Israel and the Restoration in Second Temple Judaism

In the podcast episode, the guest, Jason Staples, discusses his book 'The Idea of Israel in Second Temple Judaism'. The main focus of the book is the distinction between Israel and Jews during the Second Temple period. Staples argues that Israel includes but is not limited to Jews. He explores how ancient texts such as Josephus, Ezra-Nehemiah, First Maccabees, and others depict the restoration and expectations of a reunited and redeemed Israel. Staples also mentions his upcoming book on Israel in Paul's letters, where he argues that Paul understood Gentile inclusion in the restored Israel as a fulfillment of the promises to the dispersed tribes of Israel.