This study offers a fresh approach to reception historical studies of New Testament texts, guided by a methodology introduced by ancient historians who study Graeco-Roman educational texts. In the course of six chapters, the author identifies and examines the most representative Pauline texts within writings of the ante-Nicene period: 1Cor 2, Eph 6, 1Cor 15, and Col 1. The identification of these most widely cited Pauline texts, based on a comprehensive database which serves as an appendix to this work, allows the study to engage both in exegetical and historical approaches to each pericope while at the same time drawing conclusions about the theological tendencies and dominant themes reflected in each. Engaging a wide range of primary texts, it demonstrates that just as there is no singular way that each Pauline text was adapted and used by early Christian writers, so there is no homogeneous view of early Christian interpretation and the way Scripture informed their writings, theology, and ultimately identity as Christian.

Benjamin J. Petroelje argues that how one reads Ephesians is a function of deeper questions about how to read the Pauline book. Petroelje suggests the contemporary consensus-that Ephesians depicts development of/away from the “real Paul”-is largely a construct of modern criticism, rooted in shifting strategies about how to read a letter collection that developed in the 19th-century. Using Ephesians 3:1-13 as a point of analysis, Petroelje theorizes that the text's “image of Paul” not only anticipates recent revisionist interpretations of Paul's Jewish identity and gentile gospel, but also holds together tensions in the collection itself surrounding these questions. By analysing ancient letter collections beside their own hermeneutical priorities, and applying this method to the late-antique and modern reception of the corpus Paulinum, Petroelje is able to historicize the origins of the split of Paul's corpus, revealing the constructed nature of the critical consensus on Ephesians and the effect that such modern reading strategies have on interpreting the letter. Urging a return to reading Ephesians alongside Pauline co-texts, Petroelje advocates for Ephesians as a crucial source for the study of Paul, whether Paul wrote it or not.

This revised edition of John Ziesler's broad yet detailed overview of St Paul's thought and distinctive kind of Christianity is intended for a general readership, and is therefore of wider value than individual and more technical commentaries. Dr Ziesler's starting point is St Paul's view of Jesus Christ as marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new world and a new humanity. The concentration is on theology, but matters of authorship and dating are discussed briefly where relevant. A number of key passages from the Pauline letters are given a more extended treatment.

A renowned scholar calls for a change of direction for the study of Jesus in the 21st century.

This work is organized as follows: I. The Structure of the Pauline Eschatology II. The Interaction Between Eschatology and Soteriology III. The Religious and Ethical Motivation of Paul’s Eschatology IV. The Coming of the Lord and Its Precursors V. The Man of Sin VI. The Resurrection VII. Alleged Development in Paul’s Teaching on the Resurrection VIII. The Resurrection-Change IX. The Extent of the Resurrection X. The Question of Chiliasm, in Paul XI. The Judgment XII. The Eternal State Appendix: The Eschatology of the Psalter

An accessible introduction to the chief themes and contem porary relevance of the Letters to Ephesus and Colossae.

An introduction to ongoing debates on the apostle Paul's life and teaching and his letters' ramifications for the Church of today. The apostle Paul was a vital force in the development of Christianity. Paul's historical and religious context affects the theological interpretation of Paul's writings, no small issue in the whole of Christian theology. Recent years have seen much controversy about the apostle Paul, his religious and social context, and its effects on his theology. In the helpful Counterpoints format, four leading scholars present their views on the best framework for describing Paul's theological perspective, including his view of salvation, the significance of Christ, and his vision for the churches. Contributors and views include: Reformed View: Thomas R. Schreiner Catholic View: Luke Timothy Johnson Post-New Perspective View: Douglas Campbell Jewish View: Mark D. Nanos Like other titles in the Counterpoints: Bible and Theology collection, Four Views on the Apostle Paul gives theology students the tools they need to draw informed conclusions on debated issues. General editor and New Testament scholar Michael F. Bird covers foundational issues and provides helpful summaries in his introduction and conclusion. New Testament scholars, pastors, and students of Christian history and theology will find Four Views on the Apostle Paul an indispensable introduction to ongoing debates on the apostle Paul's life and teaching. The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.