Paul Among the Apocalypses?: An Evaluation of the 'Apocalyptic Paul' in the Context of Jewish and Christian Apocalyptic Literature

by J. P. Davies

Overview

A vibrant and growing field of discussion in contemporary New Testament studies is the question of 'apocalyptic' thought in Paul. What is often lacking in this discussion, however, is a close comparison of Paul's would-be apocalyptic theology with the Jewish and Christian apocalyptic literature of his time, and the worldview that literature expresses. This book addresses that challenge.

Covering four key theological themes (epistemology, eschatology, cosmology and soteriology), J. P. Davies places Paul 'among the apocalypses' in order to evaluate recent attempts at outlining an 'apocalyptic' approach to his letters. While affirming much of what those approaches have argued, and agreeing that 'apocalyptic' is a crucial category for an understanding of the apostle, Davies also raises some important questions about the dichotomies which lie at the heart of the 'apocalyptic Paul' movement.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780567669520
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	06/16/2016
Series:	The Library of New Testament Studies
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	224
File size:	509 KB

About the Author

J. P. Davies is Tutor in New Testament at Trinity College, Bristol, UK.
James P. Davies is Tutor in New Testament at Trinity College, Bristol, UK.

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
1. Perplexed by the 'apocalyptic Paul'?
2. Epistemology: Revelation and Wisdom
3. Eschatology: 'Irruption' and History
4. Cosmology: Heaven and Earth
5. Soteriology: Deliverance and Justice
6. Conclusions: Questioning the Dichotomies
Bibliography
Indexes

Editorial Reviews

…this work is lucid and well-written, and Davies argues his thesis well. Davies’s approach in summarizing opposing views is balance … Davies makes contributions in at least four areas: (1) he traces the flow of thought within the “apocalyptic Paul” movement; (2) he helpfully explains the complexities behind defining the “slippery” terms “apocalyptic” and “cosmology”; (3) he illuminates and corrects many of the false dichotomies apparent within this movement; and (4) he fills a lacuna in Pauline studies by reading Paul against the backdrop of select Jewish and Christian apocalypses.” – Southeastern Theological Review

From the Publisher