"40 Questions About the Apostle Paul" (Miguel Echevarria and Benjamin Laird)

TITLE: 40 Questions About the Apostle Paul
AUTHOR: Miguel Echevarria and Benjamin Laird
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2023, (320 pages).
 

What is there to learn about the apostle Paul? A lot. In fact, many scholars have gone on to do PhDs on this eloquent and influential character of the Bible. Apostle to the Gentiles, author of the bulk of the New Testament, and traditionally a martyr for Christ, Paul has become a key figure in New Testament studies. From the life of Paul to Pauline theology, scholars have combed his writings both canonical and non-canonical to find out more about his personal character,  background, history, theological orientations, and many more. A decent bibliography of all the research done on Paul could be published into a book! Instead of a mere 40 questions, one could even propose a 100-question volume. Thus, it is commendable for the authors of this book to condense the most critical questions into 40. Most of the material in this book will be gleaned from the New Testament, namely, the book of Acts and the letters written by Paul. The three parts of the book comprise:

1. Questions about Paul's Life
2. Questions about Paul's Writings
3. Questions about Paul's Theology

"Galatians" (Kathryn Greene-McCreight)

TITLE: Galatians (Brazo's Theological Commentary on the Bible)
AUTHOR: Kathryn Greene-McCreight
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, 2023, (204 pages).
 

If one is asked to summarize what the letter to the Galatians is about, many people might conclude that it is all about justification by faith. Yet, there are many alternative interpretations that range from freedom in Christ to anti-semitic accusations. How do we practice discerning which best approaches the Truth for such a range of interpretations? Humbly speaking, we need help. The commentators in this series of commentaries believe that this help comes from interpreters from the Nicea-Constantinople tradition. They might not give us the full revelation of Truth but they can surely clear the way for us to approach it. 

Dogmas clarify rather than obscure. This is the conviction behind this series of theological commentaries. Based on the Nicene tradition, the authors in this series affirm the Scriptures amid a tide of modern scholars who insist that ancient doctrinal persuasions are barriers to the "purity" of the biblical text. The intent of these modern interpreters is noble but it masquerades the fact that such modernist thinking is also a form of "doctrinal persuasion" in itself. The underlying belief is that the Nicene tradition "provides the clarifying principles" to guide our understanding of the Scriptures. After all, these ancient fathers are definitely closer to biblical times than we are. If Bible reading is communal, why not include these Nicean fathers in our interpretive process? Adopting a Both-And framework has more benefits compared to an Either-Or option. Preferring to engage theologians instead of biblical scholars, the commentary is essentially one that resembles "systematic theology" style instead of  "biblical theology." 

"Handbook on Acts and Paul's Letters" (Thomas R. Schreiner)

TITLE: Handbook on Acts and Paul's Letters (Handbooks on the New Testament)
AUTHOR: Thomas R. Schreiner
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2020, (480 pages).

Some commentaries are too dense as they go line-by-line into Scripture interpretation. These are often used by teachers and preachers in their preparation for Bible classes. Others especially the popular one-volume handbooks are too brief, and are useful mainly for a quick overview. This handbook sandwiches between these two ends and gives readers a balanced summary on the book of Acts and the Pauline epistles. The publisher avoids calling this a commentary or an introduction. A handbook is more descriptive name for this, so readers would be poised to see semblance of an introductory text as well as a commentary rolled into one. It looks like an introductory text in terms of its preamble; its outlining; its commentary on broad segments of Scripture; its lack of footnotes and endnotes; and its concise headers to show readers where the author is going. It looks like a conventional commentary in its occasional usage of original language; its many Scriptural cross-references; the abbreviations; and a pretty impressive bibliography. One would easily see that the author tries to maintain a balanced approach to make this handbook more accessible for the layperson and also sufficient to provide a convenient springboard for further research. The handbook is targeted primarily at "lay people, students, pastors, and professors," a pretty general scope I might say.

"Paul's Idea of Community, 3rd Edition" (Robert J. Banks)

TITLE: Paul's Idea of Community: Spirit and Culture in Early House Churches
AUTHOR: Robert J. Banks.
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2020, (240 pages).

Many people have pretty positive views about the word 'Community.' It is a good way to deflect attention from self toward others. We have all learned the importance to be in it for the greater good. Unfortunately, this word has been overused, even abused. It can also become a cliche for political correctness or to score points with our support base. For many Christians, the word 'community' has become a part of their Church or non-profit names. Lest we diminish the true meaning of community, it is good to come back to the biblical definition and understanding of community. The prime example: The Early Church. This book takes a look at community using references from his epistles to the various churches at that time. The third edition thoroughly revises and updates the material for a new generation. Also include is an article with a catchy title: "Going to Church in the First Century." However, the crux of the book is the same: to highlight the key themes of community from the many epistles of Paul in the New Testament, the apocrypha, Jewish writings, and extra-biblical sources. The main source will remain the New Testament epistles. Although Paul did not proceed step by step to build on his theology of the community, Banks actually did by arranging the book according to themes. He begins with a sociological and religious settings to give readers a context from which Paul's ideas were cultivated. This will give us a better understanding on the origins and nature of community in the first century. The goal of community was not some kind of altruism or harmony, but Christian maturity. This is important because it points us back to Christ. A community that is Christian in the first place must lead us toward Christ. It cannot become an end in itself. A community is visible through its interactions and members' behaviour toward each other. Through meals and signs of fellowship, the body of Christ is a unity of body, mind, and spirit. The acts of baptism, communion, fellowship, the sharing of possessions, gifts, and ministry support of one another allow the gifts of grace to be evident. The gifts of God to the community are there to help members edify the body.  They are there to promote unity and diversity at the same time.

There are some chapters on specific issues such as women's role in the community, especially on Paul's prohibitions on women. At least on a relative scale, Christian communities at that time give women more rights than societal norms. Paul also takes time to dissolve any legalistic distinctions that threaten the fabric of unity. That was why he takes pains to tell the communities that neither male nor female; slave or free; Jews or Gentiles; priests or laity; or any distinguishing status in society should ever separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Paul also argues for the abolishing of all kinds of discriminatory practices; in particular, gender, race, and class distinctions. On leadership in the community, Paul teaches leadership by function rather than by position. There are also teachings about how communities ought to welcome visitors, guests, and missioners. Paul makes an important point about a community that needs to look outward more than inward. The chapter on the link between mission and the Church does exactly that. The community of Christ is both local and global; centralized and decentralized. This is a powerful reminder that structures don't define communities. It is the reverse that is true.

"Paul and Money" (Verlyn Verbrugge and Keith R. Krell)

TITLE: Paul and Money: A Biblical and Theological Analysis of the Apostle's Teachings and Practices
AUTHOR: Verlyn Verbrugge and Keith R. Krell
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2015, (320 pages).

What has Paul got to say about money? A lot. If we were to comb the New Testament epistles written by this famous apostle, we would see Paul's bi-vocational ministry; his reluctance to receive support from willing churches; his rebuke of churches that seem to take ministry workers for granted; fund raising matters; taxes, tithing, and various financial management issues. Though he did not have an MBA or a diploma in accounting or management accounting,  he has lots of biblical wisdom and theological insights into how money ought to be seen.

The authors are inspired by Ben Witherington III's book, "Jesus and Money," which spoke into the global recession climate of 2008-2010. In it, the section on Paul's view of money seems to be too limited, so the authors come together to expand on Paul's life, writings, and legacy. The sources used are the thirteen Pauline epistles in the New Testament, and how other issues are drawn into the perspectives surrounding financial matters. Divided into three main parts, Part One is about Paul encountering the issue of money pertaining to himself. He tackles basic living expenses and the support for his own ministry. He sets out a framework on which ministry workers ought to be getting from supporters. Growing up in a middle class neighbourhood (remember he was a top Pharisee?), he obviously know what it means to be in that upper echelon of society.  His need for financial help became more acute when he became a Christian. Out of this shift of spiritual priorities from Judaism to Christianity, he aims at self-support while making the argument that it is not wrong to ask for support in the first place. When he did ask for support, he would ensure that the money would go to basic needs like food, lodging, and reasonable expenses. The authors look at why Paul insists on self-support even when he knows he is entitled to Church support. Surely, as a Pharisee, he would have known that a man's work deserves his fair wages. Moreover, would he not be receiving some financial compensation as a Pharisee teaching the Torah in the first place? He could even have access to a common fund for all the disciples. Remember how the Early Church in Act shared with one another all who are in need?

"Praying With Paul" (D. A. Carson)

TITLE: Praying with Paul: A Call to Spiritual Reformation
AUTHOR: D. A. Carson
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2014, (216 pages)

Think of the epistles of Paul and what comes to mind? You may see Romans as a book with deep theological underpinnings or Galatians as a letter which focuses on law and grace. Maybe Ephesians is about the Armour of God and Colossians about Christology. Perhaps there are some of us who see Thessalonians as a warning about the end times and Timothy as instructions from an elder to a junior. What about using the Pauline Epistles as a way to pray? More specifically, what about letting the letters of Paul reform the way we pray? With this book, we learn to avoid the frenetic tendency of using the Bible to run programs, to plan preaching schedules, or to structure Bible study sessions using the letters of Paul. What about letting Paul inform us in terms of knowing God more personally and devotionally? What about letting Paul shape our own theology of prayer? Indeed, the most pressing need in the Church is more praying.

After setting forth eight lessons from the school of prayer, Research Professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School examines several Paul's letters to highlight some ways we can learn to pray. In 2 Thessalonians1:3-12, readers learn about the framework of prayer of thanksgiving in spite of trials and tribulations. Instead, persistence in prayer is linked to the promise that believers will be vindicated and those who persecute them will be judged. The goal of Paul's prayer is about glorifying God. The basis of prayer is via the grace of God. We learn how Paul prays for others. We sense Paul's deep passion for the people he wrote to.

"The Church According to Paul" (James W. Thompson)

TITLE: The Church according to Paul: Rediscovering the Community Conformed to Christ
AUTHOR: James W. Thompson
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2014, (304 pages).

There are many books about Church growth, and how to have a great Church ministry. Whether it is emergent Church, or the Progressive movements, missional or the latest trends in doing Church, it is easy to overplay the word 'relevance' into our Ecclesiology. What about being relevant first to the original intention of Church? What about asking the fundamental questions like:

• What is Paul's perspective of Church?
• What is his original intent?
• What is the original vision of Church?
• Can we re-discover the Church according to Paul?

James W Thompson believes so. In fact, he feels that the most basic questions about Church are often not asked. Beginning with a rather depressing observation about the state of the Church, with dwindling memberships in the West and vacant Church buildings in Europe, it is common for people to say that the Church today is in crisis. The fastest growing group are those who are not affiliated to any Church. On top of that, modern perceptions of Church are increasingly negative and the word "church" is often treated pejoratively. Thompson gives us some possible explanations like secularism, individualism, capitalism, and especially the politicization of the Church. Instead of the Church as a community like people of God, he laments how the Church has become more like social clubs, entertainment centers, corporations, theaters, associations, and so on. He even criticizes the emergent church model that becomes so open that it lacks a doctrinal foundation; and the missional church movement that are so focused on the doing that it risks losing its own identity and message of the Church. His big idea is that the Church according to Paul is two-fold. a) Absence of politicization and power; b) Church as a community where everyone participates. Thompson is convinced that Paul's model of Church in the first century can be implemented in our era. In other words, the first century Church may be different in form, it is however similar in essence of identity in Christ being formed in community. The main sources Thompson draw from are the Old and New Testament Scriptures. This is supplemented by the Apocryphal works, the Pseudepigrapha, some later Greek and Latin works from Aristotle to Josephus, from Plato to Philo. As usual, there are lots of inputs from modern scholars too. Throughout the book, there is a strong and consistent emphasis on the Church as a people of God; the community of believers; communion of saints; the work of the Holy Spirit; all of which point to Thompson's conviction that the Church identity is corporate, not individual.

"Interpreting the Pauline Letters" (John D. Harvey)

TITLE: Interpreting the Pauline Letters: An Exegetical Handbook (Handbooks for New Testament Exegesis)
AUTHOR: John D. Harvey
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2012, (224 pages).

Handbooks are meant to provide handy resources that are easily referenced and at the same time, provide a measure of reliable and reputable information. When handling the Bible, we need good resources that will help preachers, pastors, teachers, professors, and any Christian leader to teach accurately and effectively. In its original form, the New Testament is largely written in Greek. In order for modern audiences who are not familiar with ancient Koine Greek, or the ancient contexts, there is a need to research and to study the original texts for what they meant originally. Having done that, they will need to build a bridge from the ancient to the contemporary world, so that modern listeners will get to appreciate timeless truths and historical traditions. Kicking off a new series of exegetical handbooks on the New Testament, John Harvey begins with the letters of Paul, describing the genre, the theology, the background, the hermeneutics, the preparation for preaching, and many more essential tools, so that a good process of exegesis can be done by the serious student.

There are seven chapters that describe many of the above, and one chapter that lists the resources interested readers may want to pursue. What I like about the book is the way it is written with the reader in mind, with each chapter building upon what is typically a sermon or message construction process. For example, it begins with the initial study and exegesis, the understanding of the ancient contexts with a historical background description. The genre of Paul's letter is an important consideration. When we read the Bible, it is important to recognize that Paul's writings are letters, not a theological treatise or an academic paper. Hence, when we study it, we need to remember that it is quite personal in nature. Harvey goes into describing the three aspects of how first century communications are done. Firstly, it is done orally. Building on Walter Ong's categories of orality, we read that hearers learn through themes rather than rote memory; acoustically oriented instead of visual, "redundant rather than concise, additive rather than subordinate, aggregative rather than synthetic, and conservative rather than creative". Secondly, it is done rhetorically. He mentions George Kennedy's work on the different categories of rhetoric, namely, traditional, conceptional, and classical; and that the first century kind of rhetoric is more "practical" where listeners are comfortably trained in hearing a certain form of rhetoric. Thirdly, many listeners are also script-literate. Thus, first century listeners are able to grasp a lot of what Paul is saying in his letters. It makes me wonder about the level of modern arrogance among some scholars who read Paul's letters as if they know everything. Far from it. Harvey's observations make me surmise that an ordinary first century hearer will understand more of Paul's letters than a well-trained scholar in the contemporary era.

Chapter 2 goes into the historical era, with probing questions on Paul's authorship, number of letters written, as well as the "authenticity, integrity, and chronology" of the letters. Why are they important? The prime importance lies in the core purpose of the ministry of Paul in the first place, which is theological truths and applications for churches and leadership. Whether it is false teachings like syncretism, legalism, mysticism, or asceticism, in order to understand Paul's writings, one needs to appreciate and identify the contexts of the audiences, churches, and persons addressed.

Chapter 3 is where it starts to get more exciting. Here, in a theological survey, readers are treated to two spheres of influence, and how the great transfer of theological truths are done, namely, the first sphere of "in Adam," and the second sphere of "in Christ." When we remain in Christ, we ride on the transfer of one sphere to another. Harvey gives us an overview of how James Dunn as well as Gordon Fee use four ways of reading Paul's letters. Calling them a "deductive" and "preconceived structure" imposed on Paul's letters, the four essential ways are:

1. Via systematic theology
2. Via letter-by-letter
3. Via chronological order
4. Via levels, stories.    

Harvey prefers a fifth model, and says that this is more in line with Paul's own language and more "inductive," in which the understanding of both spheres of influence is necessary, and one must not over-read any of these spheres over the other, but to maintain the importance of both. Two words summarize this approach: coherence and contingency. The latter deals with the groupings of each of Paul's letters in order to detect themes. The former deals with the linking of the two spheres of influence.

Chapter 4 goes into the two primary tasks needed in order to begin interpretation of Paul's letters: "textual criticism" that leads to the second, proper translation. In textual criticism, we look at establishing what exactly does the text is. Here Harvey shows us the various resources as well as the different approaches toward textual criticism. We read about the different kinds of manuscripts, variant readings, as well as the three major ways to approach textual criticism.

1. Eclectic approach: decisions based on "internal evidence"
2. Reasoned approach: decisions based on a balanced approach to both internal as well as manuscript evidence. 
3. Conservative approach: decisions based on "manuscript evidence"

We appreciate the differences between theories behind the Alexandrian texts and the Majority texts, out of which many important translations are based upon. This is one of the most fundamental differences in the translations of many modern Bible versions. 

In translation we look at what the text is saying. Four approaches are listed.

1. Comparison approach: comparing different, vernacular translations in order to highlight the nuances of the original texts, using modern languages.
2. Interlinear approach: correlating the Greek and the modern language together
3. Partial passage: focusing on a central portion of the letter to get more details and understanding within a limited time frame.
4. Full passage: most demanding but also most rewarding. This approach is best done when one's Greek is fresh and one has the time.

Working on both the semantics (meaning of the words) as well as the syntax (application and meaning of the words and relationships), readers get to appreciate the multiple steps in the translation process.

Chapter 5 to 7 contain more applications. Examples of various passages of Paul's letters are used to demonstrate the exegesis, interpretation, and the translation of meaning. There is also the crafting of a sermon, and how preachers can move from exegesis to interpretation, and from hermeneutics to homiletics.

My Thoughts

This is an excellent reference book for anyone interested in all things Paul. Whether it is an exegesis of the Greek, a historical overview of the first Century lands that Paul have traveled, the different translation philosophies or hermeneutical theories, readers will be pleased to have a handbook that shows us a systematic approach to understanding, appreciating, and communicating the meaning of Paul's letters, and to help others do the same. My feeling is that the handbook could have provided more.  For example, it misses out Patrick Gray's excellent work "Opening Paul's Letters" on the place of the reader in the reading of Paul's writings. What about the various views surrounding the interpretation of Paul, like the recent work by Michael F. Bird, on the Evangelical, Roman Catholic, Jewish, and Protestant views? Considering that this book has been published by Kregel, it does not even mention another helpful resource: "Charts on the Life, Letters, and the Theology of Paul" by Lars Kierspel.

Maybe, the second edition of this handbook will incorporate some or all of the above. Having said that, this book is still a credible offering for the way it helps readers more from mere readers toward better interpreters. More helpfully, by showing readers the way sermons are crafted from text to delivery, it is a good resource to keep preachers faithful to the text, and to diligently preach and teach the word in season and out of season. That is the call of all who wants to share the Word more faithfully and fruitfully.


Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book is provided to me free by Kregel Academic without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

"Charts on the Life, Letters, and Theology of Paul" (Lars Kierspel)

TITLE: Charts on the Life, Letters, and Theology of Paul (Kregel Charts of the Bible)
AUTHOR: Lars Kierspel
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2012, (288 pages).

This is another excellent resource to help students, teachers, and laypersons to appreciate the study of the life, the literature, and the theology of the Apostle Paul. As a Professor and Chair of the Biblical Studies department in Trinity College of the Bible Theological Seminary, this work is a way in which Kierspel manages to incorporate the profound insights of Pauline theology into a professional framework of charts and summarizing tables. The purpose of the book is to provide helpful tips for readers wanting to learn more about the Apostle, his thought and his theology.  There are references to primary as well as secondary sources. There are also brief commentaries and summaries about the different aspects of the letters of Paul to help readers read, understand, appreciate, and to study the epistles with a critical eye together with a careful reverence. The book is structured in four parts.

1. Paul's Background and Context
2. Paul's Life and Ministry
3. Paul's Letters
4. Paul's Theological Concepts.

In Part A, we read an amazing description of the backgrounds of Paul, his life environment, and the culture he was in. Readers will know about the political, social, philosophical, religious, and in particular, the Jewish and Gentile relationships during his time. From Julius Caesar to the evil Nero, from the Praetorian guards to a full list of descriptions on the Roman military, from the list of philosophies in the regions to the whole potpurri of religions and beliefs, we catch a glimpse of Paul's big challenge when promoting the gospel to a multi-religious, multi-faceted society, that is pluralistic, polytheistic, and politically daunting. If Jesus has lots of opposition from the Pharisees and the Sadduccees, the challenges facing Paul is no less difficult. He deals with the Hellenists, the Zealots, as well as Jews and Gentiles. Kierspel even provides a 1-page summary of Paul's Jewish background.

Part B looks at the chronology of Paul's life from birth to death. Where appropriate, there are biblical references to help readers map out the stage of Paul's life. One helpful reference is how Paul's life in the book of Acts is cross-referenced frequently with his epistles. In doing so, readers are presented a treasure of information that is ready to use and to appreciate the context and circumstances of Paul. This enables any Bible student to better appreciate the reason, the context, and the thrust of Paul's writings. There is even a table that contrasts the life of Peter and Paul. This may not be exactly what the biblical authors would have wanted to highlight, but it sure gives modern readers a fresh incentive to see how the Holy Spirit uses the gifts of different individual for specific purposes. Even Paul's conversion has several different accounts, though I remain unconvinced how useful that table is.

Part C will be of particular interest to biblical scholars, with individual attention given to each and every of Paul's epistle. The full list of manuscripts are listed in chronological order and use. The letters are categorized according to disputed and undisputed, prison, pastoral, and major letters. Extra biblical letters are also listed, without the author being dogmatic about Paul's authorship of them. I find the calculation of words, vocabulary, and pages, less helpful as a theological tool, and prefer to see them merely as interesting information for the modern scientific mind. What is interesting is the way the different figures of speech, number of OT quotations or allusions, and the brief background of each biblical book most helpful from a teaching or preaching angle. The chart on the various interpretations of various key texts and verses is worth the price of the book. Listing down all the popular understanding, readers will begin to appreciate more of what it means to be open to discussion and not become too dogmatic too quickly about any one view.

Part D being the theological survey represents the culmination of any study of Paul. The theological significance of Paul's letters is the most important for any student of Paul. Kierspel gives us a fairly complete list of all the theological subjects like Christology, Soteriology, Pneumatology, Eschatology, Ecclesiology, Hamartiology, Spirituality, Cosmology, and many more. There are segments on ethics, household codes, gender relationships, modern Jewish views, as well as the "new perspective" of Paul.

My Thoughts

Theological books on Pauline theology or subjects about the Apostle Paul tends to be wordy and a little too heavy for the layperson. Sometimes, seminarians, preachers, and pastors find it challenging to summarize the life of Paul. This book is one tool that packs in a lot in a small footprint. I like the book for three reasons. Firstly, one sees the overview of the life and teachings of Paul in just one or two pages. Often, modern readers do not have the privilege or knowledge of the background of Paul in order to better understand and interpret the texts. Readers will be much better equipped with this book in order to do that. Secondly, this book can not only raise greater awareness of the importance of Paul, it can instill interest, even spur readers to want to do more research on their own. A good teacher is not one who dishes out everything for students, but is one who is able to whet the appetite of the student, and let the hunger and thirst of the student guide and motivate the student to want to learn more. Thirdly, personal comments and interpretations are kept minimal and as inconspicuous as possible. Commentaries are intentionally kept brief so that the reader can study the book for what it is. Moreover, Kierspel has delayed giving many of his comments toward the end of the book. This is particularly helpful as we are assured that facts are provided before interpretation. Having said that, one can also argue that the way the tables and charts are arranged and selected are by themselves interpretations in the first place. From what I can read, it is a valid argument but it is in no way crippling in terms of understanding and appreciating the life, theology, and teachings of Paul.

All in all, I enjoy this book and warmly recommend it to anyone desiring to study more about Paul's life, his teachings, and his theology.

Rating: 5 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book is provided to me free by Kregel Academic without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

"Opening Paul's Letters" (Patrick Gray)

TITLE: Opening Paul's Letters: A Reader's Guide to Genre and Interpretation
AUTHOR: Patrick Gray
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2012, (190 pages).

How can we make sense of Paul's letters and appreciate them not just for what they are, but also for what they mean for us in the modern era? Indeed, one of the difficulties for modern readers is to make sense of ancient letters written in a different time and place, to a different group of people and in a different genre that can often be understood in different ways. Do we read the letters like the way we read the constitution of our countries? Are the texts all capable of interpreting themselves? If there is any discrepancies, how do readers make sense of them? How do we prevent ourselves from superimposing our modern perspectives into Paul's times? In what way can we fairly and accurately interpret the epistles? The fact that many of these letters are canonized as Holy Scripture makes this guide an invaluable one. Readers at large need some way to understand the past, relate it with the present, and to let the letters point some direction toward the future for us as well as our descendants. The first thing to note is genre, where forms and structures differ a lot in content, and how they are used determine the context. In other words, before anyone attempts to interpret, the genre of the letter needs to be recognized first.

As long as we fail to recognize the historical contexts, the literary genres, and the appropriate way to read the epistles of Paul, we will not be able to understand, let alone apply the teachings of Paul. That is why this book has been written. Using a series of probing questions, filled with multiple insights from the world of genre categories, the nature and purpose of Paul's letters, Gray gives readers a guide as to how to read the text.

• When should we read "in front of" the text, meaning that Paul is writing directly to us?
• When should we read "behind the text," meaning that we need to probe deeper into the original contexts, the audiences, etc?
• When should we be reading "of" the text, meaning it all depends on reader interpretation?

These questions and many more are ably dealt with. Moreover, with modern readers more used to electronic communications and social media on the Internet, it brings in a whole new challenge in trying to appreciate Paul's writings in a modern age. Scholars generally take on at least one of the three approaches when studying Paul. The first approach is historical or chronological, where the original contexts are learned, to make some sense of the ancient puzzle. The second approach is theological or thematic, and here is where applications are more freely offered through themes that are not necessarily time-dependent. The third approach is to see Paul's letters as "epistolary," where the medium of communications is key to understanding what the message is all about. There is a conversation going on. There is a personal touch amid the theological arguments in place. There is care and tenderness as well as rebuke and harshness.

As the reader plunges into the book, the depth and richness of nuancing Paul's letters quickly becomes evident. There is a multi-dimensional reading of the letters. Chapter 1 adopts the historical approach where the culture and nature of society in 1st century Palestine are described. Gray calls this step "absolutely necessary" if anyone wants to seriously understand what Paul is trying to say. Only by understanding the ethnic, social, cultural, linguistic, and various laws of the land. It compares the Hebrew worldview with the Romans and the Greeks. It touches on the politics of the lands and the philosophies at that time. It describes the social relationships, and to highlight the uniqueness in understanding the many facets of life in the 1st Century, as well as their view of spirituality and religion. Chapter 2 is a fascinating comparison of modern letter writing and the letters of Paul. It helps readers understand what Paul is trying to say, as well as what he is NOT trying to say. This chapter alone helps us avoid some common errors in saying things about Paul, that Paul obviously will frown on. Pseudo-Libanius even lists 41 different types of letters! Of particular interest is chiasm, where rhetorical and content are beautifully placed to exact maximum effect. Gray then goes through each letter of Paul to classify them accordingly. Chapter 3 goes into the letters viewing Paul as a skilled lawyer through argumentation and precise reasoning. It is a challenge to understand the implications and also a beauty in appreciating the whole flow of thought. There is healthy exhibition of ethos (from character of person), pathos (emotional), and logos (intellectual). Paul knows his audience well, and writes in a way for the benefit of the audience. Chapter 4 focuses on Paul knowing this very audience. Drawing from both biblical, non-biblical, and extra-biblical sources, Gray gives readers a kaleidoscope of knowledge about the target audiences of each letter. Here, Gray brings clarity to the question of who the primary audience and the secondary audience are. Chapter 5 reveals Paul as an Old Testament reader himself. Paul quotes and alludes to the Old Testament often. He is very familiar and demonstrates his mastery of the Hebrew Scriptures. In fact, Gray comments that if one is to remove all the Old Testament references, very little of Paul's letters will be left for us! Chapter 6 talks about the authorship issues, confirming the authenticity of letters such as Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, Thessalonians, and Philemon, while remaining agnostic about Ephesians, Colossians, and the Pastoral epistles. Finally, Gray brings out some pointers for interested readers to ask and to research further upon. The appendices contain some historical information and classification for preachers, teachers, leaders, and laypersons to use for their teaching ministry.

My Thoughts

I have often wondered about how one man can exert such a powerful influence then and now. His letters having been canonized by the Church make for much reflection and obedience by those of us who call ourselves disciples of Christ. Paul is one disciple who has written the most, argued the most eloquently, and debated the most passionately. Imagine with me this. If the letters by themselves can be studied without knowing all the facts about the author, the audience, or the contexts, how much more will readers gain, if they get a better understanding of the background, the purpose, the original climate, as they study the letters. It will not only shed light on understanding. It raises new perspectives and powerful insights not just on how best to read Paul's letters, but a more glorious view of the Kingdom of God, for which Paul has fought a good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. All Pauline scholars, or anyone interested in the epistles of the New Testament ought to pick up this book. For in this book, it brings about greater clarity, a more nuanced understanding, and above all, a more appreciative view of what one man in Christ had to endure, in order to be a witness for God. Gray makes the technical, the scholarship, and the seemingly dry part of theology, and turns it into a concise logical flow, with thematic and highly readable style, coupled with a deep love for Scriptures that is infectious. I highly recommend this book for students and teachers of the Bible. For lack of a personal encounter with the Apostle Paul, this book is perhaps the best available for now.


Rating: 5 stars of 5

conrade

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This book is provided to me free by Baker Academic and NetGalley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

"Paul and Union with Christ" (Constantine R. Campbell)

TITLE: Paul and Union with Christ: An Exegetical and Theological Study
AUTHOR: Constantine R. Campbell
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012, (480 pages).

This book is based on the premise that exegesis shapes theology and vice versa. That is why both exegesis and theology will be employed TOGETHER in reflecting Paul's writings about the believers relationship with Christ. Two questions are used to helm the study.

1. With regards to union with Christ, what does it mean to be "in Christ?"
2. What other themes are related to this union with Christ?

While the bulk of the book is on the exegesis of the nuances of the prepositions Paul uses in describing union with Christ, Campbell suggests the use of idioms as a way to frame the understanding of the nuances. What are the meanings and functions behind the prepositions and the idioms behind the words? The author does not limit the study to the use of a Greek-English lexicon compiled by Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich, (commonly known as BDAG). He applies his own critical study of the individual prepositional uses in Paul's epistles. Part One of the book gives readers a broad survey of the historical perspectives and developments of Pauline studies. He surveys some of the teachings on union as "mysticism" through the studies of Adolph Deissmann, Wilhelm Bousset, and to some extent, Albert Schweitzer. Others like Rudolf Bultmann prefers to move away from mysticism toward a participation perspective, through the sacraments like baptism and communion. John Murray puts forth a theological perspective that sees "union with Christ" as the undergirding theme for understanding Christian theology. Alfred Wikenhauser prefers to see it as Christ's presence. Fritz Neugebauer prefers to take a more exegetical approach to understand meanings. Karl Barth proposes an objective as well as a subjective way to understand union with Christ. Like Bultmann, Robert Tannehill, and Wikenhauser's work on participation, renowed NT scholar E.P. Sanders brings in Jewish theology to strengthen the connection of both Jews and Gentiles being participatory members of Christ's salvation. Richard Gaffin, James D.G. Dunn speaks out for union with Christ as more experiential.  The author then moves to draw deeper insights into the extent of the relationship of mysticism and experience, and the connection between Pauline theology and Jewish contexts. Key to his discovery is that union does not replace or displace mysticism or experience, it is the "ground" to underline the many other theologies such as soteriology, Christology, ecclesiology, and so on.


Part Two is an exegetical feast where prepositions like (in, into, through, with, under, above, of, etc) are looked into greater detail. The idiom "ἐν Χριστῷ" (en christoi) occurs 73 times in Paul's letters may literally mean "in, into, among, with the help of, because of, etc..." it is important to let the context be the interpretive guide when understanding how Paul uses it. For example, contexts is critical to see how the preposition is used to explain either a present theme of redemption or a time-based salvation by grace. Romans 3:23 talks about the latter with regards to eternal life, while 1 Corinthians 1:4 points to a sanctifying aspect of being redeemed in Christ. It is also a critical distinction when talking about believers or unbelievers. "Into Christ" is described by the idiom "εἰς Χριστόν" (eis christon) which is closely related to "ἐν Χριστῷ" but has the special ability to hold "ideas of motion and rest" as well as some metaphorical usage. It is also considered a more "pregnant" term connecting the relationship between God and man, as well as human to human. The key distinction is that it moves toward a target or a reference.  "Together with Christ" is described by "σὺν Χριστῷ" (sun christoi) which highlights the participatory element, like co-experiencing or co-suffering, participating in life as well as in death. "Between, via, through Christ" is one explanation of the idiom "διὰ Χριστοῦ" (dia christou) which represents "instrumentality" in which something is done or achieved through the person. Romans is filled with such uses. Like Romans 3:23 of justification through faith in Christ, and Romans 5:11 through Christ we are reconciled. It is also used to describe the characteristics of believers who are able to be confident through Christ (2 Cor 3:4). Thus, "διὰ Χριστοῦ" are mostly used instrumentally and sometimes as mediatorial.  Campbell also looks at the metaphors which such prepositions and idioms point to. Like "Body of Christ," marriage, temple, building, and the clothing metaphors, which all goes to point out the relationship of God and His people. Such metaphors elucidate the spiritual realities and theological truths of "union with Christ."

Part Three is a synthesis of what has been done in order to draw out theological themes uncovered in the earlier chapters. The author weaves in the significance of "union with Christ" with the topics of interest for the Christian life. What does it means for the work of Christ? Essentially, all work in Christ springs from the truth of being in "union with Christ." Likewise, it helps us understand the relationship with the Triune Godhead, how the union with Christ and the mediation leads to a full reconciliation with the Trinity. It also confirms the believers' identity and status, with regards to Christian living and discipleship via identification with Christ. That is not all. After the description and the explanation of the importance and theological structure of the terms, Campbell leaves the readers gasping for more as he works on implications for future study. Key to it is the extension of the metaphors identified and the additional mysteries it uncovers. Moreover, there are still lots to be learned with regards to the thoughts of Paul, and the interconnected themes. 

My Thoughts

The three major conclusions of the study is this. First, "union with Christ" alone does not quite cut it. This needs at least, three other words, like "union, participation, identification, incorporation," in order to bring out the nuances of Paul's theology with regards to various theological themes like the Trinity, eschatology, spirituality, etc.   Second, Paul's theology is not a fresh new creation, but one that has been informed by Jewish theology and Jesus Himself. Third, the theology undergirding "union in Christ" is not the central theme, but is the theme that binds all other theologies together.

This book is an exegetical treasure for the interested student of Greek and New Testament biblical studies. It is a powerful work of combining diligent exegesis with faithful theological connections. For learning reasons, the book is placed systematically as exegesis first and theologizing later. This at first may look mechanical, and may appear to contradict Campbell's assertion that exegesis and application informs each other. The truth is, for all the interconnections and the methodical approaches, learning is a process. For the student, it is an important first step to be disciplined in doing a good exegesis before any initial work of applying the studied texts. The intermingling of theology and exegesis will benefit the same person who applies the process over and over again, where past learning informs the present as well as the future. This is what learning is all about. The present builds upon the past in order to create a future. For those who have learned Greek, this is a refreshing work to demonstrate the importance and the nuances of the Greek language. For those who do not understand much Greek, it is a good way to spur interest in getting into the original languages. That said, while a knowledge of Greek will definitely be helpful, the book supplies enough explanation to guide readers unfamiliar with the original language. That said, it will be helpful for the author or publisher to include some reading helps so that non-readers of Greek can at least know how to pronounce the words.

For preachers of the New Testament, this is a must-have volume to appreciate how theology and exegesis work together. For students of Greek, this exercise breathes life into a sometimes monotonous rote learning of the ancient language. For the layperson, consider this book a challenge to see the meanings often embedded within the Greek, to get a glimpse of the thoughts of Paul with regards to mysticism, the mystery, the sacraments, and the experience of living in and with Christ.

Rating: 4.75 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book is provided to me free by Zondervan and NetGalley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.