In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom and Mike dive into two foundational topics: the resurrection and the role of apostles in the early church. What did first-century Jews believe about resurrection? Tom responds to William Lane Craig’s argument that individual resurrections weren’t expected before the End Times. He unpacks how Jesus’ resurrection differs from all others, marking the beginning of God’s new creation.

What makes someone an 'Apostle'? The discussion explores Paul’s apostleship, the fluid roles of teachers, prophets, and elders, and the importance of apostolic succession in church leadership.

🎧 If you’ve ever wondered about the resurrection, Paul’s authority, or how church leadership was established, grab your headphones and go ahead and press play.

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Tom Wright and Mike Bird explore the biblical concept of the soul, challenging Greek-influenced ideas of dualism and emphasising the New Testament’s focus on bodily resurrection. Does the Bible really teach that we have an immortal soul, or is that a later philosophical addition?

They also dive into the genealogies of Jesus in Matthew and Luke, unpacking their differences, theological significance, and historical context. Why do these accounts diverge? What do they reveal about Jesus’ true identity?

🎧 If you've ever questioned what happens after death or why Jesus' genealogy matters, this episode is packed with insights to deepen your faith.

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In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird tackle the controversial question: Was Paul a false apostle? Some argue his message contradicts Jesus, but what does Scripture say?

💡 Key topics this week:

• Answering historical skepticism toward Paul
• Paul's apostolic authority, and how his gospel aligns with Jesus’ teachings
• Plus, Tom discusses Sola Scriptura’s evolution and the Church Fathers' engagement with Scripture
• and C.S. Lewis’ insights on reading old texts

📖 If you've ever wondered about Paul's authority, his role in early Christianity, or how to interpret Scripture faithfully, this episode is a must-listen!

Got Questions for Tom? Go to: askntwright.com

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Was Jesus really the Son of God? Bart Ehrman says no—Tom Wright responds.

In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom and Mike Bird tackle Jesus' divinity, the Eucharist, the Ten Commandments, and the Sabbath.

💡 Key topics this week:

• Did Jesus claim to be the Son of God? Tom Wright challenges Ehrman’s argument.
• The Eucharist—why it matters for Christian worship.
• The Ten Commandments—do they still apply today?
• The Sabbath—how Christ fulfills true rest.

Got Questions for Tom? Go to: askntwright.com

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Tom Wright and Dr. Mike Bird dive into deep theological questions in this episode, tackling Inclusion Theology, Universalism, Predestination, and the question of Free Will.

💡 Is salvation universally available? Does predestination mean some are excluded? How do free will and God’s purposes coexist? Tom and Mike unpack these complex questions, shedding light on biblical perspectives that emphasize transformation, assurance, and the church’s role in reflecting God’s image in the world.

Key themes in today's episode:

• Why determinism vs. free will is often a misleading debate.
• How predestination is about God’s purpose, not exclusion.
• The Holy Spirit’s role in salvation and human responsibility.
• Why the New Testament presents salvation as both universal and personal.
• The Biblical view of the soul vs. Platonic philosophy.

🎧 If you’ve ever wrestled with questions about election, inclusion, or what it means to be human in God’s plan, this episode offers fresh insights to challenge and encourage your faith.

Got Questions for Tom? Go to: askntwright.com

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Tom Wright dives into heaven, the rapture, and the nature of hell through the lens of Christian eschatology in this thought-provoking episode. They address the dangers of sensationalism in interpreting scripture and emphasize the importance of viewing these topics within the broader narrative of God’s new creation.

💡 Does God send sinners to eternal torment? Where is heaven exactly? Can baptized Christians who fall away from faith still face hell? How can we be certain of our salvation? These crucial questions are explored, alongside key insights into dispensationalism, misunderstandings about the rapture, and the relational reality of heaven.

✨ The conversation also unpacks:

• The restrained New Testament view of hell as tragic loss, not eternal torment.
• Comfort from biblical texts like Romans and Isaiah for those struggling with faith or anxiety.
• The enduring connection between heaven and earth in biblical theology

👉 Whether you’re wrestling with questions about salvation, curious about the nature of hell, or seeking a deeper understanding of Christian eschatology, this episode offers clarity, hope, and encouragement.

Got Questions for Tom? Go to: askntwright.com

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Dr. Mike Bird and Tom NT Wright take us on a deeply personal journey through their denominational experiences in today's episode of the podcast. From Anglican roots to Catholic insights, they explore the rich tapestry of Christian traditions and reflect on how faith evolves across life’s seasons.

💡 Together, they tackle a listener's heartfelt dilemma: navigating faith within a family where religious backgrounds differ. Should you join the Catholic Church or embrace a Reformed tradition? Tom and Mike unpack this complex decision, emphasizing the role of conscience, community, and theological understanding in shaping one’s spiritual path.

The discussion also dives into the transformative doctrine of justification, examining the interplay of faith, works, and the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. Unity among Christians and the ongoing sanctification process are central themes, offering fresh perspectives for anyone wrestling with denominational differences or seeking deeper theological insight.

✨ Highlights include:

• Tom Wright's reflections on growing up Anglican and its profound impact on his theology.
• Mike Bird’s vibrant denominational journey, from Baptist beginnings to his embrace of Anglicanism.
• A breakdown of Catholic and Protestant views on justification, faith, and works.
• The unifying power of the Holy Spirit in the global Church.

👉 Whether you’re exploring your own denominational identity, facing family faith tensions, or yearning for a better understanding of Christian unity, this episode is packed with wisdom to inspire and challenge you.

🎧 Tune in now, share with someone navigating their faith journey, and join the conversation!

#AskNTWrightAnything #FaithAndFamily #DenominationalJourneys #HolySpirit #ChristianUnity #Justification #FaithAndWorks

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In the highly anticipated Season 2 premiere of the Ask NT Wright Anything podcast, Dr. Michael Bird joins legendary theologian Tom Wright for an inspiring deep dive into the historical foundations of Christianity.

Together, they explore, why historical accuracy matters in understanding the Bible, unpack the literary tools used in scripture and reflect on the resurrection’s profound impact on time and identity .

💡 The episode also tackles tough questions about skepticism surrounding the resurrection, exploring common theories and the historical expectations of a Messiah. Whether you’re grappling with doubts or seeking to deepen your faith, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss!

👉 Have a burning question for Tom? Submit it now at askntwright.com and it could be featured in an upcoming episode!

🎧 Tune in, share with a friend, and join the conversation!

#askntwrightanything #FaithAndHistory #biblicaltruth #resurrection #timetravel

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Tom answers listener questions about his role as Senior Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall Oxford, his work habits and love of classical music... plus a Christmas question or two.

Originally Aired: 23 Dec 2021

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From the archives: Tom answers listener questions about whether shrines are pagan, whether infant baptism is biblical, and how we can live in unity despite theological differences around sexuality.

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Today's episode features a special guest - renowned Australian Bible scholar, co-authored and friend of Tom's, Mike Bird. Together, they delve into their groundbreaking collaborative work, "The New Testament in its World: An introduction to the history, literature, and theology of the first Christians" which both combines and unpacks years of Tom's major study into this seminal volume.

For more books written by Tom Wright and Mike Bird

• Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies (2024) https://shorturl.at/cwzBP

• The New Testament in its World (2019) https://shorturl.at/BGLOX

This episode originally aired on 6 Nov 2019

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