Pauline theology mainly consists of the teachings and doctrines adopted especially by Apostle Paul in his writings in the New Testament. The majority of Christians depend on the theology of Paul to understand and interpret Jesus Teachings. Paul’s theology is in line with the teachings and ministry of Jesus Christ as well as other New Testament writings. Researchers and intellectuals have made contributions concerning Pauline theology. Rediscovering Paul and When in Romans are examples of such contributions to Pauline theology which captures Paul’s actions, teachings, believes and journey in his ministry.
Summary of “Rediscovering Paul” (p13-216)
Rediscovering Paul is a collaboration of the works of David Capes, Rodney Reeves and Randolph Richards which covers various aspects of the Apostle Paul’s life. The book discusses Paul’s background, an introduction to his letters, the theology behind his letters and his ministry and spirituality (Richards, Capes & Reeves, 2016). The two sections, “So What” and “What’s more” is emphasized throughout the book. Moreover, contextual, exegetical, and synthetic questions are covered in the chapters.
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The authors offer several arguments from Paul regarding shame, honor, and purity in the society by giving examples of how benefactors sheds light (Romans 15:17-30). Paul’s perspectives were different as he had his ways and thoughts thus defending and sharing his views against his critics (Richards, Capes & Reeves, 2016). In the chapter titled “Paul the Letter Writer,” Richards, Capes, and Reeves (2016) provide meaningful insights into how Paul used secretaries as well as writing logistics and letters to reach his audience. The chapter outline Paul’s three general stages: his conversion and call, his itinerant ministry, and his ministry from the prison of Paul’s ministry.
In discussing his theology, the authors believe that Paul’s theology had a Jewish foundation describing a relationship with God through Christ or simply “Christological monotheism” (Richards, Capes and Reeves, 2016). The book consists of all the letters of Paul where according to research, a collection of Paul’s work included in the oldest Pauline The uniqueness of this book is simply in the overarching view which rediscovers Paul, his life, world, and his ministry through the letters. This edition has to be given an appraisal. The boxes in the sections of “What’s more…” and “So What?” offer additional helpful information. For instance, these additional features offered a discussion of a text like 1 Corinthians (11:2-34) in the context of contemporary culture.
Summary of “When in Romans” (1-96)
Chapter 1of the book is about Gaventa’s invitation to “Watch the Horizon” where she gives out contrasting views about salvation. In this chapter, the scope of salvation is found to be cosmic (Gaventa, 2018). God’s purpose in Christ is to bring back humanity from the cosmic powers of sin and death (Romans 6). Christ’s death was meant to defeat the cosmic powers of sin and death. According to Gaventa and the support of other interpreters, Romans (5-8) is seen as the main reason for Paul’s theology in Romans. However, there is a pending question on how Romans (1–4) narrates the defeat of cosmic powers (Gaventa, 2018). Gaventa disagrees on how Paul treats salvation in the letter of Romans. Words such as "repentance" and "forgiveness" are not found in Paul's vocabulary. Gaventa goes on and says that slaves cannot escape slavery by repenting neither can they be forgiven. They can only be rescued and redeemed from outside
The understanding of Israel from Paul’s perspective is discussed in chapter two. Israel is known to be God's creation and is referred to as “ethnic” Israel in Paul’s work (Gaventa, 2018). Paul’s gospel talks about the faith of Abraham but does not include the obedience of Abraham (Romans 4). Moreover, he states that actions made by the humankind lead by Abraham are due to God’s faithfulness (Romans 4:12). An observation is made from Paul that God will save Israel as it exists by God’s creative act and not by their goodness or faithfulness (Romans 9-11). According to Paul, it is not the entire Israel that will believe in God. However, According to Gaventa, God will resolve the relationship between the salvation of Israel and the belief in Christ (Gaventa, 2018). Therefore, God will save the entire Israel regardless of their lack of belief in God. Through this, it is seen that Gavanta takes way the tension of the readers by focusing on the positive words about God’s creation and the salvation of Israel.
Key Points of the Book of Galatians and 1 & 2 Thessalonians
When writing the book of Galatians, Paul’s targeted a group of churches in the Roman Empire in the province of Galatia and not a single church. The book of Galatians is sometimes referred to as the Little Romans because the message contained in the book is similar to that of Romans (Smith, 2011). Moreover, Paul wrote the book as a response to some Jewish teachers from Jerusalem who used criticized Paul. The critics emphasized that Paul’s authority was not God-given but from men. Further, the Jewish teachers were referred to as Judaizers as they believed that the Gentiles Christians were to live by the Jewish laws (Galatians 2:11-14) (Smith, 2011). The teachings of faith in the book of Galatians were to advise the people that salvation is earned through faith and belief in Christ and not by circumcision and obeying the Jewish law (Galatians 2:16). Moreover, the book of Galatians gives positive news since one cannot worry about losing God’s love.
The book of 1Thessalonians was written by Paul to the Young and inexperienced church that was prone to making mistakes in interpreting Paul’s message. Paul's writing this book was a result of the report he received from Timothy about the faith of the church of Thessalonians (1Thessalonians 3: 6-10) (Smith, 2011). Paul talks about the event of rapture, life after death and the return of Christ since some confusion harmed the church about the last days. Moreover, this letter talks about the death, resurrection of Christ and the future Kingdom of God (1Thessalonians 4:11-18).
2 Thessalonians addresses the questions that arose from 1 Thessalonians and answers them. This letter is a form of response to the Thessalonian church regarding their concerns especially spiritual growth (2 Thessalonians 1:3-10) (Smith, 2011). The Apostle emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the only person who has the key to the future. He advises the church in believing in Christ alone to overcome temptations and in preparations of His second coming. Moreover, he says addresses the love for one another and service to others.
Conclusion
Paul’s theology has captured the interest of many Christians since there are several responses regarding the same. This is exemplified by many Pauline journals and books written by scholars giving their thoughts about the epistles of Paul in the New Testament. The epistles written by Paul have covered a huge portion of the New Testament therefore it is important in understanding the ministry of Jesus.
References
Gaventa B.R. (2018). When in Romans: An Invitation to Linger with the Gospel according to Paul. Baker Publishing Group.
Richards E.R., Capes D.B., and Reeves R. (2016). Rediscovering Paul: An Introduction to His World, Letters, and Theology (2 nd ed). IVP Academic.
Smith C.R. (2011). P aul's Journey Letters: 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Romans . Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press.
