Ep 287: Reading the Apostle Paul | Four Schools of Interpretation

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In this Theology Thursday episode, I explore the four main “schools” of Pauline interpretation, including the Traditional (or Reformational) Perspective, the New Perspective, the Apocalyptic Paul, and Paul Within Judaism. I talk about the strengths of each perspective and how they all contribute something of significance to readers of Paul. The Traditional Perspective rightly observes that grace is entirely unmerited and that believers cannot earn salvation, the New Perspective highlights that the relationship between Jews and Gentiles is central to Paul’s though, the Apocalyptic school contends that there is a radical eschatological intrusion with the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, and the Paul Within Judaism school rightly recognizes that Paul wasn’t rejecting or abandoning Judaism and must be understood within the framework of Second Temple Judaism. 

Media Referenced:

John Collins Episode: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-272-the-apocalyptic-worldview-of-ancient-judaism-and-christianity-with-john-j-collins/

Jason Staples Episode: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-278-paul-and-the-resurrection-of-israel-with-jason-staples/

Mark Nanos Episode: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-219-judeophobia-and-philippians-3-with-mark-nanos/ 

Frank Thielman Episode: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-202-paul-apostle-of-grace-with-frank-thielman/ 

Paul Duff Episode: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-276-paul-and-the-corinthians-with-paul-duff/

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