Commuter Bible
548 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 310 ratingsCommuter Bible is an audio Bible reading plan to match your weekly schedule. Published Monday-Friday, major (U.S.) holidays excluded. In the course of a year, you can listen to the entire Bible. Subscribe today and get more of God's Word in your daily life.
Commuter Bible uses the Christian Standard Bible translation (CSB).
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Episodes
Numbers 13-16, Psalm 31
March 21, 2019 04:05 - 32 minutes - 60.4 MBOn today’s episode, God sends spies into the land of Canaan, the land He promised to give them, but when they see their foes, they cower, and refuse to venture onward. God resolves to punish their generation, promising the land to the generation to follow. Later, a man named Korah incites a rebellion against Moses, questioning his authority. Armed with the conclusion that the entire community of Israel is holy, he contends that Moses and Aaron have no right to go before the Lord exc...
Numbers 9-12, Psalm 30
March 20, 2019 04:05 - 23 minutes - 42.8 MBAs Israel celebrates the Passover a second time, new questions arise about who may partake of the Passover and who should abstain. Afterwards, Israel begins their journey toward the Promised Land, leaving Mount Sinai behind as they follow the cloud above the tabernacle, camping when the cloud stops. It doesn’t take long before Israel becomes dissatisfied with what the Lord provides, complaining that the food they had in Egypt was better than manna from the Lord. Finally, Miriam and ...
Numbers 5-8, Psalm 29
March 19, 2019 04:05 - 30 minutes - 55.8 MBWe’re continuing in the book of Numbers today, which has a reputation for putting people off both because of the title and because the first seven chapters or so contain some repetition. This repetition is intentional, however; think about it: there's no copy/paste function for papyrus or scrolls, every word was written with planning and intention. These handwritten details would have also been read aloud, and would have impressed upon the hearer that God had provided for the Israel...
Numbers 1-4, Psalm 28
March 18, 2019 04:05 - 29 minutes - 53.7 MBIf you think numbers are boring, then maybe you never counted your Christmas presents as a kid, memorized the stats of your favorite athletes, or reported the number of indigenous believers saved through the work a missionary. The numbers presented in these first few chapters represent the faithfulness of God to Israel, who had flourished even while under captivity in Egypt. And don’t worry, the title of this book is a little misleading; while it opens with counting heads, it gets m...
Hebrews 9-13, Psalms 26, 27
March 15, 2019 04:05 - 32 minutes - 59.6 MBThe author of Hebrews continues to reference Old Testament Scripture to make a defense for the superiority of Christ over all things. The earthly tabernacle is but a shadow of the heavens, where Christ serves as great high priest. He has made a superior sacrifice, shedding His own blood rather than that of goats, bulls, or rams. He oversees a new covenant, where the law is written on the hearts and minds of those who trust in Him. Men and women of faith who came before Him were wait...
Hebrews 5-8, Psalm 25
March 14, 2019 04:02 - 18 minutes - 33.7 MBHow can Jesus be our great high priest if he is from the tribe of Judah rather than the tribe of Levi? The writer of Hebrews quotes Psalm 110:4 ("The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek”) and explains that Jesus is a better high priest, because unlike mere mortal men, he is unstained by sin and unconstrained by death. As a side note, if you’d like a refresher on the original account of Melchizedek, you can go back and...
Hebrews 1-4, Psalm 24
March 13, 2019 04:05 - 15 minutes - 27.8 MBToday on Commuter Bible, we dive into the book of Hebrews, written to Jewish converts to convince and encourage them that Jesus is superior. While the writer of the book of Hebrews remains unknown, we do know that this writer can quote the Old Testament Scriptures at length and is very polished in his ability to write and to reason. This letter is unique, as it has no greeting and seems to be directed specifically toward Jewish believers. In today’s passage, the writer argues that J...
Leviticus 24-27, Proverbs 17
March 12, 2019 04:05 - 33 minutes - 60.6 MBOur time in Leviticus comes to a close today, as the Lord explains the institutions of Sabbath years and the year of Jubilee. Israel is to work the ground for six years, then on the seventh year they are to rest. After 49 years (7x7) they are to celebrate a year of Jubilee where debts are cancelled and Hebrew servants relieved from their service. Finally, if Israel fails to observe the Lord’s commands, they will be cut off from the Lord, and their sacrifices will no longer be pleasi...
Leviticus 19-23, Proverbs 16
March 11, 2019 04:05 - 34 minutes - 63 MBOur passage today begins with an appeal to Israel to be holy before their holy God, using some the Ten Commandments as bullet points for discussion. As we read, you’ll notice that there is to be an “otherness” amongst the Israelites that makes them distinct from the rest of the world. To our modern ears and worldview, it may seem limiting or perhaps cruel that the Lord would be so particular, but every instance is designed to connote elements of purity, wholeness, unity, and devotio...
Leviticus 14-18, Proverbs 15:18-33
March 08, 2019 05:08 - 34 minutes - 62.3 MBWe’re continuing to look at those actions or objects that make one ceremonially unclean in the Israelite community; sometimes those things are related to infectious diseases, sometimes it is because they are immoral or detestable, but other times they simply represent being set apart for the Lord. Not everything in today’s reading has a moral component, it simply means the person can’t approach the Lord in the tent of meeting, or that they must be outside the camp. As we approach th...
Leviticus 10-13, Proverbs 15:1-17
March 07, 2019 05:05 - 28 minutes - 51.3 MBAs part of their covenant with the Lord, the Israelites were given regulations concerning what is considered clean and unclean. At times this is a means of health and well-being, at other times it serves as a distinction from surrounding nations. The term “unclean” doesn’t necessarily mean those things are dirty, germ-infested, or immoral, though some of them certainly are, but these things are all ceremonially unclean; this is how Israel is to be set-apart from other nations, and g...
Leviticus 5-9, Proverbs 14:19-35
March 06, 2019 05:05 - 29 minutes - 53.1 MBThe book of Leviticus continues to give instruction on how to conduct different kinds of sacrifices. As you listen to these instructions, I encourage you to imagine what it would be like to experience these sacrifices. The warmth of a live animal and the feel of coarse hair under your hand as the animal is slaughtered for your sin, the smell of incense and roasting meat, the blood splattered tunics of the priest making atonement. It all communicates something deeper about the gravit...
Leviticus 1-4, Proverbs 14:1-18
March 05, 2019 05:05 - 19 minutes - 35.1 MBThe title "Leviticus" basically means, “pertaining to the Levites,” as this book dives deeper into the divine-human relationship codified on Mount Sinai. These are instructions on how an impure people can be made holy by obedience to a perfect God. We’ll look at four kinds of offering today. The burnt offering is given with prayer or praise to seek God’s face and favor. The grain offering is generally offered along with another offering. The peace offering emphasizes fellowship with...
Acts 25-28, Proverbs 13
March 04, 2019 10:30 - 27 minutesThis is our last episode in the book of Acts, and as the book concludes, we see Paul continue to contend for the faith that was delivered to the saints once for all. He presents his position to kings and noblemen, respectfully arguing that his position is valid and worthy of consideration. We also see that his Jewish audience is willing to listen to him up until a certain point, and sadly, they turn on him as soon as he suggests that this good news is not just for Israelites, but fo...
Acts 21-24, Proverbs 12
March 01, 2019 05:05 - 27 minutes - 50.1 MBACTS 21-24, PROVERBS 12 Today on Commuter Bible, the life and work of Paul becomes a greater focus, as a prophet predicts his incarceration and murderers plot his demise. ::: It’s Acts 21-24, and Proverbs 12. ::: This is Commuter Bible, the audio Bible podcast to match your weekly schedule; I’m your host, John Ross. As Paul’s group says farewell to the Ephesians, a Judean prophet predicts that Paul will be taken into custody if he goes to Jerusalem, but Paul is determined to go....
Acts 17-20, Proverbs 11
February 28, 2019 05:05 - 28 minutes - 52.2 MBPaul continues to preach the good news of Jesus from city to city, and the Jews continue to be jealous of the attention he is getting by preaching Jesus. Riots ensue, often because Jewish leaders conspire to work up crowds against the apostles. Both Jews and Greeks come to faith in Christ, and new churches are planted. Finally, Paul says goodbye to the Ephesian church elders, knowing he will never see them again. ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and pro...
Acts 13-16, Proverbs 10
February 27, 2019 05:05 - 20 minutes - 58.1 MBToday we’ll look at the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabus, as well as Paul’s second journey accompanied in part by Luke, the writer of the book of Acts. Men and women from different backgrounds, cultures, and occupations are hearing the message of Christ and turning to Him in faith. We’ll witness a convention of church leaders meeting together to discuss how to best direct their new Gentile brothers and sisters in the faith. And finally, the apostles continue to trust in...
Acts 9-12, Proverbs 9
February 26, 2019 05:09 - 26 minutes - 49.3 MBIn the chapters ahead of us we’ll see that the young Jewish leader named Saul has his heart set on persecuting all those who belong to the Way of Jesus, but the Lord interrupts him and creates drastic change in his heart and life. Peter receives a vision from the Lord, communicating to him that the Way of Jesus is not reserved only for Israelites, but is open to Gentiles as well. If you haven’t checked out our website yet, you should! It’s easy to navigate and will give you quick r...
Acts 5-8, Proverbs 8
February 25, 2019 05:05 - 31 minutes - 57.2 MBIt’s another action packed episode in the book of Acts. The apostles continue to preach, the crowds continue to turn to Jesus, and leaders of the Israelites continue to rage against Christ’s followers. The section ahead of us covers the first installation of deacons and the testimony of Stephen, the church’s first recorded martyr. But first, we see what happens when a couple conspires to lie to the congregation for personal gain. ::: In the very near future we will be printing the...
Acts 1-4, Proverbs 7
February 22, 2019 06:13 - 26 minutes - 48.5 MBThe book of Acts is an account of the inception of God’s church written down Luke. Yes, the same Luke who wrote the gospel of Luke. Here we see how the church began, how it spread throughout God’s people, and continued on to redeem those who were outside God’s covenant with Israel. The signs and wonders performed by the apostles proved to the world that although they were ordinary men, this was no ordinary teaching. ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and ...
Exodus 37-40, Proverbs 6
February 21, 2019 05:05 - 27 minutes - 50.7 MBHave you ever talked to someone who’s really into their work, and they’re so excited about it that it seems they just can’t stop talking about it? Maybe you’ve done that with your own work, with a hobby you enjoy, or with player stats in your favorite league. To our ears it may seem like the book of Exodus is simply repeating itself, but in actuality it’s communicating the excitement, the gravity, and the importance of the tabernacle. God Himself gave instruction to build it, and Go...
Exodus 33-36, Proverbs 5
February 20, 2019 05:01 - 25 minutes - 23.9 MBIn our last episode, Israel turned away from the Lord while Moses was away, turning to Aaron instead, who gave them a golden calf to worship. After this incident, God tells Moses He will no longer go with Israel to the land He promised Abraham. Moses will intercede on their behalf, assuaging God’s anger. Later, God’s appointed craftsmen get to work assembling the tabernacle according to the Lord’s instructions. ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produ...
Exodus 29-32, Proverbs 4
February 19, 2019 05:01 - 28 minutes - 26.7 MBThe Lord plans disaster for Israel when they turn from Him in order to worship a golden calf, made by none other than Aaron, Moses’ brother and right hand man. By the end of our reading Moses will have spent 40 days on Mt. Sinai, and in that amount of time, the Israelites gave up on Moses and on the Lord. Not long beforehand they had promised that they would do all that the Lord had commanded, but in short order, they turn away from God. Instead they turn to Aaron, who makes a gold...
Exodus 25-28, Proverbs 3
February 15, 2019 05:01 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MBGod gives very specific instructions on how the Israelites would build the place where He would be worshipped, how to collect funds to put it together, and how His priests would be dressed. If that sounds unimportant, you’ve never had to sit through a church committee meeting. :D It’s important to remember, however, that the tabernacle is the place where the God of the universe, perfect in all His ways, matchless in power and authority, would meet with His people in a unique way. I...
Exodus 21-24, Proverbs 2
February 14, 2019 05:01 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MBOn today’s episode God begins to give very specific commands to the Israelite people on what it looks like to be fair, kind, and gracious to one another. The Lord’s justice is severe for those who are selfish and outright rebellious, but gracious toward those who have no intention of causing harm. As you listen, it can be tempting to think that these are dry or irrelevant, but put yourself in the shoes/sandals of the original audience, whose livelihood wasn’t based on financial inco...
Exodus 17-20:21, Proverbs 1
February 13, 2019 05:01 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MBThe Lord continues to provide for his people, despite their grumbling, giving them, not only food and water, but a moral code by which they might live; this Decalogue, more commonly known as the Ten Commandments, allowed Israel to know how they could please God. After witnessing the plagues on Egypt, the columns of cloud and fire, and the Red Sea’s parting, it would have been no small thing for Israel to receive this sense of assurance that they could be in right relationship with s...
Exodus 13-16, Psalm 23
February 12, 2019 05:01 - 23 minutes - 22.2 MBToday we’ll read the account of the parting of the Red Sea. Along with the Passover, this event is passed down from generation to generation as a testament to the power of God. Throughout the history of Israel through both prose and poetry, God’s people remind each other of the Lord’s power and deliverance. He is faithful to His promises and makes a way where there seems to be no way, providing salvation for His people, often by completely unexpected means. ::: Christian Standard ...
Exodus 9-12, Psalm 22
February 11, 2019 05:01 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MBOn previous episodes we began the book of Exodus at a time when Joseph and his deeds toward Egypt have been forgotten. Israel is numerous, but Pharaoh hates them and enslaves them. God sends Moses, a Hebrew man who was raised in Pharaoh’s house, to return to Egypt and tell Pharaoh tell let God’s people go, so that they may worship Him in the wilderness. When Pharaoh refuses, God sends plagues of blood, frogs, gnats, and flies, but the king of Egypt will not back down. As always, th...
Exodus 5-8, Psalm 21
February 08, 2019 05:01 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MBToday we begin to examine the ten plagues sent upon Egypt that testify to the power of the great I AM. It has been suggested that each plague is designed to show pharaoh, and all of Egypt all with him, that their gods are no match for the God of Israel, systematically robbing them of any power they claimed to have. While he is bested over and over again, Pharaoh’s heart is hardened and refuses to concede. ::: Did you know that in our present day there are over 40 million people in...
Exodus 1-4, Psalm 20
February 07, 2019 05:58 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MBThis is the beginning of the book of Exodus, a pivotal story in the history of Israel. Throughout Scripture, Israel is often reminded that God is the one who led His people out of bondage and out of Egypt; it’s a way to point to His power, His kindness, and His covenant faithfulness to fulfill His promises. As we enter the text, we’re told that Joseph has been forgotten and that the nation of Israel, though numerous, is being oppressed in the bonds of slavery. ::: Did you know th...
Mark 13-16; Psalm 19
February 06, 2019 05:01 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MBWe’re covering the last four chapters today, which includes Mark’s account of the crucifixion of Jesus. As you hear the Word today, remember 1 Peter 2:22-25 “He did not commit sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth; when he was insulted, he did not insult in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten but entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree; so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds ...
Mark 9-12; Psalm 18
February 05, 2019 05:01 - 36 minutes - 33.4 MBThe path of Jesus leads toward Jerusalem, and while His people assume that He will ascend to the throne upon entering the city, Jesus tries to warn them that He must first suffer at the hands of the chief priests and scribes. James and John obviously have their eyes on the prize of a new kingdom, but Jesus tells them that don’t know what they’re in for. ::: I’m so glad you’re listening to Commuter Bible, and I want to say thanks for all the kind words and support you’ve given me a...
Mark 5-8; Psalm 17
February 04, 2019 05:01 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MBThe crowds continue to seek after Jesus as His miraculous healings and exorcisms gain notoriety across the land. The religious leaders grow increasingly angry with Jesus, as he continues to rebuke them openly. It’s worth noting that the disciples aren’t quite seeing things clearly, much like the man who doesn’t see clearly at first when he encounters Jesus. ::: So if you’ve never heard of Patreon, it’s kind of like Kickstarter for creative people who are already doing work and mak...
Mark 1-4; Psalm 16
February 01, 2019 05:01 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MBThe gospel of Mark is one of the three synoptic gospels, “Synoptic” basically means “seeing the same thing,” the other two of which are Matthew and Luke. Historical evidence from early church fathers affirms that the apostle Peter is the one who passed these reports on to his attendant and writer, John Mark. Mark’s gospel is the shortest, but the most action-packed, as he includes a number of accounts and moves quickly from one scene to the next. connecting his stories with phrases...
Genesis 47-50; Psalms 14-15
January 31, 2019 05:01 - 23 minutes - 22.1 MBThe life of Jacob, who is now known as Israel, comes to close as he takes his last breath in Egypt. He blesses Joseph’s sons, and makes them a part of his family’s inheritance. After he takes his final breath, Joseph’s brothers fear that he will seek vengeance, but Joseph remembers God’s grace and provision. ::: That’s our show for today. If you’ve been listening to Commuter Bible since the first episode, you’ve made it through the book of Genesis in just 14 episodes. We’ll spend ...
Genesis 43-46; Psalm 12-13
January 30, 2019 05:01 - 25 minutes - 23.9 MBOn our last episode we saw how the Lord orchestrated Joseph’s life to save the lives of many in the face of a coming famine. When his brothers show up to ask for food, they don’t recognize Joseph, but Joseph recognizes them. He declares them to be spies, and after a series questions, he send them away and demands they bring their younger brother back to Egypt to see if they are telling the truth. ::: So this is our second-to-last episode in the book of Genesis, and after that we’l...
Genesis 39-42; Psalm 11
January 29, 2019 05:01 - 25 minutes - 23.9 MBToday on Commuter Bible, Joseph loses it all, then gains it all, then loses it all again, and then gains more than ever could have dreamed. Actually, I take that back: by God’s sovereign decree, it’s exactly how he dreamed. ::: It’s Genesis 39-42, and Psalm 11. ::: This is Commuter Bible, the audio Bible podcast to match your weekly schedule; I’m your host, John Ross. When Joseph is sold into slavery it seems that he has lost it all, except that Joseph has not lost what is most ...
Genesis 35-38; Psalm 10
January 28, 2019 05:01 - 27 minutes - 25.1 MBToday on Commuter Bible, if you thought your family was kind of messed up, then wait until you meet the sons and grandsons of Israel. They’ll slaughter a city for the mistakes of one man and sell their brother just for being a bit of brat. If you haven’t noticed already, this translation doesn’t pull any punches, so parental discretion is advised in chapter 38. ::: It’s Genesis 35-38, and Psalm 10. ::: This is Commuter Bible, the audio Bible podcast to match your weekly schedule; ...
Genesis 31-34; Psalm 9
January 25, 2019 05:01 - 27 minutes - 25.8 MBToday on Commuter Bible – Laban and Jacob have a shouting match, Jacob and God have a wrestling match, and Jacob realizes he is no match for his brother Esau. A note to parents of young ones, you may want to check out the beginning of chapter 34 before continuing. After 20 years of working under Laban and trying to establish himself, Jacob deceives Laban by sneaking away with his family. Laban pursues him and, as families tend to do, they have a heated discussion about which one ha...
Genesis 27-30; Psalm 8
January 24, 2019 05:01 - 26 minutes - 24.9 MBToday on Commuter Bible – Jacob pulls the wool over his dad’s eyes by pulling goat skin over his own body. It also becomes apparent that Jacob has absolutely no idea how breeding works, and yet God allows his flocks to increase. When you step back and think about it, I think most of us have no idea what we’re doing, and yet God is gracious anyway. Jacob the deceiver lives up to his name. He goes to great lengths to disguise himself from his blind and aging father, tricking him into...
Genesis 23-26; Psalm 7
January 23, 2019 05:01 - 28 minutes - 26.7 MBIt’s time for us to say goodbye to Abraham and Sarah as the story of Abraham’s family continues on after Him. God provides for Isaac as he did for His father Abraham, multiplying his riches and blessing him with children. His sons Jacob and Esau have a contentious relationship with one another, and their lives are marked by anger, deception, impatience, fear, and selfishness. ::: All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. facebook.com/commuterbible twitter.com/Commuter...
Genesis 19-22; Psalm 6
January 22, 2019 05:01 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MBIn our last episode, the Lord visited Abraham by sending three messengers to his home. He revealed that in a years time he would give Abraham a son. He also revealed that he was sending his messengers to Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin had grown so severe that it called for destruction. Before they are sent out, Abraham pleads with the Lord to spare the righteous. The Lord agrees that if even ten righteous people are found there, he will not destroy it. ::: All music written...
Genesis 15-18; Psalm 5
January 18, 2019 05:01 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MBToday we get to see the Lord’s faithfulness to a sinful man who doubts, who wavers, who makes poor decisions, but who ultimately responds to the Lord’s instruction. In His kindness, the Lord makes promises to Abram, promises that will last from one generation to the next, on and on through the ages. The Lord makes these promises, not because His hands are tied if Abram doesn’t cooperate, but to show the world that He is a God of steadfast love and sovereign provision. We’ve done 5 ...
Genesis 11-14; Psalm 4
January 17, 2019 05:01 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MBAfter generations of mankind’s constant outpouring of wickedness, the Lord decided to send a flood to wipe out Creation, saving only those men and creatures whom he had chosen to enter the ark that he had commanded to be built. The Bible clearly shows us that sin continued through Noah and his family through the generations, and at the Tower of Babel, we’ll see that men chose to use their God-given creativity to defy God Himself, disobeying God’s command to fill the earth. The opt i...
Genesis 7-10; Psalm 3
January 16, 2019 05:01 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MBIn our last episode God declared that he was going to put an end to mankind for their constant outpouring of evil and sinfulness. In His mercy, God decided to spare Noah and his family and gave him specific instructions for building an ark that support them and a bevy of animals for a full year, until the floodwaters recede. Today we see what happens when the floodgates of the sky are opened upon Creation. If you’re interested in knowing what we’ll be reading next, go to our websit...
Genesis 4-6; Psalm 2
January 15, 2019 05:01 - 14 minutes - 27.4 MBIn our last episode God spoke Creation into existence and formed man from the dust of the ground in the image of God Himself. He blessed mankind and gave them every green plant for food, except for the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The serpent deceived Eve while Adam stood by silently, and both of them chose to rebel against God. Their rebellion led to division: their relationship with a holy God was tainted, their relationship with each other was fractured, even Creation...
Genesis 1-3; Psalm 1
January 14, 2019 05:01 - 16 minutes - 30.1 MBGenesis 1-3 and Psalm 1. Genesis is a book of beginnings as it lays a foundation for the rest of Scripture. Here especially in the first three chapters we the beauty of God’s good and ordered creation, His clear direction in creating mankind in His own image, and His generous provision both before and after sin. Here, too, we see man’s relationship with God fall from one of peace, unity, and harmony into one of disorder and division as man rejects God’s good design and sins against...
Trailer - 2019
December 16, 2018 02:34 - 1 minute - 1.98 MBCommuter Bible is an audio Bible to match your weekly schedule. 5 episodes a week, less than 30 minutes an episode, with major holidays excluded from the schedule.