Episode Summary: "Misconceptions about the Resurrection and the Role of an Apostle"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Ask NT Wright Anything
• Host/Author: Premier Unbelievable
• Description: The weekly podcast that connects you to NT (Tom) Wright’s thought and theology by allowing you to ask the questions. Produced by Premier Unbelievable and hosted by Mike Bird.
• Episode: S2E8 Misconceptions about the Resurrection and the Role of an Apostle
• Release Date: March 1, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, host Mike Bird from Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia, teams up with renowned theologian Tom Wright to address two profound questions submitted by listeners: misconceptions surrounding the resurrection and the multifaceted role of an apostle within the early church. The conversation delves deep into biblical interpretations, historical contexts, and theological implications, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of these pivotal Christian doctrines.

1. Misconceptions about the Resurrection

Listener's Question: Bradley Bowen from Kirkland, Washington, asks whether NT Wright concurs with William Lane Craig's assertion that first-century Jews did not consider individual resurrection a possibility before the end times.

Tom Wright's Insight: Tom Wright provides a nuanced perspective, differentiating between ordinary resurrections and the unique resurrection of Jesus. He explains that while individual resurrections, like those performed by Elijah and Elisha in the Old Testament, were temporary revivals of mortal life, Jesus' resurrection signifies a passage into an immortal existence.

• Temporary vs. Eternal Resurrection:

  • “The Christian meaning of resurrection, as in Jesus' resurrection and the promised resurrection of all Jesus' people, is about people going through death and out the other side into new creation, which is then by definition immortal.” [02:54]

• Jesus as the First Fruits:

  • “Jesus goes through death and out the other side to be what Paul calls the first fruits of new creation.” [02:54]

Key Points:

• Distinction in Resurrection Types: Wright emphasizes that Jesus' resurrection differs fundamentally from other biblical resurrections as it inaugurates a new, eternal creation.
• Jewish Expectations: Most Jews of the first century anticipated a collective resurrection at the end times, not individual instances during the interim period.
• Biblical Examples: References to Lazarus and other resurrections highlight the temporary nature of such events, contrasting them with the transformative resurrection of Jesus.

Mike Bird's Reflection: Mike Bird recalls Wright's book, noting how Paul redefined Jewish resurrection expectations by presenting Jesus' resurrection as the beginning of a new creation, thereby addressing and clarifying existing misconceptions.

• “That’s what created a little bit of confusion with, you know, with resurrection. Oh, I mean, you find the same thing in John's Gospel.” [09:46]

2. The Role of an Apostle

Listener's Question: Syriza Rodriguez inquires about the role of an apostle, questioning whether apostles were simply elders, pastors, or preachers, and seeks clarity on the distinctions between these roles as portrayed in the New Testament.

Tom Wright's Insight: Wright elaborates on the multifaceted nature of apostleship in the early church, highlighting its dynamic and fluid characteristics. He underscores that apostles were not confined to a single role but often embodied multiple functions such as teaching, evangelizing, and pastoral care.

• Apostle Defined:

  • “The word apostle in Greek means ones who are sent out.” [14:35]

• Paul's Apostleship:

  • “Paul is differentiating himself from the Corinthian church... he was certainly an apostle, he was certainly a teacher, one of the greatest ever.” [14:35]

• Fluid Roles in Early Church:

  • “These roles overlap. Paul himself was most, if not all of those things...” [14:35]

Key Points:

• Multiplicity of Roles: Apostles often served as teachers, evangelists, and pastors simultaneously, reflecting the interconnectedness of these functions in ministry.
• Historical Context: Biblical accounts, such as Acts 6 and Acts 13, demonstrate how apostles adapted to address the evolving needs of the early Christian communities.
• Flexibility vs. Rigid Structures: Wright warns against rigid categorization within church roles, advocating for a more fluid understanding that allows ministries to support each other and foster unity.

Mike Bird's Follow-Up: Mike Bird raises an additional question about apostolic succession, seeking Tom Wright's perspective on its significance and application within modern church structures, especially concerning the Anglican tradition.

3. Apostolic Succession

Listener's Question: Mike Bird probes deeper into the concept of apostolic succession, questioning its definition and significance in the transfer of apostolic authority and tradition within the church.

Tom Wright's Insight: Wright articulates a comprehensive understanding of apostolic succession, emphasizing the importance of historical continuity and the organic transmission of theological and ecclesiastical traditions.

• Historical Continuity:

  • “The church is part of the people of God, from Abraham stretching forwards to God's new creation.” [23:46]

• Avoiding Reinvention:

  • “Beware of the idea that we can be reinventing it just from scratch, as though what went before doesn't matter.” [23:46]

• Dangers of Complacency and Corruption:

  • “The danger with apostolic succession... is complacency and corruption.” [23:46]

Key Points:

• Definition: Apostolic succession involves the unbroken transmission of spiritual authority and doctrinal integrity from the apostles through successive generations of church leaders.
• Significance for the Anglican Communion: Wright highlights how the Anglican Church maintains apostolic succession through historical ties with the Roman Catholic Church, ensuring doctrinal continuity and legitimacy.
• Pitfalls to Avoid: He cautions against viewing apostolic succession as a mere formalism, warning that it can lead to complacency or a disconnection from the living tradition of the church.

Mike Bird's Conclusion: Mike Bird reflects on the profound implications of apostolic succession for maintaining the unity and integrity of the church across generations, inviting listeners to engage further with these theological discussions.

Conclusion

In this episode, Mike Bird and Tom Wright engage in a thoughtful exploration of two foundational Christian concepts: the nature of the resurrection and the role of apostles within the early church. Through meticulous analysis and insightful commentary, Wright clarifies common misconceptions and underscores the importance of historical and theological continuity in Christian ministry. Listeners are encouraged to submit more questions to continue these enriching discussions in future episodes.

Notable Quotes:

• “The Christian meaning of resurrection... is about people going through death and out the other side into new creation, which is then by definition immortal.” – Tom Wright [02:54]

• “Paul is differentiating himself from the Corinthian church... he was certainly an apostle, he was certainly a teacher, one of the greatest ever.” – Tom Wright [14:35]

• “The church is part of the people of God, from Abraham stretching forwards to God's new creation.” – Tom Wright [23:46]

For more insightful discussions and to submit your own questions, visit askantirite.com.