Tom Holland and NT Wright discuss the fascinating life of Paul, his upbringing, the impact of his teachings on Western history and human rights, the tension between universal humanity and individual identities, and Paul's fusion of Jewish traditions with the story of Jesus.
Paul's transformative encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus shattered and fulfilled his lifelong beliefs, prompting him to radically shift his understanding and identify Jesus as the true manifestation of the God of Israel.
Paul's message of a universal humanity in Christ challenged the prevailing notions of identity and social hierarchies in the Roman Empire, emphasizing the equality of all believers and laying the foundation for discussions on human rights and equality.
Deep dives
Paul's mission to spread Christianity
Paul, a prolific letter writer and a Greek-speaking Pharisee, devoted his life to spreading and interpreting the message of Jesus as the Messiah. His mission was to bring the good news of salvation to both Jews and Gentiles, challenging the prevailing beliefs of his time. Paul's deep understanding of Jewish scriptures and the context of the Roman Empire influenced his theological teachings and writings, which continue to have a profound impact on Western Christianity.
Paul's transformative encounter on the road to Damascus
Paul's journey took a transformative turn when he had a profound experience on the road to Damascus. While meditating on the throne chariot described in the book of Ezekiel, he encountered Jesus of Nazareth in a way that shattered and fulfilled his lifelong beliefs. This encounter led Paul to radically shift his understanding of Jesus and identify him as the true manifestation of the God of Israel. Paul's subsequent letters reveal his ongoing exploration and reinterpretation of Jewish scriptures in light of his encounter with Jesus.
The significance of Paul's theology and writings
Paul's theology was rooted in the belief that Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection were central to God's plan for the redemption and renewal of the world. His letters, such as those addressed to the Corinthians and the Galatians, convey his understanding of Jesus as the suffering servant and the embodiment of Israel's God. Paul's writings also address the tension between Jewish and Gentile believers, discussing topics such as circumcision, the role of the law, and the unity of believers in Christ. His teachings laid the groundwork for the development of Christian theology and influenced the shaping of Western civilization.
Paul's impact on the concept of universal humanity
Paul's message of a universal humanity in Christ challenged the prevailing notions of identity and social hierarchies in the Roman Empire. His emphasis on the equality of all believers, irrespective of their social status, ethnicity, or gender, was revolutionary for the time. Through his letters, Paul expounded on the idea that all people are united in Christ, breaking down barriers and emphasizing the importance of love and compassion. This concept of a shared humanity, rooted in his understanding of Jesus' teachings and mission, laid the foundation for subsequent discussions on human rights and equality.
Who was Paul? What difference did he make to the world? What do we know about his conversion? Justin sat down with NT Wright and popular historian Tom Holland to talk about NT Wright's then-recently published book Paul: A Biography in a conversation that took place in 2018.