In this episode of Under the Hood, Sam and Will dive deep into the story of Gideon from Judges 6–7—a reluctant hero hiding in a winepress whom God calls a “mighty man of valor.” Through history, archaeology, and careful biblical theology, they unpack Israel’s cycle of idolatry, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, showing how Gideon’s unlikely victory points forward to a bigger gospel pattern. From the tearing down of idols, to the mysterious fleece, to the shocking reduction of Israel’s army from 32,000 to just 300, this episode explores how God brings victory—not through human strength, but through faith, obedience, and praise.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, outnumbered, or unqualified, Gideon’s story has something powerful to say to you.

In Matthew 22, Jesus gets cornered with a trap question: “Should we pay taxes to Caesar?” Sam and Will walk through why it was a no-win setup (Pharisees vs. Herodians), why Jesus asks for the denarius, and how the coin’s blasphemous titles (“son of god,” “high priest”) expose the hypocrisy in the room. From Tiberius’ image to Rome’s “gospel” propaganda (Pax Romana, imperial “savior” language), you’ll see how Jesus flips the question into something bigger: what bears Caesar’s image… and what bears God’s image.

In this episode of Under the Hood, Sam and Will piece together the night of Jesus’ arrest and the five back-to-back trials before Annas, Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, Pontius Pilate, Herod Antipas, and Pilate again. We trace why the leaders pushed for crucifixion (not stoning), unpack the crowd’s choice of Barabbas, and walk through 12 ways the proceedings broke Jewish legal norms—revealing just how rushed and irregular the whole night was. Stick around for the timeline, historical context, and why Jesus endured this injustice on purpose.

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Sam and Will go “Under the Hood” on Herod the Great—his ruthless rise under Rome, why he’s called “the Great,” and the massive projects he built (Temple renovation, Caesarea’s harbor, Masada, Herodium). They unpack his paranoia, political maneuvering, and brutality, then set Matthew 2’s “slaughter of the innocents” in historical context and contrast Herod’s power with Jesus’ kingship. Stick around for vivid Josephus accounts and a practical takeaway on our responses to Jesus. If you enjoy deep-dive Bible history made clear and engaging, like, comment, and subscribe!

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Where was Mount Sinai? In this episode, Will and Sam walk through three leading proposals—Jebel Musa (traditional site), Jabal al-Lawz, and Har Karkom—testing each against the Bible’s travel clues, archaeology, and common “gotchas.” Along the way, they paint the scene of Exodus 19’s fiery theophany, contrast Sinai with the Cross through Hebrews 12, and unpack why the name “Sinai” (thorns) matters to the gospel story. Whether or not we can pin it on a map, you’ll see why what happened there still matters today.

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Who was Pontius Pilate—villain, pawn, or both? In this episode, we trace Pilate’s career from his appointment under Sejanus to his downfall under Tiberius, using ancient sources (Josephus, Philo, Tacitus) and archaeology (the Pilate Stone) to paint the political pressure cooker that led to Jesus’ crucifixion. We unpack Pilate’s four provocations against the Jews, why “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend” cornered him, and how he was ultimately removed from office—with later traditions about his fate. Stick around for the biblical scene-setting and a clear, history-grounded narrative you can share. If you enjoy this, please like, comment, and subscribe!

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In this episode of Under the Hood, Sam and Will trace how Noah’s three sons (Shem, Ham, and Japheth) echo through Scripture—and how the New Testament redeems their lines through three roads: Gaza (the Ethiopian eunuch), Damascus (Saul/Paul), and Joppa (Cornelius). Along the way, they connect Noah’s “new Adam” parallels, Babel’s reversal at Pentecost, and the global spread of Christianity. Stick around for a hopeful, big-picture look at God’s plan reaching every nation. If you enjoy the conversation, please like, comment, and subscribe!

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In this episode of Under the Hood, hosts Sam and Will dive into the story of Naaman from 2 Kings 5. Naaman, a powerful and wealthy Syrian commander, has everything the world can offer—except a cure for his leprosy. This narrative is a profound illustration of the gospel, revealing how God's grace and healing are freely given, not earned through power, wealth, or heroic deeds. We explore the historical and cultural context that brings this story to life, from Naaman's pride to his humble obedience. In this episode, we'll cover: The "Comma, but" of Life: The story of Naaman, a man of valor and high favor, serves as a powerful metaphor for humanity's condition. He has everything, "but he was a leper". Grace from an Enemy: We discuss the remarkable grace of the young Israelite servant girl who, despite being captured by Naaman, directs him to the prophet Elisha for healing. The Futility of Earthly Wealth: Naaman arrives with a vast fortune and fine clothing, believing he can buy his healing, only to be humbled when Elisha refuses to even see him. The Simplicity of the Gospel: Naaman's fury at being told to simply "wash in the Jordan seven times" highlights the human tendency to seek complex, heroic solutions over a simple act of faith. A New Life: Naaman's transformation after his seven dips in the Jordan River foreshadows Christian baptism, symbolizing a death to pride and a new life of humility and faith. The Contrast of Gehazi: We explore the story of Gehazi, Elisha's servant, who attempts to profit from Naaman's gratitude and suffers the consequences, a stark warning against exploiting God's grace for personal gain.