Paul's 'works of the law' in the perspective of second century reception
By: Matthew J. Thomas
Series: Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen zum Neuen Testament. 2. Reihe -- 468; Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen zum Neuen Testament -- 468.
Publisher: Mohr Siebeck
Published: 2018
Place of publication: Tübingen
Language: eng
Number of pages: 269
ISBN-13: 9783161562754; 9783161562815
Copyright date: 2018
Subjects: Criticism, interpretation; Jewish law; Justification (Christian theology); Law (Theology); Biblical teaching; History; Fathers of the church; Bible
Description: Paul writes that we are justified by faith apart from 'works of the law', a disputed term that represents a fault line between 'old' and 'new' perspectives on Paul. Was the Apostle reacting against the Jews' good works done to earn salvation, or the Mosaic Law's practices that identified the Jewish people? Matthew J. Thomas examines how Paul's second century readers understood these points in conflict, how they relate to 'old' and 'new' perspectives, and what their collective witness suggests about the Apostle's own meaning. Surprisingly, these early witnesses align closely with the 'new' perspective, though their reasoning often differs from both viewpoints. They suggest that Paul opposes these works neither due to moralism, nor primarily for experiential or social reasons, but because the promised new law and covenant, which are transformative and universal in scope, have come in Christ. --
Notes: Slightly revised version of the author's doctoral dissertation.

Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Oxford.

Includes bibliographical references (pages [231]-246) and indexes.
Table of contents: title: Introduction, theory and methodology; title: The old perspective on works of the law; title: The new perspective on works of the law; title: The Didache (C); title: The Epistle of Barnabas (C); title: Ignatius of Antioch (B); title: The epistle to Diognetus (B); title: The Apology of Aristedes (C); title: Justin Martyr (A): Dialogue with Trypho; title: Melito of Sardis (B): Perio Pascha; title: Irenaeus of Lyon (A): Against Heresies and Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching; title: Conclusions.