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Send us Fan Mail Was Paul really arguing against the Torah and Judaism in his letter to the Galatians? Or have centuries of interpretation led us to misunderstand his message? In this episode of Bridge Builders Forum, we sit down with Dr. Jakub Pogonowski, a scholar of early Judaism and Christian origins at the University of Warsaw, to discuss his new book, A Hebrew of Hebrews: Paul's Epistle to Galatians within Israel. We explore why Jakub believes Galatians needs to be understood within its Jewish and Hebrew context, what Paul really meant by “works of the law,” and how Paul understood the identity of Gentile followers of Jesus in relation to Israel. We also discuss why Bible translation matters and how these emerging perspectives on Paul could reshape Christian understandings of Judaism and Jewish-Christian relations. It's a fascinating conversation about recovering Paul within his own world so that we can better understand his message in ours. Here is a link to download Jakub's new book (open access): https://www.vr-elibrary.de/doi/book/10.13109/9783666502750 Bridge Builders Forum An educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians"  The Weird Apostle  Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Olive Tree Affirmations Ryan's book for Christians who want greater clarity on standing against replacement theology Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

Send us Fan Mail What happens when an Orthodox Jew and an evangelical Christian become friends—and decide to build something together? In this episode of Bridge Builders Forum, Ryan Lambert sits down with Gidon Ariel and Bob O'Dell, co-founders of Root Source, an organization helping Jews and Christians study Scripture, learn from one another, and build meaningful relationships across religious differences. Originally recorded during an Olive Tree Network gathering, this conversation explores how their unlikely partnership began, what they've learned from one another, and why Jewish-Christian bridge-building matters now more than ever. Bob also shares insights from his book Five Years with Orthodox Jews and introduces the Echoes Bible, an initiative highlighting connections between the Old and New Testaments. It's an encouraging conversation about friendship, faith, and the possibilities that emerge when Jews and Christians approach their differences as opportunities for learning rather than deficiencies. Learn more about Root Source Learn more about The Echoes Bible Learn more about We Must Not Forget (preserving the stories of Holocaust Survivors) Bob's book on his experience learning from and with Orthodox Jews Bridge Builders Forum An educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians"  The Weird Apostle  Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Olive Tree Affirmations Ryan's book for Christians who want greater clarity on standing against replacement theology Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

Send us Fan Mail What does the Bible say about Israel, the Jewish people, and their ongoing connection to the land? And how is replacement theology shaping Christian attitudes toward Israel today? In this episode of Bridge Builders Forum, I sit down with Anglican theologian Dr. Jules Gomes to discuss the history and current influence of replacement theology within Anglicanism, the rise of Christian anti-Zionism, and why these issues matter for Jewish-Christian relations. We also explore what the Hebrew Bible and New Testament say about God’s covenant with the Jewish people and their connection to the land of Israel, as well as encouraging developments within the Anglican world. Dr. Jules Gomes is a Vatican-accredited journalist based in Rome, an author and scholar, and holds a doctorate in biblical studies from the University of Cambridge. This is an important conversation about the Bible, Israel, replacement theology, and the future of Jewish-Christian relations. Keep up with Dr. Jules Gomes on Substack Bridge Builders Forum An educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians"  The Weird Apostle  Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Olive Tree Affirmations Ryan's book for Christians who want greater clarity on standing against replacement theology Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

Send us Fan Mail Why are Christians around the world celebrating Sukkot, the biblical Feast of Tabernacles? In this special 10-minute episode, recorded in Australia during Sukkot, Ryan Lambert sits down with Pastor Kyal Cumming of Kingdom Church to discuss why his congregation has embraced this biblical Jewish festival and even developed an annual celebration that draws people from across Australia and beyond. Their conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into a larger movement among Christians seeking to recover the Jewish roots of their faith, reject replacement theology, and build a healthier relationship with Israel and the Jewish people. Ryan's book for Christians who want greater clarity on standing against replacement theology: https://a.co/d/01VwS7kj Bridge Builders Forum An educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians"  The Weird Apostle  Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Olive Tree Affirmations Ryan's book for Christians who want greater clarity on standing against replacement theology Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

Send us Fan Mail The new Olive Tree Affirmations book is officially here! In this special episode, Ryan Lambert shares the story and vision behind his new book and explains why he believes its message is especially important right now. At a time of rising antisemitism, many Christians genuinely want to stand with the Jewish people but aren't always sure what that means biblically, theologically, or practically. Drawing from Paul’s Olive Tree metaphor in Romans 11, Ryan explores why the Church’s relationship with the Jewish people is not a peripheral issue, but one that touches Christian identity itself. Discover the vision behind ten biblical affirmations designed to challenge replacement theology and antisemitism, honor the Jewish people, and help build healthier relationships between Jews and Christians. The Olive Tree Affirmations book can be found at https://a.co/d/0e56IzPc Learn more about the Olive Tree Campaign at https://www.bridgebuildersforum.com/olivetree Bridge Builders Forum An educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians"  The Weird Apostle  Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Olive Tree Affirmations Ryan's book for Christians who want greater clarity on standing against replacement theology Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

Send us Fan Mail What does it look like for Torah to go forth from Zion to the nations today? In this episode of Bridge Builders Forum, Ryan Lambert sits down with Rabbi Ari Abramowitz, co-founder of The Land of Israel Network for a wide-ranging conversation about Torah, the Land of Israel, and the growing relationship between Jews and Christians. Ari shares his personal journey from the United States to Israel, the vision behind the Land of Israel Fellowship, and why he and Rabbi Jeremy Gimpel have invested so deeply in teaching Torah and the Jewish prophets to people around the world.  The conversation also ventures into some complicated and controversial territory surrounding Judea and Samaria, giving Ari an opportunity to share his perspective on Jewish life and presence in this deeply contested part of the Land, while also reflecting on the importance of building relationships with Jews and Christians who see things differently It’s an honest conversation about Torah, Israel, Jewish-Christian relations, and what it might mean for the ancient vision of Torah going forth from Zion to take shape in our own time. Learn more about The Land of Israel Network at https://thelandofisrael.com/ Bridge Builders Forum An educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians"  The Weird Apostle  Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Olive Tree Affirmations Ryan's book for Christians who want greater clarity on standing against replacement theology Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

Send us Fan Mail As Rosh Hashanah and the Jewish year 5787 approach, Ryan Lambert shares a few personal reflections on something that can be both difficult and incredibly important: being willing to change our minds. What does it mean to hold deeply to our convictions while still remaining teachable? Where might we need to think differently about ourselves, another person, a relationship, or even some of the assumptions we've inherited? Ryan reflects on why this kind of humility is essential not only for personal growth but also for building better relationships between Jews and Christians. As we enter a new year, perhaps one of the most important questions we can ask ourselves is: Where might I need to change my mind? L'shanah tovah! May 5787 be a sweet, healthy, and happy new year. Bridge Builders Forum An educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians"  The Weird Apostle  Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Olive Tree Affirmations Ryan's book for Christians who want greater clarity on standing against replacement theology Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

Send us Fan Mail Can Jewish prayer be spiritually beneficial for non-Jews? And if so, how can Christians engage Jewish prayer in a way that is healthy, respectful, and honors the Jewish people and Jewish tradition? As Jewish-Christian relationships continue to improve and more Christians seek to reconnect with the Jewish foundations of their faith, questions like these are becoming increasingly relevant. In this episode of Bridge Builders Forum, Ryan Lambert sits down with author and Bible teacher Darren Huckey for a thoughtful conversation about Jewish prayer for non-Jews. Darren is a non-Jewish follower of Jesus who has spent decades engaging deeply with Judaism and Jewish prayer and is the author of the new book Lost in Prayer: A Messianic Guide to Navigating the Siddur and Finding Intimacy in Prayer. Together, Ryan and Darren discuss what Jewish prayer actually is, the value of liturgical prayer, the Jewish concept of kavanah, the role of spontaneous prayer in Judaism, and some of the complicated questions surrounding Gentiles praying from the siddur. They also explore how followers of Jesus might engage Jewish forms and rhythms of prayer while remaining faithful to their own convictions. There are different Jewish and Christian perspectives on these questions, and this conversation does not pretend otherwise. Instead, it offers one thoughtful contribution to an important and developing conversation about what healthier engagement between Jews and Christians can look like in practice. Check out Darren Huckey's new book at: https://a.co/d/05pqfMS4 Bridge Builders Forum An educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians"  The Weird Apostle  Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Olive Tree Affirmations Ryan's book for Christians who want greater clarity on standing against replacement theology Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

Send us Fan Mail What did Paul actually envision for the communities of Jews and Gentiles who followed Jesus? In this final episode of our Journey with the Jewish Paul series, we travel to two cities that became major centers of Paul’s mission: Corinth and Ephesus. In Corinth, we explore Paul’s complicated relationship with the communities he helped establish, the often-overlooked importance of his collection for the Christ-followers in Jerusalem, and what that collection reveals about Paul’s continuing connection to Jerusalem, the Jewish people, and the land of Israel. We also look at what may be one of Paul’s most forgotten teachings: his “rule in all the churches” in 1 Corinthians 7. Rather than calling Jews and Gentiles to abandon their identities, Paul envisioned a diverse family of God in which Gentiles could remain Gentiles and Jews could remain Jews. Then we cross the Aegean to Ephesus, where Paul’s message collided with the worship of Artemis and helped spark a riot that filled one of the ancient world’s great theaters. Finally, we reconsider Paul’s vision of the “One New Man” in Ephesians and ask whether a passage often used to erase distinctions between Jews and Gentiles was actually intended to affirm their place alongside one another. From Corinth to Ephesus, this episode offers another window into a Paul who remained deeply Jewish even as he carried the gospel into the Gentile world. Learn more about the Journey with the Jewish Paul cruise at https://www.bridgebuildersforum.com/expeditions Bridge Builders Forum An educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians"  The Weird Apostle  Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Olive Tree Affirmations Ryan's book for Christians who want greater clarity on standing against replacement theology Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

Send us Fan Mail Israel and Zionism have become some of the most debated (and often divisive) topics among Christians and Jews today. But what does the Catholic Church have to say about Israel? And can a faithful Catholic also be a Zionist? In this episode of the Bridge Builders Forum, Ryan Lambert sits down with Dr. André Villeneuve, a Catholic theologian, biblical scholar, and founder of Catholics for Israel, for a fascinating conversation about Israel, Zionism, and the Jewish foundations of the Christian faith. André shares his journey from a Catholic upbringing to agnosticism and back to the Catholic faith, and how a deep connection to Israel and the Jewish roots of Christianity became central to his life and scholarship. Ryan and André also explore the range of Catholic perspectives on Zionism, the vision behind Catholics for Israel and Catholic Voices for Israel, and the new For Zion's Sake Catholic appeal in support of Israel. They also take a closer look at Galatians 6:16 and the controversial phrase “the Israel of God,” asking whether Paul envisioned the Church replacing Israel or actually affirmed Israel’s continuing identity. Finally, André discusses some of the pushback and misunderstandings he has encountered as a Catholic voice for Israel...and why he believes building bridges between Christians, Israel, and the Jewish people matters so much at this moment. This is a timely conversation about Scripture, theology, Zionism, and what it means to stand with Israel while continuing to listen, learn, and build bridges. Learn more about Catholics for Israel at https://catholicsforisrael.com/ Learn more about "For Zion’s Sake: A Catholic Appeal in Support of Israel": https://catholicsforisrael.com/welcome/catholic-voices-for-israel/330-for-zions-sake-a-catholic-appeal-in-support-of-israel Bridge Builders Forum An educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians"  The Weird Apostle  Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Olive Tree Affirmations Ryan's book for Christians who want greater clarity on standing against replacement theology Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

Send us Fan Mail What did Paul believe about the end of time? And how did that belief shape his mission? In this episode, we travel to ancient Thessalonica to explore one of Paul’s earliest letters and the urgent message he preached to Gentiles: turn from idols, worship the living God, and prepare for the coming of Jesus. Along the way, we’ll look at the conflict surrounding Paul’s mission in Acts 17, the questions troubling the Thessalonian believers, and one of the most important keys to understanding the Jewish Paul: Paul had a fast-moving watch...and He believed he was living on the edge of the Messianic age and expected Jesus to return in his lifetime. This episode is an excerpt from Bridge Builders Forum’s online study, Journey with the Jewish Paul, in which participants “journey” to cities Paul visited and/or wrote to, including Athens, Philippi, Thessalonica, Ephesus, and Corinth. The series also serves as a preview of the 2027 Journey with the Jewish Paul Cruise, where participants will visit many of these cities in person. Learn more about the Journey with the Jewish Paul cruise at https://www.bridgebuildersforum.com/expeditions Bridge Builders Forum An educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians"  The Weird Apostle  Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Olive Tree Affirmations Ryan's book for Christians who want greater clarity on standing against replacement theology Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

Send us Fan Mail Paul’s letter to the Philippians is one of the most beloved books in the New Testament. Most interpreters understand Paul to be encouraging the Philippian Christ followers to remain faithful in the face of suffering while also warning them against Jewish or Jewish-Christian “Judaizers.” But was Paul really opposing Jews and Judaism in Philippi? In this episode, Ryan Lambert argues that “the Jewish Paul” was not warning the Philippians against Judaism, but against the pull of paganism and the gods. Along the way, he explores Paul’s experiences in Philippi recorded in Acts 16, the deeply pagan environment of this Roman colony, and a fresh way of understanding Paul’s controversial warnings about “dogs,” “evildoers,” and “mutilators” in Philippians 3. This episode is an excerpt from Bridge Builders Forum’s online study, Journey with the Jewish Paul, in which participants “journey” to cities Paul visited and/or wrote to, including Athens, Philippi, Thessalonica, Ephesus, and Corinth. The series also serves as a preview of the 2027 Journey with the Jewish Paul Cruise, where participants will visit many of these cities in person. Learn more about the Journey with the Jewish Paul cruise at https://www.bridgebuildersforum.com/expeditions Bridge Builders Forum An educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians"  The Weird Apostle  Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Olive Tree Affirmations Ryan's book for Christians who want greater clarity on standing against replacement theology Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

Send us Fan Mail What difference does it make to read the New Testament within its original Jewish context? In this episode of Bridge Builders Forum, Ryan Lambert welcomes renowned New Testament scholar Dr. Amy-Jill Levine and Jewish studies scholar Dr. Marc Zvi Brettler to discuss the release of the third edition of The Jewish Annotated New Testament. First published fifteen years ago, The Jewish Annotated New Testament has become one of the most influential resources for helping readers understand the Jewish world of Jesus, Paul, and the earliest Jesus movement. In this conversation, AJ and Marc reflect on how this groundbreaking project came to life, the impact it has had over the past decade and a half, and what readers can look forward to in the newly expanded third edition. Together, we explore: • The story behind The Jewish Annotated New Testament • How perspectives on the Jewishness of the New Testament have changed • The reception and influence of the first two editions • New essays, features, and updates in the third edition • Why Jewish readers should become familiar with the New Testament • How a better understanding of the New Testament's Jewish context can strengthen Jewish-Christian relations • The role careful biblical interpretation can play in confronting anti-Judaism and antisemitism Whether you're a pastor, Bible teacher, student, or simply someone who wants to read the New Testament in its historical and Jewish setting, this conversation offers thoughtful insights from two leading voices in the field. The new edition of the Jewish Annotated New Testament can be found at https://a.co/d/02P921Dy Bridge Builders Forum An educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians"  The Weird Apostle  Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Olive Tree Affirmations Ryan's book for Christians who want greater clarity on standing against replacement theology Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

Send us Fan Mail Luke's account of Paul in Athens is one of the most famous scenes in the Book of Acts. Paul's masterful ability to adapt his rhetoric to his audience is on full display. However, in addition to adapting his rhetoric, most interpreters also understand Paul to have adapted his behavior—particularly his Torah observance—depending on his audience. But did Paul really have the flexible attitude toward the Torah that most interpreters assume? In this episode, Ryan Lambert argues that "the Jewish Paul" remained a loyal Jew within Judaism even as he brought the gospel to places like Athens. Along the way, he explores Paul's encounter with the Stoic and Epicurean philosophers, the significance of the Areopagus, and what Acts 17 reveals about Paul's Jewish identity and his engagement with the Greco-Roman world. This episode is an excerpt from Bridge Builders Forum's online study, Journey with the Jewish Paul, in which participants "journey" to cities Paul visited and/or wrote to, including Athens, Philippi, Thessalonica, Ephesus, and Corinth. The series also serves as a preview of the 2027 Journey with the Jewish Paul Cruise, where participants will visit many of these cities in person. Learn more about the Journey with the Jewish Paul cruise at https://www.bridgebuildersforum.com/expeditions Bridge Builders Forum An educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians"  The Weird Apostle  Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Olive Tree Affirmations Ryan's book for Christians who want greater clarity on standing against replacement theology Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum

Send us Fan Mail Can Jews and Christians have meaningful theological conversations without minimizing their differences? For many people, the answer is no. Once the conversation turns to the Trinity, the incarnation, salvation, or the Messiah, it can seem like Judaism and Christianity have simply traveled too far down separate paths. But is that really the case? In this episode of the Bridge Builders Forum Podcast, Ryan Lambert sits down with Jewish scholar, rabbi, and theologian Dr. Alan Brill to discuss his groundbreaking new book, A Jewish Trinity. Rather than offering a Jewish defense of Christian doctrine, Dr. Brill explores how Jews and Christians can engage one another's theology seriously, honestly, and respectfully while acknowledging the real differences that remain. Together they discuss: • Why theology—not just history or ethics—matters in Jewish-Christian dialogue • The Trinity and Jewish monotheism • The incarnation and divine immanence • Original sin, the yetzer hara, and human nature • Salvation, atonement, and common misunderstandings • Jesus, Jewish messianism, and the historical parting of the ways • Rabbi Jonathan Sacks' vision that "the world is enlarged by differences" Whether you're Jewish, Christian, or simply interested in biblical theology and Jewish-Christian relations, this conversation offers a thoughtful and refreshing model for engaging difficult questions with both conviction and humility. Dr. Brill's book can be found at https://a.co/d/0bVcJdoN Bridge Builders Forum An educational entity dedicated to helping Jews and Christians understand their faith, the Bible, and each other. Bridge Builders Forum Email News and Updates Download the free PDF "Recovering the Jewish Paul: Three Keys to Understanding the Apostle and Building Bridges Between Jews and Christians"  The Weird Apostle  Ryan's book places the Apostle Paul in his Jewish and Greco-Roman context. Olive Tree Affirmations Ryan's book for Christians who want greater clarity on standing against replacement theology Make a tax deductible donation to the Bridge Builders Forum