Approaches to Paul

by Magnus Zetterholm

Publisher:

Fortress Press

, 2009

Overview

What distinguishes the "new perspective on Paul"—and what lies beyond it? What are scholars saying about Paul and the Roman Empire or about the intersection between feminist and postcolonial interpretation of Paul? Magnus Zetterholm provides a clear and reliable guide to these and other lively issues in the contemporary study of Paul, surveying the history of the principal perspectives on Paul's relation to Judaism and the Jewish law and showing the relationships between answers given to those questions and the assumptions scholars bring to other issues as well. This is an indispensable handbook for the beginning student of the apostle and his thought.

Key Features

• Bibliographical references
• Notes and indexes

Contents

Top Highlights

“Traditionally, Christian faith has been constructed over and against Jewish works-righteousness.” (Page 2)

“However, it is also possible to see Paul as the representative of a universalistic, messianic, Jewish movement, for which the main problem was the salvation of the non-Jews.” (Page 10)

“I firmly believe that trying to understand Paul as connected to Judaism, rather than in conflict with Judaism, is a better perspective when searching for the historical Paul.” (Page x)

“that there are many historical issues that cannot be determined only from the ancient texts” (Page 4)

“In general, I approach the issue of Paul and Judaism from a secular perspective.” (Page x)

Praise for the Print Edition

Introducing anyone to the complex development in Paul studies in the last two centuries, or even just the last few decades, presents a daunting task. Zetterholm provides a clear, concise discussion of the issues and various solutions offered. Just as importantly, he examines each in dynamic interaction with the others. This is a unique resource for the teacher as well as the student—an indispensable classroom text for the study of Paul.

—Soebbing Visiting Scholar, Rockhurst University

This extremely useful book provides a wealth of unformation on the history of modern Pauline scholarship. The book is remarkably fair and accurate in its descriptions of scholars' work. Best of all, it is a one-of-a-kind resource for teachers who wish to provide students with a thorough, clear, and balanced overview of the various perspectives on Paul.

—Pamela Eisenbaum, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, Iliff School of Theology, Denver

Product Details

• Title: Approaches to Paul
• Author: Magnus Zetterholm
• Publisher: Fortress Press
• Publication Date: 2009
• Pages: 288

About Magnus Zetterholm

Magnus Zetterholm is Associate Professor of New Testament Studies at Lund University, Sweden. He is the author of The Formation of Christianity in Antioch: A Social-Scientific Approach to the Separation Between Judaism and Christiantity, editor of The Messiah in Early Judaism and Christianity, and coeditor of The Ancient Synagogue from Its Origins until 200 C.E.