Paul Middleton
@profpaulmiddleton.bsky.social
Professor of NT and Early Christianity, University of Chester.
Researcher in violence and martyrdom in the ancient world.
Double Bass player and SNP member.
Researcher in violence and martyrdom in the ancient world.
Double Bass player and SNP member.
Reposted by Paul Middleton
Our final Reception, Critical Theory and Interdisciplinary Studies session of #BNTS2026 is underway, with @profpaulmiddleton.bsky.social presenting on music as exegesis in Walton‘s Belshazzar‘s Feast (which of course draws on themes from the book of Revelation as well as Daniel).
August 26, 2026 at 8:38 AM
Our final Reception, Critical Theory and Interdisciplinary Studies session of #BNTS2026 is underway, with @profpaulmiddleton.bsky.social presenting on music as exegesis in Walton‘s Belshazzar‘s Feast (which of course draws on themes from the book of Revelation as well as Daniel).
"Three decades in the doldrums vanquished in an instant!"
Scottish football commentary is like poetry!
Haiti 🇭🇹 0 Scotland 🏴 1 (28')
Scottish football commentary is like poetry!
Haiti 🇭🇹 0 Scotland 🏴 1 (28')
June 14, 2026 at 1:39 AM
"Three decades in the doldrums vanquished in an instant!"
Scottish football commentary is like poetry!
Haiti 🇭🇹 0 Scotland 🏴 1 (28')
Scottish football commentary is like poetry!
Haiti 🇭🇹 0 Scotland 🏴 1 (28')
It's been a *very* long time!
June 14, 2026 at 1:03 AM
It's been a *very* long time!
Reposted by Paul Middleton
I can tell you from experience, this essay by @profpaulmiddleton.bsky.social teaches *very well* and served as the reading for the capstone session to my martyrdom course this semester. Highly highly recommend.
All this week we are featuring essays from our latest #forum celebrating the work of Elizabeth Castelli. Today we continue with an essay from Paul Middleton @profpaulmiddleton.bsky.social
Do Martyrs Matter in Martyrdom? Charlie Kirk as a Case Study — ANCIENT JEW REVIEW
Do martyrs matter in martyrdom? This may seem like a question with an obvious answer. How could they not? Surely martyrdom is all about the martyrs, and without martyrs, there would be no martyrdom?
www.ancientjewreview.com
May 16, 2026 at 12:44 AM
I can tell you from experience, this essay by @profpaulmiddleton.bsky.social teaches *very well* and served as the reading for the capstone session to my martyrdom course this semester. Highly highly recommend.
I was delighted to take part in the #SBLAAR25 panel honouring the work of Elizabeth Castelli, with a paper on the 'martyrdom' of Charlie Kirk.
All this week we are featuring essays from our latest #forum celebrating the work of Elizabeth Castelli. Today we continue with an essay from Paul Middleton @profpaulmiddleton.bsky.social
Do Martyrs Matter in Martyrdom? Charlie Kirk as a Case Study — ANCIENT JEW REVIEW
Do martyrs matter in martyrdom? This may seem like a question with an obvious answer. How could they not? Surely martyrdom is all about the martyrs, and without martyrs, there would be no martyrdom?
www.ancientjewreview.com
May 15, 2026 at 4:02 PM
I was delighted to take part in the #SBLAAR25 panel honouring the work of Elizabeth Castelli, with a paper on the 'martyrdom' of Charlie Kirk.
Reposted by Paul Middleton
All this week we are featuring essays from our latest #forum celebrating the work of Elizabeth Castelli. Today we continue with an essay from Paul Middleton @profpaulmiddleton.bsky.social
Do Martyrs Matter in Martyrdom? Charlie Kirk as a Case Study — ANCIENT JEW REVIEW
Do martyrs matter in martyrdom? This may seem like a question with an obvious answer. How could they not? Surely martyrdom is all about the martyrs, and without martyrs, there would be no martyrdom?
www.ancientjewreview.com
May 15, 2026 at 12:45 PM
All this week we are featuring essays from our latest #forum celebrating the work of Elizabeth Castelli. Today we continue with an essay from Paul Middleton @profpaulmiddleton.bsky.social
I'm a bit surprised the post-mortem of Labour's worst Scottish Parliament result focus on the hope the 'surprise' by-election win in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse gave them.
In fact, a 2% win in an easy seat was precisely in line with the SNP's 12% national opinion poll lead at the time.
In fact, a 2% win in an easy seat was precisely in line with the SNP's 12% national opinion poll lead at the time.
May 11, 2026 at 12:00 PM
I'm a bit surprised the post-mortem of Labour's worst Scottish Parliament result focus on the hope the 'surprise' by-election win in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse gave them.
In fact, a 2% win in an easy seat was precisely in line with the SNP's 12% national opinion poll lead at the time.
In fact, a 2% win in an easy seat was precisely in line with the SNP's 12% national opinion poll lead at the time.
The media don't seem to know how First Ministers are chosen in Scotland and Wales. You can either vote for a candidate or abstain; you don't get a vote against.
The only way Labour could "block" Rhun ap Iorwerth is by voting for Reform's nominee with the Tories.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The only way Labour could "block" Rhun ap Iorwerth is by voting for Reform's nominee with the Tories.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Plaid Cymru's Rhun ap Iorwerth hopes to be first minister on Tuesday
With the largest Cardiff Bay group, ap Iorwerth needs to win a vote of Senedd members to take over.
www.bbc.co.uk
May 10, 2026 at 11:46 AM
The media don't seem to know how First Ministers are chosen in Scotland and Wales. You can either vote for a candidate or abstain; you don't get a vote against.
The only way Labour could "block" Rhun ap Iorwerth is by voting for Reform's nominee with the Tories.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The only way Labour could "block" Rhun ap Iorwerth is by voting for Reform's nominee with the Tories.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Against John Swinney's target of a majority, the SNP's 58 seats may feel flat.
However, the Parliamentary arithmetic remains exactly the same.
The SNP has more seats than the combination of *any* four of the other five parties, so as the last session, agreement can be struck with any single party.
However, the Parliamentary arithmetic remains exactly the same.
The SNP has more seats than the combination of *any* four of the other five parties, so as the last session, agreement can be struck with any single party.
May 9, 2026 at 9:10 AM
Against John Swinney's target of a majority, the SNP's 58 seats may feel flat.
However, the Parliamentary arithmetic remains exactly the same.
The SNP has more seats than the combination of *any* four of the other five parties, so as the last session, agreement can be struck with any single party.
However, the Parliamentary arithmetic remains exactly the same.
The SNP has more seats than the combination of *any* four of the other five parties, so as the last session, agreement can be struck with any single party.
A couple of interesting Scottish Election statistics:
*In both the 1999 and 2003 Scottish Elections, the Liberal Democrats came *fourth* with 17 seats.
In 2026, both second placed parties won 17 seats.
*In 2026 Labour and Conservative combined achieved fewer seats than the Conservatives in 2021.
*In both the 1999 and 2003 Scottish Elections, the Liberal Democrats came *fourth* with 17 seats.
In 2026, both second placed parties won 17 seats.
*In 2026 Labour and Conservative combined achieved fewer seats than the Conservatives in 2021.
May 9, 2026 at 8:55 AM
A couple of interesting Scottish Election statistics:
*In both the 1999 and 2003 Scottish Elections, the Liberal Democrats came *fourth* with 17 seats.
In 2026, both second placed parties won 17 seats.
*In 2026 Labour and Conservative combined achieved fewer seats than the Conservatives in 2021.
*In both the 1999 and 2003 Scottish Elections, the Liberal Democrats came *fourth* with 17 seats.
In 2026, both second placed parties won 17 seats.
*In 2026 Labour and Conservative combined achieved fewer seats than the Conservatives in 2021.
Scottish Election Result
Constituency
SNP 38.2% (-9.5)
Labour 19.2% (-2.4)
Reform UK 15.8% (new)
Conservative 11.8% (-10.1)
Liberal Democrat 11.4% (+4.4)
Scottish Green 2.3% (+1)
Top up List
SNP 27.2% (-13.2)
RefUK 16.6% (new)
LAB 16% (-1.9)
ScotGRN 14% (+5.9)
CON 11.8% (-11.7)
LibDem 9.4% (+4.3)
Constituency
SNP 38.2% (-9.5)
Labour 19.2% (-2.4)
Reform UK 15.8% (new)
Conservative 11.8% (-10.1)
Liberal Democrat 11.4% (+4.4)
Scottish Green 2.3% (+1)
Top up List
SNP 27.2% (-13.2)
RefUK 16.6% (new)
LAB 16% (-1.9)
ScotGRN 14% (+5.9)
CON 11.8% (-11.7)
LibDem 9.4% (+4.3)
May 9, 2026 at 8:48 AM
Scottish Election Result
Constituency
SNP 38.2% (-9.5)
Labour 19.2% (-2.4)
Reform UK 15.8% (new)
Conservative 11.8% (-10.1)
Liberal Democrat 11.4% (+4.4)
Scottish Green 2.3% (+1)
Top up List
SNP 27.2% (-13.2)
RefUK 16.6% (new)
LAB 16% (-1.9)
ScotGRN 14% (+5.9)
CON 11.8% (-11.7)
LibDem 9.4% (+4.3)
Constituency
SNP 38.2% (-9.5)
Labour 19.2% (-2.4)
Reform UK 15.8% (new)
Conservative 11.8% (-10.1)
Liberal Democrat 11.4% (+4.4)
Scottish Green 2.3% (+1)
Top up List
SNP 27.2% (-13.2)
RefUK 16.6% (new)
LAB 16% (-1.9)
ScotGRN 14% (+5.9)
CON 11.8% (-11.7)
LibDem 9.4% (+4.3)
So after the election of the Presiding Officer and the First Minister, do Anas Sarwar and Malcolm Offord play a game of rock, paper, scissors to see whether Labour or Reform, both on 17 seats, get to call themselves the 'official opposition' (although the position is convention rather than formal).
May 9, 2026 at 8:24 AM
So after the election of the Presiding Officer and the First Minister, do Anas Sarwar and Malcolm Offord play a game of rock, paper, scissors to see whether Labour or Reform, both on 17 seats, get to call themselves the 'official opposition' (although the position is convention rather than formal).
Final Scottish Election 2026 result.
SNP 58 (-6)
Labour 17 (-5)
Reform UK 17 (+17)
Greens 15 (+7)
Conservative 12 (-19)
Liberal Democrats 10 (+6)
*Best ever Scottish Green result
*Worst ever Labour and Conservative results
*Largest ever winning seat margin between first and second (41).
SNP 58 (-6)
Labour 17 (-5)
Reform UK 17 (+17)
Greens 15 (+7)
Conservative 12 (-19)
Liberal Democrats 10 (+6)
*Best ever Scottish Green result
*Worst ever Labour and Conservative results
*Largest ever winning seat margin between first and second (41).
May 9, 2026 at 12:30 AM
Final Scottish Election 2026 result.
SNP 58 (-6)
Labour 17 (-5)
Reform UK 17 (+17)
Greens 15 (+7)
Conservative 12 (-19)
Liberal Democrats 10 (+6)
*Best ever Scottish Green result
*Worst ever Labour and Conservative results
*Largest ever winning seat margin between first and second (41).
SNP 58 (-6)
Labour 17 (-5)
Reform UK 17 (+17)
Greens 15 (+7)
Conservative 12 (-19)
Liberal Democrats 10 (+6)
*Best ever Scottish Green result
*Worst ever Labour and Conservative results
*Largest ever winning seat margin between first and second (41).
Final results in the Highland and Islands finally announced at 1.14am.
I underestimated the LibDem vote given the number of constituency seats they'd won.
Reform 2
Greens 2
Conservative 1
Liberal Democrat 1
SNP 1
I underestimated the LibDem vote given the number of constituency seats they'd won.
Reform 2
Greens 2
Conservative 1
Liberal Democrat 1
SNP 1
May 9, 2026 at 12:17 AM
Final results in the Highland and Islands finally announced at 1.14am.
I underestimated the LibDem vote given the number of constituency seats they'd won.
Reform 2
Greens 2
Conservative 1
Liberal Democrat 1
SNP 1
I underestimated the LibDem vote given the number of constituency seats they'd won.
Reform 2
Greens 2
Conservative 1
Liberal Democrat 1
SNP 1
Waiting up for the Highland and Islands List result. Assuming the pattern of constituency and list votes, the SNP could be compensated for some constituency losses (despite picking up Shetland). Probably 2 each for Reform, Greens, Conservatives, and 1 for SNP.
But we await the official count.
But we await the official count.
May 8, 2026 at 11:33 PM
Waiting up for the Highland and Islands List result. Assuming the pattern of constituency and list votes, the SNP could be compensated for some constituency losses (despite picking up Shetland). Probably 2 each for Reform, Greens, Conservatives, and 1 for SNP.
But we await the official count.
But we await the official count.
Been out and see that they are still counting in the Scottish Election. Still 7 regional list seats to come in.
On a quick (and given I've had a few drinks perhaps incorrect) calculation on the likely spread of the Highland seats, Labour and Reform may both end up in joint second on 17 seats.
On a quick (and given I've had a few drinks perhaps incorrect) calculation on the likely spread of the Highland seats, Labour and Reform may both end up in joint second on 17 seats.
May 8, 2026 at 10:16 PM
Been out and see that they are still counting in the Scottish Election. Still 7 regional list seats to come in.
On a quick (and given I've had a few drinks perhaps incorrect) calculation on the likely spread of the Highland seats, Labour and Reform may both end up in joint second on 17 seats.
On a quick (and given I've had a few drinks perhaps incorrect) calculation on the likely spread of the Highland seats, Labour and Reform may both end up in joint second on 17 seats.
Scottish results going to be several hours for the 56 Regional seats. No doubt SNP has won a fifth consecutive term, but a good few seats short of a majority (although reminder it's a PR voting system).
With 69/73 constituency seats declared:
SNP 55
LibDem 5
Conservative 4
Labour 3
Greens 2
With 69/73 constituency seats declared:
SNP 55
LibDem 5
Conservative 4
Labour 3
Greens 2
May 8, 2026 at 5:39 PM
Scottish results going to be several hours for the 56 Regional seats. No doubt SNP has won a fifth consecutive term, but a good few seats short of a majority (although reminder it's a PR voting system).
With 69/73 constituency seats declared:
SNP 55
LibDem 5
Conservative 4
Labour 3
Greens 2
With 69/73 constituency seats declared:
SNP 55
LibDem 5
Conservative 4
Labour 3
Greens 2
Final Wales Election result is sensational. Labour and Conservatives only have 16/96 seats between them!
Plaid Cymru 43
Reform UK 34
Labour 9
Conservative 7
Green 2
Liberal Democrat 1
Plaid should have no difficulty forming a minority government.
Plaid Cymru 43
Reform UK 34
Labour 9
Conservative 7
Green 2
Liberal Democrat 1
Plaid should have no difficulty forming a minority government.
May 8, 2026 at 5:21 PM
Final Wales Election result is sensational. Labour and Conservatives only have 16/96 seats between them!
Plaid Cymru 43
Reform UK 34
Labour 9
Conservative 7
Green 2
Liberal Democrat 1
Plaid should have no difficulty forming a minority government.
Plaid Cymru 43
Reform UK 34
Labour 9
Conservative 7
Green 2
Liberal Democrat 1
Plaid should have no difficulty forming a minority government.
I was on The Ancients podcast last week talking about Judas Iscariot, and plugging my (not yet written) next book, Redeeming Judas Iscariot: The Life, Death, and Afterlife of an Invented Villain.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfff...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfff...
The Real Story of Judas Iscariot
YouTube video by The Ancients
www.youtube.com
May 4, 2026 at 10:22 AM
I was on The Ancients podcast last week talking about Judas Iscariot, and plugging my (not yet written) next book, Redeeming Judas Iscariot: The Life, Death, and Afterlife of an Invented Villain.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfff...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfff...
Less well reported as we go into election week are the four April Scottish Independence polls.
Should Scotland be an independent country?
YES 53% NO 47% (Find out Now/Scotgoespop)
YES 52% NO 48% (Survation/Diffley)
YES 52% NO 48% (Survation/Ballot Box)
YES 55% NO 45% (Norstat/Sunday Times)
Should Scotland be an independent country?
YES 53% NO 47% (Find out Now/Scotgoespop)
YES 52% NO 48% (Survation/Diffley)
YES 52% NO 48% (Survation/Ballot Box)
YES 55% NO 45% (Norstat/Sunday Times)
May 4, 2026 at 10:01 AM
Less well reported as we go into election week are the four April Scottish Independence polls.
Should Scotland be an independent country?
YES 53% NO 47% (Find out Now/Scotgoespop)
YES 52% NO 48% (Survation/Diffley)
YES 52% NO 48% (Survation/Ballot Box)
YES 55% NO 45% (Norstat/Sunday Times)
Should Scotland be an independent country?
YES 53% NO 47% (Find out Now/Scotgoespop)
YES 52% NO 48% (Survation/Diffley)
YES 52% NO 48% (Survation/Ballot Box)
YES 55% NO 45% (Norstat/Sunday Times)
Given there is a Scottish Parliament election in a few weeks time, there hasn't been very many polls. One from Survation last week:
Constituency:
SNP 35%
LAB 19%
REF 19%
CON 11%
GRN 8%
LD 8%
List:
SNP 32%
REF 18%
LAB 17%
CON 13%
GRN 11%
LD 8%
Seat estimate
SNP 62
REF 19
LAB 18
CON 12
GRN 11
LD 7
Constituency:
SNP 35%
LAB 19%
REF 19%
CON 11%
GRN 8%
LD 8%
List:
SNP 32%
REF 18%
LAB 17%
CON 13%
GRN 11%
LD 8%
Seat estimate
SNP 62
REF 19
LAB 18
CON 12
GRN 11
LD 7
April 3, 2026 at 9:38 AM
Given there is a Scottish Parliament election in a few weeks time, there hasn't been very many polls. One from Survation last week:
Constituency:
SNP 35%
LAB 19%
REF 19%
CON 11%
GRN 8%
LD 8%
List:
SNP 32%
REF 18%
LAB 17%
CON 13%
GRN 11%
LD 8%
Seat estimate
SNP 62
REF 19
LAB 18
CON 12
GRN 11
LD 7
Constituency:
SNP 35%
LAB 19%
REF 19%
CON 11%
GRN 8%
LD 8%
List:
SNP 32%
REF 18%
LAB 17%
CON 13%
GRN 11%
LD 8%
Seat estimate
SNP 62
REF 19
LAB 18
CON 12
GRN 11
LD 7
It's often said that those who are opposed to Assisted Dying legislation are standing up for and speaking for the most vulnerable in society. This is, of course, important. However, we always need to make sure thinking we're speaking up for folk doesn't mean speaking over them and failing to listen.
March 17, 2026 at 9:27 AM
It's often said that those who are opposed to Assisted Dying legislation are standing up for and speaking for the most vulnerable in society. This is, of course, important. However, we always need to make sure thinking we're speaking up for folk doesn't mean speaking over them and failing to listen.
While last year's Church of Scotland General Assembly voted very narrowly (4 votes) to retain its opposition to Assisted Dying, it received a significant report outlining the fact and reasons people of faith hold different views on Assisted Dying.
www.churchofscotland.org.uk/about-us/our...
www.churchofscotland.org.uk/about-us/our...
www.churchofscotland.org.uk
March 17, 2026 at 9:21 AM
While last year's Church of Scotland General Assembly voted very narrowly (4 votes) to retain its opposition to Assisted Dying, it received a significant report outlining the fact and reasons people of faith hold different views on Assisted Dying.
www.churchofscotland.org.uk/about-us/our...
www.churchofscotland.org.uk/about-us/our...
A difficult decision for all Scottish Parliamentarians today as the final vote takes place on the Assisted Dying bill.
I am personally for this bill, for which the eligibility is restricted to residents of Scotland with a terminal illness, and a 6 month prognosis.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
I am personally for this bill, for which the eligibility is restricted to residents of Scotland with a terminal illness, and a 6 month prognosis.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Will Scotland be the first to legalise assisted dying?
The final vote on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill is seen as too close to call.
www.bbc.co.uk
March 17, 2026 at 9:12 AM
A difficult decision for all Scottish Parliamentarians today as the final vote takes place on the Assisted Dying bill.
I am personally for this bill, for which the eligibility is restricted to residents of Scotland with a terminal illness, and a 6 month prognosis.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
I am personally for this bill, for which the eligibility is restricted to residents of Scotland with a terminal illness, and a 6 month prognosis.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Three Scottish Parliament Election polls this week. (Yougov/Ipsos/Survation)
Two months out, the SNP are still well in front, with seat projections from 57-64. Some shuffling in all other positions with Labour and Reform battling for a poor second. Two polls show substantial Green gains.
#SP2026
Two months out, the SNP are still well in front, with seat projections from 57-64. Some shuffling in all other positions with Labour and Reform battling for a poor second. Two polls show substantial Green gains.
#SP2026
March 7, 2026 at 10:43 AM
Three Scottish Parliament Election polls this week. (Yougov/Ipsos/Survation)
Two months out, the SNP are still well in front, with seat projections from 57-64. Some shuffling in all other positions with Labour and Reform battling for a poor second. Two polls show substantial Green gains.
#SP2026
Two months out, the SNP are still well in front, with seat projections from 57-64. Some shuffling in all other positions with Labour and Reform battling for a poor second. Two polls show substantial Green gains.
#SP2026