Description: A sharp challenge to traditional ways of understanding Paul is sounded in this book by a distinguished interpreter of the New Testament. Krister Stendahl proposes-in the key title essay-new ways of exploring Paul's speech: Paul must be heard as one who speaks of his call rather than conversion, of justification rather than forgiveness, or weakness rather than sin, of love rather than integrity, and in unique rather than universal language. The title essay is complemented by the landmark paper, "Paul and the Introspective Conscience of the West," and by two seminal explorations of Pauline issues, "Judgement and Mercy" and "Glossolalia-The New Testament Evidence." The book concludes with Stendahl's pointed reply to the eminent scholar Ernst Kasemann who has taken issue with the author's revolutionary interpretations. This volume provides convincingly new ways for viewing Paul, the most formative of Christian teachers.
Customer Reviews
Review Summary: Looking for a good book on Paul
Date: 2008-09-23
Details: If you are looking for a good book on Paul this is one that should consider. I enjoyed what Stendahl had to say about Paul. Take a look at this good book.
Review Summary: Paul Among Jews and Gentiles and Other Essays
Date: 2007-07-24
Details: In only 133 pages Krister Stendahl, retired Swedish Lutheran Bishop and former Dean and Professor of New Testament at Harvard Divinity School, debunks the Post-Reformation view of Paul's doctrine of justification as a creature of the "introspective conscience of the West." Stendahl argues brilliantly that Paul's primary task was to make the Gospel available to the Gentiles without the demands of the Jewish Law, even while Paul himself believed he had no "personal difficulties in obeying the law." Hence, Paul's arguments about justification do not stem from a personal struggle with legalism, but as an explanation for inclusion of the Gentiles in the Church.The implications for ecclesiology, preaching, and interfaith relations are apparent. I heatily recommend this series of essays. - The Rev. Dr. Jeffrey M. Kirk, Cherry Hill, NJ
Review Summary: Turning point
Date: 2004-08-16
Details: in recently studies Paul has been accepted founder of christianity. Although page number was few Paul Among Jews and Gentiles offers very important ideas on Paul. Prof Stendahl especially focuses on Paul's conversion and insist that Paul's conversion on Damascus was a call to be apostle to the gentiles than conversion from one religion to another. According to Stendahl's view it is obvious that Paul remains as a jew as he fulfills his role as an apostle to the gentiles. The Book which has been maintained its important since 1976 is used reference book in Studies on Paul.
Review Summary: Great for understanding the Jewish side of Paul
Date: 1999-08-25
Details: This is a great book for anyone who is truthfully looking for an account of the new testament, especially on Paul, in light of Judaism. The book is a compilation of a few essays in which Mr. Stendahl, a bishop from Sweden, displays an unusually gifted insight and discernment between Paul and the introspective Western conscience, which unfortunately plagues Christianity in America today. Anyone who reads this book will definitely be enlightened and will acquire a new, authoritative way of looking at Scripture.
out of 4 Reviews
