It is as if now the whole world likened to Babylon. We have become a people who are always building up structures, communities and city’s where God and His people are excluded and persecuted. Many Babel like communities but the Kingdom of God is not like this. We are Ambassadors of light and salt of the earth to go into these cities and spread the Good News of the Kingdom.
Thank you for sharing your reflections! The imagery of Babel, with its self-sufficient, human-centered structures, is a stark contrast to the Kingdom of God, where humility, love, and justice reign. As ambassadors of Christ, our mission is indeed to bring light to these places, living out the call to be salt of the earth. As you mentioned, we are sent not to abandon the world but to reflect God's image into it, embodying the good news of God’s Kingdom wherever we go. Thank God for his Holy Spirit who empowers us for such a great call! Glad you're here! --NTW Online Team
Well done guys. I wish Tom would discuss Babel in it’s Jewish context. Moses looking back on this moment in Deuteronomy 32 firms that God assigned each nation to a member of his council to rule over them justly. In psalm 82 we find out what we see in the historical account of the nations that these these lesser gods rebelled and sought to lead the nations astray and also seduce God’s chosen people away from Our Father. Wright hints at this connection but never actually acknowledges it. Jesus is our barometer and compass for the reality of supernatural evil and how it affects our world. This storyline from the tower of Babel and rebellious Divine Council are littered all over the gospels with Jesus’ interactions with demons and unclean spirits. Ultimately the apostle Paul picks up this language and lets us know that we never wrestle against human flesh but these principalities and powers that rule over geographical areas. it’s our denial and avoidance of this biblical subject matter that allows the enemy to flourish and for our western church to continue to focus on sin management rather than kingdom growth. Praying that Tom and other scholars can help us return to the actual biblical narrative that Jesus stepped inside of. Jesus put flesh on the reality of the story and as followers of the one true king we will allow him to dictate the truth of scripture and the reality of evil in our world.
Thank you for being here to have these mind-stirring discussions. We're grateful for our community and our supporters who keep us going! --NTW Online Team
I appreciate this very much. I was thinking about our homes in light of what you said. Do our homes where we live life with others we love...do they reflect Babylon or the City of God? Are they filled with life, with hope, with acceptance? Such a good word!
Is it possible that "Babylon" in the Book of Revelation (and Peter's reference to "Babylon" in 1 Peter) is actually a reference to first century Jerusalem (and the temple)?
Hello Jason. While we do not have resources on the Book of Revelation at this time, @bibleproject has free resources, including a guide on how to read the genre in which the Book of Revelation was written. This is very helpful: bibleproject.com/explore/video/apocalyptic-literature/ They also offer a two-part overview of Revelation you may like: bibleproject.com/explore/video/revelation/ Lots to learn! Enjoy! --NTW Online Team
Do our homes where we live life with others we love...do they reflect Babylon or the City of God? Are they filled with life, with hope, with acceptance? Thank you for this reminder.
Hi Betty, I am not aware of N.T. Wright making a connection between Babel/Babylon and the Nephilim. For more information on the Nephilim, @bibleproject has offered some resources. You can check out more here: bibleproject.com/search/#?cludoquery=nephilim&cludopage=1&cludoinputtype=standard --Charleen at N.T. Wright Online
"If you will not have the promises of God, you will have Babylon." Well said! The choice is indeed between the arrogance (and iniquity) of men resulting inevitably with "wickedness and violence;" or "trusting that God will look after us," with its resulting "joy and peace." But this needs further explaining. The "joy and peace" might come in the context of Joseph being thrown into a pit by his brothers, Daniel being exiled into Babylon (at God's insistence), Paul's torturous experiences and imprisonment or Stephen being stoned to death. In my experience the more unsettling results of trust in God have been dismissed as unjust aberrations. But isn't being able to "sing a song in a strange land" (something Israel-at-large couldn't understand) fundamental to the point as well? Joseph, Daniel, Paul and Stephen all might have a few words of counsel to contribute to the topic.
Thank you. We are still living in this world, under a Babylonian System. Jesus said, ‘Do not be deceived’. So we have to stay awake. "A man who cannot think is an idiot, a man who won't think is a fool, and a man who is afraid to think is a coward."
Thank you for sharing your thoughts wtih us. We are grateful for the Holy Spirit who leads us to truth and enables us to "stay awake." --NTW Online Team
It’s easy to become attached to the familiar, even when it's broken. But there’s also hope in this: God’s invitation to restoration is ongoing. His grace continually reaches out, calling us to trust and step into his renewing work. Today, we’re invited to embody this hope and restoration, not just in personal transformation but in bringing renewal and hope to the communities and world around us. It reminds us that even when people hesitate, God's call remains persistent, always inviting us to partner with him in the work of New Creation! --NTW Online Team
@@NTWrightOnline I was thinking more about the seductive illusion of a life without sacrifice, but what do I know? I'm just a schmuck trying to make sense of the world.
In the West, Babylon is being built upon Christian foundations; but as the foundation erodes, so will the societies atop it, continuing as godless Babylon.
This wonderful message is so very appropriate for these troubling times and is very much appreciated. ✔️
Doug, we're so grateful you're here and found it a blessing. Thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement.
--NTW Online Team
Watched this, then watched it again with rewinds. So much good stuff - “if you won’t have the promises of God, you will have Babylon”
Yes, very sobering. Glad you're here watching with us, thanks for your support.
--NTW Online Team
It is as if now the whole world likened to Babylon. We have become a people who are always building up structures, communities and city’s where God and His people are excluded and persecuted. Many Babel like communities but the Kingdom of God is not like this. We are Ambassadors of light and salt of the earth to go into these cities and spread the Good News of the Kingdom.
Thank you for sharing your reflections! The imagery of Babel, with its self-sufficient, human-centered structures, is a stark contrast to the Kingdom of God, where humility, love, and justice reign. As ambassadors of Christ, our mission is indeed to bring light to these places, living out the call to be salt of the earth. As you mentioned, we are sent not to abandon the world but to reflect God's image into it, embodying the good news of God’s Kingdom wherever we go. Thank God for his Holy Spirit who empowers us for such a great call! Glad you're here!
--NTW Online Team
Thanks for adding actual captions for the update ❤
Blessings from Canberra, Australia
Blessings to you in Canberra! We're glad you're here!
--NTW Online Team
Great! Very helpful! Thanks Dr Wright.
Thank you for tuning in! Glad you found it helpful. Blessings!
--NTW Online Team
Thank you, Prof. Wright for such relevant insights into the big story we live in. And blessings from Switzerland!
Blessings to you in Switzerland! We're grateful to live in the same big story!
--NTW Online Team
Thank you so much again, prof. Wright. Blessings and greetings from South Africa.
And blessings to you in South Africa! Thank you, always, for your kind encouragement.
--NTW Online Team
Great exegetical explanation of God’s plan for humankind and His condemnation both literally and symbolically of the evil that was Babylon.
Well done guys. I wish Tom would discuss Babel in it’s Jewish context. Moses looking back on this moment in Deuteronomy 32 firms that God assigned each nation to a member of his council to rule over them justly. In psalm 82 we find out what we see in the historical account of the nations that these these lesser gods rebelled and sought to lead the nations astray and also seduce God’s chosen people away from Our Father. Wright hints at this connection but never actually acknowledges it. Jesus is our barometer and compass for the reality of supernatural evil and how it affects our world. This storyline from the tower of Babel and rebellious Divine Council are littered all over the gospels with Jesus’ interactions with demons and unclean spirits. Ultimately the apostle Paul picks up this language and lets us know that we never wrestle against human flesh but these principalities and powers that rule over geographical areas. it’s our denial and avoidance of this biblical subject matter that allows the enemy to flourish and for our western church to continue to focus on sin management rather than kingdom growth. Praying that Tom and other scholars can help us return to the actual biblical narrative that Jesus stepped inside of. Jesus put flesh on the reality of the story and as followers of the one true king we will allow him to dictate the truth of scripture and the reality of evil in our world.
How lovely it'd be if you put out a longer text and shared it somewhere. It'd be super insightful! If you may consider it.
Thank you for another mind-stirring discussion.
Thank you for being here to have these mind-stirring discussions. We're grateful for our community and our supporters who keep us going!
--NTW Online Team
I was reading Isaiah 13 and 14 this morning. Anyway, thank you as ever for sharing. God bless.
Thanks for tuning in. We're grateful for your support!
--NTW Online Team
I’m reading Isaiah 24!! Thank you thank you Rev Wright from Star, Idaho.
Hello to you in Star, Idaho! We're glad you're here.
--NTW Online Team
I appreciate this very much. I was thinking about our homes in light of what you said. Do our homes where we live life with others we love...do they reflect Babylon or the City of God? Are they filled with life, with hope, with acceptance? Such a good word!
Excellent reflections, thank you for sharing!
--NTW Online Team
Excellent thought!
Is it possible that "Babylon" in the Book of Revelation (and Peter's reference to "Babylon" in 1 Peter) is actually a reference to first century Jerusalem (and the temple)?
It is widely accepted that the Book of Revelation was written after the temple's destruction. Some believe it is a reference to Rome.
Hello Jason. While we do not have resources on the Book of Revelation at this time, @bibleproject has free resources, including a guide on how to read the genre in which the Book of Revelation was written. This is very helpful: bibleproject.com/explore/video/apocalyptic-literature/ They also offer a two-part overview of Revelation you may like: bibleproject.com/explore/video/revelation/
Lots to learn! Enjoy!
--NTW Online Team
Do our homes where we live life with others we love...do they reflect Babylon or the City of God? Are they filled with life, with hope, with acceptance? Thank you for this reminder.
Yes, a good reminder. Grateful for God's rescue from being part of Babylon to be his image bearers reflecting his love and grace.
--NTW Online Team
This was a great discussion. You put into words what I believed. I do wonder if there is a link between Babel/Babylon and the Nephilim?
Hi Betty, I am not aware of N.T. Wright making a connection between Babel/Babylon and the Nephilim. For more information on the Nephilim, @bibleproject has offered some resources. You can check out more here: bibleproject.com/search/#?cludoquery=nephilim&cludopage=1&cludoinputtype=standard
--Charleen at N.T. Wright Online
"If you will not have the promises of God, you will have Babylon." Well said! The choice is indeed between the arrogance (and iniquity) of men resulting inevitably with "wickedness and violence;" or "trusting that God will look after us," with its resulting "joy and peace." But this needs further explaining. The "joy and peace" might come in the context of Joseph being thrown into a pit by his brothers, Daniel being exiled into Babylon (at God's insistence), Paul's torturous experiences and imprisonment or Stephen being stoned to death. In my experience the more unsettling results of trust in God have been dismissed as unjust aberrations. But isn't being able to "sing a song in a strange land" (something Israel-at-large couldn't understand) fundamental to the point as well? Joseph, Daniel, Paul and Stephen all might have a few words of counsel to contribute to the topic.
Thank you. We are still living in this world, under a Babylonian System.
Jesus said, ‘Do not be deceived’.
So we have to stay awake.
"A man who cannot think is an idiot,
a man who won't think is a fool,
and a man who is afraid to think is a coward."
Thank you for sharing your thoughts wtih us. We are grateful for the Holy Spirit who leads us to truth and enables us to "stay awake."
--NTW Online Team
And yet many chose to stay when the opportunity and call to restoration went out. I wonder what that tells us.
It’s easy to become attached to the familiar, even when it's broken. But there’s also hope in this: God’s invitation to restoration is ongoing. His grace continually reaches out, calling us to trust and step into his renewing work.
Today, we’re invited to embody this hope and restoration, not just in personal transformation but in bringing renewal and hope to the communities and world around us. It reminds us that even when people hesitate, God's call remains persistent, always inviting us to partner with him in the work of New Creation!
--NTW Online Team
@@NTWrightOnline I was thinking more about the seductive illusion of a life without sacrifice, but what do I know? I'm just a schmuck trying to make sense of the world.
We're all schmucks trying to make sense of the world. Glad you're here with us.
--NTW Online Team
In the West, Babylon is being built upon Christian foundations; but as the foundation erodes, so will the societies atop it, continuing as godless Babylon.
Was Rome ever a "golden cup in the Lord's hand?" That is Jeremiah's description in 51:7.
That could have been said of America at one time...
I have heard it said from a jewish rabbi that the tower of Babel was mans Ego symbolically. so arrogance and Ego equate to the same thing IMO
God or Babylon