An Introduction to the Study of Paul

Description

This tried and tested introduction to Paul needs little introduction of its own. After considering Paul’s importance and influence, and the important sources for the study of Paul, the volume covers the following key topics: the earliest period of Christianity – from Jesus to Paul; Paul’s life before and after his ‘conversion’; his individual letters; the major elements of his theology; his attitude to Israel and the Jewish law; perspectives on the Pauline assemblies, including their socio-economic location, meeting places, and attitudes towards women; and Paul’s legacy in the New Testament and beyond. The volume has been revised throughout and fully updated with respect to bibliography, and to presenting the latest debates surrounding Paul’s thought in a manageable format – including those around ‘old’ and ‘new’ perspectives, with a new section on the ‘radical’ new Jewish perspective, and those related to the socio-economic status and character of the Pauline assemblies. The helpful study questions and reading lists have also been revised. Cover page Halftitle page Series page Title page Copyright page Contents Figures Abbreviations Preface to the Third Edition Preface to the Second Edition Preface to the First Edition 1 Introduction: Paul the Man-Mountain The cultural and chronological gap The world(s) in which Paul lived Resources for the study of Paul Conclusion Further reading Questions for further study Notes 2 From Jesus to Paul: Pre-Pauline Christianity Introduction Using the evidence of Acts The earliest house-churches in Jerusalem Division and the spread of the gospel Paul and pre-Pauline Christianity Conclusion Further reading Questions for further study Notes 3 Paul’s Life: Before and After his Encounter with Christ Introduction The pre-Christian Paul Paul’s call/conversion and its effect Paul’s missionary career Conclusion Further reading Questions for further study Notes 4 Paul the Letter-Writer Introduction The letters and their circumstances Paul’s letters and other ancient Greek letters Rhetorical criticism of the Pauline letters Conclusion Further reading Questions for further study Notes 5 Paul the Theologian: The Central Elements of Paul’s Gospel Introduction The basic story Christ God The Spirit Eschatology and salvation Righteousness and faith Ethics Conclusion: what is the key to Paul’s theology? Further reading Questions for further study Notes 6 Paul, Israel and the Jewish Law Introduction Paul and the Jewish law What has become of Israel? Conclusion Further reading Questions for further study Notes 7 Perspectives on the Pauline Assemblies Introduction The socio-economic level of the early Christians The character and location of the Pauline assemblies Leadership in the Pauline communities Women in the Pauline assemblies Paul and the Roman Empire Conclusion Further reading Questions for further study Notes 8 Paul’s Legacy in the New Testament and Beyond Introduction The letters and their circumstances Deciding about authorship Important themes and issues Paul’s legacy through the centuries Conclusion Further reading Questions for further study Notes 9 Coming Full Circle: Why Study Paul Today? Notes Bibliography Index of Biblical References Index of Subjects and Authors