

The Bridge Builders Forum
Ryan Lambert
The Bridge Builders Forum Podcast helps Jews and Christians better understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Each episode features individuals and perspectives that foster mutual enrichment and the goodness we can bring to our communities and the world when there is a bridge, rather than a gulf, between Jews and Christians.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 12, 2025 • 4min
Who Was the Jewish Prophet Behind Paul's Passion?
Send us a textWho was the Jewish prophet behind Paul’s passion?In this episode of Journey with the Jewish Paul, we explore why the Apostle Paul quoted Isaiah more than any other prophet—and how Isaiah’s vision of the nations streaming to Jerusalem shaped Paul’s mission, message, and hope.Far from abandoning the Hebrew Bible, Paul was fueled by it. Isaiah didn’t just inform Paul’s theology—he lit Paul’s path. Discover how Paul’s end-times vision was rooted in Jewish prophecy, why that matters for Jewish-Christian understanding today, and what it means to recover Paul’s Jewish voice.Bridge Builders ForumAn educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians" The Weird Apostle Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

Jun 5, 2025 • 4min
Did Paul Expect Gentiles to Keep the Torah?
Send us a textDid Paul expect Gentiles to keep the Torah? Most people would say, “Absolutely not.” After all, Paul is often seen as the one who set Christians free from the Law. But is that what Paul really taught?In this episode of Journey with the Jewish Paul, we explore this surprising truth: Paul taught Torah to Gentile believers—and expected them to live by its wisdom. But not as Jews.Paul’s letters reveal that he believed Gentiles could belong to the family of Abraham without becoming Jewish—and still benefit from the Torah’s guidance. So what did Paul mean when he told Gentiles to avoid idolatry, uphold purity, and even celebrate Passover?Discover why Paul should be seen as a Teacher of Torah to the Nations, and why recovering this vision opens powerful new bridges between Jews and Christians today.Bridge Builders ForumAn educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians" The Weird Apostle Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

Jun 3, 2025 • 1h 27min
A Rabbi's View on Jesus, Paul, and Jewish-Christian Friendship: A Discussion with Rabbi Joe Charnes | BBF05
Send us a textWhy would a traditional Jewish rabbi teach about Jesus, Paul, and the New Testament?In this episode of Bridge Builders Forum, Rabbi Joe Charnes joins Ryan Lambert for an honest conversation about the Jewishness of Jesus and Paul, the evolving Jewish perspective on Christianity, and why Jewish-Christian friendship matters now more than ever. Rabbi Joe also shares the personal pushback he’s faced for his interfaith work—and why he’s still committed to building bridges.👉 Topics include:– The Jewish roots of the New Testament– Paul within Judaism– Why Jews have viewed Paul with suspicion– Christian misunderstandings of Judaism– How interfaith dialogue brings healing🎧 Subscribe for more conversations that connect Jews and Christians through shared ideas, faith, and understanding.Bridge Builders ForumAn educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians" The Weird Apostle Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

May 29, 2025 • 4min
Did Paul Teach Christians to Celebrate Pentecost or Shavuot?
Send us a textDid Paul teach early Christians to celebrate Pentecost… or Shavuot?Today, these two holidays are often seen as separate—Pentecost as a Christian celebration of the Holy Spirit, and Shavuot as a Jewish festival remembering the giving of the Torah. But in Paul’s time, they were one and the same.In this 3-minute episode of Journey with the Jewish Paul, we explore:What Pentecost and Shavuot meant in Paul’s day.How the Church later separated Pentecost from its Jewish roots.Why Paul likely saw Gentile believers as joining—not replacing—Israel’s story.Discover what this means for the early Jesus movement, and how recovering this shared heritage can help build bridges between Jews and Christians today.Bridge Builders ForumAn educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians" The Weird Apostle Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

May 22, 2025 • 4min
Did Jerusalem Still Matter to Paul?
Send us a textDid Paul abandon Jerusalem after his encounter with Jesus? Many assume so—but the evidence tells a different story. In this episode, Ryan Lambert draws from his book The Weird Apostle to explore Paul’s enduring commitment to Jerusalem and the Temple. Discover why Jerusalem remained sacred to Paul, how his letters and actions reflect deep solidarity with the city, and why reclaiming Paul’s love for Jerusalem creates powerful common ground between Jews and Christians today.Bridge Builders ForumAn educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians" The Weird Apostle Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

May 20, 2025 • 1h 4min
Is the New Testament Antisemitic? Rethinking Harmful Interpretations with Jesper Svartvik | BBF04
Send us a textIs the New Testament antisemitic? In this thought-provoking episode of the Bridge Builders Forum, Lutheran theologian Dr. Jesper Svartvik joins Ryan Lambert to explore this controversial question. Drawing from his book Jewish Foundations of the New Testament, Dr. Svartvik addresses how supersessionism and misreadings of texts like John 8 have fueled antisemitism for generations.We discuss the legacy of anti-Judaism in Christian theology, the misunderstood role of the Pharisees, and how reading the New Testament without replacement theology can uncover long-hidden insights. This conversation is essential for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Jewish-Christian relations, biblical interpretation, and how theology shapes history.Jesper Svartvik's new book, Jewish Foundations of the New Testament: Addressing the Roots of Antisemitism: https://a.co/d/2u5WU7VBridge Builders ForumAn educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians" The Weird Apostle Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

May 15, 2025 • 3min
The First Interpreter of Paul's Greatest Letter Was a Woman!
Send us a textDid you know the first interpreter of Paul’s most important letter was a woman? Her name was Phoebe—and she didn’t just carry Paul’s letter to the Romans; she likely read it aloud, fielded questions, and explained its meaning. In this episode of Journey with the Jewish Paul, we explore Phoebe's remarkable role in the early Jesus movement and what her story reveals about Paul’s true view of women. Was Paul really a misogynist—or have we misunderstood him?Bridge Builders ForumAn educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians" The Weird Apostle Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

May 8, 2025 • 4min
Did Paul End The Law? Rethinking Romans 10:4
Send us a textRomans 10:4 is often quoted to claim that Jesus put an end to the Torah. But is that really what Paul meant?In this episode, we take a fresh look at Romans 10:4 and explore what Paul was actually saying about the Torah, the Gentiles, and God’s promises to Israel. Was Paul declaring the law obsolete—or revealing its deeper purpose through Christ? Drawing on insights from scholar Stanley Stowers, we uncover a more Jewish reading of Paul—one that challenges supersessionism and highlights a shared story between Jews and Christians.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in Jewish-Christian relations, biblical interpretation, and reclaiming Paul’s voice in his original Jewish context.Bridge Builders ForumAn educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians" The Weird Apostle Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

May 6, 2025 • 1h 1min
Why Should Christians Understand Judaism? A Conversation with Tzvi Novick | BBF03
Send us a textWhat does it mean for Christians to truly understand Judaism—and why does it matter?In this thought-provoking conversation, Orthodox Jewish scholar Dr. Tzvi Novick (Notre Dame) joins the Bridge Builders Forum to discuss his bold new book "Judaism: A Guide for Christians". From the lasting impact of supersessionism to what Jews really believe about the Talmud and the Holy Spirit, this episode is full of insights that challenge assumptions and open doors for deeper understanding.Whether you're Jewish, Christian, or just curious—this conversation will impact how you think about faith, history, and the future of Jewish-Christian relations.Tziv's new book: https://a.co/d/8pLuX54Bridge Builders ForumAn educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians" The Weird Apostle Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

May 1, 2025 • 4min
Does Paul Still Believe the Land Belongs to Israel?
Send us a textDid the Apostle Paul abandon the Jewish connection to the Land of Israel?Many Christians assume he did—but the Bible tells a different story.In this special Bridge Builders Forum episode, released for Israel’s Independence Day (Yom HaAtzmaut), we explore Paul’s deep commitment to the Abrahamic covenant and why that matters for how we understand the biblical promise of the land. Far from teaching Replacement Theology, Paul calls God’s gifts to Israel—including the land—"irrevocable" (Romans 11:29).This episode is essential for anyone seeking to build bridges between Jews and Christians, challenge anti-Jewish readings of the New Testament, and rediscover Paul as a faithful Jew, not a theologian of replacement.Bridge Builders ForumAn educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians" The Weird Apostle Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum


