Biblical scholar Paula Gooder says that stories and storytelling make all the difference to our understanding of the New Testament. In this conversation with Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley she talks about her new book Lydia, her second narrative exploration of a woman in the early church, which opens up life as a Christian in first-century Philippi and Paul’s letter to the new church there.

They explore why she chose to write about Lydia, the honour and shame culture in the first century and how much it resonates today, the centrality of forgiveness, how engaging our emotions deepens our understanding of Paul’s message, why they both think Paul has a positive view of women in leadership, and why he writes so much about joy.

Dr Paula Gooder is a leading New Testament scholar specialising in Paul’s letters and theology, and Canon Chancellor of St Paul’s Cathedral. Her latest book is 'Lydia: A Story', following her bestselling 'Phoebe: A Story'.

Dr Helen-Ann Hartley is the Bishop of Ripon. She previously taught New Testament at Ripon College Cuddesdon, and at St John’s College in Auckland New Zealand, following her doctorate in Paul’s letters.