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Religion & Spirituality

The J.John & Tom Wright Podcast

J.John

The podcast where two old friends, an evangelist and a theologian, tackle the big questions of life and faith.

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  • 42 episodes
  • Updated Friday

Episodes42

Newest first
  • Friday · 26 min

    Did Paul Silence Women? (S3EP11)

    Does the New Testament really teach that women should remain silent in church? Can women preach, teach, and lead? And what on earth did Paul mean when he wrote that women "will be saved through childbearing"? In this episode of The J.John & Tom Wright Podcast, J.John and Tom Wright tackle some of the most debated passages in Paul's letters concerning women. Together they explore the relationship between Paul's instruction for women to pray and prophesy, his command for women to be silent in the churches, and his teaching in 1 Timothy about authority and teaching. They also unpack the puzzling statement about salvation through childbearing and consider how these passages should be understood in their historical and biblical context. Along the way, they also address other intriguing questions from the Epistles, including Paul's mysterious reference to baptism for the dead and his famous remark that "Cretans are always liars." A thoughtful conversation that separates cultural assumptions from biblical teaching and asks what these often-controversial passages really mean today.

  • July 24 · 25 min

    The Unpardonable Sin (S3EP10)

    What is the one sin that can never be forgiven? Did Jesus really tell people to hate their father and mother? And was he serious when he said to gouge out your eye if it causes you to sin? In this episode of The J.John & Tom Wright Podcast, J.John and Tom Wright tackle some of Jesus' most difficult and unsettling teachings. They explore the meaning of the "unpardonable sin", why the servant in the parable of the talents is condemned for playing it safe, and what Jesus meant when he said that "many are called, but few are chosen." A thought-provoking episode that brings clarity to some of the New Testament's most challenging passages.

  • July 16 · 18 min

    Bible Contradictions? (S3EP9)

    Did Jesus get the name of Israel's high priest wrong? Why did he say that faith can move mountains? And why did he warn that calling someone "Raca" could bring judgment? What about the relationship between John the Baptist and Elijah? In this episode of The J.John & Tom Wright Podcast, J.John and Tom Wright tackle some of the Bible's most challenging passages and apparent contradictions. They explore the account of David eating the consecrated bread, unpack Jesus' striking promise about faith that can move mountains, and explain the surprising seriousness of Jesus' teaching about anger and insults in the Sermon on the Mount. They also examine Jesus' statement that John the Baptist was Elijah, and what that really means. Whether you've wrestled with these passages for years or are reading them for the first time, this episode offers thoughtful, accessible answers to some of Scripture's toughest questions.

  • July 10 · 27 min

    Why Did Jesus...? (S3EP8)

    Why did Jesus curse a fig tree? Did he really teach in parables to stop people understanding? And can anyone honestly expect to receive "a hundred times as much" for following him? In this episode of The J.John & Tom Wright Podcast, J.John and Tom Wright unpack some of the most puzzling and misunderstood sayings and actions of Jesus. They explore the strange incident of the cursed fig tree, ask why Jesus sometimes appeared to hide the truth through parables rather than make it clearer, and examine his remarkable promise that those who leave everything for the sake of the gospel will receive "a hundred times as much" in this present age. A fascinating conversation that reveals the deeper meaning behind some of Jesus' most surprising moments.

  • July 3 · 21 min

    Gospel Conundrums (S3EP7)

    Why did Jesus' closest followers so often fail to understand him? Why was he baptised if he had no sin? And if he knew he was about to raise Lazarus from the dead, why did he weep at his friend's tomb? In this episode of The J.John & Tom Wright Podcast, J.John and Tom Wright explore some of the most fascinating conundrums in the Gospels. They ask when the disciples finally recognised Jesus as the Son of God, what might have motivated Judas to betray him, and why Jesus sometimes appeared to delay helping those who came to him in desperate need, notably the Syrophoenician woman. A thoughtful conversation that sheds fresh light on some of the most intriguing questions in the life of Jesus.

  • June 26 · 22 min

    No More Tears (S3EP6)

    Why don't Christians talk more about the return of Jesus? And what difference should it make to the way we live today? In this episode of The J.John & Tom Wright Podcast, J.John and Tom discuss why the Second Coming has often been neglected in preaching, whether there are prophecies that still need to be fulfilled before Christ returns, and what Jesus meant when he said that the gospel must be proclaimed to all nations. They also reflect on the striking promise, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth," and what it reveals about God's future for creation. They also ask how Christians should live in the present and talk about how God himself will wipe away every tear. A hopeful and practical conversation about the return of Jesus, the renewal of all things, and living today in the light of tomorrow.

  • June 19 · 21 min

    Armageddon & the End of the World (S3EP5)

    Why does the Bible speak about a new heaven as well as a new earth? And if God is going to renew creation, why should Christians care about the world right now? In this episode of The J.John & Tom Wright Podcast, J.John and Tom Wright explore some of the Bible’s most dramatic and misunderstood themes: the future of creation, the defeat of evil, and the fate of Satan and the fallen angels. Together they unpack what Scripture means by a “new heaven and new earth”, why Christians should care deeply about justice, stewardship, and even issues like climate change, and how God’s renewal of creation shapes the way we live today. They also tackle big questions surrounding the devil, Armageddon, and the return of Christ. Is Armageddon meant to describe a literal physical battle? Where are Satan and the fallen powers now? And how will Jesus finally deal with evil when he returns? A hopeful and thought-provoking conversation about the end of evil, the renewal of creation, and the victory of Christ.

  • June 12 · 22 min

    Judgment, Rewards & God’s Homecoming (S3EP4)

    What place does judgment have in the story of God’s new creation? Is judgment something Christians should fear? Or is it part of God putting the world right? In this episode of The J.John & Tom Wright Podcast, J.John and Tom explore the biblical theme of judgment through the lens of resurrection, renewal, and God’s ultimate “homecoming”. Drawing on themes from Tom's new book 'God’s Homecoming', they discuss how final judgment fits within God’s plan to restore heaven and earth together. The conversation tackles difficult and deeply personal questions: What does it mean to store up rewards in heaven? Will our lives and actions really be examined by God? What did Jesus mean in the Sermon on the Mount when he warned about calling someone a fool? And what happens to marriage and relationships in the new creation? Along the way, J.John and Tom reflect on two searching questions that sit at the heart of the Christian faith: 'What did you do with Jesus?' and 'What did you do with your life?'

  • June 5 · 23 min

    Putting the Record Straight on the End Times (S3EP3)

    What will happen when Jesus returns? What does the Bible really teach about resurrection, judgment, and the rapture? In this episode of The J.John & Tom Wright Podcast, J.John and Tom Wright tackle some of the most debated questions surrounding the end times. Together they explore what Christians can genuinely say about heaven, life after death, the return of Christ, and the future resurrection promised in the New Testament. They unpack Paul’s statement that “the dead in Christ will rise first”, examine where modern rapture theology came from, and ask whether popular end-times teaching has sometimes distorted the biblical picture. The conversation also addresses the sobering question of what happens to those who reject the love of Jesus, as well as the ways apocalyptic speculation can fuel unhealthy ideology, fear, and even forms of idolatrous nationalism. Above all, this episode is about hope, clarity, and readiness: Jesus will return, and the Church is called not to panic or speculation, but to faithful living in the present.

  • May 29 · 27 min

    Heaven, Paradise & Purgatory: What Happens When We Die? (S3EP2)

    What happens when we die? Is heaven the final destination, or is there something even greater ahead? In this episode of The J.John & Tom Wright Podcast, J.John and Tom Wright explore the Christian hope of life after death and the promise of the new heavens and new earth. Together they unpack Jesus’ words to the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with me in paradise”, and ask what the Bible really means by paradise. They also discuss what Christians mean when they talk about the “soul”, what happens between death and resurrection, and why the ultimate aim of God’s plan is not escape from earth, but the union of heaven and earth in a renewed creation. Along the way, they examine how different Christian traditions, including the Catholic understanding of purgatory, have approached these questions through the centuries. A thoughtful and hope-filled conversation about death, resurrection, and the future God has promised.

  • May 22 · 24 min

    Filled with the Spirit but running on empty? (S3E1)

    “Are you filled with the Spirit?” “Yes… but I leak.” In this powerful Season 3 opener, J.John and Professor N.T. Wright dive into one of the most important and personal questions for every Christian: what does it actually mean to live a Spirit-filled life? Recorded just before Pentecost, this episode explores why the Holy Spirit is not an optional extra in Christianity, but the very presence of God dwelling within his people. Whether you’re curious, cautious, sceptical, or spiritually hungry, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to rediscover the person and power of the Holy Spirit.

  • February 6 · 23 min

    Galatians - Keeping in step with the Spirit (part 5) (S2E11)

    This week, J.John and Tom explore chapter 5 of Paul’s letter to the Galatians, diving into the meaning of the fruit of the Spirit. Together, they reflect on what it looks like to live by the Spirit and how each of us can learn to walk in step with the Spirit in our everyday lives.

  • January 16 · 22 min

    Galatians - resisting a compromised Gospel (part 2) (S2E8)

    J.John and Tom continue their conversation on the letter to the Galatians, focusing this week on chapter 1 of Paul's letter. They spend time chatting about Galatians 1:6-7 and about how we can resist a compromised Gospel.

  • January 9 · 22 min

    Galatians - the historical context (part 1) (S2E7)

    In episode 7 of this series, J.John and Tom begin an in-depth dive into the Letter to the Galatians. This week they take time to understand the historical context to this letter and the culture in which it was written.

  • January 2 · 24 min

    What happens when we take communion? (S2E6)

    This week, J.John and Tom take a deep dive into the meaning and mystery of the Communion, also known as Eucharist, the Lord’s Supper, or the Mass. Are these terms interchangeable, or do they point to different traditions and perspectives? Join them as they explore what Scripture, history, and Christian practice reveal about what truly happens when we share in this sacred meal.

  • Dec 19, 2025 · 24 min

    Are there any unfulfilled biblical prophecies? (S2E4)

    In this final episode on the theme of Christmas, J.John and Tom chat about their favourite Christmas carols and ponder some dubious lyrics! They also chat about the biblical prophecies and ask whether there are any that are yet to be fulfilled.