Explore the life and profound thought of the Apostle Paul, a figure whose impact resonates through history and whose writings are central to Christianity. Drawing on insights from extensive study, this episode delves into his dramatic transformation from a zealous persecutor of "the Way" into a fervent advocate for Jesus Christ, specifically commissioned as an apostle with a unique call to the Gentiles.

We'll follow Paul's missionary journeys and career within its historical context, examining his methods of presenting the gospel. Discover how he engaged both Jewish audiences in synagogues, often presenting the message against the background of Israel's history and the fulfillment of promise, and "untutored" and "tutored" pagans. Learn how he tailored his approach, sometimes quoting Greek poets when speaking to those in places like Athens while rooting his message in biblical revelation. His ministry was not without significant challenges, facing opposition, accusations of seditious activity like proclaiming a "rival emperor, Jesus" and thus "upset the civilized world", and enduring trials and physical dangers, including shipwrecks.

The episode explores Paul's core theological themes, treating them not as a systematic theology but as they emerged and developed within the context of his letters and ministry. Understand the absolute centrality of "Christ crucified" and the cross and resurrection of Jesus to his message. We discuss the perspective that his theology can be understood through the lens of his redefinition of key Jewish doctrines—monotheism, election, and eschatology—around the Messiah and the Spirit. This message challenged existing understandings, introducing concepts like justification by grace through faith and emphasizing a life lived "in Christ".

Gain a fresh perspective on Paul's thought, including how his message implicitly and explicitly challenged the ideology of the Roman Empire. We touch upon how titles used for Christ in Pauline theology were confrontationally transferred from Caesar to Christ, highlighting a difference in achieving "peace on earth" through violent victory versus nonviolent justice.

The episode also navigates the scholarly landscape, acknowledging the different approaches to Paul's life and thought, particularly the relationship between his own letters and the account in the book of Acts. While recognizing differences in authorial intentions and perspectives, Acts can provide historical context and independent confirmation of some aspects of Paul's arguments. We aim to provide an insightful look at Paul, reclaiming him as a radical visionary who, while deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, profoundly reimagined its meaning through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus the Messiah. We conclude with a brief consideration of the historical question of his death.

Works Cited

Borg, Marcus J., and John Dominic Crossan. The First Paul: Reclaiming the Radical Visionary Behind the Church’s Conservative Icon. HarperCollins e-books, 2009.

Bruce, F. F. Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free. Paternoster, 1977.

Pollock, John. The Apostle: A Life of Paul. David C. Cook, 2012.

Wright, N. T. Paul: In Fresh Perspective. Fortress Press, 2005.