Ann Jervis, an expert on Pauline theology from Wycliffe College, explores Paul's unique understanding of time in relation to Christ. She discusses the intriguing concept of the 'already-not-yet' in Paul's letters. Jervis dives into how believers navigate their past and future through their relationship with Christ, transforming grief into present hope. The conversation also touches on the theological implications of Christ's suffering, urging a re-evaluation of the Eucharist and its communal significance for spiritual growth and deeper empathy.
The exploration of time in Paul's letters reveals a complex relationship between experience, change, and faith that challenges traditional interpretations.
Understanding believers' union with Christ emphasizes a present reality of victory over death, reshaping hope beyond mere future expectations.
Deep dives
Exploration of Time in Paul's Letters
The discussion centers around the complexity of time as presented in the New Testament, particularly in Paul's letters. The speaker shares their journey from initially studying ethical implications in Paul's writings to recognizing the need for a deeper understanding of how time is conceptualized. They describe a transformation in research focus, stemming from a doctoral class that sparked interest in the concept of time as it relates to biblical studies. This evolution highlights a shift from preconceived notions about time towards formulating a comprehensive approach to understanding Paul’s view of temporality.
Definitions of Time and Change
The speaker provides a foundational definition of time as the measure of action, event, and change, emphasizing how time is experienced in daily life. They tie this definition to Paul's perspective, suggesting that time consists of observable actions that indicate an event has taken place. This understanding challenges previous scholarly interpretations and invites readers to consider how Paul conceptually linked time with change, underscoring the significance of temporal measurements in understanding biblical narratives. By anchoring Paul’s ideas within this framework, new avenues for exegesis emerge regarding the relationship between faith and time.
Critique of Traditional Interpretations
The speaker critiques two prevalent scholarly frameworks that interpret Paul's writings on time: the salvation historical and apocalyptic paradigms. They argue that these models often imply an overlap between ages that does not align with Paul’s actual language and concepts. The speaker posits that Paul does not directly engage with the idea of a 'new age' and emphasizes being 'in Christ' as an alternative to the current evil age. This analysis urges a re-evaluation of how scholars have employed these frameworks to articulate Paul’s theological perspectives on time and existence.
Implications for Suffering and Hope
The speaker discusses the implications of living in Christ’s temporality, especially in the context of suffering and the resurrection. They propose that believers, through their union with Christ, experience a reality where death is already overcome, even while awaiting bodily resurrection. This perspective shifts the understanding of hope in death, suggesting that it should not dwell solely on future expectations but rather on the present reality of Christ’s victory. The conversation concludes with a recognition that this understanding is not meant to trivialize death but to provide believers with a deeper, more hopeful perspective on life and eternity.
Episode: How did Paul understand time? Was it an adaptation of the “two ages” of Judaism? Is there really an “already-not-yet” in Paul’s letters? To the last two questions, Ann […]