Acts E5: N.T. Wright Interview - Getting to Know The Apostle Paul
Nov 26, 2018
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Biblical scholar N.T. Wright discusses Paul's transformation, including his mindset as a Jew and his mission to include all nations in the family of Jesus. Wright believes Paul was meditating on Ezekiel's vision and never returned to Tarsus in Acts. Paul aimed to give Abraham a worldwide family and redeem all humanity through the Jews, showcasing God's love and unity across different ethnic groups.
N.T. Wright highlights Paul's early Jewish mindset and transformative encounter with Jesus.
Paul's mission emphasizes universal salvation through faith, transcending cultural boundaries.
The podcast explores Paul's message of love and unity as he shares Christ's redemptive love with diverse communities.
Deep dives
Discovering N.T. Wright's Impact: A Journey into Biblical Scholarship
N.T. Wright's profound influence on biblical scholarship is explored, tracing back to a transformative bookstore encounter in Portland. From early bewilderment reading the Bible to embracing scholarly insights, the journey led to in-depth learning from Wright. The podcast delves into the scholar's passion for researching the Apostle Paul, shedding light on Paul's upbringing, encounter with Jesus, and his mission as a church planter in the ancient world.
Unveiling Paul's Transformation: From Zealous Jew to Advocate for the Gentiles
Paul's intense devotion as a Jewish Pharisee and his transformative encounter with Jesus unveil a narrative rich in zeal and self-reflection. The podcast explores Saul of Tarsus' fervor for maintaining Jewish traditions and the radical shift in perspective following his Damascus road experience. Through his encounter with Jesus and subsequent mission among the Gentiles, Paul's story illustrates a profound journey of faith and cultural adaptation.
Reimagining Covenantal Love: Paul's Message of Inclusive Salvation
Paul's profound theological insights reframe traditional interpretations of salvation, emphasizing an all-encompassing love that transcends boundaries. His teachings emphasize the interplay between Jewish distinctiveness and the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, highlighting the transformative power of Christ's sacrificial love. The podcast navigates the nuanced relationship between Jewish customs, sin forgiveness, and the inclusive mission of the Christian faith, shedding light on Paul's vision for a united, love-driven community.
The Nexus of Exile and Redemption: Unraveling the Biblical Narrative
The podcast unpacks the interwoven themes of exile and redemption throughout the biblical narrative, offering a fresh perspective on Israel's historical journey and divine covenant. Paul's teachings bridge the gap between Jewish theological heritage and a broader vision of universal salvation, emphasizing the pivotal role of Jesus in fulfilling God's redemptive promises. By exploring the intricate dynamics of sin, forgiveness, and covenantal love, Paul's message resonates as a transformative force uniting diverse communities in a shared journey of faith.
Embracing Divine Love: The Driving Force Behind Paul's Mission
The podcast delves into Paul's unwavering commitment fueled by the profound love he perceives in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Paul's journey embodies a deep personal connection to the redemptive love of Christ, shaping his mission to share this transformative message with diverse audiences. Through Paul's message of love and unity, the podcast illuminates how this foundational principle propels his enduring legacy as a trailblazer for inclusive, compassionate Christianity.
This is a very special episode of our podcast. Today Tim and Jon talk with N.T. Wright, a well-known biblical scholar. Wright has heavily influenced many areas of theology, especially through his work outlining the Apostle Paul.
Dr. Wright outlines his childhood and his original introduction to the Bible (0:00-9:40). Dr. Wright discusses Paul’s mindset as a Jew, especially before his transformation on the road to Damascus (9:40-18:20).
Dr. Wright explains what he thinks happened to Paul on the road to Damascus. He thinks Paul was meditating on the vision in Ezekiel 1 while on the road. He also explains what he thinks happens during the decade after Paul’s transformation. Dr. Wright also mentions that it’s unusual that Paul never returns to Tarsus in Acts (18:20-31:50).
Dr. Wright then discusses Paul’s balance between being loyal to his Jewish roots but also believing that the Jews and their God were supposed to be a blessing to all the nations. Dr. Wright says that for Paul, the whole point of the Gospel was to give Abraham his single worldwide family and that through the Jews, God would redeem all humanity. Paul believes that ultimately all people are God’s people, not just the Jews (31:50-end).
Show Produced by:
Dan Gummel, Tim Mackie, Jon Collins, Matthew Halbert-Howen
Show Music:
Defender Instrumental, Tents.
Show Resources:
Our video on Paul in Acts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiVAbkINtRU
Paul: A Biography, N.T Wright.
