Today on the Ask NT Wright Anything Podcast, Mike Bird and Tom Wright tackle three challenging listener questions that get to the heart of Christian theology and biblical imagination.Should we pray for Satan? Tom unpacks how centuries of Christian mythology have distorted biblical ideas of “the Satan” (the accuser), explaining why evil has no rightful place in God’s good creation,and what it really means when Scripture says Jesus “disarmed the powers.”Next, the pair discuss Jesus’ words to the thief on the cross — “Today you will be with me in paradise.” What does “paradise” actually mean in the Bible? Tom draws on ancient language and early church thought to clarify the difference between “life after death” and “life after life after death”, showing how the Spirit sustains believers in Christ’s presence until the resurrection.And our last question today is on the life of purification: what it means for God to prune and refine us, not as punishment but as preparation for holiness and fruitfulness. Tom uses the image of pruning from John 15 to remind us that when God cuts things away, He is often closest to us.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👉 Refer a friend to become a subscriber like you - they can get 10% off by clicking here.SOCIAL LINKS: Twitter: https://twitter.com/unbelievablefeFacebook: / https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable Instagram: / https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable Tik Tok: / https://tiktok.com/@premier.unbelievable Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

​What did Jesus mean when he said his followers would do “greater works” than him? Does the ancient Filioque Clause (“and the Son”) still divide the church today? And what does it really mean to love God more than your family? In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird tackle three deep and very human questions -  about miracles, the Trinity, and discipleship. Tom reminds listeners that real faith is costly, but never silent: ”The God who made the world has come forward to meet us in the person of his Son.” Whether you’re wrestling with theology or your own walk of faith, this episode bridges head and heart with vintage Wright insight. 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 Refer a friend to become a subscriber like you - they can get 10% off by clicking here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Does the Bible teach gender hierarchy? What did Paul mean by quoting Habakkuk — “the righteous shall live by faith”? And did Paul actually write all the pastoral epistles?Today on Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom and Mike answer your questions about gender, faith, and authorship in the New Testament. They unpack the Greek word for “submit” in Ephesians, showing how Paul emphasizes mutual submission in Christ, not domination. They then explore the rich meaning of Habakkuk 2:4, where “faith” can point both to God’s faithfulness and human trust. Finally, they address the debate over the pastoral epistles — stylistic differences, possible editorial hands, and why these letters still matter for the church 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 SOCIAL LINKS: Twitter: https://twitter.com/unbelievablefeFacebook: / https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable Instagram: / https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable Tik Tok: / https://tiktok.com/@premier.unbelievable  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What do bishops really do, and where does church authority come from? How do you find a faithful church community in a polarised world? And does universalism change how we think about salvation and damnation?Tom Wright and Mike Bird are looking at questions of leadership, community, and theology in today's episode of Ask NT Wright Anything. They trace the history of bishops and overseers, showing how church authority developed over time, and reflect on the challenge of finding a church home when politics and faith collide. Finally, they dive into the debate over universalism, unpacking how language about heaven and hell has been shaped by tradition and why Christian hope must remain rooted in Jesus’ mission.SOCIAL LINKS: Twitter: https://twitter.com/unbelievablefeFacebook: / https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable Instagram: / https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable Tik Tok: / https://tiktok.com/@premier.unbelievable 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 does Ephesians teach us about God’s purpose for the church? Can we truly trust Scripture if it was passed down through oral tradition? And what role do public confessions of faith play in salvation?In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird dig into Tom’s new Book, The Vision of Ephesians, to explore Paul’s vision behind the text, the meaning of Sola Scriptura, and the reliability of the Bible’s transmission in a culture shaped by memory rather than print. They also reflect on the resurrection story in Matthew, unpack why public declarations of faith matter, but aren’t the whole story, and remind us that scripture’s authority ultimately points us to Jesus.Shop TOM'S NEW BOOK The Vision of Ephesians:UK: https://amzn.to/46l7KnDUS: https://amzn.to/3JVevotSupport 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 learningSOCIAL LINKS: Twitter: https://twitter.com/unbelievablefeFacebook: / https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable Instagram: / https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable Tik Tok: / https://tiktok.com/@premier.unbelievable  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What did Jesus mean by “the end of the age”? Does the New Testament teach salvation by faith alone, or do works matter too? And what will happen to the earth in God’s new creation?In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird tackle big questions on eschatology, faith, and new creation. They unpack Jesus’ teachings about the temple and the “end of the age,” explain why faith and works are inseparable in the New Testament, and reflect on Paul’s vision of a world renewed when heaven and earth come together. Along the way, they challenge common misunderstandings shaped by Western traditions and offer a hope-filled vision of God’s future. SOCIAL LINKS: Twitter: https://twitter.com/unbelievablefeFacebook: / https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable Instagram: / https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable Tik Tok: / https://tiktok.com/@premier.unbelievable 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

Mike Bird and Tom Wright take on three wide-ranging listener questions. First: should Christians work out? Tom reflects on how physical health connects with the life of the soul, and whether Scripture points toward a holistic vision of body and spirit. Next: why is the Bible authoritative? Is it the church’s decision, the content of its teaching, or the work of the Spirit? Tom unpacks how authority is best understood through the story the Scriptures tell. Finally: the unforgivable sin. What does Jesus mean, and how should Christians approach such a troubling saying? Tom offers pastoral guidance shaped by context, hope, and the Spirit’s ongoing work.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

Mike Bird and Tom Wright dive into another round of thoughtful listener questions. First: how do you go about choosing a church? Tom lays out wise principles for discerning a community rooted in the gospel, shaped by worship, and committed to mission. Next: catechisms. From centuries-old confessions to modern teaching tools, Tom shares which one has shaped him most and why. Finally: a weighty question on God’s character. Did God create billions of people only to condemn them? Tom wrestles with how Scripture frames judgment, mercy, and the ultimate purpose of creation, offering hope that rests in God’s love and justice.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

Mike Bird and Tom Wright take on three big listener questions. First: how do we actually cooperate with the Spirit in God’s plan for new creation? Tom reflects on what it means to anticipate heaven and earth being joined, and how our present faithfulness participates in that future hope. Next: ordination and church leadership. Are we in danger of over-structuring the body of Christ? Drawing from the New Testament and church history, Tom considers why ordination emerged and what it means for today. Finally: egalitarian roots and resurrection hope. Were the earliest churches more like Corinth’s fluid gatherings? What about para-church movements? And in Revelation 20, what sort of resurrection is Peter really speaking about? Tom explores continuity, community, and the call to live as people of the age to come.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

Mike Bird and Tom Wright tackle three big listener questions. First: did Jesus know he was God—and if so, in what sense? Tom explores how Jesus reframes what we mean by “God,” drawing on the Gospels and Philippians 2. Next: contemplative practices. From the Jesus Prayer to the Daily Office, Tom offers gracious guidance on praying in ways that keep Jesus at the centre while avoiding rigid one-size-fits-all rules. Finally: sacred places and “thin” places—can locations carry a memory of God’s presence? What about dark places marked by evil? With stories from Switzerland to Lindisfarne, Tom reflects on holiness, discernment and hope. Send your question at askntwright.com, and consider the bonus series as Mike and Tom journey through Acts.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

Why do churches split over theology? What does the Bible really say about covenants and dispensations? Why do some Christians skip sacraments altogether? And can you lose your salvation?In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird tackle church divisions, explain the differences between covenant theology and dispensationalism, and explore the Salvation Army’s unusual stance on sacraments. They dig deep into Hebrews 6, wrestling with what it really says about salvation security.As Tom reminds us, “the heart of doctrine is the inspiration of scripture,” and this conversation shows why careful, contextual biblical interpretation still matters for unity and faith 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

What is the Bible really — and who decided which books belong in it? Can we trust the Gospels if they don’t always agree? And when should tradition shape how we read scripture, and when should we challenge it?In this Big Bible Episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird dig into big, timeless questions about the canon of scripture, how inspiration works, and why apparent contradictions in the Gospels don’t undermine their truth. They unpack how tradition and fresh interpretation must stay grounded in the historical context of the text, and why the church must always be, as Tom says, “semper reformanda” — always reforming around the Bible’s authority.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 qualities should the Archbishop of Canterbury really have? How can spiritual practices help us deal with anxiety? And what does the Bible say about corrupted powers in our world?In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird unpack what it means to lead the Anglican Church, the role of the Archbishop as a unifier, and why true leadership needs spiritual depth, not just management skills. They share how practices like the Psalms help Christians face spiritual anxiety and keep their focus on God. Finally, they tackle what happens when good powers become corrupted, and how the church must speak truth to power and model a wisely ordered world. 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

Is biblical faith just “belief”? What does salvation really mean in the Old and New Testaments? And was Jesus talking about the end of the world or Jerusalem’s fall in the Olivet Discourse?In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird unpack the difference between faith and mere belief, showing how true biblical faith means trust, faithfulness, and allegiance to Jesus as King. Together, they trace how salvation unfolds from the Old Testament to the New, clarifying common misconceptions about justification and works. Finally, they explore the Olivet Discourse, explaining why Jesus’ words about the temple’s destruction matter for understanding the second coming— and how context shapes how we read prophecy 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

Will we ever see an OT Wright translation to match NT Wright's New Testament for Everyone? Tom explains why an Old Testament version isn’t on the cards—but offers a witty alternative involving his son! The conversation moves on to remarriage, exploring whether we’ll still relate to our spouses in the same way in the new creation, and how Jesus’ words in the Gospels shape our understanding of life after death. Finally, Tom responds to a heartfelt question about whether God favours Jewish believers over Gentiles, unpacking Paul’s theology in Romans and affirming the radical equality found in Christ. This episode is rich with pastoral wisdom and biblical insight, not to be missed.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

Is Christian nationalism compatible with the teachings of Jesus? Is the Bible purely divine, or also human? And how should Christians understand atonement and explain it to children?In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird tackle the controversial topic of Christian nationalism, reflect on the complex relationship between Jesus and the Bible, and unpack what penal substitutionary atonement really means within the bigger story of salvation. They also share wisdom on how and why to talk about deep theology with children.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

Does God still love Israel today? Should Christians work in the defense industry? Who were the “sons of God” in Genesis 6? And should modern Christians practice Passover or foot washing?In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird unpack deep questions about God’s enduring love for Israel, the ethical challenges of working in defense and military industries, the mysterious “sons of God” in Genesis, and the ongoing meaning of Passover and foot washing for followers of Jesus today. The conversation wrestles with ancient texts, modern dilemmas, and how to live faithfully in a complex world. 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 is biblical holiness? Can a heart be so hardened that it’s beyond saving? Does the Holy Spirit still give personal promises today? And what does it mean to be truly 'filled' with the Spirit? Tom Wright and Mike Bird tackle four deep listener questions about the nature of holiness, the mystery of a hardened heart, how the Holy Spirit speaks today, and the meaning of being filled with the Spirit in the New Testament. They unpack the richness of biblical language, the difference between human and divine hardening, how to discern personal spiritual promises, and how God’s filling work transforms lives moment by moment. 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 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

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