Description
Since the time of the Reformation, considerable attention has been given to the theme of justification in the thought of the apostle Paul. The ground breaking work of E. P. Sanders in 'Paul and Palestinian Judaism' (1977) introduced the 'new perspective on Paul', provoking an ongoing debate which is now dominated by major protagonists. Foundational theological issues are at stake.
In this new study, Mark Seifrid offers a comprehensive analysis of Paul's understanding of justification, in the light of important themes including the righteousness of God, the Old Testament law, faith and the destiny of Israel. A detailed examination of the theme in the epistle to the Romans is followed by a survey of the entire Pauline corpus. The analysis incorporates a critical assessment of the 'new perspective', challenging its most basic assumptions; an evaluation of the contribution of recent German scholarship; and a reaffirmation of the 'Christ-centred' theology of the Reformers. In this wide-ranging exposition of the biblical message of justification, Dr Seifrid provides a fresh, balanced reworking of Pauline theology.
Endorsements
"This is a very significant discussion of key themes in Pauline theology which will require some revision of the new orthodox interpretation. This book is a solid rather than an exciting treatment but some of the conclusions are more satisfactory than the positions he critiques. Highly recommended."
-Association of Christian Teachers
"... a book for specialists ... Seifrid offers a wide-ranging discussion with a detailed exegesisi of Paul's theology of justification ... he critically examines some views of modern scholarship. There are detailed footnotes and an extensive bibliography, including recent German writings. This is a book to be studied rather than used for reference."
-Methodist Recorder
Table of Contents
Series preface
1. The conversion of Paul as the justification of the ungodly
The pre-Christian Paul and the nation of Israel
Paul and ethnicity
Paul and the exile
Paul's conversion
Paul's pursuit of the law
Paul's persecution of the church
Paul's conversion according to Acts
Conclusion
2. The righteousness of God: the message of Romans
The revelation of the 'righteousness of God'
Faith and the revelation of God's righteousness
The 'righteousness of God' in biblical usage
The 'righteousness of God' revealed in the gospel
The justification of God and the ungodly
The righteousness of God's wrath against idolatry
The impartiality of divine judgment
The possession of the law as no advantage
The advantage of the Jew in the oracles of God
The law of God and the righteousness of God
The righteousness of God in Christ
Justification and hope
3. Beyond Romans: justification by faith in the letters of Paul
The Thessalonian correspondence
Galatians
The Corinthian correspondence
Philippians
Justification in the later letters of Paul
4. The righteousness of God and the law of God
Paul's legal terms
'Law' and related terms
'Letter' in Paul's usage
The 'works of the law'
The law as witness to the righteousness of God in Christ
Selected passages from Galatians
Galatians 2: 15-21
Galatians 3: 1 - 4: 7
Galatians 4: 21-31
2 Corinthians 3: 1-18
Romans 7: 1 - 8: 11
Romans 9: 30 - 10:13
Summary
5. The justification of the ungodly and the obedience of faith
Faith as God's work through the gospel
Faith as obedience to the gospel
The faith of Christ
Faith and justification
Justification by faith and judgment according to works
6. The justification of ungodly Israel and the nations
Israel as the creation of God's promise
God's righteousness and Israel's rejection
The triumph of God in Israel's redemption
Israel's exile in Romans 9 - 11
7. Justification in Paul, the New Testament witness and beyond
Justification as verdict and verdication
Justification in the witness of the New Testament
Faith, works, and justification according to James
Justification and Protestant-Roman Catholic dialogues
Christian preaching of the gospel
Bibliography
Index of authors
Index of subjects
Index of Bible references
Index of ancient writings
Product Details
Title: Christ our righteousness: Paul'S Theology Of Justification
Author: Mark A. Seifrid
Publisher: Apollos
Pages: 224
Binding: Paperback
Size: 21.7 x 14.0 x 1.7 cm
ISBN: 9780851114705