Ask NT Wright Anything: Was Paul a False Apostle?!
Episode Summary – Season 2, Episode 6
Release Date: February 16, 2025
Host: Mike Bird
Guest: Tom Wright (NT Wright)
Produced by: Premier Unbelievable

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, host Mike Bird delves into two profound questions that explore early Christian theology and the role of the Apostle Paul. Joined by renowned theologian Tom Wright, the discussion navigates the complexities of patristic exegesis versus contemporary evangelical approaches and examines the legitimacy of Paul's apostleship.

1. The Role and Significance of the Church Fathers in Biblical Exegesis

Timestamp: [01:32] – [13:08]

Mike Bird opens the conversation with a question from listener Joshua Grieve, probing the importance of the church fathers (patristics) in biblical interpretation and how their methodologies compare to modern evangelical practices, particularly concerning sola scriptura.

Tom Wright's Insights:

Tom Wright provides a comprehensive overview of the early church fathers, starting from the second century with figures like Ignatius of Antioch and Justin Martyr, moving through Irenaeus and Tertullian, and into the third and fourth centuries with Origen and Clement of Alexandria. He highlights how these thinkers engaged deeply with Scripture within the context of their times, often under persecution, and how their interpretations blended Judaic traditions with emerging philosophical ideas like Platonism.

"If you read the Bible as being a textbook for how your soul gets to heaven, then there's all sorts of things going on... It's talking about the God of creation who's called the family of Abraham, and their long twists and turns to bring about the redemption of his creation through the arrival of his Messiah and the gift of his Spirit."
— Tom Wright [03:15]

Wright contrasts the historical-critical approach of the church fathers with the evangelical emphasis on sola scriptura, arguing that the latter often isolates Scripture from its historical and cultural context. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the Bible within the life and mission of the early church, rather than imposing contemporary theological frameworks onto ancient texts.

"We must stop giving 19th century answers to 16th century questions and start giving 21st century answers to 1st century questions."
— Tom Wright [12:45]

Notable Points:

• Patristic Exegesis vs. Sola Scriptura: Wright explains that the church fathers utilized Scripture within a broader historical and theological tradition, contrasting with the evangelical focus on Scripture as the sole authority.

• Allegorical Interpretation: He discusses how early theologians like Origen employed allegory to reconcile Scripture with contemporary philosophical ideas, a method less prevalent in modern evangelical exegesis.

• Historical Approach to Scripture: Wright advocates for a historical approach that appreciates the original context of the biblical texts, moving beyond surface-level interpretations often seen in sola scriptura frameworks.

Mike Bird's Reflections:

Mike Bird concurs with Wright's assessment, acknowledging the value of the church fathers while also recognizing their limitations and the occasional "weird" aspects of their writings.

"There are can be some weird things going on, but you do find some gems..."
— Mike Bird [13:08]

He emphasizes the necessity of a critical yet appreciative engagement with patristic literature, aligning with Wright's call to honor historical insights while seeking contemporary relevance.

2. Was Paul a False Apostle?!

Timestamp: [16:57] – [27:23]

The focal question of the episode arises from listener Andrew Ratcliffe, who challenges the authenticity of Apostle Paul’s apostleship, citing claims from certain ministries that label Paul as a "false apostle." Mike Bird expresses his surprise and seeks clarification on the sources of these claims before inviting Tom Wright to provide a defense of Paul.

Tom Wright's Defense:

Wright delves into the identity and legitimacy of Paul as an apostle, exploring historical and theological dimensions. He begins by addressing the nature of apostleship in the early church, emphasizing that, for Paul, an apostle was someone personally commissioned by the risen Christ.

"The word apostle is used in different ways in the early church, but for Paul, it’s somebody who is sent by Jesus himself, through Jesus showing himself to them as having been raised from the dead."
— Tom Wright [19:10]

He further explains that true apostles exhibited signs of their calling, such as suffering and perseverance, which Paul himself references in his letters.

"So the question of whether Paul was a true apostle or a false apostle goes back to the very first century."
— Tom Wright [25:00]

Wright also addresses modern misconceptions and misuses of the term "apostle," noting that while some contemporary churches may adopt the title loosely, authentic apostleship remains grounded in a direct commissioning by Christ and adherence to his teachings.

Key Arguments:

• Paul’s Commissioning: Wright underscores that Paul’s apostleship was validated by his encounter with the risen Christ, aligning with the early church’s criteria for apostleship.

• Consistency with Jesus’ Mission: He argues that Paul’s teachings, particularly on the kingdom of God and justification by faith, are extensions and developments of Jesus’ message rather than departures from it.

• Historical Challenges: Wright acknowledges the difficulties in reconciling Paul’s writings with the Gospels but maintains that a deeper understanding reveals a coherent theological vision centered on the redemption and restoration initiated by Christ.

Mike Bird's Commentary:

Mike Bird reflects on the contemporary challenges to Paul’s authority, referencing the broader liberalist critiques that attempt to downplay Paul in favor of a more "pure" Jesus-centric message. He shares an anecdote about encountering agnostic views that denigrate Paul, highlighting the ongoing relevance of defending his apostleship.

"Paul is difficult. Yes, you have to knuckle your brows and get on with it. But he is the true apostle."
— Tom Wright [26:25]

Mike acknowledges the complexity of Paul’s writings but supports Wright’s affirmation of Paul’s legitimate apostleship, encouraging listeners to engage with Paul’s work earnestly.

Conclusion

In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Mike Bird and Tom Wright navigate intricate theological discussions that bridge historical traditions and contemporary debates. From evaluating the exegetical methods of the church fathers to robustly defending the apostleship of Paul, the dialogue underscores the enduring significance of early Christian thought in understanding and applying biblical teachings today.

Notable Quotes:

• Tom Wright [12:45]: "We must stop giving 19th century answers to 16th century questions and start giving 21st century answers to 1st century questions."

• Mike Bird [13:08]: "There are can be some weird things going on, but you do find some gems..."

• Tom Wright [19:10]: "The word apostle is used in different ways in the early church, but for Paul, it’s somebody who is sent by Jesus himself, through Jesus showing himself to them as having been raised from the dead."

• Tom Wright [26:25]: "Paul is difficult. Yes, you have to knuckle your brows and get on with it. But he is the true apostle."

For those seeking a deeper understanding of early Christian theology and the pivotal role of figures like Paul, this episode offers a thoughtful and thorough exploration. Ask NT Wright Anything continues to provide valuable insights for listeners eager to enrich their faith and intellectual engagement with scripture.

Listen to the full episode on your preferred podcast platform and join the conversation by sending in your questions for future discussions!