Theological Issues in the Letters of Paul

In recent years a revitalization of interest in Paul has occurred. The Society of Biblical Literature recently ended the work of a group devoted to the study of Pauls theology. We are now seeing the publication of a number of books from various points of view that are examining the life thought and influence of the apostle Paul. Despite this recent attention to Pauls thought J. Louis Martyn believes that insufficient attention has been paid to the discovery of numerous and pervasive apocalyptic themes in Pauls letters. Further says Martyn Paul is still being studied somewhat in isolation almost as though he had had neither comrades nor competitors. One of the results is that Paul is sometimes credited with views he did not hold--views which were in fact held by his opponents. In Theological Issues in the Letters of Paul we find the results of a lifetime of study of Pauls letters by a well-known and widely respected New Testament scholar. "This volume presents highly significant Pauline insights by one of the most perceptive and innovative New Testament scholars of our time."--Raymond E. Brown Union Theological Seminary New York "No American in our generation has done as much to map the terrain of Pauline theology as has J. Louis Martyn. Cogent in crafting an argument faithful in interpreting a text and lucid in simple prose Martyn here offers a compelling depiction of Paul as an apocalyptic theologian. It is a boon to teachers students and pastors to have the fruits of Martyns lifelong engagement with Paul made available in this volume."--Charles B. Cousar Columbia Theological Seminary "With unusual perspicacity and insight Martyn sheds new light on the matters that most distinguish Pauls gospel including his understanding of the covenant the cross and the new creation."--Victor Paul Furnish Perkins School of Theology SMU