Can we read Jesus into every Old Testament story?

What did Jesus really mean in the Olivet Discourse? How should we read the Old Testament in light of the New? And what can Herod’s strange reaction to Jesus teach us about resurrection and eschatology?Today on Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Michael Bird unpack the theological depth of Jesus’ teachings on the end times, the ongoing tension between inaugurated and future eschatology, and the complex relationship between the Old and New Testaments. They challenge overly simplistic readings of prophecy, explore the implications of resurrection hope, and reflect on how Herod’s confusion reveals deeper truths about fear, guilt, and misunderstanding in the ancient world... and today. Support us: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donateGot a question for Tom? Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠askntwright.com⁠⁠⁠Start going deeper in the Bible with a free trial at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠logos.com/NT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠👉 If you’re enjoying this exclusive series, leave us a comment or share what you’re learning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this bonus episode of 'Ask NT Wright Anything,' hosts Tom Wright and Mike Bird delve into Acts chapter 16. They discuss key stories, such as the conversion of Lydia, Paul and Silas's imprisonment, and Paul's decision to circumcise Timothy but not Titus. Wright clarifies the differing contexts and strategies behind Paul's actions and examines the theological and practical reasons for these decisions. They also touch on the themes of household faith and the diverse ways people come to believe.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does the bodily resurrection really mean for Christian faith? How do we live out true discipleship? And how should we talk about God in relation to gender? In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird explore the resurrection of Jesus as the cornerstone of Christian belief, pointing to new creation and God's justice. They discuss the daily realities of discipleship, emphasizing forgiveness, growth, and faithfulness. Finally, they tackle the question of God and gender, affirming that while Scripture often uses masculine language, God transcends human categories, and our language should reflect His compassion, mercy, and self-giving love.Support us: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate Got a question for Tom? Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠askntwright.com⁠⁠⁠ Start going deeper in the Bible with a free trial at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠logos.com/NT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠👉 If you’re enjoying this exclusive series, leave us a comment or share what you’re learning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does it mean to live faithfully in a politically divided world? How should Christians respond to immigration and power? And what do Paul’s views on time tell us about the return of Christ?Tom Wright and Mike Bird explore the tensions between faith and politics, the timing of God’s promises in Paul’s theology, and the challenges of religious clarity in a pluralistic world. They reflect on Jesus as an asylum seeker, the church’s role in holding authorities accountable, and why humility, wisdom, and spiritual responsibility are key in navigating life’s biggest questions.There is plenty of theology in Jewish culture about delay. Tom Wright has suggested that Paul would not have been surprised by the Lord’s 'delay' in returning. But if Paul had known that Christ’s return would still not have happened 2,000 years later, would it have altered his theology or pastoral urgency? Tom Wright also discusses why some people are born into a half-truncated version of Christianity and some not. Support us: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donateGot a question for Tom? Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠askntwright.com⁠⁠⁠Start going deeper in the Bible with a free trial at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠logos.com/NT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 👉 If you’re enjoying this exclusive series, leave us a comment or share what you’re learning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What is the 'divine council' in the Bible? Who receives a 'resurrection body'? And how can Christians be sure of their salvation?In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird tackle some of the most fascinating and personal questions in Christian theology. They discuss the mysterious concept of a divine council, what is it and how it fits within biblical monotheism, and what it tells us about God's relationship with spiritual beings. Together they discuss the nature of the resurrection body, exploring whether it's reserved for believers or given to all. Finally, they offer pastoral wisdom on assurance of salvation, wrestling with the balance between faith, obedience, and spiritual confidence. Got a question for Tom? Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠askntwright.com⁠⁠⁠Start going deeper in the Bible with a free trial at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠logos.com/NT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 👉 If you’re enjoying this exclusive series, leave us a comment or share what you’re learning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is abortion ever ethically justifiable? Could Lucifer ever be forgiven? And how do Romans 8 and Galatians 4 shape our understanding of grace, law, and inclusion? What an episode! This week on the Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird address challenging theological and ethical questions. They discuss the Christian approach to abortion, emphasizing compassion, nuance, and the sanctity of life. They also wrestle with the controversial idea of forgiveness for Lucifer, considering what Scripture says about reconciliation and spiritual rebellion. Together they take a deep dive into Romans 8 and Galatians 4, exploring how Paul’s letters speak to freedom in Christ and the fulfilment of the law through the Spirit. Got a question for Tom? Go to ⁠⁠askntwright.com⁠ Start going deeper in the Bible with a free trial at ⁠⁠⁠logos.com/NT⁠⁠⁠ 👉 If you’re enjoying this exclusive series, leave us a comment or share what you’re learning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How should Christians think about suicide and heaven, baptism and christenings, and the biblical teaching of the Trinity? In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright unpacks your questions on some of the most sensitive and foundational questions of the Christian faith. Together, Tom and Mike reflect on the pain and complexity of suicide, affirming the reach of God’s grace even in our darkest moments. One listener asks, is believers baptism appropriate when you have been baptised as a baby? And finally, they explore the doctrine of the Trinity, tracing its roots in the New Testament and its development in early church history. Got a question for Tom? Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠askntwright.com⁠⁠⁠Start going deeper in the Bible with a free trial at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠logos.com/NT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 👉 If you’re enjoying this exclusive series, leave us a comment or share what you’re learning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How should Christians think about transgender identity and faith? What does it mean to deconstruct and reconstruct belief in today’s world? And how do we understand Jesus’ prophecy about the end times?In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird engage with deeply personal and theologically rich questions. They explore how the grace of God meets us amid identity struggles, why pastoral care matters so much in conversations about gender and faith, and how deconstruction can lead to a more resilient Christianity. Got a question for Tom? Go to ⁠⁠askntwright.com⁠ Start going deeper in the Bible with a free trial at ⁠⁠⁠logos.com/NT⁠⁠⁠ 👉 If you’re enjoying this exclusive series, leave us a comment or share what you’re learning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cremation, grace & Resurrection:. This week Tom tackles what does grace really mean in the Bible? Does cremation affect the Christian hope of resurrection? And how should we understand Jesus’ relationship to the Old Testament law? In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird explore the deep connections between 'hesed' in the Old Testament and 'charis' in the New, offering a rich picture of God’s love and faithfulness. They tackle the sensitive topic of cremation and Christian burial, affirming the unshakable hope of resurrection. Finally, together Mike and Tom unpack how Jesus fulfils— not abolishes —the law, showing the continuity between the covenants and the forward-looking nature of practices like the Sabbath. Got a question for Tom? Go to ⁠⁠askntwright.com⁠ Start going deeper in the Bible with a free trial at ⁠⁠⁠logos.com/NT⁠⁠⁠ 👉 If you’re enjoying this exclusive series, leave us a comment or share what you’re learning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tom Wright and Mike Bird delve into the Jewish identity of Jesus in this week's episode of the Ask NT Wright Anything podcast. They respond to a listener's question about Paul's instructions in 1 Corinthians 11 and reflect on the moral dilemmas faced by Dietrich Bonhoeffer during the Nazi regime. With depth and clarity, they explore how seeing Jesus within his Jewish context enriches our understanding of the gospel, why Paul's words on worship remain controversial, and how Bonhoeffer's bold choices continue to challenge the church on questions of Biblical ethics, justice, and what role Christians should take on opposing tyranny. Got a question for Tom? Go to ⁠⁠askntwright.com⁠ Start going deeper in the Bible with a free trial at ⁠⁠⁠logos.com/NT⁠⁠⁠ 👉 If you’re enjoying this exclusive series, leave us a comment or share what you’re learning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices