Title: Faith, Belief, and the Fall of Jerusalem: What Are We Missing?

Podcast: Ask NT Wright Anything
Hosts: Mike Bird and Tom Wright
Release Date: August 3, 2025

Introduction

In this insightful episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, hosts Mike Bird and renowned theologian Tom Wright tackle complex questions surrounding biblical faith, the nature of salvation, and the interpretation of prophetic texts in the New Testament. The discussion delves deep into how faith is understood within the New Testament, the continuity between Old and New Testament views on salvation, and the interpretation of the Olivet Discourse concerning the Second Coming of Jesus versus the fall of Jerusalem.

Understanding Biblical Faith vs. Mere Belief

Question from Ryan Hudson, Roanoke, Texas ([02:03]):
Ryan challenges the common Christian conflation of faith with mere belief, suggesting that New Testament faith entails a robust, life-encompassing fidelity rather than just intellectual assent. He seeks guidance on discussing these nuanced theological distinctions without being perceived as distorting the gospel.

Tom Wright’s Response ([04:50]):
Tom Wright emphasizes that the Greek term for faith, pistis, encompasses much more than belief—it includes trust, reliability, and integrity. He explains that for Paul, justification by faith is not about works but about trusting in God's promises fulfilled through Jesus Christ. This faith is deeply rooted in allegiance to Jesus, marking genuine membership in the "people of God." Wright warns against misinterpretations that equate faith solely with intellectual belief, clarifying that such misunderstandings do not introduce salvation by works but rather misrepresent the biblical narrative.

Notable Quote:
"For Paul, faith is a way of saying the ground is even at the foot of the cross... those who believe in Jesus, crucified and risen... are the markers of the church." ([04:50])

Merging Old and New Testament Views on Salvation

Question from Jaden Johnson, Wichita Falls, USA ([13:31]):
Jaden expresses concern about reconciling the Old Testament's portrayal of salvation—often seen as deliverance from worldly circumstances—with the New Testament's focus on salvation through Christ. He fears that believers may be anachronistically imposing New Testament concepts onto the Old Testament.

Tom Wright’s Response ([17:15]):
Wright argues for a comprehensive reading of the Bible, asserting that the New Testament fulfills Old Testament promises of salvation both in worldly and spiritual dimensions. He critiques the Western tradition for segregating the two testaments, leading to a fragmented understanding where Old Testament salvation is viewed as purely earthly and New Testament salvation as purely heavenly. According to Wright, this separation is a product of later theological developments, such as Neoplatonism, which overshadowed the original, holistic biblical theology of salvation encompassing God's care for creation.

Notable Quote:
"The real break comes in the third and fourth and fifth centuries... when Neoplatonism... takes over... but the Bible is the whole Bible, and the New Testament rests firmly on the foundations." ([17:15])

The Olivet Discourse: Second Coming or Fall of Jerusalem?

Questions from Drew Leonard, Elizabethan, Tennessee, USA and Ryan Cataldo:
Drew and Ryan inquire whether Jesus explicitly speaks of His Second Coming in the Gospels or if this understanding is a later imposition by Gospel writers. They are particularly interested in distinguishing passages that refer to the future Second Coming from those that predict the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE, challenging doctrines like full preterism.

Tom Wright’s Response ([27:27]):
Wright posits that the Olivet Discourse in Mark 13 and Luke 21 primarily predicts the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem in 70 CE, rather than the Second Coming of Jesus. He references Jesus' discourse with Caiaphas, interpreting the "coming on the clouds" as a metaphor for His vindication and exaltation, aligning with Daniel 7's prophetic imagery. Wright argues that traditional interpretations separating immediate fulfillment (destruction of the Temple) from future events (Second Coming) obscure the intended message of these passages.

Mike Bird’s Contribution ([34:49]):
Echoing Wright’s analysis, Bird explains that in the Synoptic Gospels, Jesus ties the destruction of Jerusalem directly to His teachings, emphasizing that the discourse is centered on the Temple’s impending fall rather than a distant Second Coming. He highlights the use of phrases like "from now on" to indicate contemporaneous events rather than future apocalyptic occurrences.

Notable Quote:
"When Jesus says to Caiaphas, you will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds... it means you will see the fulfillment of Daniel 7 when I am vindicated." ([27:27])

Conclusion

Mike Bird and Tom Wright conclude the episode by advocating for a nuanced and contextually grounded interpretation of biblical texts. They emphasize the importance of understanding the original intent of Scripture, free from later theological distortions, to grasp the full scope of biblical teachings on faith and salvation.

This episode provides a profound exploration of how faith is intricately tied to trust and allegiance in the New Testament, the seamless continuity between the Old and New Testament understandings of salvation, and a reevaluation of prophetic passages concerning Jesus' return. For listeners seeking a deeper theological insight, Mike Bird and Tom Wright offer clarity and thoughtful analysis grounded in biblical scholarship.

Notable Final Quote:
"We need to re-examine traditional interpretations... advocating for a return to the scriptural context to understand faith and salvation comprehensively." ([39:16])

For more in-depth discussions and theological insights, subscribe to bonus episodes at https://askntwright.supportingcast.fm.