Ep. 281 - Greek and Roman Philosophy for New Testament Readers w/Dr. Tim Brookins

Oct 16, 2025

Dr. Timothy Brookins, a New Testament scholar and professor at the University of St. Thomas, dives into the fascinating interplay between Greek and Roman philosophy and the New Testament. He discusses how understanding ancient philosophy can illuminate Christian texts and contextualize early Christian thought. The conversation touches on whether Jesus can be considered a philosopher, comparisons between biblical wisdom and ancient philosophy, and the influence of figures like Socrates, Stoics, and Epicureans on early Christianity.

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INSIGHT

Philosophy As New Testament Context

Greek and Roman philosophy formed the intellectual backdrop for New Testament writers and their audiences.
Philosophy competed with early Christianity for converts and shaped commonplaces Paul uses.

ADVICE

Study Philosophy In Manageable Chunks

Read bite-sized chapters on key philosophers and schools to build background efficiently.
Follow the book's recommended primary sources for deeper study.

ANECDOTE

Dog Named After Anaximander

Parker named his dog Anaximander and found Brookins' section on Anaximander unexpectedly helpful.
The hosts laugh about the prevalence of X's in early philosopher names.

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In episode 281 of the Parker's Pensées Podcast, I'm joined once again by Dr. Timothy Brookins. This time we discuss Greek and Roman philosophy and how the reader of the New Testament can benefit from understanding the influential philosophy of the time period. Grab Dr. Brookins' book on Roman and Greek Philosophy here to support my work: https://amzn.to/43ooclh Grab his book on Paul's letters to the Corinthians and Stoicism here to support my work: https://amzn.to/4msmSqr → Grab a ParkNotes exclusive "Study and Think Deeply" leather cover and Leuchtturm1917 a6 from Murdy Creative Co. here: Check out https://murdycreative.co/PARKERNOTES and use promo code PARKERNOTES at check out for 10% off your entire order!! → Paper Republic is offering a 30% off discount on their voyager bundles for my audience (this isn't an affiliate link, so I don't make commission on your purchase but I figured it'd be nice to get you a discount anyways!). Check them out and use PARKERPR30 for the 30% off: https://www.paper-republic.com/en-us/collections/bundles→More Sponsors/Discounts Check out https://murdycreative.co/PARKERNOTES and use promo code PARKERNOTES at check out for 10% off your entire order!!Grab a Field Notes notebook or memo book wallet like the one from the video from my affiliate link here to support my work and use promo code PARKERNOTES for 10% off your entire order: https://fieldnotesbrand.com/products/daily-carry-leather-notebook-cover?aff=44I'm finally a Saddleback affiliate so if you like their stuff buy something from my link and you can also support my work! Check out the catalog here: https://saddlebackleather.com/leather-moleskine-cover-medium/?ktk=d0pac01BLWJmZWY1MmZiYTFiJoin this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYbTRurpFP5q4TpDD_P2JDA/joinorIf you like this podcast, then support it on Patreon for $3, $5 or more a month. Any amount helps, and for $5 you get a Parker's Pensées sticker and instant access to all the episode as I record them instead of waiting for their release date. Check it out here: https://www.patreon.com/c/parkersettecaseIf you want to give a one-time gift, you can give at my Paypal: https://paypal.me/ParkersPensees?locale.x=en_US Check out my merchandise at my Teespring store: https://teespring.com/stores/parkers-penses-merch Come talk with the Pensées community on Discord: dsc.gg/parkerspenseesSub to my Substack to read my thoughts on my episodes: https://parknotes.substack.com/