Pauline Churches Are for the Poor | Helen Rhee

Paul's teachings on wealth and poverty are fundamental to understanding the early Christian approach to social issues. His emphasis on generosity, unity, and compassion shaped the character of early churches, creating communities defined by their care for the poor. 

In this episode, host Lynn Cohick welcomes Dr. Helen Rhee, professor of the history of Christianity at Westmont College, to a thought-provoking discussion on how Paul’s letters influenced early Christian thought on wealth, poverty, and charity. They also highlight the significance of Rhee’s contribution to the second edition of the Dictionary of Paul and His Letters, a brand-new article on “Wealth and Poverty” not featured in the first edition.

Their conversation covers the practical challenges early believers faced in caring for the vulnerable in light of contemporary Roman norms, the broader social implications of Paul’s teachings, and how the ethos of early church generosity continues to resonate today.

Tune in to this enlightening conversation and be inspired to live out these principles today.

This episode highlights the following themes:

• The role of wealth and poverty in Paul's teachings and their application in early Christian communities
• The contrast between Roman societal norms and Christian practices regarding wealth
• The implications of generosity and communal support as foundational Christian values

Links from this episode:

• Get to know more about Helen Rhee: https://www.westmont.edu/people/helen-rhee-phd
• Get to know more about Lynn Cohick: https://www.ivpress.com/lynn-h-cohick?utm_source=ivpod25&utm_medium=ivp_btb 
• Read Dictionary of Paul and His Letters: A Compendium of Contemporary Biblical Scholarship, 2nd Edition by Scot McNight, Lynn Cohick, and Nijay Gupta: https://ivpress.com/dictionary-of-paul-and-his-letters?utm_source=ivpod25&utm_medium=ivp_btb 
• Read Illness, Pain, and Healthcare in Early Christianity by Helen Rhee: https://amzn.to/4be9X5f 
• Read Remember the Poor: Paul, Poverty, and the Greco-Roman World by Bruce W. Longenecker https://amzn.to/3QIYiTO

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Links and Credits

✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.

✅ Producers: Alexandra Horn and Travis Albritton

✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts

✅ Production Assistants: Christine Pelliccio Melo and Jack Reece

✅ Social Media Manager: Allie Noble

✅ Podcast Art: Brad Joiner

✅ Theme Song: "Trip Don't Fall" by Midnight Daydream

Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.