Paul Crisis In Galatia

This is the second edition of a work which first appeared in 1979. The first edition gave an interpretation of Paul's Letters to the Galatians which proceeded along the following lines: firstly, Paul's opponents at Galatia were Jewish Christians who believed that Gentiles had to accept the Law in order to be saved; secondly, that Paul first revealed his noncircumcision gospel to James, Cephas and John at the Jerusalem Conference; thirdly, Paul's view of justification by faith was seen in terms of Christ keeping faith with Abraham's promise that all nations would be blessed; and fourthly, that Paul considered Torah as binding upon Jewish Christians, but not upon Gentiles. In his second edition, the author brings the discussion into line with his present thinking, and proposes a more nuanced view of the Galatian opponents. These, he feels, did not all share the same opinions, although they were Jewish Christians. The chief discrepancy in their views consisted in the fact that some believed all Gentiles would be saved at the present time if they kept the Law, while others thought the Gentiles would be saved, rather, at the dawn of the age to come.

"With updated bibliography"--Copyright page.

Todd Wilson assesses Paul’s references to the Law in the so-called “ethical” section of Galatians in light of a fresh appraisal of the Galatian crisis. He contributes to the continuing debate over the relevance of this section of the letter for the rest of Galatians and for the situation in Galatia.

Focusing on Paul's own statement about the Galatian crisis, Yon Kwon demonstrates that the letter is about Paul's pastoral engagement with the backsliding Galatians rather than his theological altercation with his opponents. Paul deals with the crisis in Galatia by reminding the Galatians of the implications of their present deviation for their future - the 'not yet' -, instead of affirming the blessings already realized in Christ by keeping in step with the Spirit - the 'already'.

This is the second edition of a work which first appeared in 1979. The first edition gave an interpretation of Paul's Letters to the Galatians which proceeded along the following lines: firstly, Paul's opponents at Galatia were Jewish Christians who believed that Gentiles had to accept the Law in order to be saved; secondly, that Paul first revealed his noncircumcision gospel to James, Cephas and John at the Jerusalem Conference; thirdly, Paul's view of justification by faith was seen in terms of Christ keeping faith with Abraham's promise that all nations would be blessed; and fourthly, that Paul considered Torah as binding upon Jewish Christians, but not upon Gentiles. In his second edition, the author brings the discussion into line with his present thinking, and proposes a more nuanced view of the Galatian opponents. These, he feels, did not all share the same opinions, although they were Jewish Christians. The chief discrepancy in their views consisted in the fact that some believed all Gentiles would be saved at the present time if they kept the Law, while others thought the Gentiles would be saved, rather, at the dawn of the age to come.

This lively, engaging introduction to the New Testament is critical yet faith-friendly, lavishly illustrated, and accompanied by a variety of pedagogical aids, including sidebars, maps, tables, charts, diagrams, and suggestions for further reading. The full-color interior features art from around the world that illustrates the New Testament's impact on history and culture. The first edition has been well received (over 60,000 copies sold). This new edition has been thoroughly revised in response to professor feedback and features an updated interior design. It offers expanded coverage of the New Testament world in a new chapter on Jewish backgrounds, features dozens of new works of fine art from around the world, and provides extensive new online material for students and professors available through Baker Academic's Textbook eSources.

Originally presented as the author's thesis (doctoral)--Australian Catholic University, 2007.

In this important study Hays argues against the mainstream that any attempt to account for the nature and method of Paul's theological language must first reckon with the centrality of narrative elements in his thought. Through an in-depth investigation of Galatians 3:1-4:11, Hays shows that the framework of Paul's thought is neither a system of doctrines nor his personal religious experience but the "sacred story" of Jesus Christ.