Ask NT Wright Anything

Is the Rapture really biblical? Apostles, prophets and sacraments

September 28, 2026·33 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Is the Rapture really biblical? And if friends or family strongly believe in it, should you try to change their minds? Tom Wright and Mike Bird revisit one of the most debated ideas in modern Christian eschatology. Tom explains why he believes 1 Thessalonians 4 has often been misunderstood, and why the New Testament points instead towards the return of Jesus, resurrection, renewed creation and Christ coming “to rescue, to rule, to reign”. They also ask whether apostles and prophets still exist today, with Tom warning against spiritual authority becoming authoritarianism. Plus, does it matter whether Christians call baptism and communion “sacraments” or “ordinances”? Tom explores why these practices point towards the biblical hope of heaven and earth coming together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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