Comfort for Hard Times: What Paul Teaches Us with Alex Muir

Exploring the Language of Scripture

In this episode of Exploring the Language of Scripture, Daniel Mikkelsen sits down with Alex Muir, Departmental Lecturer in New Testament at Mansfield College, Oxford, and author of Paul and Seneca within the Ancient Consolation Tradition, to uncover how Paul’s teachings on comfort and joy give hope in life’s hardest moments.
Together, they explore how Paul’s letters reflect his pastoral heart for suffering churches, offering hope, perseverance, and encouragement. From Greek terms like parakaleo to the contrast between Paul’s theology and Seneca’s Stoic philosophy, this episode provides deep insights into what it means to live as 'sorrowful yet always rejoicing.'
Whether you’re navigating personal struggles, curious about the richness of biblical Greek, or seeking practical ways to apply Paul’s wisdom, this conversation will deepen your understanding of Scripture and illustrate how Christ offers hope.
Don’t Miss the Next Episode:
Our next episode features a conversation with Ed Glenny on the Greek translation of the Old Testament, exploring the history, theology, and significance of the Septuagint for understanding Scripture.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
01:58 - Meet Alex Muir: Scholar, Author, and Friend
03:49 - From Teen Greek Studies to Academic Competence
06:13 - Slowing Down with Greek: Seeing Scripture Anew
09:27 - Luke’s “Exodus”: A Theological Insight
12:01 - The New Exodus: Luke’s Story of Redemption
15:35 - A Paroxysm of Love: Hebrews’ Challenge to Christians
22:46 - What was Consolation in the Ancient World
27:17 - The Language of Consolation: Key Greek Terms
35:58 - Consolation in Paul: A Heart for the Churches
40:01 - Consolation Amid Affliction: Paul’s Churches in Need
45:51 - Bridging Worlds: Why Compare Paul and Seneca?
52:19 - Grief and Joy: Paul and Seneca on Suffering
59:00 - Living Consolation: Applying Paul’s Wisdom Today
Music Credits:
Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/aspire
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Podcast Keywords:
biblical languages, New Testament, Old Testament, Christ, bible study, Relationship with God, learn biblical languages, Biblical Theology, Christianity, Covenants, New covenant, old covenant, language acquisition, Biblical Greek, Biblical Hebrew.

Hoofdstukken

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Meet Alex Muir: Scholar, Author, and Friend (00:01:58)

3. From Teen Greek Studies to Academic Competence (00:03:49)

4. Slowing Down with Greek: Seeing Scripture Anew (00:06:13)

5. Luke’s “Exodus”: A Theological Insight (00:09:27)

6. The New Exodus: Luke’s Story of Redemption (00:12:01)

7. A Paroxysm of Love: Hebrews’ Challenge to Christians (00:15:35)

8. What was Consolation in the Ancient World (00:22:46)

9. The Language of Consolation: Key Greek Terms (00:27:17)

10. Consolation in Paul: A Heart for the Churches (00:35:58)

11. Consolation Amid Affliction: Paul’s Churches in Need (00:40:01)

12. Bridging Worlds: Why Compare Paul and Seneca? (00:45:51)

13. Grief and Joy: Paul and Seneca on Suffering (00:52:19)

14. Living Consolation: Applying Paul’s Wisdom Today (00:59:00)