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.

The Telepathy Tapes has become one of the most popular podcasts in the world. Severely autistic non-verbal children and adults have apparently always been able to read minds, and they’re receiving revelations from God that validate a Messianic Jewish perspective. Our guests today, First Fruits of Zion’s Director of Education, D. Thomas Lancaster, and Jeremiah Michael from the Bram Center for Messianic Jewish Learning, are here to untangle the spiritual implications of this phenomenon—is it real? And if so, what is our proper response to it?

– Takeaways –

• Experts have historically dismissed telepathy, but new evidence has emerged that non-verbal autistic individuals have unique connections to a spiritual realm where such abilities may in fact exist.
• The nature of reality is complex, with spiritual dimensions influencing our perceptions. This exploration into the experience of non-verbal autistic children is a glimpse behind the veil of the material world into the world of souls. This vision validates the standard belief in Judaism of the pre-existence of the soul. This world of souls is where consciousness operates on a spiritual level beyond material understanding.
• What these children have told us aligns with biblical stories and teachings within Judaism and the message they bring to the world emphasizes love and repentance.
• Non-verbal autistic children have a profound spiritual mission.
• The human ego often gets in the way of accessing the spiritual world. Severely autistic children seem to have acquired their gifts by virtue of their inherent lack of ego. This causes us to question, can anyone gain high spiritual giftings by putting themselves through a rigorous exercise to nullify the ego?
• Regardless of what we are told regarding the spiritual world, the Scriptures must remain our guardrail to determine ultimate truth so that a person does not fall into the occult.
• Necromancy is forbidden, but messages from the deceased can occur.
• Jewish tradition around the soul’s journey to God during sleep has been validated.
• How can we best understand the fact that non-speaking autistic Jewish kids have not had experiences of meeting Jesus in their spiritual encounters?
• There is a spiritual interconnectedness between the Jewish people.
• Glimpsing into the world of thought elicits a profound sense of the fear of man but more importantly it ought to also lead us to a fear of God.
• The primary takeaway is that God and the spiritual realm are actually real. The Messiah is coming and calling humanity to repentance. Since we are more than physical bodies, we should feel inspired to BE more and to LIVE for more than physical existence but to aim for things higher and more noble.

– 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.

For almost two decades, the doctors told her that her son was a lost cause—he would never speak, would never understand, would never function in society. Then, a miracle happened. Our guest today is Katie Asher from The Telepathy Tapes podcast, and her son Houston can read her thoughts. But that’s just the beginning of the story. She’s here today to tell us about Houston’s spiritual journey and what he has taught her about the God of Israel and the Jewish Messiah.

– Episode Takeaways –

• Katie Asher's journey began with her son Houston's diagnosis of Autism Savant.
• The Telepathy Tapes podcast emerged from a documentary project.
• Facilitated communication and spelling helps non-speakers express themselves.
• The emotional toll of raising a child with autism.
• Katie's determination to understand her son led to profound discoveries.
• The revelation of Houston's ability to hear thoughts changed everything.
• Katie realized the power of thoughts and their impact on reality.
• There is a scriptural framework for understanding Houston's abilities.
• God works all things together for good, even pain and suffering.
• Negative thoughts impact a person’s body and spiritual connection to God.
• Faith is about believing God and his promises, not just believing in him.
• Prayers are forces that assist the spiritual to bring about God’s will in the world.
• Children have a unique connection to the spiritual realm that defies time and space.
• A soul agrees to the path and mission that God gives to it before birth.
• Truth exists beyond materialistic perceptions.
• Jesus is the Lamb of God and the Messiah.
• God’s covenant with Israel and love for her is significant and everlasting.
• God loves the Jewish people and has extended salvation to the Jew first.
• The nature of God's justice is rooted in love and compassion and is greater than our human perceptions.
• We are not a body. We are a soul with a body.
• Our great challenge and calling is to prioritize love over materialism and ego.

– Episode Resources –

The Book of Heaven: A Story of Hope for the Outcasts, the Broken, and Those Who Lost Faith
The Telepathy Tapes Podcast
Katie Asher’s Facebook
Article: I Can Hear Thoughts
The Beginning of Wisdom Bible Commentary

– 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 Middle East is in turmoil and anti-Muslim sentiment in the West has rarely been higher. Many are preparing for an apocalyptic battle in which Muslims are the enemy. Nevertheless, a chosen few have crossed oceans and borders to undertake missionary work in Muslim communities. Our guest today, Devon Phillips, spent years with Frontier Alliance International in Jordan, Iraq, Syria, and Israel. She’s here today to help us sort out what’s happening in the Middle East and how we can reach Muslims with the gospel of the kingdom.

– Episode Takeaways –

• Taking the gospel to Islamic war zones.
• The surprising advantages of a woman in missions to Muslim countries.
• What is the status of missions to Muslims?
• Eschatology is of equal matter of import to both Muslims and Christians.
• Overcoming hate to reach out in genuine love.
• The challenge of a gospel of the Kingdom that exalts the “enemy”.
• A personal journey to discover the Messianic Gospel of the kingdom.
• An insider’s perspective on current events in Syria.
• News Reports: Are you being informed or convinced?
• Is Turkey interested in restoring the Ottoman Empire?
• A new life work to learn original languages at Tyndale House in Cambridge.

– Episode Resources –

Devon Phillips on X
Oleaster Blog / Resource Library
Frontier Alliance International

– 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 Nazis lost World War II. But their legacy of anti-Semitism lives on, powered by demonic forces that have infiltrated even the church. So says Pastor Werner Oder, whose father was an SS officer, but whose life was completely transformed through Yeshua the Messiah. Pastor Oder is here to tell his story, talk about the rising tide of Jew hatred, and what we can do to stand for Israel.

– Episode Takeaways –

• History needs to be understood as “His story”.
• Born to a Nazi SS officer comes with lots of baggage to overcome.
• Demonic forces were behind the anti-Semitism of the Nazis in Europe.
• The sins of the fathers are spiritually transmitted generationally.
• Spiritual transformation requires time and effort, not instant results.
• Jesus is Jewish, and healing anti-Semitism requires a return to the Jewish roots of Christianity.
• The Nazis exploited anti-Semitic writings of Christians like Martin Luther.
• People can be convinced that evil actions are the will of God.
• Many Nazi war criminals were never held accountable for their actions. Their hatred spread throughout the Western world and is the root behind modern-day anti-Semitism.
• True repentance leads to full forgiveness and a clean record.
• A Christian pro-Israel movement is being challenged by a wave of historical revisionists and pseudo-Nazi sympathizers.
• We need to walk with courage and not in fear and confront evil where we find it.
• Peace is not the absence of war, but the presence of the Prince of Peace.
• God is assisting Israel since October 7 to become the head rather than the tail.
• A rabbi in Israel claims the answer to Gaza is Christian evangelism.

– Episode Resources –

Battling with Nazi Demons, by Werner Oder
Tuckton Christian Centre
Documentary: Escape from Nazi Demons
Article: Battling with Nazi Demons

– 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 evangelical church is in the midst of a scandal epidemic. But the deeper issue is a misunderstanding of the gospel. Without repentance, the gospel loses its power, and so-called Christians persist in willful sin. Our guest today, Marc Tuzzolino, is on a mission to restore a first-century Jewish apocalyptic understanding of the gospel in the context of an accountability group for men who want to live transparent lives characterized by real repentance.

– Episode Highlights –

(00:00) A discipleship and accountability group.
(5:36) Inspiration behind the group's founding.
(7:45) Adam Loves Eve book resource.
(14:22) The core gospel elements missing from modern Christian culture.
(20:20) In light of the final judgment.
(28:51) Proactive love overcomes objectification.
(36:56) Torah Club’s impact.
(39:32) Community support is vital.
(46:36) Success in transformed lives.

– Episode Resources –

Apocalyptic Accountability Group

– 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.