Paul Firesale

As I'm currently taking a class on modern interpretations of Paul, I felt obligated to note that several titles relating to the ancient genius are currently on sale at Dove:

Christophersen, Alf Carsten Claussen, Jorg Frey, Bruce Longenecker (eds)
Paul, Luke and the Graeco Roman World: Essays in Honour of Alexander J M Wedderburn
(T & T Clark International, 2003)
Paperback List: $84.00 Dove Price: $26.99
Save $57.01 (68%)

The contributors to this volume are David Aune, Stephen Barton, Richard Bauckham, Richard Bell, James Dunn, Ferdinand Hahn, Christina Hoegen-Rohls, Robert Jewett, Hans Klein, H.-W. Kuhn, David Moessner, Stanley Porter, Heikki Raisanen, Margaret Thrall, Christopher Tuckett, Oda Wischmeyer and Christian Wolff. The topics include, among others, Paulinism in Acts, a comparision of the Lord's Supper with cultic meals in Qumran and in Hellenistic cults, glossolalia in Acts, the Lukan prologue, 'new creation' in Paul, and Adama and Christ in Romans. The volume is compiled in honour of A.J.M. (Sandy) Wedderburn, of the University of Munich, formerly of St Andrews and Durham, and a bibliography of his writings is included.

Ehrensperger, Kathy
That We May Be Mutually Encouraged: Feminism and the New Perspective in Pauline Studies
(T & T Clark International, 2004)
Paperback List: $55.00 Dove Price: $11.99
Save $43.01 (78%)

There has been a revolutionary shift of thinking in Pauline Studies, fundamentally changing the image of Paul. Postmodern literary criticism of Paul's epistles and sociorhetorical criticism of his letters has created a "New Perspective" approach to Pauline studies. At the same time, feminist criticism of the Pauline corpus has been growing. Unfortunately there has been hardly any interaction and exchange of research results between these different strands of scholarship. The result of this is that in Pauline studies scholars are hardly aware of feminist perspectives. Similarly, feminist interpretations of Paul, not fully conversant with the most recent strands of Pauline research, are often based on traditional images of Paul. Ehrensperger's analysis of feminist commentaries on Paul thus contains a rather negative depiction of theological thinking. However, both strands of research, feminist and those of the "New Perspective," provide fresh and illuminating insights that emphasize similar aspects from different perspectives. Ehrensperger advocates a closer interaction between these two schools of Pauline studies. She analyzes Romans 14-15, exploring the results of recent research in both Pauline schools. Pauline studies from the 'New Perspective' emphasizes the Jewish context and texture of Paul's thinking. She sets these in dialogue with feminist theology, which focuses on issues of identity, diversity, and relationality. Her study results in a perspective on Paul which views him as a significant dialogue partner in the search for a theology beyond anti-Semitism and misogyny, beyond force and domination.

Contents Acknowledgments Pt. 1 Hermeneutics and presuppositions 1 Introduction 1 2 Changing perspectives 5 3 Different perspectives 43 Pt. 2 Paul in contemporary studies and theologies 4 Paul - beyond the new perspective 123 5 Paul in feminist perspectives 161 6 "That we may be mutually encouraged" (Rom 1:12) 177 7 Conclusion 195 Bibliography 203 Index 234

Harvey, A E
Renewal Through Suffering: A Study of 2 Corinthians
(T & T Clark International, 1996)
Hardcover List: $108.00 Dove Price: $27.99
Save $80.01 (74%)

This book represents a fresh approach to the study of 2 Corinthians. In the first chapter of the epistle, Paul recounts how he had been faced suddenly with the prospect of imminent death. Either he had succumbed to a severe illness or was suffering the effects of savage persecution. In either case Dr. Harvey believes that some of the profound but difficult language in the central chapters may best be explained by reference to this traumatic event. He begins by exploring the social, economic and religious consequences of illness or disability in antiquity and the radically new understanding of suffering to which Paul was led by his near-death experience. The remainder of the book takes the form of a running commentary, bringing out the implications of this biographical approach for understanding the text of 2 Corinthians. Despite addressing detailed questions of a technical nature, this study is presented in a clear and readable form and will prove illuminating for all those - scholars, students, or more general readers - interested in St. Paul and 2 Corinthians.

Contents Preface Abbreviations Ch. 1 The Tribulations in Ephesus 2 Cor. 1.3-9 Ch. 2 The Aftermath 2 Cor. 1.10-4.6 Ch. 3 The Renewing Experience 2 Cor. 4.7-7.16 Ch. 4 The Commissioning 2 Cor. 8-9 Ch. 5 The Apologia 2 Cor. 10-13 Ch. 6 Renewal through Suffering Bibliography Index of References Index of Modern Authors General Index

Heyer, C J Den
Paul: A Man of Two Worlds
(Trinity Press International, 2000)
Paperback List: $39.95 Dove Price: $9.99
Save $29.96 (75%)

The apostle Paul is a controversial figure, both admired and reviled. His letters have influenced creeds and dogmatic statements, but he is also accused of turning the "simple" gospel that Jesus preached into a complex dogmatic system. Furthermore, on the authority of Paul, women have been given second place in church and society for many centuries. The "apostle to the Gentiles" has sometimes been a source of inspiration, but he has more often than not been a stumbling block when Jews and Christians meet. This book tackles all of these and other issues surrounding Paul and presents him for the widest possible audience. With his enviable gift for clear and popular writing, C. J. den Heyer here takes on a particularly difficult task and shows great mastery in offering a detailed portrait of one of the most controversial figures in the ancient world.

Hunt, Allen R
Inspired Body: Paul, the Corinthians and Divine Inspiration
(Mercer University Press, 1996)
Paperback List: $19.95 Dove Price: $5.99
Save $13.96 (70%)

The Inspired Body examines 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 in an effort to understand one example of an early Christian view of divine inspiration. First, Allen Hunt examines other ancient descriptions of the phenomenon of divine inspiration, with particular interest in those descriptions that include a notion of the human search for the divine mind, a notion that is central to Paul's discussion in 1 Corinthians 2:6-16. The investigation seeks to identify who is described as inspired in these other ancient texts and also how that inspiration is explained. Representative ancient writers, including Plato, Plutarch, Julian, Philo, and Josephus, are examined. The work then investigates the details of Paul's discussion of divine inspiration in 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 and uses the parallel ancient discussions to elucidate Paul's argument. This book changes how 1 Corinthians, in particular chapters 2, 3, 12, and 14, is to be read, and reframes the question of divine inspiration.

Contents Preface Abbreviations and Citations Introduction The Problem Previous Scholarship The Present Study Part I: I Corinthians 2:6-16 In Its Cultural Context Chapter 1: Ancient Inquiry Into the Divine Mind: The Greek Tradition Greek Drama and Poetry Plato Plutarch Julian Conclusions Chapter 2: Ancient Inquiry Into the Divine Mind: The Jewish Tradition Philo Josephus Apocalyptic and LXX Traditions Excursus: Post--Pauline Christian Literature Conclusions Chapter 3: A First Look at 1 Cor 2:6-16 Part II: A New Reading of I Corinthians 2:6-16 and Its Implications Chapter 4: 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 and Inspired Community 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 Within Its Epistolary Setting The Language of Inspiration and Divine Inquiry in 1 Cor 2:6-16 The Church as Inspired Community Conclusions Chapter 5: 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 and Communal Division Paul's Use of Irony Paul's Modification of Communal Behavior The Topoi of Two Levels of Teachings and Secret Doctrines Conclusions Chapter 6: The Inspired Body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12 The Issue of Inspired Speech (1 Cor 12:1-3) The Specifics of Communal Inspiration (1 Cor 12:4-13) The Equality of Inspiration (1 Cor 12:22-26) The Proper Allegiance of Christians (1 Cor 12:27-31) Conclusions Chapter 7: 1 Corinthians 14 and Corporate Worship 14:1-12: Inspired Speech and Redone 14:13-19: The Criterion of the 14:20-25: Community, Childishness, and Ecstasy Communal Reciprocity in 14:26-36 Recapitulation and Sarcasm: 14:37-40 Conclusions Conclusions Bibliographies Reference Works Ancient Sources: Texts, Editions, and Translations Secondary Literature Cited Indexes

Polaski, Sandra Hack
Paul and the Discourse of Power
(T & T Clark International, 1999)
Paperback List: $72.00 Dove Price: $20.99
Save $51.01 (71%)

Drawing on postmodern theory's insights regarding discourse, ideology and power, this book explores the ways Paul navigated fluctuating and complex relationships of power with his churches, contributing to a discourse that defined the power dynamics of early Christianity. With respect to his own converts as well as other leaders of the early church, and in the heart of his theological language, Paul is seen to take part in a discourse that reinforces his apostolic authority.

Porter, Stanley E Craig A Evans (eds)
Pauline Writings
(T & T Clark International, 1995)
Paperback List: $70.00 Dove Price: $22.99
Save $47.01 (67%)

This volume collects the best articles on the Pauline writings from the first fifty issues of the Journal for the Study of the New Testament. The range of the volume reflects the breadth of the journal itself. Here the reader will find ground-breaking studies which introduce new critical questions and move into fresh areas of enquiry, surveys of the state of play in this particular topic of New Testament studies, and articles which engage with each other in specific debates. For students this book offers an invaluable critical introduction to Pauline studies. More advanced students and scholars can use it to find background material or to gain an overview of the research in this area of scholarship. This builds on the reputation of JSNT as a conduit for first-class research and a major influence within the scholarly community.

Contents Paul the Apostle E. Best / Paul's Apostolic Authority - ? D. Luhrmann / Paul and the Pharisaic Tradition W.O. Walker / Acts and the Pauline Corpus Reconsidered Pauline Interpretation of Sacred Tradition J.W. Aageson / Typology, Correspondence, and the Application of Scripture in Romans 9-11 A. T. Hanson / The Midrash in 2 Corinthians 3: A Reconsideration W.A. Meeks / And Rose up to Play: Midrash and Paranesis in 1 Corinthians 10: 1-22 J.A. Ziesler / The Role of the Tenth Commandment in Romans 7 Pauline Theology K. Snodgrass / Spheres of Influence: A Possible Solution to the Problem of Paul and the Law J. Piper / The Demonstration of the Righteousness of God in Romans 3: 25, 26 C.L. Mearns / Early Eschatological Development in Paul: The Evidence of 1 Corinthians C. Rowland / Apocalyptic Visions and the Exaltation of Christ in the Letter to the Colossians Pauline Letter-Form and Rhetoric L. Alexander / Hellenistic Letter-Forms and the Structure of Philippians J.M.G. Barclay / Mirror-Reading a Polemical Letter: Galatians as a Test Case F. Young / The Pastoral Epistles and the Ethics of Reading Index of References Index of Authors

Thuren, Lauri
Derhetorizing Paul: A Dynamic Perspective on Pauline Theology and the Law
(Trinity Press International, 2002)
Paperback List: $27.95 Dove Price: $8.99
Save $18.96 (68%)

When we read 1 Thessalonians 1:8, Paul seems to be calling for an end to all missionary activity: "In every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to speak a word." Given what we know about Paul, this notion strikes Christian readers as very curious. According to Lauri Thur?n, Paul and his listeners would find modern Pauline scholarship and interpretation equally curious. Expressions like the one from 1 Thessalonians were never meant to be taken at face value, and have promoted sophisticated but erroneous theological and historical reflections. These errors are due not only to the scholarly ignorance of ancient rhetorical and epistolary conventions, but also to a static attitude toward the text itself. Thur?n offers a different kind of study, one based on a natural and dynamic reading of Paul's letters. These letters need to be stripped of rhetoric, he says, in order to describe any theology beyond the texts. This means identifying persuasive devices in Pauline texts in order to filter out their effect on the theological ideas expressed.

Contents Preface Pt. I The Dynamics of Paul's Writings 1 Towards a Sensible Interpretation of Paul 2 Was Paul a Theologian? 3 From a Static to a Dynamic View of Paul's Text 4 Was Paul Sincere? Pt. II The Law in Paul's Theology 1 Solutions with Problems 2 The Law in Galatians 3 The Law Strikes Back: Romans and 1 Cor 4 What Was Wrong With the Law? Pt. III Paul Derhetorized? 1 Summary 2 Concluding Remarks on the Dynamic Perspective Literature Indices Thur?n applies this principle to a controversial issue in Pauline theology, the question of law. He claims that Paul's exaggerated statements correspond to his hyperbolic way of thinking. Paul's search for consistency on the Old Testament, Thur?n claims, was a major reason for his revolt against the Law. Derhetorizing Paul offers a bold new reading of Paul's letters and a striking reinterpretation of Pauline theology.

Wedderburn, A J M (ed)
Paul and Jesus: Collected Essays
(T & T Clark International, 2004)
Paperback List: $72.00 Dove Price: $21.99
Save $50.01 (69%)

The relationship between the messages of Jesus and Paul, once dubbed by one scholar 'the second founder of Christianity', must count as one of the most central issues in the study of the New Testament. The essays collected in this volume first survey the history of the study of this problem, and look at some of the main evidence for supposing that the connection between Jesus and Paul was slight, notably the paucity of Paul's references to Jesus' teachings and his seeming disinterest in the earthly Jesus. Other essays take up the question of the continuity between the teaching and the manner of life of the two men, and raise the question how this continuity may have been mediated from one to the other. A final essay raises the question how far Paul's statements about Christ were related to the earthly life of Jesus. This volume brings together a number of substantial contributions to this question, by Professor V.P. Furnish of Dallas, by two scholars from the German Democratic Republic, Professor N. Walter and Dr C. Wolff, and by the editor; some are published for the first time, some are here made available in English for the first time.

Contents 1. Alexander J. M. Wedderburn / Introduction 2. Victor Paul Furnish / The Jesus-Paul Debate: From Baur to Bultmann 3. Nikolaus Walter / Paul and the Early Jesus Tradition 4. Christian Wolff / True Apostolic Knowledge of Christ: Exegetical Reflections of 2 Corinthians 5:14ff 5. Alexander J. M. Wedderburn / Paul and Jesus: The Problem of Continuity 6. Alexander J. M. Wedderburn / Paul and Jesus: Similarity and Continuity 7. Christian Wolff / Humility and Self-Denial in Jesus' Life and Message and in the Apostolic Existence of Paul 8. Alexander J. M. Wedderburn / Paul and the Story of Jesus 9. Alexander J. M. Wedderburn / Postscript Index of passages cited Index of authors cited

New Testament Notes: Week 4 (Wednesday)

Unfortunately, no notes from Monday (as I was out of town), but here are some riveting observations from the second lecture of the week, primarily on the Gospel of Luke:

RELC 122 Notes: 2/4

RBL Highlights: 2/8/09

Selections from the most recent Review of Biblical Literature:

J. Edward Ellis
Paul and Ancient Views of Sexual Desire: Paul's Sexual Ethics in 1 Thessalonians 4, 1 Corinthians 7 and Romans 1
Reviewed by James W. Aageson

Steven D. Fraade, Aharon Shemesh, and Ruth A. Clements, eds.
Rabbinic Perspectives: Rabbinic Literature and the Dead Sea Scrolls (Proceedings of the Eighth International Symposium of the Orion Center for the Study of the Dead Sea Scrolls and Associated Literature, 7-9 January, 2003)
Reviewed by Moshe J. Bernstein

Donald E. Hartley
The Wisdom Background and Parabolic Implications of Isaiah 6:9-10 in the Synoptics
Reviewed by Stephen Moyise

Scot McKnight and Joseph B. Modica, eds.
Who Do My Opponents Say That I Am? An Investigation of the Accusations against the Historical Jesus
Reviewed by Samuel Lamerson
Reviewed by Stephan Witetschek

Karen B. Stern
Inscribing Devotion and Death: Archaeological Evidence for Jewish Populations of North Africa
Reviewed by Steven Fine