Paul and the Gift

Paul and the Gift by Barclay, John M. G.. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9780802868893.

A fresh scholarly reading of grace in Pauls theology In this book esteemed Pauline scholar John Barclay presents a strikingly fresh reading of grace in Pauls theology, studying it in view of ancient notions of "gift" and shining new light on Pauls relationship to Second Temple Judaism. Paul and the Gift centers on divine gift-giving, which for Paul, Barclay says, is focused and fulfilled in the gift of Christ. He offers a new appraisal of Pauls theology of the Christ-event as gift as it comes to expression in Galatians and Romans, and he presents a nuanced and detailed discussion of the history of reception of Paul. This exegetically responsible, theologically informed, hermeneutically useful book shows that a respectful, though not uncritical, reading of Paul contains resources that remain important for Christians today.