Paul’s Use of the Old Testament

by E. Earle Ellis

Publisher:

Wipf and Stock

, 2003

Overview

“The use of the Old Testament in the New has long been recognized as an important field of research,” writes the author. “Too often, however, the emphasis placed upon rabbinic and Hellenistic influences has tended to subordinate and obscure the unique place of the Old Testament in the minds and theology of the early Christian writers.”

The purpose of this volume is to discover “the rationale underlying the Pauline usage both in its textual manifestation and in its theological application.” The author concludes that, “while rabbinic Judaism has influenced the mechanics of Pauline citation, one must look to the apostolic Church and to Christ Himself to find the primary source of the apostle's understanding and use of the Old Testament.”

Key Features

• Examines Paul’s use of Old Testament quotations
• Provides insight into the influence of rabbinic Judaism and the early church
• Explores the theology of Paul’s letters

Contents

• Introduction
• Paul and His Bible
• Paul and Judaism
• Paul and the Apostolic Church
• Pauline Exegesis

Top Highlights

“The Pauline use of the OT appears in three distinct forms: quotations proper, intentional and casual allusion, and dialectic and theological themes.” (Pages 10–11)

“The sayings of Christ were regarded as the Word of God by Paul,^{8” (Page 36)}

Praise for the Print Edition

The first full-length study in English of Paul’s hermeneutical principles. One of its outstanding merits is its comparison between Paul’s interpretative methods and those employed in the biblical commentaries from Qumran. Nothing that has been discovered or published since 1957 has in any way superseded this work.

—F. F. Bruce

A standard study of this important subject. Essential reading for all those who wish to be properly equipped to study the thought of Paul.

—Barnabas Lindars

An important and valuable contribution to New Testament research.

—Martin Hengel

In the study of the use of the Old Testament in the New Testament, and especially in that of Pauline corpus, this book has been a basic instrument of research.

—Joseph A. Fitzmyer

Product Details

• Title: Paul’s Use of the Old Testament
• Author: E. Earle Ellis
• Publisher: Wipf & Stock
• Publication Date: 2003
• Pages: 216
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Topic: Pauline Studies

About E. Earle Ellis

E. Earle Ellis is Research Professor of Theology Emeritus and Scholar in Residence at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Other major publications are Paul and His Recent Interpreters, The World of St. John, The Gospel of Luke, Eschatology in Luke, Prophecy and Hermeneutic, The Old Testament in Early Christianity, Pauline Theology, The Making of the New Testament Documents, Christ and the Future in New Testament History, and History and Interpretation in New Testament Perspective.