Sunday School; A Pillar Bible Study - The Pillar Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Earth, Wind, and Fire Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

Come, Holy Spirit! It’s Pentecost Sunday, and Dr. Scott Powell is here to share some of the biblical language that gives context to these readings.

Reading 1 - Acts 2:1-11

Psalm 104: 1, 24, 29-31, 34

Reading 2 - Romans 8: 8-17

Gospel - John 20:19-23

This episode of Sunday School was brought to you by Amazing Parish.

Amazing Parish coaches hundreds of Catholic pastors across the United States each year— to reinvigorate and transform their vocations and their parishes.

Learn more today at amazingparish.org

If you’re interested in advertising on Sunday School, reach out to Michelle at mlarosa@pillarcatholic.com

God's Grandeur by Gerard Manley Hopkins

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

The Ascension, the in-between, and disbelief with joy May 28, 2025

Show notes

This Sunday— in most dioceses— we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord. Dr. Scott Powell explains why the Ascension is actually the pinnacle of the Easter season and the connection between these readings and the often misunderstood parable of the ten virgins.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 7:50

Reading 1 - Acts 1: 1-11

Psalm 47: 2-3, 6-7, 8-9

Reading 2 - Ephesians 1:17-23

Gospel - Luke 24: 46-53

This episode of Sunday School was brought to you by Amazing Parish.

Amazing Parish coaches hundreds of Catholic pastors across the United States each year— to reinvigorate and transform their vocations and their parishes.

Learn more today at amazingparish.org

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

A garden city, and does God change his mind? May 21, 2025

Show notes

In these readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, we hear about the Council of Jerusalem and Jesus’ last discourse to his apostles.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 8:35

Reading 1 - Acts 15 :1-2, 22-29

Psalm 67: 2-3, 5, 6, 8

Reading 2 - Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23

Gospel - John 14:23-29

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Judas’ betrayal and all the sandwiches May 14, 2025

Show notes

It’s the Fifth Sunday of Easter! Join Dr. Scott Powell and Kate Olivera as they talk about a chiasm in Acts of the Apostles and reflect on the betrayal of Judas.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 7:25

Reading 1 - Acts 14:21-27

Psalm 145: 1, 8-13

Reading 2 - Revelation 21:1-5a

Gospel - John 13:31-33a, 34-35

This episode of Sunday School was brought to you by Amazing Parish.

Amazing Parish coaches hundreds of Catholic pastors across the U.S each year— to reinvigorate and transform their vocations and their parishes.

Learn more by visiting amazingparish.org

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Sheep and the 144,000 sealed May 07, 2025

Show notes

It’s Good Shepherd Sunday! Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn and Kate Olivera as they talk about St. Paul and Barnabas’ disruption at a synogogue in Antioch, the 144,000 sealed in Revelation and Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 4:45

Reading 1 - Acts 13:14, 43-52

Psalm 100: 1-2, 3, 5

Reading 2 - Revelation 7:9, 14b-17

Gospel - John 10:27-30

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Revelation, fishing, and the in-between Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Scott Powell breaks down the readings for the Third Sunday of Easter— including a deep dive into the Sanhedrin, the Pharisees and the Sadducees. He also explores some possible deeper meanings behind Peter’s first conversation with the Risen Christ.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 7:50

Reading 1 - Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41

Psalm 30: 2, 4-6, 11-13

Reading 2 - Revelation 5:11-14

Gospel - John 21:1-19

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Shadows and the healing of Thomas Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

It’s the Second Sunday of Easter— Divine Mercy Sunday. This week, Dr. Scott Powell talks with JD Flynn and Kate Olivera about the structure of Acts of the Apostles, the ancient idiom that contextualizes the book of Revelation, and Jesus’ healing of Thomas.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 7:00

Reading 1 - Acts 5:12-16

Psalm 118: 2-4, 13-15, 22-24

Reading 2 - Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19

Gospel - John 20:19-31

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Here comes Simon Peter Cottontail Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

This week, Dr. Scott Powell approaches the readings for Easter Sunday in reverse. Join Dr. Powell, JD Flynn and Kate Olivera as we learn how Jesus’ resurrection interacts with a frequently misunderstood Jewish feast day. Then, Scott shares what he considers to be the turning point of the entire New Testament.

And don’t miss Dr. Powell’s latest book— Walking with Christ: A Journey Through the Gospel of Luke

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 5:40

Reading 1 - Acts 10:34a, 37-43

Psalm 118: 1-2, 16-17, 22-23

Reading 2 - Colossians 3:1-4

Gospel - John 20:1-9

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

A Holy Week overture Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

It’s Palm Sunday, everybody. Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn and Kate Olivera as they unpack this Holy Week overture— including St. Paul’s kenotic hymn, the meaning of Jesus’ last words on the cross and the choice we make each Palm Sunday.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 21:30

Reading during palm procession - Luke 19:28-40

Reading 1 - Isaiah 50:4-7

Psalm 22: 8-9, 17-20, 23-24

Reading 2 - Philippians 2:6-11

Gospel - Luke 22:14—23:56

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Chumps not sirs Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

It’s the Fifth Sunday of Lent. Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn and Kate Olivera as they explore themes of water and dust— and reconsider the Gospel story of the woman caught in adultery.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 4:45

Reading 1 - Isaiah 43:16-21

Psalm 126: 1-6

Reading 2 - Philippians 3:8-14

Gospel - John 8:1-11

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Sunday School; A Pillar Bible Study – The Pillar Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected