Bible and Theology Matters: Insightful Conversations with Bible Scholars

Was the Apostle Paul a Slave? | Dr. Mark Fairchild on Paul’s Early Life as Saul the Zealot

Was Paul once a slave? If so, how did his early life shape his theology, mission, and message? In this compelling episode of the Bible and Theology Matters podcast, Dr. Paul Weaver sits down with Dr. Mark Fairchild to discuss his groundbreaking book, Paul's Enslavement: The Early Life of Saul the Zealot. Together, they explore the provocative thesis that the Apostle Paul may have been a former slave—and how that possibility sheds powerful new light on his language of slavery, freedom, adoption, redemption, and identity in Christ.

Dr. Fairchild draws from the Book of Acts, Paul’s letters (especially Galatians), early church tradition from Jerome, and the historical writings of Josephus to examine:
-Paul’s Roman citizenship and how slaves could receive citizenship through
-manumission -The “Synagogue of the Freedmen” in Acts 6
-The meaning of stigmata in Galatians 6:17
-Honor, shame, and status in the first-century Mediterranean world
-How slavery differed from modern conceptions of 16th–19th century chattel slavery
-Why does Paul use slavery and adoption language more than any other New Testament writer 
-How Saul’s zealotry transformed after his encounter with Christ on the Damascus Road

This conversation also explores Paul’s rabbinic training under Gamaliel, his intense persecution of the early church, and how his radical conversion reshaped his understanding of identity, freedom, and gospel ministry.

If you want deeper insight into:
-The historical Paul: First-century slavery in the Roman world
-The background of Galatians: Paul’s theology of freedom and redemption
-How archaeology and ancient sources illuminate Scripture

…you won’t want to miss this episode. Dr. Fairchild also discusses his extensive research in Turkey (ancient Asia Minor) and his work on Paul’s “unknown years” in Cilicia. 

This episode is hosted by Dr. Paul Weaver, Associate Professor of Bible Exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary and host of the Bible and Theology Matters podcast.

📚 Featured Book: -Paul's Enslavement: The Early Life of Saul the Zealot 🎙 Subscribe to the Bible and Theology Matters podcast for more conversations on biblical history, theology, and apologetics.

📖 Also check out Dr. Weaver’s upcoming book: -Faith Affirming Findings: 50 Archaeological Discoveries that Validate the Historicity and Reliability of Scripture

🔔𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬. https://www.youtube.com/@BibleandTheologyMatters/?sub_confirmation=1 🔗 Stay Connected With Dr. Weaver. 📘 Facebook (Paul Weaver): https://www.facebook.com/PaulDeanWeaver 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faith_affirming_findings/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-weaver-55070317/ 🌐 Website: https://www.bibleandtheologymatters.com/ 🌐 Website: https://pauldweaver.com/ 📩 To invite Dr. Weaver to speak at your church or conference, email at: [email protected] ============================= 🎬Suggested videos for you: ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Jf0c4cjxe0 ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJQDvGEdW-0 ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBQODoZ2jGs ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiM-yxQOm4g ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcbFmrcsyvE ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48NFw4RfrJ8 ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kl7XTzluDE ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRQvs89mXTc ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQEBTDfoaWA ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBy3-egeiu4

What is truth?—and can we known it? In this episode of the Bible and Theology Matters podcast, Paul Weaver is joined by Dr. Mark Farnham, Dr. David Saxon, and Dr. Michael S. Jones to explore the study of knowledge—how we know what we know—and how beliefs are justified within a Christian worldview. Drawing from the book Talking About Worldviews: A Conversational Introduction to Thinking Philosophically, this discussion tackles foundational questions such as:
• Is there objective truth?
• What is the correspondence theory of truth?
• What is the difference between belief and truth?
• What does it mean for a belief to be justified?
• Is evidentialism sufficient for Christian belief? 
• What are presuppositionalism, fideism, existentialism, irrationalism, and reliabilism?
• How does postmodernism challenge traditional views of truth? The conversation also addresses:
• The noetic effects of sin 
• The role of the Holy Spirit in understanding truth
• The relationship between apologetics and epistemology 
• Whether Christians need formal philosophical training
• Why logic and critical thinking matter for believers

If you’ve ever heard phrases like “my truth,” “your truth,” or wondered how Christians should think about evidence, science, and belief—this episode is for you. This discussion will strengthen your understanding of truth, knowledge, and how to confidently and humbly defend the Christian faith. Featuring:

 -Dr. Michael Jones – Professor of Philosophy & Religion, Liberty University
-Dr. Mark J. Farnham – Professor of Apologetics, Lancaster Bible College
-Dr. David Saxon – Professor of Church History, Maranatha Baptist University

🎙 About the Podcast The Bible and Theology Matters podcast discusses all things Bible and theology—because what you really believe determines how you really behave. Hosted by Dr. Paul Weaver, Associate Professor of Bible Exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary.

📚 Recommended Resource Talking About World Views: A Conversational Introduction to Thinking Philosophically

🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on theology, apologetics, worldview, and biblical truth.
👍 Like, comment, and share to help others think clearly and live faithfully. #ChristianApologetics #BiblicalWorldview #Logic #Theology #Philosophy #DefendingTheFaith #CriticalThinking #BibleAndTheologyMatters
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👉 https://www.youtube.com/@BibleandTheologyMatters 
📘 Coming Soon! 📖 Faith-Affirming Findings by Dr. Paul Weaver Release Date: May 26, 2026 Pre-order now on Amazon!
🔔 Don’t Forget to:
👍 Like this video 💬 Comment with your questions or thoughts
🔔 Subscribe for more Bible, theology, and apologetics content

🎙️ Podcast: Bible and Theology Matters - www.BibleAndTheologyMatters.com 
🎓 Sponsored by Dallas Theological Seminary - www.dts.edu
👉 Explore Faith Affirming Findings short videos on biblical archaeology on this channel. 🔗 Stay Connected With Dr. Weaver.
📘 Facebook (Paul Weaver): https://www.facebook.com/PaulDeanWeaver
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faith_affirming_findings/ 
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-weaver-55070317/
🌐 Website: https://www.bibleandtheologymatters.com/
🌐 Website: https://pauldweaver.com/

📩 To invite Dr. Weaver to speak at your church or conference, email at: [email protected]

What is a logical fallacy? What is a sound argument? And, why does it matter for Christians today? In this episode of the Bible and Theology Matters podcast, Dr. Paul Weaver is joined by the co-authors of Talking About World Views: A Conversational Introduction to Thinking Philosophically for a powerful discussion on logic, logical fallacies, and sound reasoning in a confused culture.

Featuring:
-Michael Jones – Professor of Philosophy & Religion, Liberty University
-Mark J. Farnham – Professor of Apologetics, Lancaster Bible College
-David Saxon – Professor of Church History, Maranatha Baptist University

Together, they explore:
✔️ What a worldview is—and why everyone has one
✔️ Why logic is foundational for defending the Christian faith 
✔️ The difference between factual mistakes and logical fallacies 
✔️ Common fallacies like: Ad Hominem Straw Man Appeal to Authority Appeal to Pity Genetic Fallacy Red Herring Self-Referential Incoherence
✔️ How to construct sound deductive and inductive arguments
✔️ Why truth corresponds to reality 
✔️ How Christians can argue graciously, clearly, and persuasively

In a world shaped by expressive individualism, emotional reasoning, and intellectual shortcuts, this conversation equips believers to think critically and biblically. As C.S. Lewis famously emphasized, Christianity is not something we would have invented—it confronts us with reality. Whether you're a pastor, Bible teacher, seminary student, homeschool parent, or simply someone who wants to strengthen your reasoning skills, this episode will sharpen your thinking and deepen your confidence in the Christian worldview.

🎙 About the Podcast The Bible and Theology Matters podcast discusses all things Bible and theology—because what you really believe determines how you really behave. Hosted by Dr. Paul Weaver, Associate Professor of Bible Exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary.

📚 Recommended Resource Talking About World Views: A Conversational Introduction to Thinking Philosophically 

📌 Subscribe here:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@BibleandTheologyMatters
📘 Coming Soon! 📖 Faith-Affirming Findings by Dr. Paul Weaver Release Date: May 26, 2026 Pre-order now on Amazon!
🔔 Don’t Forget to: 👍 Like this video
💬 Comment with your questions or thoughts
🔔 Subscribe for more Bible, theology, and apologetics content
🎙️ Podcast: Bible and Theology Matters - www.BibleAndTheologyMatters.com
🎓 Sponsored by Dallas Theological Seminary - www.dts.edu 
👉 Explore Faith Affirming Findings short videos on biblical archaeology on this channel.
🔗 Stay Connected With Dr. Weaver.
📘 Facebook (Paul Weaver): https://www.facebook.com/PaulDeanWeaver
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faith_affirming_findings/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-weaver-55070317/
🌐 Website: https://www.bibleandtheologymatters.com/
🌐 Website: https://pauldweaver.com/
📩 To invite Dr. Weaver to speak at your church or conference, email at: [email protected] =============================

🎬Suggested videos for you: 
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Jf0c4cjxe0 ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJQDvGEdW-0 ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBQODoZ2jGs ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiM-yxQOm4g ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcbFmrcsyvE ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48NFw4RfrJ8 ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kl7XTzluDE ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRQvs89mXTc ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQEBTDfoaWA ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBy3-egeiu4Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Logic and Worldviews 03:32 Understanding Worldviews 10:24 The Importance of Logic 16:25 Identifying Logical Fallacies 24:59 Ad Hominem and Its Implications 33:29 The Straw Man Fallacy 35:51 Understanding Logical Fallacies 42:55 The Role of Emotions in Argumentation 49:32 Exploring the Nature of Truth 56:15 Constructing Sound Arguments 01:01:21 Inductive vs. Deductive Reasoning 01:08:36 The Importance of Logic in Christianity

📖 Is the New Testament Trustworthy? | Reliability, Archaeology & the Resurrection (Part 2)

Is the New Testament historically reliable? Can we trust the Gospels as accurate records of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection? In this powerful episode of the Bible and Theology Matters Podcast, Dr. Paul Weaver continues his in-depth conversation with Dr. Benjamin Shaw, author of Trustworthy: 13 Arguments for the Reliability of the New Testament. In Part 2 of this two-part series, we explore some of the strongest historical, archaeological, and transformational evidence supporting the truth of the New Testament—including hostile sources, archaeological discoveries, and the famous Minimal Facts Argument for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
✅ Why embarrassing details in the Gospels actually support their authenticity
✅ How hostile sources like Tacitus confirm key events of Jesus’ life
✅ What archaeology reveals about Caiaphas, crucifixion, and the early church
✅ Why early Christian transformation matters for historical reliability
✅ What the Minimal Facts Argument is—and why it’s so powerful
✅ How scholars across belief systems agree on core resurrection facts 

 Why the resurrection stands at the center of Christian faith and history Dr. Shaw also explains how archaeology, early enemy attestation, and transformed lives all point to the same conclusion: the New Testament is historically trustworthy—and Jesus is who He claimed to be.

📚 Featured Guest: Dr. Benjamin Shaw President, Core Apologetics Author of Trustworthy: 13 Arguments for the Reliability of the New Testament Student of Dr. Gary Habermas (Minimal Facts Argument)

🎓 Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) 🔗 Learn more: https://www.dts.edu 

🌍 Missions Moment: Learn how National Theological College & Graduate School (NTCGS) is training national pastors and leaders in Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, and East Africa. Partner with NTCGS today:

👉 https://www.ntcgs.org
📺 Faith-Affirming Findings: Check out Dr. Weaver’s Faith-Affirming Findings videos—short, evidence-based teachings on biblical archaeology that affirm the historical reliability of Scripture.
📌 Subscribe here: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@BibleandTheologyMatters
📘 Coming Soon!
📖 Faith-Affirming Findings by Dr. Paul Weaver Release Date: May 26, 2026 Pre-order now on Amazon!
🔔 Don’t Forget to:
👍 Like this video
💬 Comment with your questions or thoughts
🔔 Subscribe for more Bible, theology, and apologetics content
🎙️ Podcast: Bible and Theology Matters - www.BibleAndTheologyMatters.com
🎓 Sponsored by Dallas Theological Seminary - www.dts.edu
👉 Explore Faith Affirming Findings short videos on biblical archaeology on this channel.
🔗 Stay Connected With Dr. Weaver.
📘 Facebook (Paul Weaver): https://www.facebook.com/PaulDeanWeaver
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faith_affirming_findings/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-weaver-55070317/
🌐 Website: https://www.bibleandtheologymatters.com/
🌐 Website: https://pauldweaver.com/

📩 To invite Dr. Weaver to speak at your church or conference, email at: [email protected] =============================

🎬Suggested videos for you:
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Jf0c4cjxe0
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJQDvGEdW-0
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBQODoZ2jGs
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiM-yxQOm4g 
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcbFmrcsyvE
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48NFw4RfrJ8
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kl7XTzluDE
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRQvs89mXTc 
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQEBTDfoaWA
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBy3-egeiu4

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
01:25 Exploring the Reliability of the New Testament
07:25 The Role of Hostile Sources in Historical Evidence
11:16 Archaeological Evidence Supporting the New Testament
15:32 Spiritual Transformation as Evidence of Reliability
22:31 The Minimal Facts Argument for the Resurrection

Can the New Testament really be trusted? Was it written too late, copied too often, or shaped by biased authors? In this episode of the Bible and Theology Matters Podcast, Dr. Paul Weaver is joined by Dr. Benjamin Shaw, author of Trustworthy: 13 Arguments for the Reliability of the New Testament, to examine the historical evidence supporting the trustworthiness of the New Testament.

This conversation explores:
-Manuscript evidence and textual reliability
-Early dating of the New Testament writings
-Eyewitness testimony
-Why skeptics treat the Bible differently from other ancient texts
-External historical sources like Josephus and Tacitus 
-Whether the earliest Christians believed Jesus was God
-Why the apostles were willing to suffer and die for their testimony

Dr. Shaw, president of Core Apologetics and former research assistant to Dr. Gary Habermas, presents compelling arguments showing that the New Testament stands as the best-attested document of antiquity.

📘 Book discussed: Trustworthy: 13 Arguments for the Reliability of the New Testament
🎙️ Podcast: Bible and Theology Matters - www.BibleAndTheologyMatters.com
🎓 Sponsored by Dallas Theological Seminary - www.dts.edu

👉 Subscribe for more conversations on biblical theology, apologetics, and archaeology.
👉 Explore Faith Affirming Findings short videos on biblical archaeology on this channel.

🔗 Stay Connected With Dr. Weaver.
📘 Facebook (Paul Weaver): https://www.facebook.com/PaulDeanWeaver
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faith_affirming_findings/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-weaver-55070317/
🌐 Website: https://www.bibleandtheologymatters.com/
🌐 Website: https://pauldweaver.com/
📩 To invite Dr. Weaver to speak at your church or conference, email at: [email protected]

00:00 Can the New Testament Be Trusted?
01:10 About the Bible and Theology Matters Podcast
03:10 Introducing Dr. Benjamin Shaw and Trustworthy
06:00 Purpose and Audience of the Book
10:20 Manuscript Evidence for the New Testament
18:30 Do Textual Variants Change Christian Doctrine? 
25:10 Early Dating of the New Testament Writings
33:40 Eyewitnesses and Close Associates of Jesus
43:00 External Historical Sources (Josephus & Tacitus)
52:30 Did the Earliest Christians Believe Jesus Was God?
01:04:00 Apostolic Martyrdom and Sincerity of Testimony
01:15:30 Why Reliability Matters for Faith and Practice