Ask NT Wright Anything: Bonus Episode - Tom Wright Unravels the Strategic Choices of Paul in Acts 16
Release Date: June 27, 2025
Introduction and Context
In this insightful bonus episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, hosted by Mike Bird and featuring renowned theologian Tom Wright, the discussion delves deep into Acts chapter 16. This chapter presents pivotal moments in Paul's missionary journey, including his time in Greece, the conversion of Lydia and her household, and the dramatic imprisonment of Paul and Silas in Philippi.
Paul’s Strategic Decision to Circumcise Timothy ([02:56])
One of the central topics of discussion is Paul's willingness to have Timothy circumcised, a decision that appears contradictory to his stance in Galatians 2 regarding Titus. Mike Bird raises the question:
Mike Bird [01:34]: "...why is Paul was willing to have Timothy circumcised, which we get reported here, but not Titus in Galatians 2? Is Paul fickle?"
Tom Wright provides a comprehensive explanation:
Tom Wright [02:56]: "It's a totally different situation... it's very clear in Galatians chapter two that the reason why the people in Jerusalem wanted Titus to be circumcised was that as far as they were concerned, this whole movement was a reaffirmation of the Jewish Torah... Paul says, absolutely not. Because that is predicated on the idea that Gentiles are idolaters and so they're sinners, so we cannot have fellowship with them. So until they get circumcised, then we can't have that fellowship."
Wright emphasizes that Paul's decision was context-driven. While Titus's circumcision was a defensive move to appease those insisting on adherence to the Torah, Timothy's circumcision was a strategic choice to maintain credibility within Jewish communities during missions.
Contrasting Timothy and Titus: Contextual Missions ([06:55] - [08:23])
Mike Bird further explores the distinction between Timothy and Titus, questioning if Paul's actions indicate fickleness. Wright counters this by highlighting Paul's overarching theology:
Tom Wright [07:37]: "Paul has a robust theology of creational monotheism where God is the God of the whole world... the Church has the responsibility to say, no, this is out of line."
Wright clarifies that Paul's adaptability in cultural contexts was not a compromise of his beliefs but a strategic approach to effectively spread the Gospel across diverse populations.
The Conversion of Lydia and Her Household ([08:23] - [15:13])
The conversation shifts to the conversion story of Lydia in Philippi. Mike Bird shares a personal anecdote about visiting Philippi and reflects on Lydia's significant role:
Mike Bird [10:26]: "What does it mean that the Lord opened her heart? ... what should we make of that interesting phrase that she and the members of her household were baptized?"
Tom Wright addresses the communal aspect of conversion in the first century:
Tom Wright [10:26]: "It doesn't seem to be controversial at all in the first century, that here somebody who's the head of a household, she becomes a Christian, her household becomes Christian... it's very intimate way of describing how it feels for some people to come to faith."
Wright underscores that Lydia's conversion was a collective transformation influenced by her leadership within her household, contrasting with the modern individualistic approach to faith.
Paul and Silas in Prison: Standing Firm in Principle ([15:13] - [20:27])
The episode then examines the dramatic imprisonment of Paul and Silas in Philippi. Mike Bird recounts the events and Paul’s steadfastness:
Mike Bird [15:48]: "But Paul really does make a big deal about it... Why do you think Paul really takes a stand on principle?"
Tom Wright elaborates on Paul's unwavering adherence to his rights as a Roman citizen and his responsibility to uphold divine order over human authority:
Tom Wright [17:03]: "God is a God of order, not of peace... the Church has the responsibility to say, no, this is out of line."
Wright explains that Paul's confrontation with the magistrates was not just about personal rights but about challenging unjust authority, reflecting the Lucan theme of accountability within power structures.
Conclusion and Future Topics ([20:27] - [21:28])
As the episode wraps up, Mike Bird highlights the lessons from Acts 16 and teases future discussions:
Mike Bird [20:27]: "That's an amazing story and a good example of speaking truth to power... we'll look at, but that'll be in a future one of our bonus episodes."
He also mentions an upcoming series on justification by faith, inviting listeners to stay tuned for more enriching theological explorations.
Notable Quotes
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Tom Wright [02:56]: "...if you make up a dogmatic framework isolated from its actual context, then you really will get into apparent contradictions."
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Mike Bird [07:37]: "Is he being fickle? Is he being fickle?"
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Tom Wright [07:39]: "No, it's not, because Paul has a robust theology of creational monotheism where God is the God of the whole world..."
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Tom Wright [10:26]: "The Lord opening Lydia's heart... is a very intimate way of describing how it feels for some people to come to faith."
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Mike Bird [15:48]: "Why do you think Paul really takes a stand on principle?"
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Tom Wright [17:03]: "God is a God of order, not of peace. God wants his world to be wisely ordered..."
Final Thoughts
This episode offers a profound exploration of Paul's strategic decisions in Acts 16, shedding light on the intricate balance between maintaining theological integrity and adapting to diverse cultural contexts for effective mission work. Tom Wright's scholarly insights, paired with Mike Bird's engaging questions, provide listeners with a deeper understanding of early Christian missions and the enduring principles that guided them.
For those interested in further enriching their understanding of NT Wright’s theology and thought, subscribing to Ask NT Wright Anything promises continued access to bonus episodes and in-depth discussions.
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