Paul Among the Apocalypses?: An Evaluation of the ‘Apocalyptic Paul’ in the Context of Jewish and Christian Apocalyptic Literature (Library of New Testament Studies | LNTS)

by J. P. Davies

Publisher:

Bloomsbury

, 2016

Overview

A vibrant and growing field of discussion in contemporary New Testament studies is the question of ‘apocalyptic’ thought in Paul. What is often lacking in this discussion, however, is a close comparison of Paul’s would-be apocalyptic theology with the Jewish and Christian apocalyptic literature of his time, and the worldview that literature expresses. This book addresses that challenge.

Covering four key theological themes (epistemology, eschatology, cosmology and soteriology), J. P. Davies places Paul ‘among the apocalypses’ in order to evaluate recent attempts at outlining an ‘apocalyptic’ approach to his letters. While affirming much of what those approaches have argued, and agreeing that ‘apocalyptic’ is a crucial category for an understanding of the apostle, Davies also raises some important questions about the dichotomies which lie at the heart of the ‘apocalyptic Paul’ movement.

Key Features

• Evaluates the “apocalyptic Paul” movement through an examination of its major theological moves
• Explores 1 Enoch, 4 Ezra, 2 Baruch and Revelation
• Addresses themes of epistemology, eschatology, cosmology and soteriology

Contents

• Perplexed by the ‘apocalyptic Paul’?
• Epistemology: Revelation and Wisdom
• Eschatology: ‘Irruption’ and History
• Cosmology: Heaven and Earth
• Soteriology: Deliverance and Justice
• Conclusions: Questioning the Dichotomies

Praise for the Print Edition

This study reliably conveys the broad outlines for those who know nothing about the ‘apocalyptic Paul’ movement, while adding enough well sourced material to interest those more familiar with it.

—Bulletin for Biblical Research

this work is lucid and well-written, and Davies argues his thesis well. Davies’s approach in summarizing opposing views is balance … Davies makes contributions in at least four areas: (1) he traces the flow of thought within the “apocalyptic Paul” movement; (2) he helpfully explains the complexities behind defining the “slippery” terms “apocalyptic” and “cosmology”; (3) he illuminates and corrects many of the false dichotomies apparent within this movement; and (4) he fills a lacuna in Pauline studies by reading Paul against the backdrop of select Jewish and Christian apocalypses.

—Southeastern Theological Review

Davies’ study provides a good insight in the current discourse on the apocalyptic in anglophone research. It offers a helpful differentiation in the problem of apocalyptical Paul who is not that one-sided dualistic apostle he is long thought to have been.

—Biblische Zeitschrift

Product Details

• Title: Paul Among the Apocalypses? An Evaluation of the ‘Apocalyptic Paul’ in the Context of Jewish and Christian Apocalyptic Literature
• Editor: Chris Keith
• Series: Library of New Testament Studies (LNTS)
• Publisher: T&T Clark
• Publication Date: 2016
• Pages: 224
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Topic: Pauline Studies

About J. P. Davies

James P. Davies is Tutor in New Testament at Trinity College, Bristol, UK.

Sample Pages from Paul Among the Apocalypses?: An Evaluation of the ‘Apocalyptic Paul’ in the Context of Jewish and Christian Apocalyptic Literature (Library of New Testament Studies | LNTS)

Sample Pages from the Print Edition