OpenTheo

Why was Paul so controversial?

March 2, 2021
Delving Into The New Testament In Its World
Delving Into The New Testament In Its WorldEternity News

Welcome to the third in a six-part series delving into the benchmark book The New Testament In Its World.

Co-author Michael Bird takes us through the text he wrote with N.T. Wright, this episode examining the historical figure of the Apostle Paul, a figure who has come to represent the most hard-line aspects of the Christian faith. 

On the chopping block are important questions like,

* What was Paul's significance to the early church?

* Where does the controversy emerge in his work?

* How does Paul's work lead us to rethink God?

You can buy a copy of The New Testament In Its World here.

If you're following along with The New Testament In Its World, this episode covers key issues in Part V: Paul and the Faithfulness of God:

1. The Story of Paul's Life and Ministry

2. A Primer on Pauline Theology

Share

FacebookTwitterRedditCopy Link

Transcript

More on OpenTheo

Leisure: the Basis of Culture (with Christian Leithart and John Ahern)
Leisure: the Basis of Culture (with Christian Leithart and John Ahern)
Alastair Roberts
February 18, 2025
Christian Leithart and John Ahern join me for a discussion of Josef Pieper's essential essay 'Leisure: the Basis of Culture': https://amzn.to/4317bzk.
The Resurrection - Argument from Personal Incredulity or Methodological Naturalism - Licona vs. Dillahunty - Part 1
The Resurrection - Argument from Personal Incredulity or Methodological Naturalism - Licona vs. Dillahunty - Part 1
Risen Jesus
March 19, 2025
In this episode, Dr. Licona provides a positive case for the resurrection of Jesus at the 2017 [UN]Apologetic Conference in Austin, Texas. He bases hi
How Could God Be Perfect If He Regrets Something He Did?
How Could God Be Perfect If He Regrets Something He Did?
#STRask
February 24, 2025
Questions about how God could be perfect if he regrets something he did, whether there’s a difference between God’s sovereignty and God’s providence,
How Can I Initiate a Conversation with Someone Who Thinks He’s a Christian but Isn’t?
How Can I Initiate a Conversation with Someone Who Thinks He’s a Christian but Isn’t?
#STRask
March 10, 2025
Questions about initiating conversations with someone who thinks he’s going to Heaven but who isn’t showing any signs he’s following God, how to talk
Is Pornography Really Wrong?
Is Pornography Really Wrong?
#STRask
March 20, 2025
Questions about whether or not pornography is really wrong and whether or not AI-generated pornography is a sin since AI women are not real women.  
A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation with Matthew Bingham
A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation with Matthew Bingham
Life and Books and Everything
March 31, 2025
It is often believed, by friends and critics alike, that the Reformed tradition, though perhaps good on formal doctrine, is impoverished when it comes
Douglas Groothuis: Morality as Evidence for God
Douglas Groothuis: Morality as Evidence for God
Knight & Rose Show
March 22, 2025
Wintery Knight and Desert Rose welcome Douglas Groothuis to discuss morality. Is morality objective or subjective? Can atheists rationally ground huma
Can Psychology Explain Away the Resurrection? A Licona Carrier Debate - Part 2
Can Psychology Explain Away the Resurrection? A Licona Carrier Debate - Part 2
Risen Jesus
February 19, 2025
According to Dr. Richard Carrier, Christianity arose among individuals who, due to their schizotypal personalities, believed that their hallucinations
J. Warner Wallace: Case Files: Murder and Meaning
J. Warner Wallace: Case Files: Murder and Meaning
Knight & Rose Show
April 5, 2025
Wintery Knight and Desert Rose welcome J. Warner Wallace to discuss his new graphic novel, co-authored with his son Jimmy, entitled "Case Files: Murde
Sean McDowell: The Fate of the Apostles
Sean McDowell: The Fate of the Apostles
Knight & Rose Show
May 10, 2025
Wintery Knight and Desert Rose welcome Dr. Sean McDowell to discuss the fate of the twelve Apostles, as well as Paul and James the brother of Jesus. M
Can Secular Books Assist Our Christian Walk?
Can Secular Books Assist Our Christian Walk?
#STRask
April 17, 2025
Questions about how secular books assist our Christian walk and how Greg studies the Bible.   * How do secular books like Atomic Habits assist our Ch
Should We Not Say Anything Against Voodoo?
Should We Not Say Anything Against Voodoo?
#STRask
March 27, 2025
Questions about how to respond to someone who thinks we shouldn’t say anything against Voodoo since it’s “just their culture” and arguments to refute
The Idea That I Won’t Be Married to My Wife in Heaven Makes My Heart Hurt
The Idea That I Won’t Be Married to My Wife in Heaven Makes My Heart Hurt
#STRask
February 20, 2025
Questions about what the absence of marriage in Heaven will mean for you and your spouse, thoughts regarding two Christians signing a prenup, whether
Preaching and Pastoral Ministry with John Piper
Preaching and Pastoral Ministry with John Piper
Life and Books and Everything
February 20, 2025
In this wide-ranging interview, recorded live at Christ Covenant Church in conjunction with the Coram Deo Pastors Workshop, Kevin asks John about ever
Why Do Some Churches Say You Need to Keep the Mosaic Law?
Why Do Some Churches Say You Need to Keep the Mosaic Law?
#STRask
May 5, 2025
Questions about why some churches say you need to keep the Mosaic Law and the gospel of Christ to be saved, and whether or not it’s inappropriate for