Podcast Summary: Ask NT Wright Anything – "When is Jesus Going to Return?"

Release Date: June 15, 2025
Host: Mike Bird
Guest: Tom Wright
Produced by: Premier Unbelievable

Introduction

In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, host Mike Bird engages with theologian Tom Wright to address pressing questions about Christian faith, theology, and eschatology. The episode delves into topics such as the role of Christians in politics, the theological implications of the perceived delay in Jesus' return, and the distribution of religious clarity among different communities.

1. Christians and Political Authorities: Navigating Refugees and Immigration

Elizabeth Capitaniac’s Question from Geneva, USA (02:19):
Elizabeth inquires about how Christians should relate to governmental powers and political ideologies, especially concerning refugees and immigrants. She seeks guidance on the expectations and standards Christians should uphold when dealing with such sensitive issues.

Tom Wright’s Response (03:34 – 13:41):
Tom emphasizes the historical separation between faith and politics in the Western world, noting that recent decades have seen these spheres intersect more openly. He references his book, Jesus and the Powers, highlighting that God desires His world to be governed by wise and humble individuals. Tom underscores the inherent temptation for those in power to misuse authority for personal gain rather than the common good.

He cites John 19: “Jesus says to Pontius Pilate, 'You could have no authority over me unless it was given you from above.'” (03:55) to illustrate the concept of divine authority over earthly rulers. Tom discusses the role of the church in holding political powers accountable, empowered by the Holy Spirit as per John 16. He critiques the current disengagement of Christians from political critique, advocating for a more active and wise participation.

Addressing immigration, Tom acknowledges the complexity stemming from historical colonialism and current socio-economic challenges. He draws parallels to Jesus' own experiences as an asylum seeker, emphasizing the biblical call to humane and wise treatment of immigrants. Tom advocates for global coordination in addressing mass migrations, criticizing the “implicit xenophobia” present in many Western societies and urging a more compassionate and rational approach.

Notable Quotes:

• “God the Creator wants his world to be ruled through or looked after by wise, humble human beings.” (04:10)
• “The church has a responsibility to say God wants human authorities to be running his world.” (06:25)
• “Jesus himself was an asylum seeker.” (11:15)

2. Theological Implications of Delayed Return of Jesus and Cosmology

Joshua Armstrong’s Questions from Konkayan, Thailand (13:41):
Joshua poses two interconnected questions:

1. Would Paul have been puzzled or unaffected by the Lord's 2000-year delay in Jesus' return?
2. If Paul had knowledge of the universe's vast scale, how would it have influenced his theology, particularly his eschatology?

Tom Wright’s Response (14:46 – 20:10):
Tom asserts that Paul and early Christians anticipated the imminent destruction of Jerusalem, a theme evident in multiple Pauline epistles and the Synoptic Gospels. He contends that the misunderstanding arises from modern liberal theology, which inaccurately attributes a failed expectation of apocalypse solely to Paul.

He references 2 Peter and Revelation to illustrate the continued belief in a future divine resolution. Addressing cosmology, Tom points out that ancient astronomers were aware of the universe's vastness, challenging the notion that Paul had a limited understanding of the cosmos. He reassures that Paul's theology was not contingent on the immediate end of times but on the ultimate fulfillment of God's creation.

Mike Bird’s Addition (19:03 – 20:10):
Mike complements Tom’s insights by highlighting that the theme of divine delay is not unique to Christianity but is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, citing the Book of Habakkuk. He underscores the ancient recognition of a vast universe, referencing 1 Kings 8: “Heaven and earth cannot contain you,” to illustrate the recognition of God's grandeur beyond human perception.

Notable Quotes:

• “Jesus and Paul thought the world was to end. It didn't. So they were wrong.” (15:30)
• “Early Christians, including the Apostolic Fathers, showed no sense of failure or trauma when the world did not end.” (17:05)
• “God is in charge of time. It’s up to Him.” (18:50)

3. Distribution of Clarity in God’s Revelation and Religious Traditions

Sam Sperling’s Question from Melbourne, Australia (21:55):
Sam asks why there appears to be an uneven distribution of clarity in understanding God among different individuals and communities. He ponders why some people inherit a rich, authentic Christian tradition while others receive distorted or incomplete versions, leading to rejection of the faith.

Tom Wright’s Response (24:26 – 31:09):
Tom reflects on his own Christian upbringing, acknowledging both the blessings and the imperfections within established traditions. He references the principle of semper reformanda (always reforming), noting that no tradition is without its flaws and that ongoing reformation is essential.

He draws upon the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) to illustrate that God’s ways of calling and rewarding are mysterious and beyond human comparison. Tom emphasizes that individual spiritual journeys vary, and what matters is one’s response to God’s call rather than the specific circumstances of one’s religious upbringing.

Tom encourages humility and faithful obedience regardless of one's background, highlighting that God operates in mysterious and surprising ways. He acknowledges the diversity of Christian experiences and the importance of each person's unique relationship with the divine.

Notable Quotes:

• “It isn’t about comparing like with unlike and saying, oh, how come you got those bits and we got these bits.” (27:45)
• “Jesus parable about the laborers in the vineyard speaks powerfully to the mystery by which God calls people.” (28:15)
• “God is the God of surprises. God moves in many, many mysterious ways.” (30:10)

Mike Bird’s Reflection (29:10 – 30:31):
Mike echoes Tom’s sentiments, cautioning against comparing religious backgrounds to feel superior or justified in one's faith journey. He emphasizes the importance of mutual understanding and the acknowledgment that everyone’s relationship with faith is shaped by diverse experiences and contexts.

Conclusion

The episode of Ask NT Wright Anything offers profound insights into the intersection of Christian faith and contemporary issues such as politics, eschatology, and the diversity of religious experiences. Tom Wright articulates a vision of a faith engaged with the world, advocating for wisdom, humility, and active participation in societal matters. The discussion underscores the timeless relevance of biblical principles in addressing modern challenges and the mysterious, individual pathways through which God interacts with humanity.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own faith journeys, the responsibilities that come with understanding, and the collective role of the church in shaping a just and compassionate society.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “God the Creator wants his world to be ruled through or looked after by wise, humble human beings.”
  (04:10) – Tom Wright

• “Jesus himself was an asylum seeker.”
  (11:15) – Tom Wright

• “Jesus and Paul thought the world was to end. It didn't. So they were wrong.”
  (15:30) – Tom Wright

• “God is in charge of time. It’s up to Him.”
  (18:50) – Tom Wright

• “It isn’t about comparing like with unlike and saying, oh, how come you got those bits and we got these bits.”
  (27:45) – Tom Wright

• “God is the God of surprises. God moves in many, many mysterious ways.”
  (30:10) – Tom Wright

Additional Resources

• Book Mentioned: Jesus and the Powers by Tom Wright and Mike Bird
• Subscribe for Bonus Episodes: https://askntwright.supportingcast.fm
• Send Questions: askntright.com

Thank you for tuning into this comprehensive summary of "When is Jesus Going to Return?" Stay connected for more enriching discussions on faith and theology in future episodes of Ask NT Wright Anything.