An Introduction to the Study of Paul, 3rd ed.

by David Horrell

Publisher:

Bloomsbury

, 2015

Overview

This tried and tested introduction to Paul needs little introduction of its own. After considering Paul's importance and influence, and the important sources for the study of Paul, the volume covers the following key topics: the earliest period of Christianity - from Jesus to Paul; Paul's life before and after his 'conversion'; his individual letters; the major elements of his theology; his attitude to Israel and the Jewish law; perspectives on the Pauline assemblies, including their socio-economic location, meeting places, and attitudes towards women; and Paul's legacy in the New Testament and beyond.

The volume has been revised throughout and fully updated with respect to bibliography, and to presenting the latest debates surrounding Paul's thought in a manageable format - including those around 'old' and 'new' perspectives, with a new section on the 'radical' new Jewish perspective, and those related to the socio-economic status and character of the Pauline assemblies. The helpful study questions and reading lists have also been revised.

Key Features

• Brand new revision of one of Pauline Studies most respected introductory texts
• Includes a fully updated bibliography
• Presents accounts of the current major issues and debates in Pauline scholarship

Contents

• Introduction: Paul the man-mountain
• From Jesus to Paul: pre-Pauline Christianity
• Paul's life: before and after his encounter with Christ
• Paul the letter-writer
• Paul the theologian: the central elements of Paul's gospel
• Paul, Israel and the Jewish law
• Perspectives on the Pauline assemblies
• Paul's legacy in the New Testament and beyond
• Coming full circle: why study Paul today?

Praise for the Print Edition

This slim but substantive volume concisely surveys the many questions raised by Paul's letters and the various answers put forward by scholars. Where there is a clear consensus, the author describes it. Where there is ongoing debate-e.g., with respect to chronology, Christology, or Paul's use of scripture-he generally lays out the best arguments available for each side. One comes away with a better understanding of Paul, despite the author's modest claim that he is simply preparing students to read the apostle with a sympathetic yet critical eye. In addition to useful study questions at the end of each chapter and updated bibliographies, Horrell has augmented the text of this second edition to include discussions of the "new perspective" on Paul, the narrative substructure of his theology, the pistis Christou debate, Paul's ethics, and other topics. Highly recommended for introducing students to Pauline studies.

—Patrick Gray, Rhodes College, Religious Studies Review

Neat and succinct ... well set-out and user-friendly, detailing a range of recent discussions of Paul's career and theology.

— Pastoral Review

This is an invaluable service to anyone interested in further studies on Paul

—Bibliotheca Sacra

Product Details

• Title: An Introduction to the Study of Paul
• Author: David G. Horrell
• Edition: 3rd Revised Edition
• Publisher: T&T Clark
• Publication Date: 2015
• Pages: 248
• Resource Type: Introduction
• Topic: Pauline Studies

About David Horrell

David G. Horrell is Professor of New Testament Studies at the University of Exeter, UK. He is the author of several books, including An Introduction to the Study of Paul (T&T Clark, Second Edition 2006) and Solidarity and Difference (T&T Clark, 2005). He was the editor of the Journal for the Study of the New Testament from 2002-2007. He is an active member of the British New Testament Society, having chaired the Social World of the New Testament Seminar from 2001-2006, and is also a member of the Society for Biblical Literature (SBL) and Society for New Testament Studies (SNTS). He completed his PhD at Cambridge on Paul's Corinthian letters and the letter known as 1 Clement.