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I still marvel, I don't know anybody on the eve of Easter 2004 who cannot continue to marvel at the fact that this was a tiny movement that might have just disappeared—this small movement, Jesus and Paul, they might have just disappeared from history, but it is still here in 2004. I don't know how anyone can't marvel at that.

What do you hope people get out of viewing the special?

Knowledge—a greater knowledge of the birth of Christianity. Like what happened to me from when I started the special, to when it was finished. To hear the variety of scholars and what they have to say about him. Possibly also to foster debate, "not as a blood sport," but a genial debate, in the good sense of that term, about Paul and his impact.

I grew up going to church—the school I went to in Canada had chapel every morning and twice a day on Sunday. And they would read the words of Paul, and I remember thinking I was listening to people use Paul to tell me that I was doing bad stuff. Paul addressed things that are the cardinal sins of today's culture. He stirred up strife—you know, as a scholar—everywhere he went. He was controversial in the first century; he is controversial today. I also hope they appreciate how the nature of the Roman Empire made it possible for Christianity to travel out of the Middle East.

As a journalist, how would you ask evangelicals to assess the special?

They should assess it as I would ask anyone else to—does the special try to understand the life and impact of Paul, his role, and his continuity to Jesus? We are more fortunate with Paul, since we have his letters. We have more direct access to him. We were able to learn about what was different and what was alike about the early Christian movement and Christianity today.

By the way, do not just count the voices used and where they come from. Look to see how they are used, what they say, and how much they get to say, not just what group they belong to.

Copyright © 2004 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Also posted today is an interview with Robin Griffith-Jones, a guest on the show.

The ABC News site has more on Jesus and Paul.

Christianity Today also interviewed Jennings for his 2000 special.

Christian History magazine, a Christianity Today sister publication, has published issues on Jesus and Paul. The issues can be purchased in print or read through CTLibrary.com.

Christianity Today International's ChristianBibleStudies.com offers a six-session course on the early church, which includes a free lesson on Paul and his times, from the Christian History issue.

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March (Web-only) 2004, Vol. 48