The Civitas Podcast Episode 37: Paul and the Resurrection of Israel - A Conversation with Dr. Jason Staples
Dec 2, 2025
Dr. Jason Staples, an NC State scholar of Pauline studies and Israelite identity, discusses Paul’s focus on Israel’s restoration. He connects Paul to Ezekiel’s themes of cleansing, Spirit, and reunified Israel. They explore how Gentiles become part of Israel, ethnicity as peoplehood, and the church’s civic loyalties in light of restored Israel.
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Scholar Who Juggled Side Gigs
- Jason Staples balanced academic work with side gigs like football coaching, media analysis, and voice narration to support his family.
- He credits those practical jobs for income stability while pursuing a teaching-track academic career.
Father Modeled Humility And Ad Fontes Habits
- Staples recounts his father's influence: humility, checking sources, and admitting ignorance shaped his scholarly method.
- He learned to presume the reader's fault before doubting the biblical author's coherence and then do the work to understand texts.
Read Paul From His Main Concern
- Modern readers often project their own polemical interests (e.g., against legalism or ethnic exclusivity) onto Paul instead of starting from Paul's stated concerns.
- Staples argues we should read Paul from his primary interest: the restoration of Israel, not chiefly a critique of individual legalism or modern inclusivity debates.
