faithfulness in Genesis is the backdrop to the sharp call to discipleship found in Mark 8. We explore what denial of the self means, and underline that suffering is ‘for the sake of the gospel’ not to further oppress those already bowed down.
We mention...
2021-02-1829 minBy the WellA155 - Reign of Christ (Ezek 34; Ps 100; Matt 25:31-46)On the last week of the lectionary year, Fran and Robyn delve into the way the reign of God is described in these readings. Ezekiel 34:11-24 imagines God as a shepherd who protects the sheep, unlike the priests Ezekiel condemns as having failed as leaders. Matthew presents the Son of Man as a judge who will separate humanity as a shepherd divides the sheep from goats on the basis of ethical or righteous behaviour. Both texts convey God as a “king” concerned for justice. The Psalm speaks of the joy of entering God’s presence - balancing the image of judgem...
2020-11-1224 minBy the WellA133 – Pentecost 4: The Binding of Isaac and True Hospitality (Gen 22 & Matt 10)This week Robyn and Fran focus on Genesis 22:1-14 – the sacrifice or binding of Isaac. Is this an appalling story of an appalling God? Or a call to obedience in God at all costs? Or a rejection of child sacrifice? We talk about the text being silent on the characters’ psychological dynamics, because of its theological focus. We also discuss Matthew 10:40-42 and note the costly requirement of following Jesus being not simply to offer hospitality, but be willing to be guest – to give up power and control in a genuine posture of missional engagement. We note the nuances in the...
2020-06-1830 minBy the WellA126 – Easter 5: Living Stones and Christian Identity (1 Peter 2:2-10)Christian identity and the nature of Christian community in the midst of suffering are themes that run throughout this week’s readings. Fran and Robyn discuss Stephen’s martyrdom (Acts 7), John 14:1-14, and 1 Peter 2:2-10 to unpack the numerous metaphors used throughout.
2020-04-3028 minBy the WellA120 – Palm Sunday: Matthew 21:1-11 and Philippians 2Fran and Robyn discuss the scandalous way kingship is radically subverted in both Matthew 21 and Philippians 2:5-11, unpacking both the historical context and the theological presentation of Christ in these texts. Robyn points out the apocalyptic elements in Matthew’s version of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and his use of Zechariah. Fran wonders what Jesus would not do (WWJND?) in pondering what it means to have the “same mind” as Christ (Phil 2:5-7).
If you are looking for a discussion on the Passion, please see our Good Friday episode with theologian Frank Rees.
2020-03-2724 minBy the WellA117 – Lent 3: John 4 with Carolyn FrancisRev Carolyn Francis, co-pastor at Collins Street Baptist Church joins Robyn and Fran to talk about the woman at the well in John 4 – the story which inspired the name of this podcast. We discuss the vulnerability and transformation in the encounter between Jesus and the woman. We touch on the profundity of the metaphor of water, and the way the story asks us to let go of that which we think is important, to find what really is life giving and truthful.
We refer to Rev Dr Craig Thompson’s sermon on John 4 that challenges the moralistic appr...
2020-03-0529 minBy the WellA114 – Transfiguration: Matthew 17:1-9 with Dorothy LeeDorothy Lee joins Robyn and Fran to discuss the Transfiguration in Mathew 17:1-9. What’s at stake in this unusual story? We talk about the apocalyptic and aesthetic character of the Transfiguration, and about the way the story depicts the transformation of Jesus but also of us, the church, as we taken up into the beauty and majesty of God.
For further reading see Dorothy Lee’s book on the Transfiguration .
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2020-02-1328 minBy the WellA113 – Epiphany 6: Bill Loader on Matthew 5:21-37Bill Loader joins Robyn & Fran to discuss the part of Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” which addresses anger, adultery, lust, divorce, and the possibility of hell. We discuss the tension between righteous anger and anger that leads to harm or hatred. Similarly, we unpack the difference between good desire and sexually objectifying or exploiting others in Jesus’ ethical teaching. Bill gives us insight into ancient divorce practices and how these teachings might apply today.
You can find more of Bill Loader’s lectionary resources on his website. Follow us on Twitter @bythewellpod
2020-02-0629 minBy the WellA112 – Epiphany 5: Matthew 5:13-20 with Sally DouglasSally Douglas joins Robyn and Fran to discuss Christian identity, as Matthew portrays it and in our own post-Christendom context. We talk about the relationship between belief and behaviour, and specifically what Matthew means by righteousness. In this podcast we refer to Bonhoeffer’s The Cost of Discipleship, David Bentley Hart’s New Testament: A Translation; Stanley Hauerwas’ Matthew: A Theological Commentary and Eugene Peterson’s translation The Message
Sally Douglas’ book Early Church Understandings of Jesus as the Female Divine, can be found here.
2020-01-3028 minBy the WellA111 – Epiphany 4: Matthew 5:1-12, the Beatitudes with Sally DouglasSally Douglas joins Robyn and Fran to talk about the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-12. We discuss how they are more than ethical aspirations, but instead descriptions of Kingdom life where nonviolence as embodied by Jesus upends the world’s ‘normal’ ordering of things. We talk about what blessedness means, and explore the profound transformation that results from encounter with Jesus and Jesus’ vision.
In this podcast we refer to David Bentley Hart’s New Testament: A Translation; Charles Talbert’s essay on Grace in the Sermon on the Mount, and Stanley Hauerwas’ Matthew: A Theological Commentary
Sally Dougla...
2020-01-2328 minBy the WellA110 - Epiphany 3: Calling Disciples (Matt 4:12-23)Alistair Macrae, minister at Wesley Uniting Church, joins Robyn & Fran to discuss discipleship, call, and repentance in Matthew 4. We discuss being disciples not admirers of Christ. As an experienced minister, Alistair shares his approach to preaching.
In this podcast we refer to Being Disciples by Rowan Williams, a terrific sermon by Rev Dr Craig Thompson, 'Caught by Life', and Al reads a story from free grammar check this commentary on Matthew by Stanley Hauerwas.
2020-01-1630 minBy the WellA109 - Epiphany 2: John 1:29-42 with Dorothy LeeDorothy Lee joins Robyn and Fran to discuss John 1:29-42 and baptism by the Holy Spirit. Desire, identity, invitational evangelism, sin, and purpose are discussed in relation write papers to this passage. We also unpack the theology associated with the title "Lamb of God" for Jesus.
Dorothy Lee is author of The Gospels Speak: Addressing Life's Questions.
2020-01-0927 minBy the WellA108 – Baptism of the Lord in Matthew 3:13-17Why does Jesus come to John for a “baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins”? And, how is Jesus’ baptism similar or different to our own? What does baptism mean for our identity? In this episode Fran and Robyn discuss Jesus’ baptism as presented in Matthew 3. We suggest the water is not the point, but that we might better think of Jesus’ baptism as an anointing by the Holy Spirit.
2020-01-0224 minBy the WellA107 – Epiphany: Ephesians 3:1-12 & Matthew 2:1-12Sharon Hollis joins Fran and Robyn in Epiphany – the season of revelation – to talk about the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles in the letter to the Ephesians 3:1-12. We talk about the radical universality of the gospel and the mystery of grace in both Ephesians and Matthew 2, as well as the way Ephesians continues to be both a word of hope and a charge to the church.
In this podcast we refer to Verhay and Havard’s Ephesians: A theological Commentary
Follow us @bythewellpod
2019-12-2626 minBy the WellA105 – Christmas: John 1:1-14 with Geoff ThompsonTheologian Geoff Thompson joins Robyn and Fran to talk about preaching at Christmas and how we communicate the profound mystery of the incarnation in a way that connects. In this episode we refer to William Willimon’s “Christmas parable”, Les Murray’s poem “The Barranong Angel Case”, an ancient text known as the Physiologus that describes Jesus as a unicorn, and David Ford’s The Future of Christianity.
2019-12-1226 minBy the WellA104 – Advent 4: Virgin births in Isaiah 7:10-16 and Matt 1:18-25Rev. Rachel Kronberger joins Fran and Robyn to discuss miraculous births, barren women, and why Mary’s virginity matters (theologically, not gynaecologically!). Fran references Ben Myer’s book The Apostles’ Creed: A Guide to the Ancient Catechism.
You can find out more at bythewell.com.au Follow us on Twitter: @bythewellpod
2019-12-1125 minBy the WellA103 – Advent 3: Isaiah 35:1-10 with Kylie Crabbe
Kylie Crabbe joins Fran and Robyn to discuss hope, repentance, and anticipation in Isaiah 35:1-10 and Matt 11:2-11. Kylie issues a “health warning” and we discuss how disability studies might inform how we interpret and preach passages about the blind, lame, or deaf being healed.
You can find out more at bythewell.com.au
Follow us on Twitter: @bythewellpod
By the Well is supported by Pilgrim Theological College and the equipping Leadership for Mission unit of the Uniting Church in Australia.
2019-12-0226 minBy the WellA102 – Advent 2: Isaiah 11:1-10 with Sean Winter
Sean Winter joins Fran and Robyn to discuss the shoot that springs from the “stump of Jesse” passage in Isaiah 11:1-10. Isaiah here offers a vision of a promised, righteous king from the Davidic line; a passage that would be later be applied to Jesus. We discuss the use of Isaiah’s arboreal images as picked up in Matthew 3:1-12. In this podcast we refer to Robert Alter’s 2018 translation of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament).
Associate Professor Sean Winter’s publications can be found here. You can find him on twitter @seanfwinter
You can find out mo...
2019-11-2526 minBy the WellA101 – Advent 1: Isaiah 2:1-5Fran Barber and Robyn Whitaker discuss the meaning of Advent, Jesus’ second coming, and how we live as Christians who believe in the visions of hope Isaiah offers.
Robyn tweets @robynjwhitaker. You can read more about her research here.
We refer to this commentary on Isaiah by Patricia Tull.
You can find out more at bythewell.com.au Follow us on Twitter: @bythewellpod
By the Well is supported by Pilgrim Theological College and the equipping Leadership for Mission unit of the Uniting Church in Australia.
2019-11-1824 minBy the WellA100 – Bonus Episode: Preaching Matthew in Year A with Bill Loader
Professor William (Bill) Loader joins Robyn and Fran in this bonus extra episode on the theology and themes of Matthew’s Gospel.
Bill Loader’s website, with a range of resources on Matthew can be found here.
You can find out more at bythewell.com.auFollow us on Twitter: @bythewellpod
By the Well is supported by Pilgrim Theological College and the equipping Leadership for Mission unit of the Uniting Church in Australia.
2019-11-1132 minBy the WellBy the Well Podcast Trailer
By the Well is a weekly lectionary podcast following the Revised Common Lectionary. Subscribe now in time for Advent in Year A to ensure you are resourced to preach the Word in your community.
By the Well is hosted by Rev Fran Barber, who is Coordinator of Continuing Education for Ministers in the Uniting Church in Australia Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, and Rev Dr Robyn Whitaker, Senior Lecturer, New Testament at Pilgrim Theological College in Melbourne, Australia.
You can find out more at bythewell.com.auFollow us on Twitter: @bythewellpod
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