Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright
Week 4: Part I, Chapter 3 — Resurrection in Paul
Read Part I, Chapter 3 of Surprised by Hope. Key passages: 1 Corinthians 15; Romans 8; Philippians 3:20–21.
Previewing Week 4 of Surprised by Hope
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 17-week guide when you’re ready.
Paul's most sustained treatment of resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15 is often misread — Wright unpacks what Paul actually meant by a 'spiritual body' and why it matters enormously.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Wright spends significant time on the phrase 'spiritual body' (soma pneumatikon) in 1 Corinthians 15. The common misreading is that 'spiritual' means 'non-physical.' What does Wright say Paul actually meant, and what is the contrast Paul is drawing?
2.Paul uses the image of a seed being planted and a plant emerging to describe the relationship between our present bodies and our resurrection bodies (1 Cor. 15:35–44). What does this analogy tell us about continuity and transformation in the resurrection?
3.In Philippians 3:20–21, Paul says 'our citizenship is in heaven' — a verse often taken to mean Christians should be focused on getting to heaven. Wright argues this is a misreading. What does he say Paul actually means, and how does the Roman colony of Philippi illuminate the text?
a.How does the concept of a Roman colony change the meaning of 'citizenship in heaven'?
b.What are the practical implications of reading this verse correctly?