This oft-overlooked little epistle of the New Testament is very likely the first extant work of Christian literature—characterized by the apostle Paul's intense pastoral love for his congregation in Thessalonica and comforting hope in the return on the clouds of the Lord Jesus. In this episode Dad and I dig into both these themes, the abundance of family language (some of it startling, to say the least!), explore non-creepy ways to affirm the Parousia, and note early themes of Paul that will stay the course as well as undergo development on the way to his late Epistles.
We're in our SEVENTH year!
Show your support by becoming a Patron!
Notes:
1. Sarah's book Forty Facets of the Ascension is available now!
2. Gaventa, First and Second Thessalonians
3. Malherbe, Paul and the Thessalonians: The Philosophic Tradition of Pastoral Care
4. Related episodes: Apostleship Envy, Triple Predestination, Galatians 1, Galatians 2, Philemon, Romans
--------
1:11:32
--------
1:11:32
Resurrection according to Macrina and Gregory of Nyssa
There is plenty puzzling about the doctrine of the resurrection, no matter which way you slice it. But it's extra puzzling if you prioritize the immortality of the soul over the resurrection of the body, and if you prioritize the resurrection of the body over the resurrection of the dead. In this episode Dad and I warmly invite Cappadocian father Gregory of Nyssa and his accomplished sister Macrina the Teacher to show us all the good impulses toward a doctrine of the resurrection, along with all the bad ways to defend it. Sometimes theology is best helped by bold mistakes!
We're in our SEVENTH year!
Show your support by becoming a Patron!
1. Gregory of Nyssa, On the Soul and Resurrection
2. You can pre-order my book, Forty Facets of the Ascension!
3. Related episodes: Gregory of Nazianzus, Perpetua and Felicitas, Heaven Hell and the Life to Come, The Resurrection
--------
1:16:56
--------
1:16:56
2025 Bonus 8: Crossover with The Pastor's Table
Sarah talks with Tara Beth Leach and Mark Quanstrom of The Pastor's Table about hard-won lessons in gospel and ministry!
--------
34:43
--------
34:43
2025 Bonus 7: Crossover with Narrative Lectionary Podcast
Sarah talks with the hosts of the Narrative Lectionary Podcast about the Book of Revelation, and especially the six lessons appointed for this year.
--------
42:26
--------
42:26
Postscript to Pastoral Preaching
After our last episode on Pastoral Preaching, I had a brainwave. Dad and I talk about it.
New Zealand