Paul's relationship with Jewish law is notoriously difficult to grasp. In this episode, Dr. Matthew Novenson joins the podcast and proposes a new interpretive framework to make sense of the prolific apostle—Paul saw himself as a Jew, not at the end of Judaism, but at the end of history. Dr. Novenson is a Professor of New Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary and the author of “Paul and Judaism at the End of History.” In this conversation we will examine Paul's views on justification, legalism, and chauvinism, as well as his criticism of Jewish conversion for Gentiles. These perspectives help explain some of the tensions and seeming contradictions in his letters as he addressed communities he believed were on the cusp of a radical transformation to a new era of human history.

— Takeaways —

► Paul's view of himself and Judaism: Paul considered himself a Jew and did not see his teachings as a departure from Judaism but rather as a part of its historical progression.

► Paul's imminent eschatology and its implications: Paul's belief in the imminent end of the age and the coming of the new creation heavily influenced his views on the law, justification, and conversion.

► The interpretation of "justification": The concept of justification in Paul's letters is interpreted as a "transfer term" referring to the transfer into the new creation rather than merely a forensic declaration of righteousness.

► Paul's opponents: Contrary to the common assumption that Paul's opponents were Jewish, Dr. Novenson suggests that they were actually Gentile converts advocating for proselyte circumcision.

► Paul's "legalism": Dr. Novenson challenges the traditional view of Paul as being anti-legalistic by pointing out instances in his letters where he sets strict standards and prohibitions, indicating a form of "legalism."

— Chapters —

(00:00) Introduction to Dr. Matthew Novenson

(06:30) Galatians 1:3 – Did Paul abandon Judaism?

(11:28) How Imminent Theology Informed Paul’s View of Justification

(16:57) Paul’s Opponents Regarding Circumcision and Conversion

(26:29) Legalism: Paul as a Legalist

(30:57) Paul’s Ethnic Perspective and Chauvinism

(38:20) Perspectives that Emerge from a World Steeped in Idolatry

(40:37) Romans 10:4 – Paul’s View of the Law Based on the End of History

(48:52) Imminent Eschatology and Its Implications

(58:30) Reception of Paul’s Eschatology in Contemporary Scholarship

(01:04:56) Methodological Approaches to Jewish Texts in New Testament Studies

— Resources —

Paul and Judaism at the End of History, by Dr. Matthew Novenson

– Who is Messiah Podcast? –

Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ), a Messianic Jewish education organization dedicated to reconciling disciples of Yeshua with God's prophetic promises to Israel.

Messiah Podcast is made possible by the generosity of our First Fruits of Zion Friends. FFOZ Friends help advance our mission while gaining access to exclusive Messianic Jewish teachings and resources. If you want to partner with us in spreading the message of the kingdom to all nations, become an FFOZ Friend today.

The Soviet Union suppressed Judaism and Jewish identity for decades. Atheism was enforced by the state. But our guest today, Pinchas Shir, knew there was more to life than the material world. In the era of perestroika, he fled to the United States, and today, he’s a Messianic Jewish rabbi. Join us as Rabbi Shir unpacks his academic work on Jewish literature, meals and food in antiquity, and the impact of texts like 1 Enoch, Letter of Aristeas, and Wisdom of Solomon on our understanding of the New Testament. Whether you’re new to Second Temple studies or a seasoned scholar, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on the historical and spiritual context of early Judaism and Christianity.

– Takeaways –

• The Suppressed Jewish Identity in the Soviet Union: Rabbi Shir shares firsthand accounts of how Jewish identity was hidden and discouraged under Soviet rule. Many Jews in Russia grew up without religious education or knowledge of their heritage due to the state’s suppression of religion.
• A Spiritual Journey of Discovery: Growing up in an atheistic society, Rabbi Shir felt an inner pull towards spirituality. His first encounter with the Bible came from American missionaries, leading him on a long journey of faith that intertwined with his Jewish identity.
• The Unique Culture of Russian Jewish Communities Today: Whether in Israel, America, or Europe, Russian Jews tend to maintain a strong sense of community. Many still speak Russian, preserve distinct cultural habits, and have a unique approach to Judaism and Messianic faith.
• Interpreting the Bible in Its Historical Context: The importance of understanding Scripture through its original Jewish and historical setting cannot be overstated. Engaging with Second Temple literature helps modern readers grasp the cultural and theological ideas that shaped early Jewish and Christian beliefs. Rabbi Shir highlights how 1 Enoch, Letter of Aristeas, and other Jewish texts offer helpful context for understanding New Testament thought.

– Chapters –

(0:00) Episode Introduction
(1:24) Growing up Jewish in the Communist Soviet Union
(4:20) Encountering the Evangelical gospel
(12:42) Journey to recover Jewish identity
(15:40) Becoming a Bible teacher
(17:14) Challenges of being a Rabbi
(20:17) Russian Messianic Jewish Community
(27:02) Doctoral Dissertation on Ancient Foods
(31:57) Academic exploration of Second Temple literature
(35:09) Diversity of thought in intertestamental Jewish writings
(42:38) Influential streams of Judaism
(45:34) Best books of Second Temple literature
(51:21) Unheard voices of Hebrew kings and prophets

– Resources –

Rabbi Pinchas Shir Online

Unheard Voices of Hebrew Kings and Prophets, by Pinchas Shir

– Who is Messiah Podcast? –

Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ), a Messianic Jewish education organization dedicated to reconciling disciples of Yeshua with God's prophetic promises to Israel.

Messiah Podcast is made possible by the generosity of our First Fruits of Zion Friends. FFOZ Friends help advance our mission while gaining access to exclusive Messianic Jewish teachings and resources. If you want to partner with us in spreading the message of the kingdom to all nations, become an FFOZ Friend today.

Followers of Yeshua are called to take up their cross—to become martyrs. This mandate inspired one filmmaker, Reed Smith, to explore the lives of those disciples who are risking everything to follow Yeshua. In the process, he found that the gospel message was inextricably tied to the exile and redemption of Israel. In this episode, filmmaker Reed Smith discusses the themes of his new film, Sojourners and Exiles, which explores the cost of discipleship for modern-day disciples of Yeshua.

– Takeaways –

• The Call to Martyrdom and Discipleship – Followers of Yeshua are called to take up their cross, a theme that inspired filmmaker Reed Smith to explore modern discipleship and persecution.
• The Gospel’s Connection to Israel – Smith discovered that the message of the gospel is deeply tied to the exile and redemption of Israel, emphasizing that God's plan is Israel-centric.
• "Sojourners and Exiles" Film – The documentary explores the cost of discipleship, focusing on real-life martyrs and their sacrifices for faith.
• Western Christianity Lacks a Theology of Martyrdom – The podcast discusses how many Western Christians have not seriously considered martyrdom, while believers in other parts of the world face real persecution.
• The Film's Unexpected Shift – While initially about martyrdom, the film evolves into a broader message about the Gospel of the Kingdom, the role of Israel, and the Jewish Messiah’s return.
• A Palestinian Jordanian’s Journey – The film features a Palestinian Jordanian Christian who, despite cultural and religious opposition, embraces an Israel-centric gospel, demonstrating deep personal sacrifice.
• Persecution for Supporting Israel – The discussion highlights how supporting Israel is becoming increasingly controversial, even within Christian circles, leading to potential persecution in the West.
• Torah Club’s Role in Spiritual Growth – Smith shares how joining a Torah Club has deepened his understanding of the Jewish context of Scripture, reinforcing the need to see Jesus within His Jewish identity.

– Chapters –

(00:00) Episode Introduction
(02:00) Introducing Filmmaker Reed Smith
(03:39) The Inspiration Behind 'Sojourners and Exiles'
(21:51) Martyrdom: Counting the Cost of Discipleship
(33:03) A Palestinian Jordanian Believer Embraces an Israel-Centric Gospel
(42:07) A Powerful Anecdote
(43:53) The Divine Reversal of the Kingdom
(45:47) Persecution From Without and Within
(52:17) A Fresh Interpretation of Matthew 25
(01:03:17) Another Helpful Resource: Torah Club
(01:09:50) Final Thoughts and Where to Watch the Film

– Resources –

Sojourners and Exiles Trailer

Sojourners and Exiles Film

I See Nations Trailer

I See Nations Film

– Who is Messiah Podcast? –

Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ), a Messianic Jewish education organization dedicated to reconciling disciples of Yeshua with God's prophetic promises to Israel.

Messiah Podcast is made possible by the generosity of our First Fruits of Zion Friends. FFOZ Friends help advance our mission while gaining access to exclusive Messianic Jewish teachings and resources. If you want to partner with us in spreading the message of the kingdom to all nations, become an FFOZ Friend today.