Malchus & the Return of Belief

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Ryan and Brian’s Bible Bistro, where hosts Ryan and Brian dive into the Bible, theology, and all things pertaining to the Christian faith. Recorded during Holy Week, this episode explores the story of Malchus, the servant of the high priest, and discusses encouraging trends in Christian faith globally. From historical insights to modern revivals, Ryan and Brian cover it all with their signature wit and wisdom.

Timestamps & Topics:

• [00:00 – 03:30] Introduction and Banter
• Ryan and Brian kick off with playful banter about Brian’s “conversion” to the word “pertaining.”
• Setting the scene: It’s Holy Week, recorded the day after Palm Sunday, with Easter approaching.
• [03:30 – 06:00] Holy Week Context
• Brian shares his busy schedule as a pastor, preparing for a unique Maundy Thursday service and Easter celebrations.
• The episode will cover two main topics: a biblical reflection for Holy Week and a discussion on current trends in Christianity.
• [06:00 – 28:00] The Story of Malchus
• Focus on Malchus, the servant of the high priest, whose ear is cut off during Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.
• Examination of the account across all four Gospels:
• Mark 14:47: An unnamed person cuts off the servant’s ear; Jesus rebukes the action (Mark 14:48).
• Matthew 26:50-51: Similar account, with Jesus saying, “All who draw the sword will die by the sword” (Matthew 26:52).
• Luke 22:49-51: Adds that Jesus heals the servant’s ear, still unnamed.
• John 18:10-11: Names the servant as Malchus and the disciple as Simon Peter; Jesus commands Peter to put away his sword.
• Discussion on why details differ:
• Traditional view: Later Gospels add details for verisimilitude.
• N.T. Wright’s perspective: Gospel writers interacted, emphasizing different aspects.
• Scholarly insights from Richard Bauckham’s book (Jesus and the Eyewitnesses):
• Anonymity in earlier Gospels (Mark, Matthew, Luke) may have protected early Christians, like Malchus, from persecution.
• Naming in John could indicate safety or recognition of Malchus as a believer.
• Theories suggest Malchus became a Christian after Jesus healed him, supported by early church traditions.
• Criteria for authenticity:
• Multiple attestation (all four Gospels include the story).
• Criterion of embarrassment (Peter’s rebuke reflects poorly on him, suggesting authenticity).
• Connection to Holy Week: Jesus’ call to avoid violence and embrace a “cruciform life” of sacrifice.
• [28:00 – 50:00] Resurgence of Christian Faith
• Three encouraging studies highlight a revival in Christianity:

1. UK Bible Society Report (The Quiet Revival):

• Interview with Dr. Rhiannon McAleer, Director of Research.
• Church attendance in England and Wales has grown, especially among Gen Z.
• Stats: Young men’s attendance up from 4% to 21% (2018–present), young women from 3% to 12%.
• Quote from Dr. Rob Barward-Simmons: Church offers meaning amidst mental health struggles, loneliness, and loss of purpose.

1. Barna Group Study (US):

• 66% of U.S. adults report a personal commitment to Jesus, up 12% since 2021.
• Gen Z men show a 15% increase in commitment (2019–2025).
• David Kinnaman’s Faith for Exiles: “This is the clearest trend we’ve seen in more than a decade pointing to spiritual renewal.”
• Ryan Burge notes a plateau and slight decline in “nones” (religiously unaffiliated).

1. Voice of the Martyrs Report (Iran):

• Despite persecution, Iran has one of the fastest-growing Christian populations.
• Reports of 1 million Muslims converting to Christianity; 50,000–75,000 mosques closing.
• Underground churches thrive despite arrests and beatings.
• Accounts of visions and dreams of Jesus leading Muslims to faith.
• Reflections:
• Justin Brierley’s Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God: Christianity as a “last choice” after rejecting superficial versions.
• Andrew Root’s emphasis: Church growth stems from connection to Christ and community, not programming.
• Tertullian’s quote (Apologeticus 50:13): “The blood of Christians is seed,” linking persecution to growth.
• Testimony of Yasser Eric:
• Former Sudanese Muslim, converted through a miraculous healing and an audible voice of Jesus.
• Now an Anglican bishop overseeing Muslim converts to Christianity.
• [50:00 – End] Closing Thoughts
• Ryan and Brian reflect on the hope these trends bring and the call to live faithfully, as seen in 1 Peter’s exile imagery.
• Encouragement to embrace purpose and meaning through faith, even in a complacent West.
• A lighthearted jab at Ryan’s “omniscience” and a call to support the podcast.

Resources Mentioned:

• Books:
• Jesus and the Eyewitnesses by Richard Bauckham
• New Testament People of God and Jesus and the Gospels by N.T. Wright
• The Quiet Revival by Dr. Rob Barward-Simmons (UK Bible Society)
• Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God by Justin Brierley
• The Nones Plateau by Ryan Burge
• Faith for Exiles by David Kinnaman
• The Unseen Realm by Michael Heiser
• Podcasts & Studies:
• UK Bible Society report with Dr. Rhiannon McAleer
• Barna Group data on U.S. Christian commitment
• Voice of the Martyrs report on Iran’s Christian growth
• Justin Brierley’s podcast (Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God)
• Other:
• Yasser Eric’s testimony videos
• From Jihad to Jesus
• How I Met Jesus
• The Most Unusual Bishop
• Tertullian’s Apologeticus (late 2nd century)

Connect with Us:

• Visit thebiblebistro.com to support the podcast.
• Share this episode and join us next Tuesday for more discussions.
• Have a blessed Easter celebrating the risen Lord!