The Bible in Fewer Words

Well, this is it. We've finally made it to the end of the Bible! In this episode we learn how the world will end. Satan will be locked up for 1000 years, then he'll be set free for a while. Gog and Magog will gather huge armies, who will be burned to death by a fire that God sends from heaven. And Satan will be cast into a lake of fire, along with everyone whose name isn't written in the book of life. Then a huge cubical city 2400 kilometers on a side will come down from heaven. Those whose names are written in the lamb's book of life and have God's name written on their foreheads will live there. When will all these things happen, you ask? Soon. Very soon, according to Jesus. These are his last words in the last two verses of the Bible: "Surely I come quickly. Amen. " The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/309.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

In this episode we are introduced to the great whore who sites has fornicated with all the kings of the earth. Everyone on earth is drunk with the wine of her fornication. And Jesus (disguised as a lamb) gets married. After his marriage, Jesus rides into town on a white horse. He has eyes of fire, many crowns on his head, and a sword sticking out of his mouth. "King of King" and "Lord of Lords" is written on his thigh. He slaughters everyone with the sword in his mouth. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/308.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

In this episode we learn who will be redeemed on the earth. It will be 144,000 male, Jewish virgins. We are also told about a side of Jesus that is never shown in the gospels. The Jesus of Revelation slaughters people with a sharp sickle. The blood of his victims forms a pool 320 kilometers wide and two meters deep. It would require the blood of 32 trillion people. After Jesus finishes the slaughter, God's angels pour out their vials and release seven more plagues on the earth. Painful sores, more blood and fire, and giant hailstones. The survivors curse God and gnaw their tongues in pain. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/307.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

The episode begins with the appearance of a pregnant woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars. Then a ten-horned, seven-headed, red dragon appears, waiting to eat the baby as soon as it is born. But a war broke out in heaven, in which Michael and his angels defeated the dragon and cast him down to earth, where he made war on the children of the woman (who grew wings and flew away). Sometime later, the dragon gave his power to a blaspheming sea beast with the usual seven heads and ten crowns. Everyone on earth worshiped this beast. Only those who put the mark of the beast on their hand and forehead could buy or sell anything. And 666 was the beast's number. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/306.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

After the sixth trumpet, an angel tells John to eat a book. So John ate the book, which tasted sweet but made his belly bitter. Then two witnesses appear and and chaos ensues. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/305.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

In this episode, Jesus (disguised as a 7-eyed, 7-horned lamb) opens the seventh seal, and seven trumpet-bearing angels appear. When the angels blow their trumpets, all hell breaks loose. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/304.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

In this episode, the 7-eyed, 7-horned sacrificed lamb (Jesus) opens the first four seals, thereby setting loose the four horsemen of the Apocalypse to kill one-quarter of the humans on earth with war, famine, and beasts. Then an angel tells the angels at the four corners of the earth not to hurt the earth, sea, or trees until they mark 144,000 foreheads, 12,000 from each tribe of Israel. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/303.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

In this episode, John of Patmos gets a peek at heaven, where a seven-eyed, seven-horned lamb appears who is able to open a book with seven seals. This is the lamb who has redeemed believers with his blood (Jesus). The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/302.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

Jesus writes seven letters to seven churches, encouraging them for doing the things he likes and threatening them for doing things he doesn't like. I f they are good, he'll let them eat from the tree of life; give them a white stone with a secret name written on it; write his own new name, his God's name, and the name of God's city on their bodies; and he'll even let them sit with him and his father on his throne. Sounds like heaven to me! The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/301.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

The book of Revelation is the most controversial book in the Bible. It was one of the last to make it into the canon of scripture, and Luther very nearly threw it out. It is the main source of predictions about the end of the world - all of which have failed, as will all future attempts using this bizarre book. The first verse tells us that it was revealed by God to Jesus who told it to an angel who told it to John. Everything that is predicted in the book will soon happen. The author, John of Patmos, believed that the end was near and would happen in his lifetime. The letter from God, Jesus, an angel, seven spirits, and John is to the seven churches in Asia, in modern-day Turkey. Jesus shows up in the first chapter. His head and hair are as white as snow, his eyes are like flames of fire, his feet are bronze, and a two-edged sword sticks out of his mouth. He has the keys to hell and death. You'll know him when you see him. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/300.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

No one knows who wrote this epistle, but whoever it was liked to call people names. Ungodly men ordained to condemnation, filthy dreamers, defilers of the flesh, ungodly sinners, murmurers, complainers, mockers walking in their own ungodly lusts -- all in just 25 verses! The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/299.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

The three Johannine epistles are all anonymously written, as was the gospel of John. No one knows who any of these "Johns" were, but none of them was who believers have always  believed him to be: the apostle John, "the beloved disciple." The three epistles and the Gospel of John share enough features, however, that they are thought to have been written by members of the same community, and may have been written by the same non-John. In them we learn that God is love and that we should shun non-believers. "John" knew he was living in the last days since there were so many antichrists. And since there are a lot more now, we must be living in the latter-day last days. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/298.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

This is another letter that claims to have been written by Peter, but almost certainly wasn't. It does have some interesting things in it, though. In it we learn that Noah was a preacher of righteousness, Lot was a just and righteous man, and that God plans to completely destroy the earth soon - but then, a day to God is a thousand years, and vice versa. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/297.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

The author claims to be the apostle Peter, but most scholars think it was forged. Illiterate, Aramaic-speaking, first century, Galilean Jews didn't write fancy letters in Greek. There are a few things in First Peter that should be of interest. Slavery is approved in 2:18, women are insulted in 3:1-7, believers are told not to run away from skeptics in 3:15 - and the devil wants to eat you (5:8). The author claims to be the apostle Peter, but most scholars think it was forged. Illiterate, Aramaic-speaking, first century, Galilean Jews didn't write fancy letters in Greek. There are a few things in First Peter that should be of interest. Slavery is approved in 2:18, women are insulted in 3:1-7, believers are told not to run away from skeptics in 3:15 - and the devil wants to eat you (5:8). And, above all things, love one another. Because love covers a multitude of sins. (4:8) The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/296.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

James is my favorite book in the New Testament. I don't know, maybe it's just the ex-Catholic in me, but James doesn't contain much that is objectionable, and has some really good stuff. Evangelical Protestants, of course, don't much like the book of James, though few will admit it as openly as did their hero, Martin Luther. He despised it, calling it an "epistle of straw" since it so clearly contradicted his perverted belief that salvation comes from faith alone, independent of one's actions. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/295.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

Although the author of Hebrews never claimed to be Paul (and wasn't), believers tended to believe that he was, which is why Hebrews is now part of the New Testament. The book is rather tiresome to read, though there is some fun stuff in chapter 11. The author praises the most atrocious acts in the Hebrew scriptures and credits them all to faith. If that's what faith can do, it's a good thing to stay away from. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/294.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

These are the last two of the epistles attributed to Paul. Philemon is one of Paul's undisputed epistles; Titus is pseudepigraphal (a forgery). There's not much of interest in Titus. But we do learn about liars (God can't tell a lie, Jews and Cretans can't tell the truth), Jewish fables and genealogies (disregard them), wives and slaves (must be obedient), and heretics (are condemned by God and should be avoided). In Philemon, Paul was writing about Onesimus, whom he had converted while in prison, and who was a runaway slave belonging to Philemon. Since Paul was in a position of authority among believers, this would have been a great opportunity for him (and God) to condemn slavery -- if he (and God) had anything against it, that is. But apparently he didn't. Instead he returned the slave to his owner, asking him to free him, but without so much as a word against the institution of slavery itself. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/293.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

Like the other Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy and Titus), most scholars believe that 2 Timothy was written by someone who claimed to be Paul, but wasn't. The best-known verse in 2 Timothy is probably this: "All scripture is given by the inspiration of God." (3:16) Even forgeries? The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/292.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

First Timothy has important information for women, slaves, and dieters. Women are not allowed to have authority over men, must dress modestly and be silent in church. They can't teach, braid their hair, or wear expensive clothes or jewelry. Every woman is inferior to every man in every way. But there is a bright side: they are saved in childbearing! Slaves must obey their masters - especially if their masters are Christians. Otherwise God is somehow blasphemed. And for all you health freaks out there: Eat meat, don't exercise, and stop drinking water. Drink wine instead. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/291.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

Although this epistle claims to have been written by Paul, many scholars think it was a later forgery. If Paul did write it, though, he completely changed his mind (since writing 1 Thessalonians) about the timing of Christ's return. The day of the Lord is no longer at hand. In fact, it's nowhere near. Many things must happen first: there will be a great "falling away," a "man of sin" will be revealed, and Satan will show off his power by doing all kinds of signs and wonders. And according to verses 2:11-12, "God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned." The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/290.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

First Thessalonians, written by Paul around 49 CE, is probably the first Christian writing that we have today. In it we learn that Jesus will come soon. Until then we need to hold on to our vessels (wives or penises, depending on translation) in a holy way. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/289.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

This is one of Paul's disputed letters. Some scholars believe that Paul wrote it; others think it was forged by one of his followers. But whoever wrote it, it's not of much interest, except to note that wives must submit to their husbands, slaves must obey their masters, and everyone needs to beware of philosophy. And be sure to read the epistle from Laodocea. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/288.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

Philippians was probably created by patching together several of Paul's letters to the church at Philippi. Here are the highlights: * Paul tells the Philippians to be good "till the day of Christ." For "the Lord is at hand." 1:10, 4:5 * Everyone will have to worship Jesus -- whether they want to or not. 2:10-11 * "Beware of dogs ... beware of the concision." I'm not sure who Paul is calling "dogs" here, but it's probably the Jews - those of "the circumcision," as opposed to Christians, who are of the "true circumcision." 3:2 * Forget Jesus. Paul says you should follow him and people that follow him. Believe whatever he tells you to believe, think whatever he tells you to think, and do whatever he tells you to do. 3:17, 4:9 * "Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." 4:8 * Christians are superhuman and omnipotent. They can do whatever they want. 4:13 * Paul's God will give you everything you need. 4:19 The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/287.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

Although Ephesians claims to have been written by Paul to the church in Ephesus, most scholars think it was written after his death by one of his followers to no one in particular. Here are some highlights: We are predestined by God to go to either heaven or hell. None of our thoughts, words, or actions can affect the final outcome. (1:4-5, 11) Satan is the "prince of the power of the air." 2:2 Jesus went to hell for a while. 4:9-10 Wives must submit to their husbands (5:22-24) and slaves to their masters (6:5) as though they were God. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/286.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

Paul is not happy with the Galatians. They've been listening to other people talk about Jesus - and he doesn't want anyone to listen to anyone but him. He's especially angry with those that tell Gentile converts to get circumcised. He says he wishes they'd just castrate themselves. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/285.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

Second Corinthians is thought to be a composite of at least two of Paul's letters. The first nine chapters are rather boring and of quite a different tone than the last four chapters - in which Paul brags about all the things he's done and threatens those who disagree with him. Among all the bragging, though, Paul tells us something interesting about himself. A messenger of Satan put a thorn in his flesh to restrain him. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/284.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

Paul has a few things to say about women in this episode. The head of every woman is a man, the head of every man is Christ, and the head of Christ is God. Women must cover their head in church - or have their head shaved. Women may not talk in church. If they want to learn something, they can ask their husband at home. Paul also says everyone should prophesy, speak in tongues, and baptize dead people. And whoever doesn't love Jesus is anathema. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/283.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

In this episode, Paul tells us what he thinks about marriage. He's against it. He'd prefer that no one get married - except for those who can't control themselves. Because it's better to marry than to burn. So Paul's advice is this: If you're not married, don't get married; if you are married, stay married - but don't have sex. Jesus is coming, so there's no time for it. Paul has similar advice about circumcision and slavery. If you are circumcised, don't get uncircumcised; if you're a slave, stay a slave. As for food - well, eat whatever is put in front of you. Don't ask any questions for your conscience's sake. The episode ends with Paul bragging about four of God's greatest killings. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/282.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

In this episode, Paul tells us what to do with a man who has sex with his father's wife: Give him to Satan who will destroy his body so that his spirit will be saved by Jesus. We also learn about who we should shun and who won't inherit the kingdom of God (gay and effeminate men, among others). The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/281.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

Paul gives us some good advice in chapter 12: love others, do good, avoid evil. But then in the next chapter he says that all rulers are appointed by God and must be obeyed. In chapter 15, Paul says it's okay for us to eat whatever we want - even veggies, if you're a weakling. Just be sure to be fully persuaded in your own mind. Because whoever doubts is damned. The letter seems to have two endings. Chapter 15 ends with "The God of peace be with you all", but then Paul gives a shout out to 28 Roman Christians in chapter 16, including the Junia - a female apostle! The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/280.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

In this episode Paul explains how we were once married to the law of Moses, but Jesus killed the law, so now we can marry Jesus and live happily ever after. Now you don't have to obey God's laws in the Bible, you just have to obey Jesus. Paul also tells us that God hated Esau, so he may hate you too, and you're not allowed to complain about it. God made you just the way you are, and since he made you, he can hate you and destroy you with his wrath if he wants. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/279.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

In this episode Paul tells us that we are all evil in God's eyes and that none of us has ever done anything good. So we deserve to be tormented by God. According to Paul, God has made his existence obvious from his creation, so those who don't believe in him have no excuse. For their unbelief, God has let them become unclean. Men abandoned the natural use of women by lusting after each other. They, Paul tells us, should be killed, along with those who tolerate them. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/278.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

Paul continues his trial in Jerusalem, claiming to be a good Pharisee who has never done anything wrong. But the Jews weren't buying it. So they went on a hunger strike, refusing to eat anything until they were allowed to kill Paul. To protect Paul from the Jews, Paul is taken to Caesarea to be tried there. When they couldn't decide what to do with him, they put him on a boat bound for Rome. On the way, there's a shipwreck on the island of Malta, where Paul is bitten by a poisonous snake. Paul survived and continued his sail to Rome. And that's how the book of Acts ends. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/277.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

In this episode: Christians perform their first book burning, a young man falls asleep and falls to his death during one of Paul's sermons, four men take vows after shaving their heads, and Paul is arrested by the Jews who try to kill him. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/276.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

Paul circumcises Timothy, not because he believes circumcision is required (he doesn't), but because he is worried about what Timothy's Jewish neighbors might think. It was a politically correct circumcision. Then the Holy Ghost prohibited Paul from preaching in Asia and Bithynia. So he went to Macedonia instead - since he had a dream about a man from Macedonia who said, "Come and help us." And at the end of the episode, Paul shaves his head because he had taken a vow. Was this the Nazarite vow as described in Numbers 6? The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/275.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

The episode begins with the Holy Ghost sending Paul and Barnabas to Cyprus to do some work for him. While there, Paul blinded a man for opposing God and being a child of the devil. The Jews tried to stone to death Paul and Barnabas twice, but they escaped without a single stone hitting them. Chapter 15 has the famous Council of Jerusalem, where it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to the apostles not to require male gentile converts to get circumcised. They wrote a letter to that effect, saying that only four things were required: abstaining from meat offered to idols, blood, things that are strangled, and fornication. When the epistle was read to the gentiles, there was much rejoicing. The episode ends with Paul and Barnabas splitting up. Barnabas wanted John Mark to go with them, Paul said he wouldn't go if that guy came along. So they went their separate ways. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/274.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

Peter has a dream (which is repeated three times) in which a sheet drops down from the sky with every kind of animal on it. Then a voice from heaven commands him to kill and eat all of the animals. Some time later, Peter is imprisoned and an angel rescues him while he is sleeping between two soldiers. Then king Herod made a speech that was so good that the people said he spoke with the voice of God, not a man. So God killed him (for not giving God the glory) by having him eaten by worms. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/273.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

In this episode, Saul of Tarsus (who will later be called Paul) experiences his famous conversion on the road to Damascus. Also, Simon Magus tries to buy some spiritual powers, and thereby invents the sin of simony. And Philip baptizes an Ethiopian eunuch without asking him to renounce his "eunuchness" before being baptized. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/272.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

The first Christians were also the first communists. Everyone gave everything they had to the apostles, who distributed everything to each member according to their need. It went along okay for a few verses, until a married couple (Ananias and Sapphira) sold their house, gave the some of money to the apostles, but kept some for themselves. So God killed them for it. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/271.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

The author of the gospel of Luke writes to Theophilus again to tell him about what the apostles did after Jesus died. Jesus hung out with the apostles for forty days, then he beamed up to heaven while the apostles watched. About ten days later, on the feast of Pentecost, the Holy Ghost came down put split tongues of fire on each of the apostles heads. They all started speaking in languages they didn't know. Those who saw them thought they were drunk. Peter made a speech to the Jews accusing them of killing Christ. This impressed them so much that 3000 converted. The Christians did not own property, but each received according to their need. They were the first communists. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/270.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

The exciting double ending of the gospel of John. Jesus rises from the dead, but no one seems to recognize him, at least at first sight. Thomas refuses to believe until he touches Jesus's wounds. Peter goes fishing naked and Jesus helps him catch 153 fish. And Jesus says it's none of Peter's business about whether or not the disciple whom Jesus loves lives to see Jesus come again. So it's probably none of your business either. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/269.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BF

If you've listened to our previous episodes, then you've heard about Jesus's death before. But the story in John is different, so we're telling it again. Here we learn who cut off the ear of the high priest. And hear Pilate ask the question, "What is truth?" The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/268.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

In this episode, Jesus washes his disciples feet and gives them a new commandment: Love one another. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/267.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

There are only three people in the gospels who are said to be loved by Jesus, at least by name: Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. In this episode we meet all three, when Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/266.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

In the gospel of Mark, Jesus cured two people with his spit: A blind man by spitting in his eyes, and a man who couldn't speak by rubbing his spit on the man's tongue (Episode 252). But in this episode, Jesus does something even more impressive. He cures a blind man by making mud out of his spit and then rubbing it in the blind man's eyes. Why don't the faith healers do this anymore? The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/265.html (change for episode) If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

In chapter 6, Jesus tells his disciples that they must eat his flesh and drink his blood or they won't have any life in them. That was just too much for many of them. So many his disciples left him. In the next chapter we learn that Jesus's brothers didn't believe in him and the people accuse Jesus of having a devil. Jesus says that living waters will flow out of his followers bellies. Chapter 8 has the best story in the gospel of John - the woman accused of adultery. Jesus says that whoever is without sin should throw the first stone. Now that's a nice story! But it wasn't in the gospel of John. It was a later addition. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/264.html. If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

If you've heard only one verse in the Bible, it's likely this one: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 And it sounds kind of nice, until you read John 3:18, which clarifies its meaning: "He that believeth on him [Jesus] is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already." Then a bit later in the same chapter, John the Baptist explains it all for us, by saying, "he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." John 3:36 This is the message of the gospel of John - Believe or be damned. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/263.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

The gospel of John begins where Genesis began - in the beginning. God, it turns out, wasn't alone when he created things. He had the word with him. Or the word was him. Or something like that. We are, of course, supposed to know what John is saying here, without him actually saying it. Jesus is God. Or the son of God. Or something like that. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/262.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

Chapters 19-23 repeat many of the stories that were covered in previous episodes: the last supper, Jesus's arrest, trial, and crucifixion. But the last chapter, chapter 24, has some fun stories that are told nowhere else: Jesus's mysterious appearance on the road to Emmaus, his ghost-like appearance to his apostles, and his final meal (boiled fish and honeycomb) before going to heaven. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/261.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW

Jesus says some strange things in this episode. In the parable of the wise, dishonest steward, he says we should make friends with unrighteous wealthy people so that they will provide us with an eternal home. He says that whatever people value most is an abomination to God. He says we are God's worthless slaves and that God will treat us as badly as we treat our own slaves. He says that God will grant our prayers, no matter how cruel or unkind they may be, if we just keep pestering him with them. And then there is the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, which explains who is going to heaven and who is going to hell. The text and notes for this episode can be found here: https://skepticsannotatedbible.com/fewer-words/260.html If you enjoy these podcasts, consider supporting us at https://patreon.com/BFW