Recovering Paul’s radical gospel for today’s church, Mike Erre sits down with Pauline scholar Dr. Timothy Gombis for an honest and theologically rich conversation that peels back cultural assumptions and reexamines the complexities—and power—of Paul’s letters. From ancient household codes to modern questions about gender, race, power, and sexuality, Mike and Dr. Gombis explore how Paul’s vision of Christ-shaped community invites us into a radically inclusive, justice-seeking, cruciform way of life.
Key Takeaways: • Reframing Paul’s Letters – How misreadings shaped by evangelical subcultures distort Paul’s intent on topics like women, sex, slavery, and sin. • Household Codes as Subversion – Understanding how Paul uses Roman structures not to uphold, but to radically counter, systems of power and honor through a Jesus-centered ethic. • Cross-Shaped Discipleship – How Philippians 2 models a life of relinquishing privilege and embracing others in humility, community, and solidarity. • White Privilege and Christlikeness – How a posture of listening, repentance, and mutuality allows privileged Christians to walk in the way of Christ's self-emptying love. • Hospitality over Judgment – Why the gospel’s call to LGBTQ+ individuals must begin with deep welcome, shared burden-bearing, and long-term relational faithfulness—not assumptions or demands. • Redefining Power in the Church – Exploring why Paul, if alive today, would likely be bewildered by large, production-oriented churches and how they contradict his vision of humble, table-sharing communities.
Guest Highlight: Dr. Timothy Gombis – A New Testament scholar and author of “Paul: A Guide for the Perplexed” and “The Drama of Ephesians.” Tim brings scholarly depth and pastoral wisdom to help the modern church rediscover Paul’s radical, Christ-centered message. His reflections challenge listeners to approach Scripture with fresh eyes and courageous faithfulness.
Resources Mentioned: • Paul: A Guide for the Perplexed by Timothy Gombis – [Link] • The Drama of Ephesians by Timothy Gombis – [Link] • “Faith Improvised” podcast by Tim Gombis – [Link] • Michael Gorman's scholarship on cruciformity – [Link] • “Family Values and the Rise of the Christian Right” – [Link] • Philippians 2:5-11 and 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 – Key Scripture • Timothy Gombis's blog archive and GRTS SoundCloud teaching library – [Link]
Join the movement of rekindling a just, humble, and inclusive church rooted deeply in the person of Jesus. Subscribe to Voxology, leave a review, and follow us on your favorite social platforms to join the community.
As always, we encourage your thoughts and engagement. Email your questions to hello@voxpodcast.com and connect on Instagram and Facebook.
Watch full episodes on VOXOLOGY TV on YouTube
Grab official Voxology merch in our ETSY store
For more about the podcast, visit voxologypodcast.com
Subscribe via Apple Podcasts or Spotify
Support the show on Patreon
Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre
Original music by Timothy John Stafford – @GoneTimothy on Instagram & Twitter.
As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.
We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.
Our Merch Store! ETSY
Learn more about the Voxology Podcast
Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify
Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon
The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio
Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook
Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre
Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford
Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy
