I’d like to ask one more question about Wright, though I’m not sure if you can answer it.

After listening and reading much of his material, it seems that he sees Jesus’ speaking of his “coming” as referring to historical fulfillments within the 1st century AD context. However, in relation to Paul’s view about resurrection and “catching up,” he seems to suggest future events. Here’s what I’m having trouble grasping about his beliefs. When does he see the first and second resurrection happening? It is almost as if he sees them happening at once. On the one hand he seems to suggest that the new age (i.e. 1000-year reign) began with the resurrection of Christ, but on the other hand, he does not seem to see a first resurrection happening within the 1st century context. I do not see how the 1000-year reign can be current if the first resurrection had not occurred in the past. Additionally, he sees Paul’s speaking of resurrection in Thessalonians (often used to support the pre-trib rapture seen in Left Behind) happening at the climax of God ushering in New Jerusalem to a reforming earth and heaven. When then would the second resurrection happen? I thought the second resurrection, not the first, happened prior to the descending of New Jerusalem. There is, of course, the option that Wright sees Paul’s speaking of resurrection as referring to the second resurrection, not the first.

Can anyone give me his or her take on Wright’s beliefs?