Ask NT Wright Anything: Episode Summary Title: Ascension and Authority: Reclaiming the Power of Acts – Tom Wright Premium Seminar 1
Host: Mike Bird
Guest: N.T. Wright
Release Date: April 24, 2025

Introduction

In the inaugural episode of the premium seminar series, "Ascension and Authority: Reclaiming the Power of Acts," hosted by Mike Bird, renowned theologian N.T. Wright delves deep into the Book of Acts, exploring its enduring significance and profound theological insights. This episode lays the foundation for understanding Acts beyond its surface narrative, positioning it as a vital text for contemporary Christian thought and practice.

The Importance of the Book of Acts Today

[02:13]

Mike Bird opens the discussion by sharing his personal experience traveling through historical biblical sites with Ridley College students, during which he engaged with N.T. Wright’s book, The Challenge of Acts. This sets the stage for exploring why Acts remains a compelling and relevant book for modern believers.

N.T. Wright emphasizes the captivating nature of Acts:

“Acts is a page turner and it gets people into thinking through, oh my goodness, that's what happens when you start following Jesus. I mean, it again and again surprises you.”
— N.T. Wright [02:13]

He highlights that Acts transcends being merely a historical account or a series of lessons, presenting a dynamic narrative that reveals the early Christians’ navigation through complex societal and political landscapes. Wright underscores that Acts is not just about the church’s origins but about the unfolding of the gospel’s power through real-world challenges.

Key Points:

• Engaging Narrative: Acts captivates readers by showcasing the transformative journey of early Christians.
• Relevance to Today: The struggles and triumphs depicted in Acts mirror contemporary issues faced by the church.
• God’s Sovereignty: Acts illustrates Jesus as the sovereign Lord over heaven and earth, not confined to a celestial realm.

Understanding the Ascension Story

[07:57]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to unpacking the Ascension of Jesus, a pivotal event in Christian theology that often invites misunderstanding.

Mike Bird raises common misconceptions:

“Some people think, look, this is a kind of ancient cosmology where it's three tiers... what is the Ascension about?”
— Mike Bird [07:57]

N.T. Wright clarifies the theological meaning of the Ascension:

“Heaven is God’s dimension. It’s not a geographical location within our space, time, universe.”
— N.T. Wright [08:49]

Wright argues that the Ascension should not be viewed as a physical departure of Jesus to a distant heaven but rather as His exaltation to God's sovereign dimension. He explains that "heaven" in biblical terms represents God's realm of authority, where Jesus now reigns as Lord over all creation.

Key Insights:

• Heaven as a Dimension: Wright dispels the notion of heaven as a physical location, presenting it as God's operational sphere.
• Jesus’ Sovereignty: The Ascension signifies Jesus taking His rightful place of authority, not abandoning His followers.
• Cultural Context: Wright contrasts Judean thought with Roman interpretations, emphasizing that for the early Christians, Jesus' ascension meant divine authority, not mere elevation into the sky.

Notable Quote on Authority:

“The point about heaven is you on earth are better out because the one in heaven is now in charge.”
— N.T. Wright [08:49]

Christ the King Sunday and Its Significance

[15:09]

The conversation shifts to the celebration of Christ the King Sunday, a liturgical event introduced to assert Jesus’ kingship in the face of rising political ideologies like fascism and communism.

Mike Bird questions the contemporary practice:

“Do you think other churches as well should celebrate Christ the King Sunday, which I think is the last Sunday, Advent?”
— Mike Bird [16:27]

N.T. Wright provides a critical perspective:

“If you're celebrating Christ as King with the Ascension, then you're saying that Jesus is already Lord... the danger of putting the Feast of Christ the King at the end of the church year is that it implies... Jesus is going to be king one day.”
— N.T. Wright [17:27]

Wright critiques the modern placement of Christ the King Sunday, arguing that it inadvertently shifts the focus from Jesus’ current reign to a future expectation. He advocates for recognizing Christ’s ongoing kingship, as affirmed in Acts and other New Testament writings, thereby reinforcing the present authority of Jesus rather than deferring His kingship to the future.

Key Points:

• Redundancy of Celebration: Wright cautions against celebrating Christ’s kingship twice, which can dilute its significance.
• Present vs. Future Reign: Emphasizing Jesus’ current lordship aligns with the theological themes of Acts, affirming that His authority is already exercised in the world.
• Liturgical Implications: Churches are encouraged to integrate the recognition of Christ’s kingship into their worship practices without necessitating additional feasts that may confuse the doctrine.

Notable Quote on Liturgical Practice:

“The whole New Testament is based on the belief... that Jesus is already Lord, which is why there is a gentil mission, which is why there is a call to obedience...”
— N.T. Wright [17:27]

Conclusion and Next Steps

[19:19]

As the episode wraps up, Mike Bird hints at the continuation of the series, indicating that the next installment will explore Acts Chapter Two and the significance of Pentecost in establishing the early church’s ideal community.

Closing Remarks:

“Part two drops next week... Subscribe today for just $3.99 a month at askntwright.com or tap. Subscribe if you're listening on Apple Podcasts.”
— N.T. Wright [20:00]

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to access further in-depth discussions and analyses of the Book of Acts, promising a richer understanding of the early church’s foundations and their implications for today’s Christian life.

Key Takeaways

• Acts as a Dynamic Narrative: The Book of Acts is portrayed not just as historical record but as a living document that challenges and inspires contemporary faith communities.
• Ascension Redefined: N.T. Wright offers a profound theological interpretation of the Ascension, emphasizing Jesus’ present authority in God’s dimension rather than a physical departure.
• Christ’s Ongoing Kingship: The episode advocates for recognizing and celebrating Christ’s kingship in the present, aligning liturgical practices with the theological truths presented in Acts.
• Future Episodes: The series promises further exploration of pivotal moments in Acts, enriching listeners’ understanding of the early church’s mission and legacy.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. On the Captivating Nature of Acts:

   “Acts is a page turner and it gets people into thinking through, oh my goodness, that's what happens when you start following Jesus.”
   — N.T. Wright [02:13]

2. On Heaven as God's Dimension:

   “Heaven is God’s dimension. It’s not a geographical location within our space, time, universe.”
   — N.T. Wright [08:49]

3. On Jesus’ Sovereignty:

   “The point about heaven is you on earth are better out because the one in heaven is now in charge.”
   — N.T. Wright [08:49]

4. On Christ the King Sunday:

   “If you're celebrating Christ as King with the Ascension, then you're saying that Jesus is already Lord...”
   — N.T. Wright [17:27]

5. On New Testament Belief:

   “The whole New Testament is based on the belief... that Jesus is already Lord...”
   — N.T. Wright [17:27]

This episode serves as a profound introduction to the series, inviting listeners to reconsider traditional interpretations of Acts and the Ascension. By intertwining historical context with theological depth, N.T. Wright provides a transformative lens through which to view the early church’s mission and authority, offering valuable insights for both scholars and laypersons alike.