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The Inversion of Human Wisdom in Christian Leadership

The Biblical idea of wisdom is not as simple as is often imagined. On the one hand, the Bible commends wisdom as a gift from God to be highly sought and treasured (e.g. Prov 4:7). But on the other, it can lead to madness, grief, and emptiness (e.g. Ecc. 1:16-18). In this lecture, Dr Nathan Lovell and Dr Vuyani Sindo explore the role of wisdom in leadership. First, Dr Lovell examines the figure of Solomon in the book of Kings, his special endowment of wisdom, and the paradox of his ultimate failure. In the second part, Dr Sindo considers the relationship between Paul’s leadership and his idea of wisdom in 1 Corinthians 1-2. Between the two Testaments, they will discover a theological ideal of wisdom for gospel leadership in contrast to human wisdom.

Nathan Lovell (PhD, University of Sydney) is the Director of Research at George Whitefield College, Cape Town, lecturing in OT and Hebrew. His research focuses on the OT historical books and prophetic literature, especially on the monarchic period. Dr Lovell has interests in OT History, Political and Biblical Theology. He is the author of The Book of Kings and Exilic Identity (LHBOTS, T&T Clark), numerous journal articles, and forthcoming commentaries on Kings and Chronicles.

Vuyani Sindo (PhD, University of Stellenbosch) is the Head of Biblical Studies at George Whitefield College, Cape Town, lecturing in NT and Greek. His research interests include Pauline studies, Christian Leadership studies, and Social Identity Theory. He has served as Assistant Minister of Holy Trinity Church in Cape Town. Dr Sindo’s doctoral dissertation explores questions of leadership and identity within 1 Corinthians. He is currently writing on Paul’s apostolic defense and a commentary on Galatians.