Simply Biblical

What did Jesus really mean when He said, “I am the light of the world”? In this episode, we examine the rich Old Testament background of the Feast of Tabernacles and how it frames this bold claim. Tracing the theme of light and darkness throughout John’s Gospel, we explore how Jesus reveals truth, exposes darkness, and calls people to step into the light.

In this episode, we explore the deeper meaning behind Jesus’ statement, “I am the bread of life” in Gospel of John 6. From the feeding of the 5,000 to walking on water, John builds a powerful narrative that points to who Jesus truly is - but the crowd only sees what He can give them. As the people look back to the manna in Book of Exodus, Jesus challenges their understanding and reveals something greater: He Himself is the true bread from heaven. Not just a provider of physical needs, but the source of eternal life.

This episode sets the stage for the journey ahead, where we’ll walk through the seven “I am” statements one by one. Today, we lay the foundation for our new series on the “I am” statements in the Gospel of John. When Jesus says ἐγώ εἰμι, “I am”, He’s doing more than speaking casually; He’s stepping into the very language God uses to reveal Himself in the Old Testament. We explore the deep roots of this phrase in Exodus 3:14 and trace how this divine name develops through the Hebrew Scriptures, the Greek Septuagint, and into John’s Gospel.

In this episode, we dive into how the Gospel of John intentionally uses Genesis language to tell the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. From gardens and kingship to breath, trees, and new life, John is echoing Genesis at every turn. We unpack how Jesus is revealed as the true Adam; rewriting the story of sin, death, and separation into one of restoration and new creation. And what was lost in Eden is restored through the risen King.

In this episode, we explore the Jerusalem church—the birthplace of Christianity. Beginning with the resurrection of Jesus and the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost, we trace how a small group of disciples became a bold, growing community rooted in Jewish life yet transformed by the risen Messiah. We examine their communal way of life, the rise of key leaders like James, the pressures of persecution, and the challenges of cultural diversity. Finally, we follow the church’s expansion beyond Jerusalem and its decline after the city’s destruction in 70 AD—marking the shift from a local movement to a global faith.

In this episode, we explore the seven churches addressed in Revelation chapters 2-3, examining their historical context and spiritual condition. Writing near the end of the apostolic age, John the Apostle delivers Christ’s assessment of churches across Asia Minor—encouraging faithfulness, warning against compromise, and calling believers to overcome.

This week we explore the background of Epistle to the Ephesians. Why does this letter feel so different from many of Paul’s others? When was it written, and was it really meant only for the church in Ephesus? We discuss the historical setting of the letter and dig into some of its biggest themes - predestination, unity with Christ, and how Paul moves from profound theology to practical instructions for everyday Christian life.

Today we unpack Paul’s prison letter to the Colossians. Colossae was surrounded by Jewish mysticism, Greek philosophy, ascetic practices, and fascination with cosmic powers. Paul responds to their confusion with one of the highest Christological declarations in the New Testament. He roots everything in union with Christ, believers have died and been raised with Him, showing that transformation flows from identity, not ritual.

The church of Philippi is set in a proud Roman colony obsessed with citizenship, status, and loyalty to Caesar, Paul reorients believers to their true identity as citizens of heaven. We unpack the persecution backdrop, the church’s financial partnership with Paul, and the powerful Christ hymn of Philippians 2, where Jesus’ humility and self-emptying redefine honor, leadership, and greatness. In a culture that worshiped power and prestige, Paul shows that true strength is found in joyful endurance, unity, and a crucified yet exalted Lord.

What is the book of Romans really about? Behind its rich theology is a real church facing real tension. In this episode, we step into the world of first-century Rome and uncover the conflict that shaped Paul’s most famous letter. Instead of reading Romans like a detached textbook, we begin to see it as a pastoral message written to unite a divided church, and that changes how we read every chapter.

We unpack how Paul confronts division, sexual immorality, misuse of spiritual gifts, and challenges to his authority. These letters reveal why Paul insists that true wisdom looks like a crucified Messiah and that love, not gifting or status, is the mark of a faithful church.

In this episode, we explore Paul’s correspondence with the church in Thessalonica - a young, diverse congregation facing persecution, confusion, and questions about the return of Christ. We trace Paul’s forced departure, his pastoral concern from afar, and Timothy’s crucial role in encouraging the church.

This episode launches our new series, Before You Read, where we explore the historical and cultural context behind the New Testament letters. We begin with Galatians, likely Paul’s earliest letter, written to churches facing pressure to add the Mosaic Law to faith in Christ. By examining the geography, culture, and crisis in Galatia, we set the stage for reading the letter as its first hearers would have understood it.

If a believer from the early Church stepped into modern American Christianity, what would leave them surprised? In this episode, we explore the cultural and spiritual contrasts between the first-century Church and modern faith practices.

Jesus didn’t choose the Passover by accident. In this episode, we explore how the history, symbols, and hopes of Passover shape the meaning of the Lord’s Supper. From the unleavened bread and the cup of redemption to Israel’s story of deliverance and eschatological hope, we’ll see how Jesus re-centers the meal on himself, and why that still matters for the church today.

After tracing the Passover through Exodus and Israel’s history, this episode turns to the New Testament to ask how Jesus fulfills it. Focusing on the Gospel of John, we explore how Jesus is presented as the Passover Lamb, not through the meal, but through the cross, and how his death brings both deliverance and the removal of sin once and for all.

In this episode of the Simply Biblical Podcast, we continue our Passover series by exploring how Passover moved forward from a single night in Egypt to a defining celebration in Israel’s history. We discuss why Passover became the foundation of Israel’s religious calendar, how it shaped their identity, and how it functioned as a recurring call to remembrance, repentance, and renewal throughout the Old Testament.

In this episode, we revisit Exodus 12 and challenge what we think we know about Passover. Was God merely “skipping over” Israelite homes or actively covering and protecting them? By exploring a Hebrew word, its rare biblical uses, and how ancient Jewish translators understood it, we uncover a powerful picture of Yahweh.

Jonathan and Nick walk through the ten plagues of Egypt and discuss how God used them to confront Pharaoh and reveal His power over Egypt’s gods. They explore why Pharaoh’s heart was hardened and how the plagues ultimately led to Israel’s freedom. A clear and simple look at one of Scripture’s most dramatic moments.

Jonathan and Nick sit down with special guest Cam Riegel to talk about what biblical leadership really looks like. We cover the character traits of godly leaders, how Scripture shapes our approach to leading, and why Christ-like humility matters in every area of life. A practical and encouraging conversation for anyone wanting to grow as a faithful leader.

In this episode, we take a look at the build up to the Passover, tracing the story from Genesis to Exodus. Abram’s early faith and sudden failure, Sarai’s oppression of Hagar, Joseph’s rise in Egypt, and the new Pharaoh who enslaves Israel. We highlight how the Hebrew Bible uses patterns, echoes, and role reversals to show a bigger theme.

What is salvation, right now and in the age to come? Nick and Jonathan provide Biblical overview of how different groups understand it, how the Bible describes it, and what it really means to be saved.

In this episode of the Simply Biblical Podcast, Nick and Jonathan explore what it means to live out the truth that every person is made in the image of God. Building on previous discussions about humanity’s God-given status and purpose, the conversation turns toward practical application and how this understanding transforms daily life, relationships, and culture.

Jesus isn’t just made in God’s image, He is the image. In this episode, Jonathan and Nick explore how Christ perfectly fulfills what humanity was meant to be: revealing God’s glory through His incarnation, transfiguration, and restoration of the image in us. Discover how the image that began in Eden is completed in Christ and reflected through His people today.

In this episode, we explore how the image of God isn’t just a title, it’s a calling. Building on last week’s look at the image of God as status and function, we turn to Moses as a living picture of what it means to truly reflect God. From the burning bush to his shining face on Mount Sinai, Moses acts as God’s representative, his hand, his voice, even his glory. We’ll see how Moses embodies the roles of prophet, priest, and king, pointing us toward the ultimate image of God in Christ.

In Episode 6 of Simply Biblical, hosts Jonathan McAtee and Nick Stallone explore what it means to be made in the image of God, as described in Genesis 1:26–28. They unpack the idea of the image of God as both a status that gives every person dignity and a function that gives humanity purpose. Drawing contrasts with Ancient Near Eastern views, they highlight the radical biblical claim that all people are image-bearers. The episode also explores why God says “Let us make man in our image,” how male and female reflect God's likeness, and what it means to rule and subdue creation as part of God's design. This thoughtful conversation lays a foundation for understanding human identity, community, and our role in God’s world.

In this episode of the Simply Biblical Podcast, Jonathan and Nick dive into one of life’s biggest questions: Why are we here? From God’s creation of Adam and Eve in Genesis to Jesus’ call to make disciples, they trace humanity’s purpose through Scripture , to know God, reflect His image, and live in relationship with Him. Whether you’re a student, a worker, or retired, this conversation will remind you that your life has a God-given mission. Email us at [email protected], follow us on Instagram @simplybiblical, and don’t forget to comment, like, and follow us on your favorite podcast platform!

In this episode of Simply Biblical, Jonathan and Nick each share their top ten most pivotal moments in the biblical story, from Creation to New Creation. They compare, contrast, and discuss why these events matter for understanding the big picture of Scripture and God’s redemptive plan.

In this mini case study, we walk through John 6 and see how John uses the theme of misunderstanding to reveal Jesus as the true bread of life. By slowing down and paying attention to context, we’ll see how hermeneutics transforms our reading from surface-level confusion to deeper understanding.

Reading the Bible can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to. In this episode of Simply Biblical, Jonathan and Nick break down the basics of hermeneutics (how to read the Bible rightly) in simple, practical ways. From understanding context, genre, and audience, to learning how to ask the right questions, this conversation will equip you with the tools you need to hear God’s Word clearly and apply it faithfully. Email us at - [email protected] Follow us on Instagram @simplybiblicalpodcast

Is the Bible just a book of rules? Or is it something bigger? In this episode of the Simply Biblical Podcast, Nick Stallone and Jonathan McAtee explore how Scripture is really the story of God’s relationship and redemption, and why that changes everything about how we read it.

Get to know our co-hosts Jonathan and Nick! Hear about the direction of this podcast and what we're all about.

In this first episode of our new series What Is the Bible? Jonathan and Nick explore what it means for Scripture to be “God-breathed” and why human authorship doesn’t diminish divine inspiration. They also tackle the question of translation, has the Bible’s meaning been lost? Discover why we can trust God’s Word today.