Paul, the Law, and the Jewish People

by E.P. Sanders

Book Overview

This book is devoted both to the problem of Paul's view of the law as a whole, and to his thought about and relation to his fellow Jews. Building upon his previous study, the critically acclaimed Paul and Palestinian Judaism, E.P. Sanders explores Paul's Jewishness by concentrating on his overall relationship to Jewish tradition and thought. Sanders addresses such topics as Paul's use of scripture, the degree to which he was a practicing Jew during...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0800618785
• ISBN13: 9780800618780
• Release Date: June 1983
• Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishing
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

foundational Paul

E.P.Sanders started a new look into Paul. It is a hard read, but worth it. E.P. Sanders is cited so often in other works that you really should read him yourself! E.P. Sanders doesn't claim to know all of the answers and he gives plenty of other viewpoints than his own. Read this along with N.T Wright, but watch out for subtle supersessionism.

Not For The Neophyte

Sanders eloquently describes 1st century Judaism and the relationship of the Jewish people to the Law of Moses. He explains the meaning of covenant without the usual Christian revisionism. The Jews work to fulfill the law Not to be saved, (a Christian idea), but rather because they are already beneficiaries of the covenant. Paul's problem with the Judaism of his past is not because of anything necessarily wrong with it, but simply because it is not "Christianity". A ready reference for biblical scholars and informed amateurs, this text is not an easy read, but well worth the effort.