John Dominic Crossan: Paul & the Fictional History of Luke-Acts

Mar 21, 2025

In this engaging conversation, renowned biblical scholar John Dominic Crossan, a professor emeritus at DePaul University, dives into the intricate relationship between Paul and Luke in early Christian texts. He argues that Luke-Acts intentionally reworks Paul's mission to appease Roman authorities, downplaying key aspects of his apostleship. Crossan discusses the implications of this dynamic on early Christian identity, contrasting views on the Roman Empire, and reassessing Paul's conversion narrative. His insights highlight how these ancient tensions remain relevant today.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

Exploring Paul and Luke: Faith and Power in Historical Context

02:12 • 4min

Paul, Luke, and Early Christian Identity

06:04 • 7min

Contrasting Christian Perspectives on Rome in Early Texts

13:29 • 3min

Contrasting Accounts of the Jerusalem Council

16:45 • 25min

Exploring the Role of God-Fearers in Paul's Mission

41:50 • 6min

Reassessing Paul's Narrative

47:30 • 13min

Understanding Paul's Theological Legacy

01:00:02 • 18min

Engagement and Community: Upcoming Lectures and Support Opportunities

01:18:13 • 3min

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Parable of the Sower

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Published in 1993, 'Parable of the Sower' is a dark and vivid portrayal of a future where global climate change and economic crises have led to social chaos. The story is told through the diary entries of Lauren Olamina, a 15-year-old Black girl living in a gated community near Los Angeles. Lauren suffers from hyperempathy, a condition that makes her feel the pain and pleasure of others. As her community is destroyed by external threats, Lauren embarks on a perilous journey north, developing a new faith called Earthseed along the way. Earthseed's central doctrine is that 'God is Change' and cannot be resisted, but can be influenced. The novel explores themes of survival, faith, family, hope, and community in a world torn apart by environmental devastation, economic collapse, and violence.

Render Unto Caesar

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Jesus: A Revolutionary Biography

A Startling Account of What We Can Know about the Life of Jesus

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In *Jesus: A Revolutionary Biography*, John Dominic Crossan presents a provocative and scholarly examination of Jesus' life, emphasizing his role as a social revolutionary who challenged the status quo of his time. Crossan uses historical criticism to evaluate the Gospels and situates Jesus within the political and cultural context of first-century Roman Palestine. He portrays Jesus as a peasant leader advocating for radical egalitarianism and social healing.

The Last Week

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In 'The Last Week', John Dominic Crossan and Marcus J. Borg provide a day-by-day account of Jesus's final week in Jerusalem, using the Gospel of Mark as their guide. They portray Jesus as a moral hero who challenges unjust power and advocates for the poor, offering a radical interpretation of his life and mission. The book explores themes of non-violent resistance and economic justice, presenting a Jesus who is both historically grounded and relevant to contemporary social issues.

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In *How to Read the Bible and Still Be a Christian*, John Dominic Crossan explores the conflicting visions of God in the Bible, from a loving God to a vengeful one. He provides guidance on how to navigate these contrasting views, encouraging Christians to engage deeply with the text and its historical context to strengthen their faith. Crossan challenges readers to participate in a dialogue that shapes their understanding of the Bible's central message.

The greatest prayer

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In 'The Greatest Prayer', John Dominic Crossan provides a profound analysis of the Lord's Prayer, exploring its significance as both a revolutionary message and a poetic hymn. He examines the prayer through six key words—Father/name, kingdom, will, bread, debt, and temptation—highlighting its universal appeal and its roots in Judaism. Crossan argues that the prayer is a call to distributive justice and a model for human holiness.

God and Empire

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In 'God and Empire', John Dominic Crossan contrasts the imperial ideology of Rome with the kingdom of God as preached by Jesus, highlighting themes of violence, justice, and peace. He examines how Jesus and Paul challenged Roman power with ideological rather than military might, and draws parallels between ancient Rome and the modern United States.

John Dominic Crossan: Paul & the Fictional History of Luke-Acts

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