From Zealot to Witness: How Paul’s Political Imagination Was Transformed by Jesus (Reconciling Faith and Politics Series)

Jul 9, 2018

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How the apostle Paul’s encounter with the risen Jesus radically reshaped his political vision, identity, and understanding of salvation—and what that means for the church today. This third installment of the Exile Series dives into how Paul’s pre- and post-conversion worldview about kingdom, nation, power, and mission underwent a massive transformation, ultimately redefining faith as political allegiance to a crucified and risen king.

Mike unpacks the deeply political nature of Paul’s conversion, reframing salvation not as a personal escape to heaven but as entrance into a cross-shaped community—“the new creation polis of Jesus.” The episode explores the robust implications of Jesus’ resurrection and lordship on how Christians engage politics, identity, and vocation in the world.

Key Takeaways: • Understanding Salvation as Political Allegiance – Why Paul shifted from viewing Jesus as a failed insurrectionist to proclaiming him as Lord over all creation, a move that reframes salvation within a deeply political lens. • The Cross as the Shape of God’s Politics – How Jesus’ crucifixion reoriented Paul’s understanding of authority, declaring that God's kingdom advances not by power but by self-giving love. • The Kingdom Is Now – Paul realized that resurrection wasn’t only an end-times event, but had begun in Jesus and now spreads through a new community of Spirit-filled disciples. • From Jewish Nationalism to Global Invitation – How Paul’s prejudices were undone as he saw that non-Jews didn’t need to become Jewish but were co-heirs through Jesus, prompting a redefinition of God's people. • Church as the New Political Community – The ekklesia as a holy, elected body called to embody the radically inclusive and cruciform vocation originally entrusted to Israel.

Resources Mentioned: • Ephesians 1 – Paul’s vision of cosmic Lordship • Exodus 19 – The church’s vocation as a royal priesthood and holy nation • Michael Gorman – On cruciformity and Pauline politics • Tim Gombis – Pauline insights and gospel-centered political imagination

For those wrestling with the collision of politics and faith, this episode offers a powerful reorientation toward a kingdom rooted in the cross—not in nationalism or tribalism. Be part of the conversation as we challenge distorted ideas of power and identity and rediscover the church’s true calling in the politically charged landscape of today.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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