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Rethinking Pauline Theology
Brant Pitre, Michael P. Barber, John A. Kincaid
Foreword by Michael J. Gorman

This book “interprets Paul within at least three significant contexts: the Jewish world of the first century, the world of ecumenical and interfaith biblical scholarship, and the world of Roman Catholic faith and practice.” [From the Foreword]

“As the scholarly guild continues to churn out monographs on St. Paul and his writings, it is rare to read one that proposes a truly fresh perspective. Brant Pitre, Michael Barber, and John Kincaid, however, have managed to write just such a book. Their proposal that Paul is best described as a new covenant Jew (because he himself does so!) allows them to capture both points of continuity with prior Jewish traditions as well as the novum of Paul’s gospel concerning the-crucified-and-risen-Jesus. Their Catholic ‘both-and’ approach, done with the best of contemporary scholarship, enables them to set forth the coherence of Paul’s theological vision. I highly recommend this volume and will use it in my teaching.”

Thomas D. Stegman, SJ, Boston School of Theology and Ministry

“The world of biblical studies and Pauline theology has been waiting a generation fo this book. Covering a wide range of major issues, while engaging the wide spectrum of current perspectives, this is a major contribution to Pauline scholarship from three outstanding Catholic scholars – well worth the wait.”

Scott Hahn, Franciscan University of Steubenville

“This synthetic work is a goldmine for scholars and students alike. Drawing upon the full range of contemporary Pauline scholarship, the authors carefully and generously describe the positions that differ from their own, thereby enabling beginning get their bearings in the debates. At the same time, scholars will be enthralled by the nuanced, rigorous, and serene case they make for overcoming will-known polarities in Pauline studies. They present a Paul who joyful proclaims the new covenant in Jesus Christ, with implications for sonships, faith, baptism, grace, atonement, justification, Israel, the Eucharist, and much more. Not only for biblical scholars, but also for theologians, this spectacular scholarly study is a ‘must read.'”

Matthew Levering, Mundelein Seminary

“A helpful synthesis of themes in Paulie theology that reveals connections with one another and with Old Testament precedents. Many of these insights will resonate with Protestants as well as Catholic exegetes, and Protestants such as myself will find these authors gracious, worthy, and willing conversation partners.”

Craig S. Keener, Asbury Theological Seminary

Contents

Foreword
Introduction

  1. What Kind of Jew Was Paul?
    A Former Jew
    An Eschatological Jew
    A Torah-Observant Jew
    A New Covenant Jew
    In Summary: A New Covenant Approach to Reading Paul within Judaism
  2. Paul and Apocalyptic
    The World and the New Creation
    The Law Ordained through Angels
    The Jerusalem Above
    The Hidden Messiah
    In Summary: Paul and the Apocalyptic New Covenant
  3. Pauline Christology
    The Messiah Descended from David
    Equality with God
    One God and One Lord
    In Summary: Jesus Christ and the Divine Son
  4. The Cross and Atonement
    Christ Gave Himself for Our Sins
    A Sacrifice of Atonement
    The Righteousness of God Revealed
    In Summary: The Cross as Apocalyptic Revelation and New Covenant Sacrifice
  5. New Covenant Justification through Divine Sonship
    The Ministry of Righteousness
    Conformed to the Image of His Son
    You Were Washed, You Were Justified
    In Summary: The Righteousness of Divine Sonship
  6. The Lord’s Supper and the New Creation
    A Resurrection Like His
    Participation in the Body and Blood of Christ
    Spiritual Food and Spiritual Drink
    In Summary: Cosmic Redemption and the Table  of the Lord’s Body

Conclusion: Paul’s Gospel of Divine Sonships

Eerdman’s, ©2019, Soft cover, 328 pages