n.t. wright under review: revisiting the apostle paul & his doctrine of justification
DESCRIPTION
Thomas Schreiner hace un acercamiento crítico al magnum opus de N.T. Wright, Paul and the Faithfulness of God.TRANSCRIPT
26 | CREDO MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2014
CONTENTS
www.credomag.com | 27
CONTENTS
In this two-volume work, 3DXO�DQG� WKH�)DLWKIXOQHVV�RI�*RG��)RUWUHVV���������1��7�� :ULJKW� FRQWLQXHV� KLV� PXOWL�YROXPH�work on &KULVWLDQ� 2ULJLQV� DQG� WKH�
4XHVWLRQ�RI�*RG��+LV�ZRUN�RQ�3DXO�LV�YHU\�ORQJ��SUREDEO\�WRR�ORQJ���FRQVLVWLQJ�RI�WZR�YROXPHV�� (YHQ� WKRXJK� WKLV� UHYLHZ� DUWLFOH�LV� VRPHZKDW� OHQJWK\�� ,� DP� QRW� FODLPLQJ�WR�UHSUHVHQW�IXOO\�ZKDW�:ULJKW�VD\V�LQ�WKLV�PDPPRWK� ZRUN�� DQG� ZKDW� LV� HPSKDVL]HG�UHSUHVHQWV�WR�VRPH�H[WHQW�P\�RZQ�LQWHUHVWV��6WLOO�� EHIRUH� HYDOXDWLQJ�ZKDW�:ULJKW� VD\V��,� ZLOO� VSHQG� VRPH� WLPH� VXPPDUL]LQJ� WKH�contents of the book with the hope that his
ERRN�JHWV�D�IDLU�KHDULQJ�
7KH�ERRN�LV�GLYLGHG�LQWR�IRXU�SDUWV��:ULJKW�begins by exploring the religious, social,
political, and cultural world in which Paul
OLYHG��FKDSV��������+H�WKHQ�LQYHVWLJDWHV�WKH�worldview of Paul, focusing on symbol and
SUD[LV��FKDSV��������7KH�WKLUG�SDUW�]HURV�LQ�on Paul’s theology under the themes of
monotheism, election, and eschatology
�FKDSV�� ������� )LQDOO\�� KH� FRQVLGHUV� KRZ�Paul’s theology interfaces with both the
Greco-Roman and Jewish world of his day
�FKDSV�� ��������7KH� ODVW� FKDSWHU�GLVFXVVHV�3DXO¶V�DLPV�DQG�LQWHQWLRQV��FK�������
$QRWKHU�ZRUG� DERXW� WKH� SODQ� RI� WKH� ERRN�PLJKW�SURYH�KHOSIXO��:ULJKW¶V�WUHDWPHQW�RI�
3DXO¶V�ZRUOGYLHZ��FKDSV�������SUHFHGHV�WKH�H[SOLFDWLRQ� RI� KLV� WKHRORJ\� �FKDSV�� �������VLQFH�:ULJKW�EHOLHYHV�WKDW�3DXO¶V�WKHRORJ\�ÀRZV� IURP� KLV� ZRUOGYLHZ�� ,Q� DGGLWLRQ��FKDSV�� ������ UHWXUQ� WR� WKH� GLVFXVVLRQ� RI�the historical, cultural, social, and religious
ZRUOG� GLVFXVVHG� LQ� FKDSV�� ����� ,Q� WKHVH�¿QDO�FKDSWHUV�:ULJKW�XQSDFNV��QRZ�WKDW�KH�KDV�H[SODLQHG�3DXO¶V�WKHRORJ\��KRZ�3DXO¶V�WKHRORJ\�UHODWHV�WR�LWV�¿UVW�FHQWXU\�FRQWH[W��:ULJKW¶V�ZRUN�� WKHQ�� LV�HDUWKHG� LQ�KLVWRU\��He has no patience for those who attempt
to do Pauline theology apart from the
KLVWRULFDO�FRQWH[W�RI�WKH�GD\�
THE HISTORICAL CONTEXTOF PAUL’S DAY
7KH� ERRN� LV� ODXQFKHG� ZLWK� D� IDVFLQDWLQJ�discussion of Philemon, comparing Paul’s
SHUVSHFWLYH�RQ�WKH�UXQDZD\�2QHVLPXV�ZLWK�Pliny’s response to the runaway slave of
6DELQLDQXV��:KDW�LV�SDUWLFXODUO\�VWULNLQJ�LV�how Paul’s response differs from Pliny’s,
and we are introduced to Paul’s theology
as he encounters a practical situation in
HYHU\GD\� OLIH�� 3DXO¶V� WKHRORJ\�� :ULJKW�claims, was introduced to explain and sustain
KLV�ZRUOGYLHZ��7KH�V\PEROLF�SUD[LV�DW�WKH�heart of Paul’s worldview was the unity of
the people of God, and hence Paul exhorted
3KLOHPRQ�WR�EH�UHFRQFLOHG�WR�2QHVLPXV��IRU�
28 | CREDO MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2014
CONTENTS
WKH\�ZHUH�EURWKHUV�LQ�WKH�VDPH�IDPLO\��7KH\�were members of the same family because of
the Messiah and what he had accomplished
LQ�KLV�GHDWK�DQG�UHVXUUHFWLRQ�
2QH� RI� WKH� NH\� IHDWXUHV� RI� :ULJKW¶V� ERRN�VXUIDFHV� LQ� WKH� ¿UVW� FKDSWHU�� +H� URRWV� KLV�ZRUN� LQ� KLVWRU\�� ([HJHVLV�and theology are grounded
in the historical context
of Paul’s day, and
KHQFH� :ULJKW� XQSDFNV�the Jewish and Greek
ZRUOGV� 3DXO� HQFRXQWHUHG��:ULJKW� GRHVQ¶W� JLYH� LQ� WR�postmodern despair; he
believes that we can really
grasp Paul’s thought and
LQWHQWLRQV�� %\� HPSOR\LQJ�critical realism, hypotheses
FDQ� EH� WHVWHG� DQG� YHUL¿HG��:ULJKW� GRHVQ¶W� FODLP� WKDW�we know exhaustively or
comprehensively, but we
aren’t locked into historical
QLKLOLVP�HLWKHU��7KH�JHQXLQH�3DXO�FDQ�EH�GLVFHUQHG�E\�XV��
7KH�KLVWRULFDO�FDVW�RI�:ULJKW¶V�ZRUN�H[SODLQV�3DUW���RI�WKH�ERRN��ZKHUH�KH�VLWXDWHV�3DXO�LQ�KLV� KLVWRULFDO�� UHOLJLRXV�� DQG� VRFLDO� FRQWH[W��+H�HPSKDVL]HV�WKH�SURPLQHQFH�DQG�LQÀXHQFH�RI� WKH� 3KDULVHHV�� :KDW� LV� SDUWLFXODUO\�LPSRUWDQW� LV� WKH� VWRU\� RI� ,VUDHO�� 7KH� -HZV�
ZHUH�WKH�FKLOGUHQ�RI�$EUDKDP��WKH�SHRSOH�RI�WKH�SURPLVH��7KH\�ZHUH�WKH�PHDQV�E\�ZKLFK�<DKZHK�ZDV�JRLQJ�WR�EOHVV�WKH�ZKROH�ZRUOG��but something had gone horribly wrong, for
WKH�SURPLVHV�ZHUHQ¶W�IXO¿OOHG�DQG�,VUDHO�ZDV�VWLOO�LQ�H[LOH��,VUDHO¶V�H[LOH�ZDV�GXH�WR�VLQ��DQG�KHQFH� WKH�3KDULVHHV�EHOLHYHG� WKDW� WKH�7RUDK�
had to be applied to every
dimension of life to undo
the devastation wrought
E\� VLQ��2QH� FRXOG� VD\� WKDW�,VUDHO�ZDVQ¶W� WHFKQLFDOO\� LQ�exile since they lived in the
ODQG�� %XW� WKH\� ZHUH� XQGHU�the thumb of the Romans,
and so they were, practically
speaking, under the curses
RI� WKH� FRYHQDQW�� /R\DOW\�WR� 7RUDK� HVSHFLDOO\� PHDQW�observing the boundary
markers, the badges that
separated Jews from
Gentiles, the commands
that came to the forefront
during the Hasmonean
UHYROW�� ,VUDHO� ZDV� QRW�looking for an ethereal
post-mortem existence but
D�UHQHZHG�ZRUOG��D�ZRUOG�LQ�ZKLFK�<DKZHK�reigned over an obedient people and human
EHLQJV�ÀRXULVKHG�XQGHU�WKH�/RUG¶V�UXOH�
:ULJKW�DOVR�SURYLGHV�VNHWFKHV�RI� WKH�*UHHN�philosophies that were current during the
ONE OF THE KEY FEATURES OF WRIGHT’S BOOK SURFACES IN THE FIRST CHAPTER. HE ROOTS HIS WORK IN HISTORY. EXEGESIS AND THEOLOGY ARE GROUNDED IN THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF PAUL’S DAY, AND HENCE WRIGHT UNPACKS THE JEWISH AND GREEK WORLDS PAUL ENCOUNTERED.
www.credomag.com | 29
CONTENTS
1HZ�7HVWDPHQW�HUD��FRQVLGHULQJ�WKH�WKRXJKW�RI� 3ODWR��$ULVWRWOH�� WKH� SKLORVRSK\� RI� WKH�&\QLFV�� DQG� HVSHFLDOO\� WKH� SKLORVRSK\� RI�WKH� (SLFXUHDQV� DQG� 6WRLFV�� 7KH� FRPPRQ�denominator was the conviction that human
ignorance could be transcended through
the study of philosophy, for philosophy
was not an arcane endeavor but the path to
YLUWXH�DQG�ZLVH�OLYLQJ��
7KH� UROH� RI� UHOLJLRQ� LQ� WKH� *UHFR�5RPDQ�ZRUOG� LV� DOVR� H[DPLQHG�� 5HOLJLRQ� ZDV�pervasive and affected every area of life,
so that it reached the home and the public
VTXDUH�� ,W� FRQVLVWHG� PRUH� LQ� ZKDW� SHRSOH�GLG�WKDQ�LQ�ZKDW�WKH\�EHOLHYHG��6RPHWLPHV�scholars have claimed that Paul wasn’t
UHOLJLRXV�� EXW�� VD\V� :ULJKW�� WKHUH� DUH�religious elements in Paul’s letters, such as
EDSWLVP�� WKH� /RUG¶V� 6XSSHU�� SUD\HUV�� DQG�G\LQJ�DQG�ULVLQJ�ZLWK�*RG�
)LQDOO\�� WKH� UROH� RI� WKH� LPSHULDO� FXOW� LV�LQWURGXFHG��7KH�LPSHULDO�FXOW�FODVKHG�ZLWK�the Jewish worldview because it offered an
alternative eschatology, a competing story
DERXW� KXPDQ� ÀRXULVKLQJ�� 7KH� HPSHURUV�were celebrated as those who would and
could transform the world, standing in
contrast to the monotheism, election, and
especially the eschatology found in Jewish
ZULWLQJV�
PAUL’S WORLDVIEW
:KDW�ZHUH�WKH�V\PEROV�DQG�SUD[LV�LQ�3DXO¶V�ZRUOG"�7KH�-HZV�IRFXVHG�RQ�7HPSOH��7RUDK��ODQG�� IDPLO\�� ]HDO�� SUD\HU�� DQG� 6FULSWXUH��7KH� ERXQGDU\� PDUNHUV� RI� 6DEEDWK��circumcision, and food laws separated
WKHP� IURP� *HQWLOHV��$OO� RI� WKHVH� PDWWHUV�ZHUH� UHFRQ¿JXUHG� DQG� UHGUDZQ� E\� 3DXO��the temple was the people of God, the land
pointed toward the new creation, the family
RI� $EUDKDP� FRQVLVWHG� RI� ERWK� -HZV� DQG�Gentiles, and the boundary markers of the
7RUDK�ZKLFK�VHSDUDWHG�-HZV�IURP�*HQWLOHV�ZHUH� QR� ORQJHU� LQ� IRUFH�� (YHU\WKLQJ� ZDV�shaped by Paul’s monotheism which
LQFOXGHG�-HVXV�&KULVW�LQ�WKH�LGHQWLW\�RI�*RG��by the election of both Jews and Gentiles in
WKH�FKXUFK�RI�-HVXV�&KULVW��DQG�E\�WKH�KRSH�IRU�D�QHZ�FUHDWLRQ�
:KHQ�LW�FDPH�WR�WKH�SDJDQ�ZRUOG��3DXO�WDXJKW�WKDW� LGROV�ZHUH� GHKXPDQL]LQJ� DQG� UREEHG�KXPDQ� OLIH� RI� LWV� IXOOQHVV�� (YHQ� WKRXJK�Paul doesn’t mention the Roman Empire
VSHFL¿FDOO\��KLV� IRFXV�RQ� WKH�RQH�*RG��RQ�his rule over the world in Jesus, on Jesus
as the true son of God, and on the church
DV�WKH�WUXH�,VUDHO��VXEYHUWHG�WKH�SUHWHQVLRQV�RI� HPSLUH�� ,Q� SDUWLFXODU�� WKH� FKXUFK� LQ� LWV�holiness, unity, and witness stands out
DV� WKH� FHQWUDO� V\PERO� RI� 3DXO¶V� WKRXJKW��
30 | CREDO MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2014
CONTENTS
Paul trumpeted the one family of God,
WKH� WUXH� WHPSOH� LQ� WKH�ZRUOG�� �7KH�FKXUFK�is one because it is incorporated in Jesus
WKH�0HVVLDK��ZKR�DV�WKH�FUXFL¿HG�DQG�ULVHQ�RQH� UHSUHVHQWV� UHQHZHG� ,VUDHO�� VR� WKDW� DOO�ZKR�DUH�LQ�&KULVW�EHORQJ�WR�,VUDHO��%DSWLVP�DQG� WKH� /RUG¶V� 6XSSHU� FRPPXQLFDWH� WKDW�believers are new exodus people, those who
have been freed from exile, and hence they
are one because they are
XQLWHG�ZLWK�-HVXV�&KULVW�
:ULJKW� HPSKDVL]HV� WKH�importance of narrative
LQ�3DXO¶V�WKRXJKW��7KRVH�who see Paul as an
apocalyptic thinker are
suspicious, thinking that
a smooth and unbroken
narrative is imposed on
Paul’s theology, for the
theology of the cross is
full of disruptions and
VXUSULVHV��:ULJKW�LQVLVWV��however, that a storied
narrative doesn’t rule
out apocalyptic, for the
story contains ups and
GRZQV�� DGYDQFHV� DQG� VHWEDFNV�� 7KH� 2OG�7HVWDPHQW�ORRNV�IRUZDUG�WR�D�QHZ�FUHDWLRQ��WR� WKH� IXO¿OOPHQW� RI� *RG¶V� SURPLVHV�� WR�God making the world what it should have
EHHQ� VR� ORQJ� DJR��+XPDQ� EHLQJV�ZHUH� WR�rule the world for God, but they rebelled
DQG�IDLOHG�WR�UHDOL]H�WKH�SXUSRVH�IRU�ZKLFK�
WKH\� ZHUH� PDGH�� 6WLOO�� WKH� JRDO� ZDV� QRW�withdrawn, for God promised that his rule
over the world would become a reality
through human beings, and then everything
ZRXOG� EH� DV� LW� VKRXOG� EH�� +XPDQ� EHLQJV�weren’t simply made to have fellowship
with God; they were created to reign over
the new creation, to exercise creaturely
UHVSRQVLELOLW\�DV�*RG¶V�YLFH�UHJHQWV��-HVXV�&KULVW�KDV�FRPH�WR�IXO¿OO�WKH� VWRU\� RI� ,VUDHO�� WR�bring to pass what God
intended when he called
$EUDKDP��E\�VHWWLQJ�WKH�ZRUOG�ULJKW�DJDLQ��
,VUDHO� ZDV� FDOOHG� E\�God as the solution to
WKH� KXPDQ� SUREOHP��,VUDHO� KDG� D� YRFDWLRQ�DQG�D�WDVN�WR�IXO¿OO��EXW�it failed in that task, for
,VUDHO�WRR�ZDV�LQ�$GDP��6R��WKH�LVVXH�IRU�,VUDHO�LV�not so much whether it
was saved but its failure
to carry out the vocation
HQWUXVWHG�WR�LW��6WLOO��WKH�PLVVLRQ� RI� ,VUDHO� LV� QRW� DEDQGRQHG�� *RG�IXO¿OOV�KLV�SURPLVH�WR�,VUDHO�WKURXJK�-HVXV�DV�WKH�IDLWKIXO�0HVVLDK��$V�WKH�WUXH�,VUDHO��-HVXV�IXO¿OOV�,VUDHO¶V�YRFDWLRQ��VKRZLQJ�WKDW�KH� LV� WKH� WUXH�DQG� ODVW�$GDP�� WKH� WUXH�DQG�QHZ� ,VUDHO�� 6R�� WKH� IXQGDPHQWDO� LVVXH� IRU�3DXO� LVQ¶W� KRZ� RQH� ¿QGV� D� JUDFLRXV�*RG��
www.credomag.com | 31
CONTENTS
but how the curse of exile can be removed
VR� WKDW� ,VUDHO� �DQG� WKH� ZKROH� ZRUOG�� FDQ�REWDLQ� WKH� SURPLVH� RI� D� QHZ� FUHDWLRQ��God’s faithfulness to his creation and to
his covenant promises becomes a reality
WKURXJK� -HVXV� DV� WKH� FUXFL¿HG� DQG� ULVHQ�/RUG�
2QH� ZD\� WR� LGHQWLI\� ZKDW� LV� JRLQJ� RQ� LQ�3DXO¶V�ZRUOG�LV�WR�DVN�TXHVWLRQV��DQG�:ULJKW�SXWV�WKLV�WR�JRRG�XVH��DVNLQJ��:KR�DUH�ZH"�:KHUH�DUH�ZH"�:KDW¶V�ZURQJ"�:KDW¶V�WKH�VROXWLRQ"�:KDW� WLPH� LV� LW"� 6R�� KRZ� GRHV�:ULJKW�DQVZHU�WKHVH�TXHULHV"�:KR�DUH�ZH"�
:H�DUH�EHOLHYHUV�ZKR�DUH�LQFRUSRUDWHG�LQWR�-HVXV��WKH�WUXH�,VUDHO��WKH�FLUFXPFLVLRQ��WKH�new temple indwelt by the Spirit, and the
RQH�IDPLO\�RI�$EUDKDP��:KHUH�DUH�ZH"�:H�are in the good world God created where
-HVXV�UHLJQV�DV�/RUG��WKRXJK�HYLO�DQG�VRUURZ�DUH�QRW�\HW�YDQTXLVKHG��:KDW¶V�ZURQJ��DQG�ZKDW¶V� WKH� VROXWLRQ"� 7KHUH� DUH� HQHPLHV��GHPRQV��IDOVH�WHDFKHUV��&DHVDU��DQG�GHDWK��7KH� VROXWLRQ� LV� WKH� 6SLULW�� UHVXUUHFWLRQ��SUD\HU��DQG�*RG¶V�¿QDO�UXOH�DQG�MXGJPHQW��:KDW�WLPH�LV�LW"�,W�LV�WKH�DOUHDG\�EXW�QRW�\HW��*RG�UHLJQV� LQ�&KULVW��EXW� WKH�¿QDO�YLFWRU\�KDVQ¶W�EHHQ�DFFRPSOLVKHG�
PAUL’S THEOLOGY
3DXO� QHHGHG� WR� GR� WKHRORJ\�� VD\V�:ULJKW��because his worldview was radically
GLIIHUHQW� IURP� ERWK� -HZV� DQG� SDJDQV��7KHRORJ\� ZDV� QHFHVVDU\� WR� VXVWDLQ� WKH�church in its unity and holiness, and the
need for theology leads to volume two
ZKHUH� :ULJKW� XQSDFNV� 3DXO¶V� WKHRORJ\�under the themes of monotheism, election,
and eschatology, reworking each theme in
relationship to Jesus as Messiah and the
6SLULW��:ULJKW�PDLQWDLQV� WKDW� WKH� FRPPRQ�polarities in Pauline theology are integrated
when we rightly grasp the narrative and
VWRU\� FKDUDFWHUL]LQJ� KLV� WKRXJKW�� DQG� WKXV�apocalyptic shouldn’t be played off against
salvation history, nor is the forensic opposed
WRIGHT EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF NARRATIVE IN PAUL’S THOUGHT. THOSE WHO SEE PAUL AS AN APOCALYPTIC THINKER ARE SUSPICIOUS, THINKING THAT A SMOOTH AND UNBROKEN NARRATIVE IS IMPOSED ON PAUL’S THEOLOGY, FOR THE THEOLOGY OF THE CROSS IS FULL OF DISRUPTIONS AND SURPRISES. WRIGHT INSISTS, HOWEVER, THAT A STORIED NARRATIVE DOESN’T RULE OUT APOCALYPTIC, FOR THE STORY CONTAINS UPS AND DOWNS, ADVANCES AND SETBACKS.
32 | CREDO MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2014
CONTENTS
WR� WKH� WUDQVIRUPDWLRQDO� DQG� SDUWLFLSDWRU\��$OO� WKHVH� WKHPHV� ¿W� LQWR� WKH� ODUJHU� VWRU\�RI�3DXO¶V�FRYHQDQW�WKHRORJ\��3DXO�EHOLHYHG�his theology or philosophy was superior
to paganism because it truly led to human
ÀRXULVKLQJ��DQG�-HVXV¶�ORUGVKLS�SXW�WKH�OLH�WR�&DHVDU¶V�FODLP�WR�EH�WKH�ZRUOG¶V�WUXH�ORUG��
Monotheism
Monotheism was central to the Jewish
worldview for it confesses the goodness of
the world and the evil of idolatry, showing
WKDW�GXDOLVP�LV�D�IDOVH�SDWK��'HPRQV�WU\�WR�lure people away from the one true God,
but they can never bring to the world the
SHDFH�DQG�MR\�IRU�ZKLFK�LW�ORQJV��
)RU� 3DXO�� PRQRWKHLVP� LV� UHGUDZQ� DURXQG�-HVXV� ZKR� VKDUHV� *RG¶V� LGHQWLW\�� (DUO\�&KULVWLDQV� EHOLHYHG� WKDW� -HVXV� ZDV�HTXDO� ZLWK� *RG� EXW� ZHUH� DOVR� ¿HUFHO\�PRQRWKHLVWLF�� -HVXV¶� HTXDOLW\� ZLWK� *RG�wasn’t fundamentally apparent from his
claiming to be the Son of Man or even from
WKH� 'DPDVFXV� 5RDG� HQFRXQWHU�� 1RU� ZDV�Jesus’ divinity grasped from experiences
ZLWK�-HVXV�DV�WKH�ULVHQ�/RUG�LQ�ZRUVKLS�DV�+XUWDGR� SURSRVHV�� %DXFNKDP� LV� FRUUHFW�in saying that the pathway to understand
Jesus is not through anticipations of the
LQFDUQDWLRQ� LQ� H[DOWHG� SHUVRQV� RU� DQJHOV��Jesus’ inclusion in the identity of God was
SUHVHQW�IURP�WKH�EHJLQQLQJ��EHIRUH�DQ\�17�GRFXPHQWV� ZHUH� ZULWWHQ�� ,QGHHG�� -HVXV¶�identity with God was never controversial
RU� GHEDWHG��:ULJKW� SURSRVHV� LQ� SDUWLFXODU�that the divine identity of Jesus was apparent
EHFDXVH�KH�IXO¿OOHG�WKH�27�SURPLVH�WKDW�*RG�would return to Zion, that he would come
WR� KLV� WHPSOH�� &KULVWLDQV�UHFRJQL]HG� WKDW� LQ� -HVXV¶�death and resurrection,
God had indeed returned to
=LRQ��+H�KDG�UHGHHPHG�KLV�SHRSOH�MXVW�DV�KH�SURPLVHG��He has come to dwell and
reside with his people in
-HVXV�WKH�0HVVLDK�
7KH�GLYLQH�LGHQWLW\�RI�-HVXV�LV�DOVR�DSSDUHQW�IURP� KLV� VRQVKLS�� IURP� ��&RULQWKLDQV� ����ZKHUH� WKH� 6KHPD� LV� UHGH¿QHG� WR� LQFOXGH�Jesus, and from Jesus being the wisdom of
*RG��&RO�������������-HVXV�LV�DOVR�LGHQWL¿HG�DV�WKH�/RUG�RU�N\ULRV�RI�WKH�27��DQG�HYHQ�DV�*RG� LQ� 5RPDQV� �����7KUHH� IDFWRUV� OHG�WR�D�KLJK�FKULVWRORJ\��DFFRUGLQJ�WR�:ULJKW��WKRXJK� QRQH� ZDV� VXI¿FLHQW� LQ� LWVHOI� WR�EULQJ�DERXW�WKLV�UHVXOW�����LQ�-HVXV�WKH�/RUG�UHWXUQHG�WR�=LRQ�����-HVXV¶�PHVVLDQLF�LGHQWLW\�ZDV�FRQ¿UPHG�E\�KLV�UHVXUUHFWLRQ�IURP�WKH�
PAUL NEEDED TO DO THEOLOGY, SAYS WRIGHT, BECAUSE HIS WORLDVIEW WAS RADICALLY DIFFERENT FROM BOTH JEWS AND PAGANS. THEOLOGY WAS NECESSARY TO SUSTAIN THE CHURCH IN ITS UNITY AND HOLINESS.
www.credomag.com | 33
CONTENTS
GHDG��DQG����-HVXV¶�SHUVRQDO�SUHVHQFH�ZLWK�KLV�SHRSOH�LQ�D�QHZ�PRGH��
,Q�D�VLPLODU�ZD\��WKH�6SLULW�ZDV�XQGHUVWRRG�within the divine identity, so that the
UHÀHFWLRQV� RI� WKH� HDUO\� FKXUFK� IDWKHUV� RQ�the Spirit are fundamentally correct, even if
WKH\�DUH�FORWKHG�LQ�*UHHN�SKLORVRSK\��7KH�Spirit dwells with his people, empowers
them, and strengthens them to worship
DQG�WR�OLYH�LQ�D�ZD\�WKDW�SOHDVHV�*RG��*RG�returned to the temple in the Spirit, and his
glorious presence became a reality through
WKH�6SLULW��7KH�XQLW\�RI�WKH�FKXUFK��WKHQ��LV�DOVR�WKH�ZRUN�RI�WKH�6SLULW�
Much discussion has poured forth on Paul’s
understanding of the human dilemma: did
the plight precede the solution, or did Paul
see the solution and then argue for the plight?
:ULJKW�VD\V� WKHUH� LV� WUXWK�LQ�ERWK�QRWLRQV��&HUWDLQO\�3DXO�DOUHDG\�VDZ�D�SUREOHP�VLQFH�WKH� SURPLVHV� ZHUHQ¶W� IXO¿OOHG� DQG� ,VUDHO�ZDV� VWLOO� LQ� H[LOH�� &OHDUO\� VRPHWKLQJ� ZDV�ZURQJ� LQ� ,VUDHO��$W� WKH� VDPH� WLPH�� 3DXO¶V�UHFRJQLWLRQ� RQ� WKH� 'DPDVFXV� 5RDG� WKDW�-HVXV�ZDV� WKH�FUXFL¿HG�0HVVLDK�SURYRNHG�KLP�WR�UHDVVHVV�WKH�SOLJKW�RI�,VUDHO��+H�QRZ�perceived in a deeper and more profound
ZD\�WKDW�,VUDHO�ZDV�DOVR�LQ�$GDP��WKDW�,VUDHO�ZDV�DOVR�FDSWLYH�WR�WKH�SRZHU�RI�VLQ��:ULJKW�warns that such a reading doesn’t capitulate
to the old perspective where salvation
is merely from sin so that those who are
VDYHG�JR�WR�KHDYHQ�LQ�WKH�HQG��,QVWHDG��WKH�
promise is a new creation, a new world
that is transformed as a testimony of God’s
IDLWKIXOQHVV� WR� WKH� ZRUOG� KH� KDV� PDGH��$ORQJ�WKHVH�VDPH�OLQHV��WKH�UHVXUUHFWLRQ�RI�-HVXV�SRLQWHG�WR� WKH�SOLJKW�RI�,VUDHO�� IRU� LW�UHYHDOHG�WKH�IXWXUH�GHVWLQ\��DQG�KHQFH�WKH�SUHVHQW�GH¿FLHQF\��DZDLWLQJ�WKH�SHRSOH�RI�*RG�� ,Q� RWKHU� ZRUGV�� WKH� XOWLPDWH� HQHP\�was death, not the Gentiles, nor even the
5RPDQ�HPSLUH��7KH�WUDQVIRUPLQJ�ZRUN�RI�the Spirit in the new covenant also unveils
the cancer in the heart of human beings,
for the Spirit’s life-changing work reveals
,VUDHO¶V� VSLULWXDO� SRYHUW\� DSDUW� IURP� WKH�6SLULW�
Election
,I�,VUDHO� LV�DV�EDG�RII�DV� WKH�*HQWLOHV�� LI� LW�too is vitiated by idolatry and self-serving,
ZKDW�EHFRPHV�RI�,VUDHO¶V�HOHFWLRQ��RI�*RG¶V�SURPLVH�WKDW�,VUDHO�ZRXOG�EH�WKH�PHDQV�E\�ZKLFK� WKH�ZRUOG� LV� WUDQVIRUPHG"� ,Q� XVLQJ�the word election the focus is on the purpose
RI�,VUDHO¶V�HOHFWLRQ��WKH�SURPLVH�WKDW�,VUDHO�would be the means of blessing for the
HQWLUH� ZRUOG�� $EUDKDP�� LQ� RWKHU� ZRUGV��was called to undo the curses introduced
LQWR�WKH�ZRUOG�E\�$GDP��7KDW�ZDV�,VUDHO¶V�FRPPLVVLRQ�� WKDW� ZDV� ,VUDHO¶V� WDVN�� ,VUDHO�was to be the people of the one true God,
ORYLQJ� KLP� ZLWK� DOO� WKHLU� KHDUW� DQG� VRXO��,Q� LWV� REHGLHQFH� WR� 7RUDK�� ,VUDHO� ZDV� WR�VKRZ�WKDW�LW�ZDV�VKDSHG�E\�*RG¶V�ZLVGRP��,VUDHO� ZDV� WKH� SHRSOH� DPRQJ� ZKRP� *RG�
34 | CREDO MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2014
CONTENTS
GZHOW�LQ�WKH�WDEHUQDFOH�DQG�WKH�WHPSOH��$V�*RG¶V� HOHFW� DQG� VDYHG� SHRSOH�� ,VUDHO� ZDV�WR� EH� D� EOHVVLQJ� WR� WKH� ZRUOG��:KDW� *RG�FRPPDQGHG�$GDP�WR�GR�ZDV�SURPLVHG� WR�$EUDKDP�� 7KH� FRYHQDQW� ZLWK� $EUDKDP�SURPLVHV� VDOYDWLRQ� IRU� ,VUDHO�� D� VDOYDWLRQ�WKDW�JRHV�IURP�,VUDHO�WR�WKH�ZRUOG��
God’s righteousness is his faithfulness to
his covenant, but God is not only faithful
to the covenant but also to creation, to his
creational intentions in manifesting his
ULJKWHRXVQHVV�� *RG¶V� ULJKWHRXVQHVV�� KLV�FRYHQDQW�IDLWKIXOQHVV��WHVWL¿HV�WKDW�KH�ZLOO�IXO¿OO�KLV�SURPLVH�RI�D�QHZ�H[RGXV��EXW�KLV�righteousness also includes his covenant
MXVWLFH��KLV�SXQLVKPHQW�RI�WKRVH�ZKR�ÀRXW�KLV� ODZ�� *RG¶V� FRYHQDQW� IDLWKIXOQHVV�� KLV�righteousness, can’t be equated with his
mercy, his steadfast love, or salvation, even
WKRXJK�LW�LQFOXGHV�DOO�WKHVH�QRWLRQV�
:ULJKW� DOVR� FRQVLGHUV� KHUH� WKH� LVVXH� RI�supersessionism regarding the election
RI� WKH� SHRSOH� RI� *RG�� +H� FDWHJRULFDOO\�rejects such an idea, for
calling Paul’s theology
supersessionist is as silly
as calling the Qumran
community’s theology
supersessionist when they
saw themselves as the new
,VUDHO�� 1R�� 3DXO� EHOLHYHG�his theology of election
UHSUHVHQWHG�D�IXO¿OOPHQW�RI�
ZKDW�*RG�SURPLVHG�LQ�WKH�27��
)RU� 3DXO� WKH� HOHFWLRQ� RI� ,VUDHO� LV� IXO¿OOHG�LQ�-HVXV��IRU�-HVXV�LV�WKH�WUXH�,VUDHO��:ULJKW�maintains that monotheism and election
ERWK�PHHW�LQ�WKH�SHUVRQ�RI�-HVXV��7KH�ZRUG�³&KULVW´�RU�³0HVVLDK´�LQ�3DXO�SOD\V�D�PDMRU�role, and Paul never forgets the messianic
VLJQL¿FDQFH�RI� WKH�ZRUG�� ,W� LVQ¶W�PHUHO\�D�WLWOH�ZKLFK�LV�WDFNHG�RQ�WR�WKH�ZRUG�³-HVXV�´�7KH�UR\DO�PHDQLQJ�VWLOO�UHVRQDWHV�ZLWK�3DXO��and thus the people of God are incorporated
LQWR�-HVXV�DV�0HVVLDK��7KLV�LV�ZKHUH�WKH�³LQ�&KULVW´�ODQJXDJH�FRPHV�LQ��7KH�YRFDWLRQ�RI�,VUDHO�KDV�EHHQ�UHDOL]HG�LQ�-HVXV��DQG�WKRVH�who believe in Jesus are incorporated into
KLP��WKH\�DUH�WKH�WUXH�IDPLO\�RI�$EUDKDP��7KH�SURPLVHV�PDGH�WR�,VUDHO�DUH�IXO¿OOHG�LQ�Jesus’ death and resurrection since he has
FRQTXHUHG�GHDWK�DQG�DOO�*RG¶V�HQHPLHV��6R��-HVXV� LV� WKH�IDLWKIXO�0HVVLDK�RI�,VUDHO�� WKH�one through whom God has shown himself
WR�EH�IDLWKIXO�WR�KLV�FRYHQDQW�SURPLVHV�
:ULJKW� DUJXHV� WKDW� WKH� IXQGDPHQWDO�LQGLFWPHQW� DJDLQVW� ,VUDHO� LQ� 5RPDQV� �����WKHQ��LV�QRW�WKDW�WKH\�DUH�VLQQHUV��WKRXJK�KH�DOVR�DUJXHV�WKDW� WKH\�DUH�VLQQHUV���EXW� WKDW�they have been faithless to their vocation,
WKDW�WKH\�KDYHQ¶W�IXO¿OOHG�WKHLU�FRPPLVVLRQ��-HVXV� VWDQGV� LQ� FRQWUDVW� WR� ,VUDHO� DV� WKH�IDLWKIXO�0HVVLDK��DV� WKH� WUXH� ,VUDHOLWH�ZKR�KDV�EHHQ�REHGLHQW� WR� WKH�/RUG¶V� YRFDWLRQ��:ULJKW� DUJXHV�� WKHQ�� WKDW� WKH� ³IDLWK� RI�-HVXV�&KULVW´� SKUDVHV� DUHQ¶W� REMHFWLYH� EXW�
What is “Supersessionism”?
Supersessionism is the notion that the promises to Israel have been fulfilled in the church.— Thomas Schreiner
www.credomag.com | 35
CONTENTS
subjective, denoting the faithfulness of
-HVXV��*RG�KDV�EHHQ�IDLWKIXO�WR�KLV�FRYHQDQW�to bless his people and the world through
WKH�IDLWKIXOQHVV�RI�-HVXV�DV�WKH�0HVVLDK��
5RPDQV� �� LV� RIWHQ� ZURQJO\� UHDG�� VD\V�:ULJKW�� DV� LI� LW� WHDFKHV� WKDW� $EUDKDP� LV�an example of how one gets saved, but
the fundamental issue in the chapter is
WKH� FRPSRVLWLRQ� RI� $EUDKDP¶V� IDPLO\��Paul considers who are the true covenant
members, so he discusses whether one has
to accept the identity markers and badges
of Jewishness like circumcision to belong
WR�WKH�SHRSOH�RI�*RG��7KH�ZDJHV�RU�UHZDUG�LQ�5RPDQV�����LVQ¶W�DERXW�ZRUNLQJ�WR�HDUQ�VDOYDWLRQ�EXW�KHDUNHQV�EDFN�WR�*HQHVLV����ZKHUH�WKH�UHZDUG�JUDQWHG�WR�$EUDKDP�LV�WKH�offspring, the people of God promised to
KLP�� -XVWLI\LQJ� WKH� XQJRGO\� GRHVQ¶W� UHIHU�WR� WKH� YLQGLFDWLRQ� RI�$EUDKDP� EXW� WR� WKH�GHFODUDWLRQ�WKDW�WKH�QDWLRQV�DUH�LQ�WKH�ULJKW�
,W� LV� FOHDU� IURP�*DODWLDQV� ��� VD\V�:ULJKW��that the same issue is paramount, for there
the whole discussion is whether Jewish and
*HQWLOH�&KULVWLDQV�FDQ�HDW�DW�WKH�VDPH�WDEOH��So, the primary issue relates to covenant
PHPEHUVKLS�� DQG� KHQFH� MXVWL¿FDWLRQ� KDV�to do with whether one is a covenant
PHPEHU�LQ�WKH�SHRSOH�RI�*RG��,QGHHG��WKH�IXQGDPHQWDO� LVVXH� LQ� *DODWLDQV� �� LV� ZKR�EHORQJV� WR� $EUDKDP¶V� IDPLO\�� ZKR� DUH�$EUDKDP¶V� RIIVSULQJ�� *DODWLDQV� ��� WKHQ��
doesn’t contrast grace or
law, nor does it engage in a
SROHPLF�DJDLQVW�OHJDOLVP��:KDW� FRQFHUQHG� 3DXO�is the single family of
God incorporated into
-HVXV�DV�0HVVLDK��:ULJKW�DOVR� HPSKDVL]HV� WKDW� WKH�legal and participatory
language, the apocalyptic
and salvation-historical,
DUH� MRLQHG� WRJHWKHU�� 3DXO�doesn’t see them as opposed but coming to
IXO¿OOPHQW�LQ�-HVXV�WKH�FUXFL¿HG�DQG�ULVHQ�/RUG�
:ULJKW�UHMHFWV�LPSXWDWLRQ�LQ���&RULQWKLDQV������� D� YHUVH� ZKLFK� LV� RIWHQ� DSSHDOHG� WR�LQ�GHIHQVH�RI� WKH� WHDFKLQJ��+H�¿QGV� WKUHH�SUREOHPV� ZLWK� VXFK� DQ� LQWHUSUHWDWLRQ�� ���the text speaks of God’s righteousness,
QRW� &KULVW¶V�� ��� 3DXO� GRHVQ¶W� VD\� WKDW�righteousness is reckoned or imputed
WR� XV� EXW� VD\V� ZH� ³EHFRPH´� *RG¶V�
WRIGHT ARGUES THAT THE FUNDAMENTAL INDICTMENT AGAINST ISRAEL IN ROMANS 2-3, THEN, IS NOT THAT THEY ARE SINNERS �7+28*+�+(�$/62�$5*8(6�7+$7�7+(<�$5(�6,11(56���%87�7+$7�7+(<�+$9(�%((1�FAITHLESS TO THEIR VOCATION, THAT THEY HAVEN’T FULFILLED THEIR COMMISSION.
36 | CREDO MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2014
CONTENTS
ULJKWHRXVQHVV��7KH�YHUEDO�ODQJXDJH�KDUGO\�¿WV�ZLWK� LPSXWDWLRQ�����3DXO�GLVFXVVHV�KLV�own ministry here, and hence it doesn’t
¿W� WR� LQMHFW� WKH� LGHD� RI� LPSXWDWLRQ� LQWR�WKH� FRQWH[W��:KDW� 3DXO� WHDFKHV� LQVWHDG� LV�that the covenant faithfulness of God is
HPERGLHG�LQ�KLV�PLQLVWU\�DV�DQ�DSRVWOH�
2QH� RI� WKH� IHDWXUHV� RI� :ULJKW¶V� YLHZ� LV�WKDW�WKH�7RUDK�ZDV�JLYHQ�VR�WKDW�VLQ�ZRXOG�JURZ�WR� LWV� IXOO�H[WHQW��7KXV�VLQ�ZRXOG�EH�FRQGHPQHG�DQG�GHIHDWHG�LQ�,VUDHO��6LQ�ZDV�
FRQGHPQHG� LQ� ,VUDHO¶V� UHSUHVHQWDWLYH²-HVXV�WKH�0HVVLDK��7KH�VDFUL¿FH�RI�&KULVW�KDV�many dimensions; he is the representative,
VXEVWLWXWH�� VDFUL¿FH�� DQG� &KULVWXV� 9LFWRU��7KURXJK�KLV�IDLWKIXO�REHGLHQFH�DV�WKH�WUXH�$GDP�DQG�WUXH�,VUDHO��-HVXV�IUHHG�KLV�SHRSOH�IURP�VLQ��-HVXV�IXO¿OOV�ZKDW�ZH�¿QG�LQ�WKH�27�DV�*RG¶V� VRQ�� VHUYDQW��NLQJ�� DQG�HOHFW�RQH�
-XVWL¿FDWLRQ�ZDVQ¶W� D�PDMRU� WKHPH� LQ�¿UVW�FHQWXU\� -XGDLVP� DFFRUGLQJ� WR� :ULJKW��Paul reshaped and rethought the theme
because of inaugurated eschatology, a new
GH¿QLWLRQ� RI� WKH� SOLJKW� RI� ,VUDHO�� WKH� QHZ�work of the Spirit, and the equality of Jews
DQG�*HQWLOHV�LQ�WKH�SHRSOH�RI�*RG��+HQFH��the fundamental question wasn’t how to get
VDYHG��IRU�VDOYDWLRQ�DQG�MXVWL¿FDWLRQ�GRQ¶W�PHDQ�WKH�VDPH�WKLQJ��*RG�ZLOO�UHFWLI\�DQG�solve the problems of the world through
the covenant, so that the sin, idolatry and
FRUUXSWLRQ�RI�WKH�ZRUOG�ZLOO�EH�PDGH�ULJKW��2Q� WKH� ODVW� GD\� WKH� ZKROH� ZRUOG� ZLOO� EH�made right, those who belong to God will
be made right through the resurrection, and
the resurrection of believers will constitute
WKHLU� ¿QDO� YLQGLFDWLRQ��7KH� FRYHQDQW�ZLWK�$EUDKDP� ZLOO� WKHQ� EH� IXO¿OOHG� IRU� DOO�FUHDWLRQ��7KHUHE\�*RG�ZLOO�EH�IDLWKIXO�WR�KLV�covenant and to creation, and hence the two
VKRXOG�QRW�EH�VHSDUDWHG�IURP�RQH�DQRWKHU��7KH� ¿QDO� MXGJPHQW� ZLOO� EH� DFFRUGLQJ� WR�the life one has lived; it will be a judgment
EDVHG�RQ�ZRUNV��6WLOO��WKH�MXGJPHQW�RI�WKH�
JUSTIFICATION WASN’T A MAJOR THEME IN FIRST
CENTURY JUDAISM ACCORDING TO WRIGHT. PAUL RESHAPED AND RETHOUGHT THE THEME
BECAUSE OF INAUGURATED ESCHATOLOGY, A NEW
DEFINITION OF THE PLIGHT OF ISRAEL, THE NEW WORK OF
THE SPIRIT, AND THE EQUALITY OF JEWS AND GENTILES IN
THE PEOPLE OF GOD. HENCE, THE FUNDAMENTAL QUESTION
WASN’T HOW TO GET SAVED, FOR SALVATION AND JUSTIFICATION DON’T MEAN
THE SAME THING.
www.credomag.com | 37
CONTENTS
last day is declared in advance, so that
&KULVWLDQV� DUH� QRZ� GHFODUHG� WR� EH� LQ� WKH�ULJKW��
-XVWL¿FDWLRQ�LV�QRW�WUDQVIRUPDWLYH�EXW�FUHDWHV�RU�FRQIHUV�D�VWDWXV��7KH�MXGJH¶V�GHFODUDWLRQ�DFWXDOO\�FUHDWHV�D�QHZ�VWDWXV��,W�LV�D�VSHHFK�DFW��MXVW�DV�D�ERVV�VD\LQJ�³\RX�DUH�¿UHG´�RU�D� PLQLVWHU� VD\LQJ�� ³\RX� DUH� KXVEDQG� DQG�ZLIH´�FUHDWHV�D�QHZ�VWDWXV��(YHQ�LI�VRPHRQH�was notoriously wicked, the new status
declared by God as the divine judge creates
D� QHZ� UHDOLW\�� -XVWL¿FDWLRQ� GRHVQ¶W� RFFXU�because of a character change in the human
EHLQJ��$�SHUVRQ� LV� LQ� WKH� ULJKW�EHFDXVH�RI�God’s verdict, the sovereign announcement
DQG�GHFODUDWLRQ�RI�WKH�FRYHQDQW�*RG��
:KHQ� 3DXO� UHÀHFWV� RQ� MXVWL¿FDWLRQ��KH� IRFXVHV� RQ� WKH� IXO¿OOPHQW� RI� *RG¶V�promises to his people in
DFFRUG�ZLWK�KLV�FRYHQDQW��7KH� GHFODUDWLRQ� RI�righteousness is based on
Jesus’ resurrection, and
thus those incorporated in
him are declared to be in
WKH�ULJKW��$QG�DV�D�UHVXOW�of this declaration they are permanently in
the right, for the declaration in the present
anticipates the announcement that will be
XWWHUHG� RQ� WKH� ¿QDO� GD\��:ULJKW� VD\V� WKDW�the work of the Spirit doesn’t contribute to
LQLWLDO�RU�¿QDO�MXVWL¿FDWLRQ��WKRVH�ZKR�ORRN�DZD\� IURP� WKHPVHOYHV� DQG� WUXVW� LQ�&KULVW�
ZLOO� EH� MXVWL¿HG�� 6WLOO�� MXVWL¿FDWLRQ� LV� QRW�DERXW� KRZ� RQH� EHFRPHV� D� &KULVWLDQ� EXW�centers on the verdict that will be received
RQ� WKH� ¿QDO� GD\�� 2I� FRXUVH�� WKLV� YHUGLFW�has already been announced and applies
to both Jews and Gentiles who believe in
WKH�JRVSHO��7KRVH�GHFODUHG�WR�EH�LQ�WKH�ULJKW�are a single family, and that is the central
PHVVDJH�3DXO�ZDQWHG� WR� FRPPXQLFDWH�� ,Q�*DODWLDQV���WKH�LVVXH�LV�D�VLQJOH�IDPLO\��QRW�KRZ�ZH�FDQ�EH�UHVFXHG�IURP�VLQ��
2QH� PLJKW� WKLQN� WKDW� WKRVH� ZKR� DUH�LQFRUSRUDWHG� LQ� &KULVW� DUH� LPSXWHG� WR� EH�ULJKWHRXV�� EXW� WKLV� ODQJXDJH�� VD\V�:ULJKW��LV�QRQ�3DXOLQH�� ,QVWHDG��EHOLHYHUV� VKDUH� LQ�WKH�GHDWK�DQG�UHVXUUHFWLRQ�RI�-HVXV�&KULVW��&KULVWLDQV� VWDQG� LQ� WKH� ULJKW� EHFDXVH� RI�WKHLU� IDLWK� LQ�&KULVW��EHFDXVH� WKH\� OHDQ�RQ�ZKDW�KH�KDV�GRQH��6XFK�IDLWK�LV�LWVHOI�*RG¶V�
ZRUN��+HQFH��&KULVWLDQ�DVVXUDQFH�GHSHQGV�on the death and resurrection of Jesus, on a
ZRUN�WKDW�OLHV�RXWVLGH�RQHVHOI���6WLOO��:ULJKW�rejects the language of alien righteousness
VLQFH� LW� VHSDUDWHV� 3KLOLSSLDQV� ���� IURP�3KLOLSSLDQV�����
ONE MIGHT THINK THAT THOSE WHO ARE INCORPORATED IN CHRIST ARE IMPUTED TO
BE RIGHTEOUS, BUT THIS LANGUAGE SAYS WRIGHT, IS NON-PAULINE.
38 | CREDO MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2014
CONTENTS
,Q� 3KLOLSSLDQV� �� 3DXO� FOHDUO\� IRFXVHV�on covenant membership, according to
:ULJKW�� VLQFH� KH� GRHVQ¶W� WDON� DERXW� VLQ��WKH� FXUVH�RI� WKH� ODZ��RU� VDOYDWLRQ��6R�� WKH�issue isn’t salvation or trying to earn right-
standing with God but membership in the
FRYHQDQW� SHRSOH�� 7KH� ULJKWHRXVQHVV� IURP�*RG�LQ�3KLOLSSLDQV�����FDQ¶W�EH�FRQIXVHG�RU�LGHQWL¿HG�ZLWK�WKH�ULJKWHRXVQHVV�RI�*RG�LQ�5RPDQV�������IRU�LQ�WKH�ODWWHU�WH[W�LW�UHIHUV�to God’s covenant faithfulness, but in
Philippians he considers one’s status before
*RG�
Election is reconstituted via the Messiah,
and those who belong to Jesus, those who
are incorporated into the Messiah, are the
HOHFW��6LPLODUO\��WKRVH�ZKR�DUH�WUDQVIRUPHG�E\�WKH�6SLULW�DUH�RQH�IDPLO\�
Eschatology
:ULJKW� WKHQ� WXUQV� WR� WKH� WKLUG�PDLQ� SLOODU�of Paul’s theology: eschatology, arguing
WKDW� ,VUDHO¶V� HVFKDWRORJ\� JUHZ� RXW� RI�
LWV� PRQRWKHLVP� DQG� HOHFWLRQ�� ,Q� WKH�UHVXUUHFWLRQ�RI�-HVXV��,VUDHO�LV�UHGH¿QHG��+H� EULHÀ\� GLVFXVVHV� WKH� UHWXUQ� RI� -HVXV�where heaven and earth will be one and
judgment will be meted out to those who
GLVREH\��%HOLHYHUV�OLYH�LQ�WKH�DOUHDG\�EXW�QRW�\HW��EXW�:ULJKW�UHMHFWV�WKH�LQGLFDWLYH�imperative distinction, claiming it is a
GHP\WKRORJL]DWLRQ� RU� HYHQ� SHUKDSV� D�SROLWLFDO� SDJDQL]LQJ� RI� WKH� UHDOLW\� 3DXO�WDXJKW��
3DXO¶V� VKDUS� ZRUGV� LQ� �� 7KHVVDORQLDQV��������� DUHQ¶W� DQWL�-HZLVK�� EXW� OLPLWHG� WR�-HZV�ZKR� RSSRVHG� WKH� JRVSHO��7KH�ZUDWK�mentioned here isn’t eschatological but
represents the punishment they will receive
LQ�WKLV�OLIH��:ULJKW�UHMHFWV�WKH�WZR�FRYHQDQW�WKHRU\� LQ� 5RPDQV� ������ ZKLFK� VXJJHVWV�that Jews could belong to the people of
*RG� ZLWKRXW� IDLWK� LQ� -HVXV�� ,QVWHDG�� 3DXO�demanded that Jews exercise faith in Jesus
WR� UHFHLYH� HVFKDWRORJLFDO� VDOYDWLRQ�� 3DXO¶V�DUJXPHQW� LQ� WKH� ¿UVW� SDUW� RI� 5RPDQV� ���which has been so controversial in the
history of the church, would not have raised
any objections among Jewish readers, for
they believed they were the elect people of
*RG��%XW�FRQWURYHUV\�ZRXOG�EH�VSDUNHG�E\�Paul’s claim that Gentiles are included in
the people of God, that they are the elect
DV�ZHOO��
7KH� LQWHUSUHWDWLRQ� RI� 5RPDQV� ������ KDV�ORQJ� EHHQ� FRQWHVWHG�� :ULJKW� DUJXHV� WKDW�
WRIGHT SEES THE EMPIRE AND ROME AS A COMPETING STORY TO PAUL’S THEOLOGY, TO PAUL’S CLAIM THAT JESUS IS LORD, AND THUS THE ISSUE OF EMPIRE ISN’T A MINOR ONE. SINCE JESUS IS THE ONE TRUE LORD OF THE WHOLE WORLD, HE HOLDS ROME ACCOUNTABLE FOR WHAT IT HAS DONE.
www.credomag.com | 39
CONTENTS
³DOO� ,VUDHO´� KHUH� UHIHUV� WR� WKH� FKXUFK� RI�-HVXV�&KULVW��DQG�WKXV�DOO�,VUDHO�EHLQJ�VDYHG�doesn’t prophesy a future salvation for
,VUDHO��:ULJKW�DUJXHV� WKDW� LI�VDOYDWLRQ�ZDV�SURPLVHG�IRU�HWKQLF�,VUDHO��IRU�DOO�,VUDHO�LQ�the future, Gentiles would have concluded
that they could simply sit and wait for God
WR� DFW�� 6XFK� SDVVLYLW\� ÀLHV� LQ� WKH� IDFH� RI�the exhortations which permeate Romans
������ 6HHLQJ� D� UHIHUHQFH� WR� WKH� FKXUFK� RI�-HVXV� &KULVW�� ERWK� -HZ� DQG� *HQWLOH�� ¿WV�with Paul’s ecclesiology generally where
-HZV� DQG� *HQWLOHV� DUH� RQH� LQ� &KULVW�� WKH�FLUFXPFLVLRQ�� WKH� ,VUDHO� RI� *RG�� WKH� RQH�IDPLO\�RI�$EUDKDP�
PAUL’S THEOLOGY APPLIEDTO THE WORLD OF HIS DAY
,Q�FKDSWHUV�������:ULJKW�FRUUHODWHV�3DXO¶V�WKHRORJ\� �KLV� PRQRWKHLVP�� HOHFWLRQ�� DQG�HVFKDWRORJ\�� WR� WKH� WKUHH�ZRUOGV� KH� OLYHG�LQ�� -HZLVK�� *UHHN�� DQG� 5RPDQ�� ,Q� WKH�¿UVW� VHFWLRQ�RI� WKH�ERRN�KH�H[SOLFDWHG� WKH�ideological and cultural context of Paul’s
world, in part two Paul’s worldview is
unpacked, and in part three Paul’s theology is
VHW�IRUWK��:ULJKW�VHHV�WKH�(PSLUH�DQG�5RPH�as a competing story to Paul’s theology, to
3DXO¶V� FODLP� WKDW� -HVXV� LV� /RUG�� DQG� WKXV�WKH�LVVXH�RI�HPSLUH�LVQ¶W�D�PLQRU�RQH��6LQFH�-HVXV� LV� WKH� RQH� WUXH� /RUG� RI� WKH� ZKROH�world, he holds Rome accountable for what
LW�KDV�GRQH��,Q�D�QXPEHU�RI�SODFHV�:ULJKW�VHHV� D� SROHPLF� DJDLQVW� 5RPH��+HQFH�� WKH�SHDFH�DQG�VHFXULW\�RI���7KHVVDORQLDQV�����KDLOV�IURP�5RPH��6LPLODUO\��3DXO�FRQWUDVWV�KHDYHQO\� DQG� HDUWKO\� �5RPDQ�� FLWL]HQVKLS�LQ� 3KLOLSSLDQV� ������ DQG� -HVXV� LV� H[DOWHG�RYHU� &DHVDU� �3KLO�� ������ 3DXO� GRHVQ¶W�commend authorities without reserve in
5RPDQV� ���� IRU� WKH� DXWKRULWLHV� DUH� XQGHU�God’s command and ordination, and thus
WKH\� DUH� DOVR� UHODWLYL]HG� E\� HVFKDWRORJ\��:ULJKW� DFNQRZOHGJHV� WKDW� WKH� SROHPLF�against Rome could be exaggerated, for
Paul does counsel submission to authority
LQVRIDU�DV� LW�SURPRWHV� MXVWLFH��6WLOO��5RPH�ZDV� WKH� IRXUWK� HYLO� HPSLUH� RI� 'DQLHO¶V�vision with an idolatrous story of its own
VXSUHPDF\��6XFK�SUHWHQVLRQV�WR�JORU\�ZHUH�unmasked by Paul, though his critique
against Rome is rather subtle and appears
LQ�FRGHG�ODQJXDJH�
:ULJKW� DOVR� UHÀHFWV� RQ� 3DXO� DQG� UHOLJLRQ��Religion, of course, is a tricky word that
FDQ� EH� GH¿QHG� LQ� D� QXPEHU� RI� GLIIHUHQW�ZD\V�� ,Q� PDQ\� ZD\V� &KULVWLDQLW\� ZDV�radically different from every other
religion, for there was no temple, no
VDFUL¿FH��QR�SULHVWKRRG��QR�RUDFOH��DQG�QR�UHODWLRQVKLS�WR�WKH�FLW\��2Q�WKH�RWKHU�KDQG��3DXO� HPSOR\HG� WKH� ODQJXDJH� RI� VDFUL¿FH��believed God directed his people, consulted
WKH�6FULSWXUHV��SUD\HG��DQG�HPSKDVL]HG�WKH�FKXUFK�DV�D�FRPPXQLW\��%HOLHYHUV�LQ�-HVXV�&KULVW� ZHUH� WKH� QHZ� H[RGXV� FRPPXQLW\�
40 | CREDO MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2014
CONTENTS
who were initiated into the church through
EDSWLVP�� 7KRVH� EDSWL]HG� DUH� IUHHG� IURP�VLQ� �QHZ�H[RGXV��� DQG�HPSRZHUHG�E\� WKH�+RO\�6SLULW��,Q�D�VLPLODU�ZD\��WKH�(XFKDULVW�proclaims the solidarity and deliverance of
WKH� SHRSOH� RI� *RG�� 3DXO¶V� UHOLJLRQ�� WKHQ��had points of continuity and discontinuity
ZLWK�WKH�FXOWXUH�RI�KLV�GD\�
Paul’s relationship to the philosophies of
KLV�GD\�LV�DOVR�H[SORUHG��,Q�VRPH�ZD\V�3DXO�opposed human philosophy since it fails
WR� XQGHUVWDQG� WKH� FURVV�� %XW� WKDW� GRHVQ¶W�mean that Paul rejected everything from
WKH� +HOOHQLVWLF� ZRUOG�� ,W� KDV� ORQJ� EHHQ�UHFRJQL]HG� LQ� 17� VWXGLHV� WKDW� ZH� GRQ¶W�have a strict separation between Judaism
and Hellenism, for Hellenistic culture
penetrated the Jewish world, though that
doesn’t mean that the distinctiveness of
-XGDLVP�ZDV�ORVW��:KDW�VHWV�-XGDLVP�DSDUW��DPRQJ� RWKHU� WKLQJV�� LV� LWV� QDUUDWLYH�� LWV�construal of what God is doing in the world,
HVSHFLDOO\�LQ�WKH�QHZ�H[RGXV��
:KHQ� ZH� WKLQN� DERXW� SKLORVRSK\�� WKH�TXHVWLRQ�RI�WUXWK�DULVHV��$FFRUGLQJ�WR�3DXO��the failure to see the truth isn’t rooted in
the intellect but in human rebellion, in
WKH� UHIXVDO� WR�VXEPLW� WR�*RG¶V� ORUGVKLS�� ,W�doesn’t follow, however, that Paul refuses
to use arguments and reasons for his
convictions, for he believes that the Spirit
XVHV�VXFK�WR�EULQJ�SHRSOH�WR�WUXWK��
Paul’s monotheism also sets him apart from
the pantheistic Greco-Roman world, or any
gnostic claim that the material world is
evil, or the Epicurean notion that the world
HPHUJHG� E\� FKDQFH�� 6LQFH� WKH�ZRUOG�ZDV�FUHDWHG� E\�*RG� WKURXJK� -HVXV� &KULVW�� WKH�things in the world can be received with
WKDQNVJLYLQJ�� 7KH� PDWHULDO� ZRUOG� LVQ¶W�HYLO� EXW� ZLOO� EH� WUDQVIRUPHG�� &RQWUDU\� WR�Stoicism, the world is heading somewhere,
VR�ZH�DUHQ¶W�ZDLWLQJ�IRU�D�JUHDW�FRQÀDJUDWLRQ�which will begin a process by which all
events in history will be repeated all over
DJDLQ��7KH�PDWHULDO�ZRUOG�� WKRXJK�PDUUHG�E\�HYLO��LV�JRRG�DQG�GHVWLQHG�IRU�UHQHZDO�
Paul’s ethics overlapped to some extent
with other thinkers in the Hellenistic world,
though the story that informed his ethics,
the theology that undergirded his ethics,
ZDV�UDGLFDOO\�GLIIHUHQW��)RU�3DXO�DQ�HWKLFDO�way of life is the work of the Spirit and is
SDWWHUQHG�DIWHU�WKH�OLIH�RI�-HVXV��&KULVWLDQV�live in light of the new creation, and they
EHOLHYH� LQ� YLUWXH� DQG�PRUDO� SURJUHVV��:H�see overlap in ethics with a philosophy
like Stoicism in a text like Philippians
�����2Q�WKH�RWKHU�KDQG��3DXO¶V�HWKLF�VWDQGV�RXW� LQ� HPSKDVL]LQJ� SDWLHQFH�� KXPLOLW\��VH[XDO� SXULW\�� DQG� HVSHFLDOO\� ORYH�� 7KH�distinctiveness of Paul’s thought surfaces
LQ� KLV� SK\VLFV� �ZKDW� LV��� HWKLFV� �KRZ� ZH�VKRXOG� OLYH���DQG� ORJLF��ZKDW� LV� WUXWK��� IRU�every dimension of life and thought is
UHVKDSHG�E\�-HVXV�
www.credomag.com | 41
CONTENTS
Paul also differed from Stoicism in that
his message wasn’t restricted to the upper
classes, for Paul’s message was for all
SHRSOH� HYHU\ZKHUH�� $QRWKHU� GLIIHUHQFH�ZLWK�6WRLFLVP�VWDQGV�RXW��IRU�&KULVWLDQLW\¶V�embrace of suffering and the cross is
central, and thus the emphasis is not
RQ� WKH� VHOI�� :ULJKW� DOVR� KDV� D� ZLWKHULQJ�FULWLTXH� RI� 7URHOV� (QJEHUJ�3HGHUVHQ�� IRU�the latter brackets out Pauline theology
and apocalyptic in doing his historical
work, and such a bracketing strategy can’t
DFFRXQW�IRU�3DXO¶V�WKRXJKW�
Paul’s Jewish context is presented in the
SHQXOWLPDWH�FKDSWHU��7KURXJKRXW� WKH�ERRN�:ULJKW�HPSKDVL]HV�WKDW�3DXO�ZDV�D�-HZLVK�thinker, even though he was the apostle to
WKH�*HQWLOHV��3DXO�GLGQ¶W�GHQLJUDWH�-XGDLVP�EXW� DUJXHG� WKDW� -HVXV� IXO¿OOHG� -HZLVK�hopes, for Jesus’ resurrection demonstrated
WKDW� WKH� QHZ�ZRUOG� KDV� GDZQHG� LQ� -HVXV��So, Paul doesn’t invent a new religion
or leave his Jewish roots behind but sees
-HVXV�DV�WKH�IXO¿OOPHQW�RI�WKHVH�KRSHV��$Q\�notion that such a view is supersessionist is
VWURQJO\�UHVLVWHG��7KH�4XPUDQ�FRPPXQLW\�wasn’t supersessionist in seeing their
RZQ� FRPPXQLW\� DV� WKH� IXO¿OOPHQW� RI�27� SURSKHFLHV�� DQG� LQ� WKH� VDPH� ZD\�3DXO¶V� WKHRORJ\� RI� IXO¿OOPHQW� ZDVQ¶W�VXSHUVHVVLRQLVW��1RU�GRHV� WKH� LQFOXVLRQ�RI�the Gentiles indicate supersessionism, for
WKH�27�LWVHOI�SURPLVHG�WKDW�*HQWLOHV�ZRXOG�EH�IROGHG�LQWR�WKH�RQH�SHRSOH�RI�*RG��
,Q� RQH� VHQVH� :ULJKW� DJUHHV� ZLWK� .ULVWHU�Stendahl that Paul was called instead of
converted, but at the end of the day he argues
WKDW� 6WHQGDKO¶V� UHDGLQJ� PXVW� EH� TXDOL¿HG�VLJQL¿FDQWO\�� IRU�3DXO� VDZ�KLV�SHUVHFXWLRQ�RI� WKH� FKXUFK� DV� D� VLQ�� ,Q� D� VHQVH�� WKHQ��Paul was both called and converted since
KH� ZDV� SHUVRQDOO\� WUDQVIRUPHG�� 6WLOO�� ZH�VKRXOGQ¶W� VD\�3DXO� VZLWFKHG� UHOLJLRQV��+H�was transformed by the Messiah, by the
ORYH�RI�*RG��
Paul was ethnically Jewish but ate with
QRQ�-HZV�� 3DXO� QR� ORQJHU� IHOW� FRQVWUDLQHG�WR� NHHS� WKH� ERXQGDU\� PDUNHUV� RI� 7RUDK��for he believed that a new world, a new
DJH�KDG�GDZQHG��3DXO�GLHG�DQG�URVH�LQ�WKH�Messiah, and thus the regulations of the old
covenant did not apply any longer since
D� QHZ�ZRUOG� KDG� GDZQHG��7KXV�3DXO� VDZ�his previous persecution of the church as a
radical misunderstanding of what it means
WR� EH� -HZLVK�� 7KH� SURPLVHV� JLYHQ� WR� WKH�-HZV�DUH�IXO¿OOHG�IRU�WKRVH�LQ�&KULVW�VR�WKDW�there is now one family in Jesus made up of
ERWK�-HZV�DQG�*HQWLOHV��
:ULJKW� DUJXHV� WKDW� 0DUN� 1DQRV� IDLOV� WR�see the newness in Paul’s thought, for
the latter says Paul continued to observe
7RUDK��EXW�VXFK�D�UHDGLQJ�UHDGV�WKH�WH[W�DW�the level of propositions instead of seeing
Paul’s eschatological and apocalyptic
WKRXJKW�� *DODWLDQV� �������� GHPRQVWUDWHV�WKDW� 3DXO� ZDVQ¶W� 7RUDK� REVHUYDQW�� IRU� KH�
42 | CREDO MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2014
CONTENTS
didn’t keep the food laws when eating with
*HQWLOHV�� 3DXO� ZDV� ÀH[LEOH� DQG� REVHUYHG�the law when with Jews, but he didn’t
believe the boundary markers of the law
ZHUH�PDQGDWRU\��HYHQ� IRU� -HZV��%HOLHYHUV�in Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles, are the
FLUFXPFLVLRQ� DQG� WUXH� -HZV�� 7KH\� EHORQJ�WR� -HVXV� DV� WKH� FUXFL¿HG� DQG� ULVHQ� /RUG��6R��EHOLHYHUV�LQ�-HVXV�&KULVW��DFFRUGLQJ�WR�:ULJKW��DUH�D�WKLUG�UDFH��DQG�$EUDKDP�LV�WKH�IDWKHU�RI� D� VLQJOH� IDPLO\��*HQWLOHV� DUH�QRW�subordinate to Jews; Jews and Gentiles are
HTXDO� LQ�&KULVW� DQG� DUH� ERWK� LQFRUSRUDWHG�LQWR�WKH�RQH�ROLYH�WUHH��7KH�JUHDW�VWRU\�WKDW�EHJDQ�ZLWK�$EUDKDP�DQG�FXOPLQDWHV�LQ�WKH�return from exile has now become a reality
DQG�LV�IXO¿OOHG�LQ�-HVXV�&KULVW�
7KH�IDLOXUH�WR�VHH�WKH�VWRU\��WKH�QDUUDWLYH�RI�3DXO¶V� ZRUOG�� LV�:ULJKW¶V� FKLHI� FRPSODLQW�ZLWK� UHJDUG� WR� )UDQFLV� :DWVRQ¶V� ZRUN�RQ� 3DXO�� :DWVRQ� IDLOV� WR� DFFRXQW� IRU� WKH�FRYHQDQW� QDWXUH� RI� 3DXOLQH� WKRXJKW�� 3DXO�was uniquely Jewish but not a renegade Jew,
DFFRUGLQJ�WR�:ULJKW��VLQFH�KH�VDZ�-HVXV�DV�WKH�IXO¿OOPHQW�RI�,VUDHO¶V�PHVVLDQLF�KRSHV�
PAUL’S AIMS AND INTENTIONS
,Q� WKH� ¿QDO� FKDSWHU�� :ULJKW� UHÀHFWV� RQ�Paul’s aims and intentions as the apostle
who proclaimed the arrival of the new
FUHDWLRQ�� 3DXO� LQ� RQH� VHQVH�� VD\V�:ULJKW��
was a philosopher who articulated a
WKHRORJ\� WR� VXSSRUW� KLV� ZRUOGYLHZ�� 6WLOO��3DXO�ZDV� IXQGDPHQWDOO\� D�PDQ� RI� DFWLRQ��,Q� SDUWLFXODU�� KH� ZDQWHG� WR� IRUP� DQG�sustain churches which were marked by
UHFRQFLOLDWLRQ��VR�ZH�DUH�EDFN�WR�WKH�WKHPH�RI� UHFRQFLOLDWLRQ� LQ� 3KLOHPRQ� DJDLQ��� +LV�churches had a new kind of philosophy,
theology, and politics, as those empowered
by the Spirit and incorporated into Jesus
&KULVW��
:ULJKW� VHHV� KLV� ERRN� DV� EUHDNLQJ� IUHH�from the disjunction between Judaism
and Hellenism introduced into the study
RI�3DXO�E\�)��&��%DXU��5XGROSK�%XOWPDQQ�really continued the theme of Paul as an
apocalyptic thinker who rejected his Jewish
URRWV��EXW�:ULJKW�PDLQWDLQV� WKDW�3DXO� VDZ�KLV�JRVSHO�DV�D�FRQWLQXDWLRQ�DQG�IXO¿OOPHQW�RI�WKH�VWRU\�IRXQG�LQ�WKH�27��:H�GRQ¶W�KDYH�D�VPRRWK�OLQH�RI�IXO¿OOPHQW��EXW�ZH�GR�¿QG�WKDW�ZKDW�WKH�27�SURSKHVLHG�LV�IXO¿OOHG�LQ�-HVXV�&KULVW��*RG�ZDV� IDLWKIXO� WR�ZKDW�KH�promised and has kept his covenant promise
WR�$EUDKDP�
Paul’s aims and intentions in his mission
DQG� FKXUFK� SODQWLQJ� FDQ� EH� VXPPDUL]HG�XQGHU� WKH� WHUP� ³UHFRQFLOLDWLRQ�´� %XW�reconciliation must be understood in a
full-orbed sense, so that it isn’t abstracted
IURP� HYHU\GD\� OLIH�� 2QFH� ZH� XQGHUVWDQG�Paul’s world, we will be able to see that
his churches were in a sense philosophical
www.credomag.com | 43
CONTENTS
communities, religious groups, and
SROLWLFDO� ERGLHV�� 7KH� UHFRQFLOLDWLRQ� OLYHG�out in churches represents what God
intends to do for the entire creation, so
that the church is a new city, or best, a new
WHPSOH��3DXO�ZDVQ¶W�MXVW�ZLQQLQJ�VRXOV��KH�was building a new temple, a place for God
WKURXJK� WKH� 6SLULW� WR� UHVLGH�� 7KXV� KHDYHQ�and earth would be reconciled through
the death and resurrection of Jesus the
0HVVLDK��7KH�FKXUFK¶V�PLVVLRQ�DQG�UHDOLW\�ZLWQHVV�WR�*RG¶V�IDLWKIXOQHVV��,Q�WKDW�VHQVH�the church is God’s royal priesthood in the
ZRUOG�� PHGLDWLQJ� KLV� EOHVVLQJ� WR� RWKHUV��7KH� XQLWHG� DQG� KRO\� FKXUFK� LV� ZKHUH� DOO�nations will stream to worship God, and
it was Paul’s aim for this single family of
$EUDKDP� WR�EH�RQH� LQ�&KULVW��7KH� FKXUFK�
would be the means by which God’s reign
would be extended over the entire creation,
so that God would be all in all and would
EH�ZRUVKLSHG�
Paul’s mission wasn’t simply to see souls
saved but to see the whole creation renewed,
ZKLFK�PHDQW�WKDW�UXOHUV��OLNH�5RPH��would be unmasked for the frauds
WKH\�ZHUH��7KH�FKXUFK�ZRXOG�H[SUHVV�its worship of one God as a united
ERG\�� ,Q� RUGHU� WR� VXVWDLQ� WKH� XQLW\�and holiness of the church, Paul
WDXJKW�KLV� ³SKLORVRSK\´�RU� WKHRORJ\�to unpack and explain what it meant
WR�EH�RQH�LQ�WKH�0HVVLDK��
:KDW� ZH� VHH� LQ� 3DXO�� WKHQ�� LV� ERWK�salvation history and apocalyptic,
ERWK� IXO¿OOLQJ� FRYHQDQW� WKHRORJ\��7KH�FRYHQDQW�DFFRXQWV�IRU�WKH�WKHPH�RI� IXO¿OOPHQW� RI� WKH� VWRU\� RI� ,VUDHO��but it also explains the disparities and
LUUHJXODULWLHV� LQ� ,VUDHO¶V�KLVWRU\�� ,Q�D�similar way, the juridical and participatory
themes in Paul, which are so often conceived
RI�DV�SRODU�RSSRVLWHV��DUH�XQLWHG�LQ�&KULVW��
7KH� HQWLUH� YLVLRQ� DUWLFXODWHG� E\�:ULJKW� LV�summed up in Ephesians, for in Ephesians
the church is God’s temple indwelt by
WKH� 6SLULW�� 7KH� JRDO� LV� WR� VHH� WKH� ZRUOG�transformed, to experience a new creation,
WR�VHH�LQGLYLGXDOV�UHFRQFLOHG��OLNH�2QHVLPXV�DQG�3KLOHPRQ���
PAUL IN ONE SENSE, SAYS WRIGHT, WAS A PHILOSOPHER WHO ARTICULATED A THEOLOGY TO SUPPORT HIS WORLDVIEW. STILL, PAUL WAS FUNDAMENTALLY A MAN OF ACTION. IN PARTICULAR, HE WANTED TO FORM AND SUSTAIN CHURCHES WHICH WERE MARKED BY RECONCILIATION.
44 | CREDO MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2014
CONTENTS
EVALUATING N. T. WRIGHT
What I Like AboutWright’s Treatment of Paul
7KLV� EULHI� VNHWFK� �DQG� LW� LV� EULHI� VLQFH�WKH� ZRUN� KDV� RYHU� ������ SDJHV� RI� WH[W���only touches on the breadth and depth of
ZKDW� :ULJKW� KDV� ZULWWHQ�� :KDW� KH� KDV�accomplished in this multi-volume series
LV� WUXO\� DPD]LQJ��0DQ\�KDYH� WKRXJKW� WKDW�such comprehensive works were a thing
RI� WKH� SDVW�� :H� PLJKW� WKLQN� WKDW� QR� RQH�
today would attempt to write a scholarly
DQG� FRPSUHKHQVLYH� DFFRXQW� RI� &KULVWLDQ�RULJLQV�� %XW� QRZ� :ULJKW� KDV� ZULWWHQ�magisterial volumes which focus on Jesus
DQG�3DXO��2QH�RI�:ULJKW¶V�JUHDW�VWUHQJWKV�LV�WKDW�KH�DWWHQGV�WR�WKH�ELJ�SLFWXUH��+H�LVQ¶W�content with only seeing the pieces but he
DUUDQJHV� WKH�SX]]OH�SLHFHV� VR� WKDW�ZH�FDQ�VHH�WKH�ODQGVFDSH��,Q�D�ZRUOG�RI�VFKRODUVKLS�where scholars work on this or that corner
RI� WKH� SX]]OH� �ZKLFK� LV� LWVHOI�D� JRRG� WKLQJ����ZH� DOVR� QHHG�those who give us a panoramic
YLHZ�� 6LQFH�:ULJKW� WDNHV� WKH�risk of explaining the universe
RI� WKH� 17� ZRUOGYLHZ� DQG�theology, he opens himself up
IRU�FULWLFLVP��9LUWXDOO\�QR�RQH�is going to agree with every
IHDWXUH� RQ� KLV�PDS�� 6WLOO�� ZH�FDQ� EH� JUDWHIXO� WKDW� :ULJKW�KDV�JLYHQ�XV�D�PDS��
Evangelicals in particular
FDQ� EH� JUDWHIXO� WR� :ULJKW��for he believes the story, the
worldview, and the theology
of Paul are coherent, that they
¿W� WRJHWKHU�� � )RU� WKRVH� RI� XV�who have studied Pauline
theology, how often we hear that this piece
RU� WKDW� SLHFH� GRHVQ¶W� ¿W� ZLWK� ZKDW� 3DXO�VD\V� HOVHZKHUH�� +LV� WKRXJKW� LV� FULWLFL]HG�for being incoherent, inconsistent, or
HYHQ� FRQWUDGLFWRU\�� %XW�:ULJKW� ZLOO� KDYH�
EVANGELICALS IN PARTICULAR CAN BE GRATEFUL TO WRIGHT, FOR HE BELIEVES THE STORY, THE WORLDVIEW, AND THE THEOLOGY OF PAUL ARE COHERENT, THAT THEY FIT TOGETHER. FOR THOSE OF US WHO HAVE STUDIED PAULINE THEOLOGY, HOW OFTEN WE HEAR THAT THIS PIECE OR THAT PIECE DOESN’T FIT WITH WHAT PAUL SAYS ELSEWHERE. HIS THOUGHT IS CRITICIZED FOR BEING INCOHERENT, INCONSISTENT, OR EVEN CONTRADICTORY. BUT WRIGHT WILL HAVE NONE OF THAT. HE REGULARLY CRITICIZES THE CRITICIZERS.
www.credomag.com | 45
CONTENTS
QRQH� RI� WKDW�� +H� UHJXODUO\� FULWLFL]HV� WKH�FULWLFL]HUV�� 7KH\� WKLQN� 3DXO� LV� LQFRKHUHQW�or inconsistent, but such judgments, says
:ULJKW�� GHPRQVWUDWH� WKDW� WKH\� IDLO� WR� VHH�WKH�ZKROH� 3DXO�� 6RPH� VFKRODUV� LQVLVW� WKDW�Paul is an apocalyptic thinker and squash
down any reference to salvation history, or
YLFH�YHUVD��6LPLODUO\��VRPH�WUXPSHW�3DXO¶V�MXVWL¿FDWLRQ� DQG� IRUHQVLF� WKRXJKW� DQG�PLQLPL]H�WUDQVIRUPDWLRQ�DQG�SDUWLFLSDWLRQ��ZKLOH�RWKHUV�¿QG�WKH�UHDO�NH\�WR�KLV�WKRXJKW�LQ�XQLRQ�ZLWK�&KULVW�DQG�WUDQVIRUPDWLRQ�DQG�VHH� MXVWL¿FDWLRQ� DV� D� SROHPLFDO� GRFWULQH��:ULJKW�FRUUHFWO\�GLVPLVVHV�VXFK�JDPELWV�DV�IDOOLQJ�SUH\�WR�D�SDUWLDO�YLVLRQ�RI�3DXO��7KHLU�3DXO� LV� WRR�VPDOO��:ULJKW�FRUUHFWO\�DUJXHV�that Paul’s thought embraces salvation
history and apocalyptic, the forensic and
WUDQVIRUPDWLYH�� +RZ� UHIUHVKLQJ� LW� LV� WR�read someone who takes Paul seriously as
a thinker, seeing him as a theologian with
D� FRKHUHQW� YLVLRQ��:ULJKW� VHHV� VR� FOHDUO\�WKH� IXO¿OOPHQW� WKHPH� LQ�3DXOLQH� WKHRORJ\��ZKDW�LV�SURPLVHG�LV�IXO¿OOHG��WKH�FRYHQDQW�SURPLVHV�FRPH�WR�IUXLWLRQ�LQ�-HVXV��
$QRWKHU� WRZHULQJ� VWUHQJWK� LQ� :ULJKW� LV�WKDW� KH� SODFHV� 3DXO� LQ� KLVWRULFDO� FRQWH[W��Even if one disagrees with his historical
MXGJPHQWV�� :ULJKW� DWWHPSWV� WR� UHDG� 3DXO�LQ� OLJKW� RI� WKH� ZRUOG� LQ� ZKLFK� KH� OLYHG��Naturally, one would need to be an expert
in the Greco-Roman and Jewish worlds to
DVVHVV�:ULJKW¶V�VNHWFK�RI�WKH�KLVWRULFDO�DQG�FXOWXUDO�ZRUOG�LQ�ZKLFK�3DXO�OLYHG��,�DP�QRW�
an expert, but it seems to me that he has
ODUJHO\�VXFFHHGHG��%XW�HYHQ�LI�ZH�GLVDJUHH��:ULJKW� LV� WU\LQJ� WR� UHDG� 3DXO� KLVWRULFDOO\��He is attempting to let Paul be Paul, to hear
WKH�UHDO�3DXO��WKH�KLVWRULFDO�3DXO��2I�FRXUVH��many scholars today think such an enterprise
is impossible, claiming in our postmodern
�RU�SRVW�SRVWPRGHUQ"�� WLPHV� WKDW�ZH�FDQ¶W�know what authors intended when they
ZURWH��:ULJKW�LVQ¶W�QDwYH��+H�GRHVQ¶W�FODLP�that we can discern exhaustively what Paul
FRPPXQLFDWHG�LQ�KLV�OHWWHUV��+H�IUDPHV�DQG�tests hypotheses under the framework of
critical realism, which he explained in his
¿UVW�YROXPH�LQ�WKH�VHULHV��+LV�FULWLFDO�UHDOLVW�DSSURDFK� LV� KHOSIXO� DQG� RSWLPLVWLF�� (YHQ�though we can’t get to the bottom of Paul,
ZH� DUH� QRW� KHUPHQHXWLFDO� QLKLOLVWV��:KHQ�we place Paul in his historical context, we
FDQ�NQRZ��VD\V�:ULJKW��3DXO¶V�ZRUOGYLHZ��KLV� WKHRORJ\�� DQG�KLV� DLPV� DQG� LQWHQWLRQV��7KH� KLVWRULFDO� 3DXO� LV� QRW� VKXWWHUHG� DZD\�EXW� LV� DFFHVVLEOH� WR� XV�� +HQFH�� :ULJKW¶V�sketch of the Greco-Roman and Jewish
worlds in which Paul lived assists us in
XQGHUVWDQGLQJ�WKH�UHDO�3DXO��:ULJKW�WKLQNV�we can understand the historical Paul and
that we learn about him through history and
H[HJHVLV��,�FDQ�RQO\�JUDWHIXOO\�DJUHH�
:ULJKW¶V� FUHDWLYLW\� DOVR� VKLQHV� WKURXJK�LQ� KLV� VFKRODUVKLS�� ,V� WKDW� D� EOHVVLQJ� RU�a liability? Probably both, but mainly a
EOHVVLQJ��:ULJKW¶V� FUHDWLYLW\� LV� HYLGHQW� LQ�KRZ� KH� KDV� ZULWWHQ� KLV� 3DXOLQH� WKHRORJ\��
46 | CREDO MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2014
CONTENTS
7KHUH� KDV� QHYHU� EHHQ� DQ\WKLQJ� TXLWH� OLNH�LW�� :ULJKW� ZHDYHV� WRJHWKHU� WKH� KLVWRULFDO�context, the Pauline worldview, and Paul’s
theology into a coherent whole, so that
3DXO� DGGUHVVHV� WKH� ZRUOG� RI� KLV� GD\��:H�FDQ� KHDU�� DV�:ULJKW� XQIROGV� KLV� QDUUDWLYH��Paul speaking to the Stoics, the Epicureans,
6HFRQG�7HPSOH�-HZV��DQG�EHOLHYHUV�LQ�-HVXV�&KULVW��
:ULJKW¶V� FUHDWLYLW\� LV� DOVR� HYLGHQW� LQ� WKH�VWRU\� KH� GHWHFWV� LQ� 3DXO¶V� WKRXJKW� �PRUH�RQ� WKLV� ODWHU��� ,VUDHO� ZDV� LQ� H[LOH�� DQG� LQ�Jesus’ death and resurrection we have the
UHVWRUDWLRQ� RI� ,VUDHO�� 2I� FRXUVH�� WKH� VWRU\�GRHVQ¶W� EHJLQ� ZLWK� ,VUDHO� LQ� H[LOH�� EXW�with the covenant, the promises given to
$EUDKDP��WKH�SURPLVH�WKDW�WKH�HQWLUH�ZRUOG�ZRXOG�EH�EOHVVHG�LQ�DQG�WKURXJK�$EUDKDP�DQG� KLV� GHVFHQGDQWV�� ,Q� RWKHU� ZRUGV��*RG� ZRXOG� IXO¿OO� KLV� SURPLVH� WKURXJK�the covenant, by virtue of his covenant
IDLWKIXOQHVV�� 2EYLRXVO\�� WKLV� LV� FHQWUDO�WR� :ULJKW¶V� UHDGLQJ�� ZKLFK� LV� HYLGHQW� WR�anyone who reads the title of the book!
Paul’s theology is all about God’s covenant
IDLWKIXOQHVV��WKH�IXO¿OOPHQW�RI�KLV�SURPLVH�WR�UHQHZ�DOO�RI�FUHDWLRQ��+XPDQ�EHLQJV�ZLOO�RQO\�WUXO\�ÀRXULVK�LQ�WKH�QHZ�FUHDWLRQ�ZKHQ�*RG�GZHOOV�LQ�WKHLU�PLGVW�WKURXJK�WKH�6SLULW��7KH�FKXUFK��VD\V�:ULJKW��UHSUHVHQWV�QRZ�DQ�anticipation of the new creation to come, a
place where Jews and Gentiles, males and
females, slaves and free, are reconciled to
RQH�DQRWKHU�DQG�WR�*RG�
,� DP� UHOD\LQJ� RQO\� ELWV�and pieces of the story,
EXW� ,�� IRU�RQH�� WKLQN� WKDW�WKH� EDVLF� VWRU\� :ULJKW�GUDZV�LV�ULJKW��,VUDHO�ZDV�LQ�H[LOH��L�H���WKH�SURPLVHV�ZHUHQ¶W�IXO¿OOHG��EHFDXVH�they had failed to keep
WKH� 7RUDK�� 7KH� FXUVHV�of the covenant fell on
,VUDHO� EHFDXVH� RI� KHU�GLVREHGLHQFH�� ,VUDHO�EHOLHYHG� WKDW� WKH� 7RUDK��
given to them by God, was the means by
ZKLFK� WKH� ZRUOG� ZRXOG� UHFHLYH� EOHVVLQJ��%XW��DV�:ULJKW�VR�DSWO\�SXWV�LW��,VUDHO�IRXQG�RXW�WKDW�LW�WRR�ZDV�LQ�$GDP��,VUDHO�FRXOGQ¶W�be the solution to the world’s problems
VLQFH� ,VUDHO� WRR� ZDV� SDUW� RI� WKH� SUREOHP��7KH�HYLO�ZDVQ¶W�RQO\�RXW�WKHUH�LQ�WKH�*HQWLOH�ZRUOG��LW�ZDV�DOVR�LQVLGH�WKH�-HZLVK�ZRUOG��
I BELIEVE WRIGHT IS ALSO CORRECT IN SAYING THAT THE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM IS IN THE MESSIAH JESUS. HE IS ON TARGET IN SAYING THAT MESSIAH IS NOT JUST A PROPER NAME IN PAUL. BELIEVERS ARE INCORPORATED INTO JESUS AS THE CRUCIFIED AND RISEN LORD.
www.credomag.com | 47
CONTENTS
Sin isn’t just a Gentile problem or a Jewish
SUREOHP�EXW�D�KXPDQ�SUREOHP�,� EHOLHYH�:ULJKW� LV� DOVR� FRUUHFW� LQ� VD\LQJ�that the solution to the problem is in the
0HVVLDK� -HVXV�� +H� LV� RQ� WDUJHW� LQ� VD\LQJ�that Messiah is not just a proper name in
3DXO��%HOLHYHUV�DUH�LQFRUSRUDWHG�LQWR�-HVXV�DV� WKH� FUXFL¿HG� DQG� ULVHQ� /RUG�� -HVXV��WKHQ�� LV� WKH� WUXH� ,VUDHO��DQG� WKRVH�ZKR�DUH�PHPEHUV�RI�$EUDKDP¶V� IDPLO\�� WKRVH�ZKR�DUH� WKH� FLUFXPFLVLRQ�� EHORQJ� WR� -HVXV��Hence, both Jews and Gentiles now form
the single family of God, reconciled to
*RG� DQG� UHFRQFLOHG� WR� RQH� DQRWKHU�� 7KH�3DXOLQH�VWRU\�LV�DERXW�-HVXV�EHLQJ�WKH�/RUG�of the world, and hence all other gods and
GHPRQV�DUH�VKRZQ�WR�EH�IUDXGV��-HVXV�UXOHV�at God’s right hand, and hence the new
creation has dawned, even though it still
PXVW�EH�FRQVXPPDWHG��7KH�FKXUFK�RI�-HVXV�is to live out that lordship with love and
JUDFH��DV�LW�DZDLWV�WKH�UHQHZDO�RI�FUHDWLRQ��:ULJKW�UHPLQGV�XV�WKDW�WKH�FKXUFK�LPSDFWV�the world when the world sees its holiness
DQG�XQLW\��:KHQ�WKH�FKXUFK�OLYHV�LQ�VXFK�D�way, it attests that it is the new temple, the
place where the Spirit of God and the Spirit
RI�-HVXV�GZHOO�
6RPH� KDYH� DFFXVHG� :ULJKW� RI�VXSHUVHVVLRQLVP��EXW�,�WKLQN�KH�ULJKWO\�IHQGV�RII�WKDW�FKDUJH��7KH�4XPUDQ�FRPPXQLW\��DV�he notes, was certainly not supersessionist
for thinking that they were the community
RI�WKH�QHZ�FRYHQDQW��QRU�ZDV�5DEEL�$NLED�
supersessionist in hailing Simeon ben-
.RVLED�DV�WKH�0HVVLDK��3DXO�GLGQ¶W�EHOLHYH�WKDW�KH�UHSXGLDWHG�-XGDLVP�EXW�IXO¿OOHG�LW��IRU� LQ�-HVXV� WKH�SURPLVHV� WR�$EUDKDP�DQG�WR� 'DYLG� ZHUH� IXO¿OOHG�� $ORQJ� WKH� VDPH�OLQHV��:ULJKW�FOHDUO\�VKRZV�WKH�GH¿FLHQFLHV�of Nanos’s reading of Paul, which opts for
D�WZR�FRYHQDQW�VROXWLRQ��3DXO�EHOLHYHG�WKDW�,VUDHO�ZRXOG�RQO\�EH� VDYHG�E\�FRQIHVVLQJ�-HVXV�DV�WKH�0HVVLDK��
CONCERNS ABOUT WRIGHT’S TREATMENT OF PAUL
,W� VHHPV� DV� LI� GLVFXVVLRQV� RQ� :ULJKW�easily become a matter of whether one
LV� ³IRU� KLP´� RU� ³DJDLQVW� KLP�´� %XW� VXFK�an approach isn’t helpful and blunts the
NLQG� RI� GLVFXVVLRQ� WKDW� LV� QHHGHG�� ,W� LV�¿WWLQJ� WR� EH� JUDWHIXO� �VHH� DERYH�� IRU� KLV�contributions to scholarship and for his
VHUYLFH�WR�WKH�FKXUFK��+H�LV�FOHDUO\�QRW�DQ�HQHP\� RI� HYDQJHOLFDOLVP� EXW� D� IULHQG��$W�the same time, we serve scholarship and
truth in raising questions and concerns as
ZHOO��,I�GHPRQL]LQJ�:ULJKW�LV�LUUDWLRQDO��ZH�must also beware of an uncritical adulation
where any disagreement with him is viewed
DV�DQ�DWWDFN��0DWXUH�GLVFXVVLRQ�WDNHV�SODFH�when we honestly dialogue about places
where we agree and differ with kindness
DQG�JUDFH�
48 | CREDO MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2014
CONTENTS
Empire
,� EHJLQ�ZLWK�ZKDW� VWULNHV�PH� DV� WKH� OHDVW�LPSRUWDQW� GLVDJUHHPHQW�� L�H��� WKH� LVVXH� RI�HPSLUH�� &HUWDLQO\�� 3DXO� SURFODLPHG� -HVXV�DV� /RUG�� DQG� WKXV� KH�ZDV� DOVR� WKH�/RUG� RI�Rome and sovereign
RYHU� WKH� HPSHURU��Monotheism means
that God brooks no
rivals, and hence
&DHVDU� PXVW� QRW� EH�H[DOWHG�RU�ZRUVKLSHG��,� DP� RSHQ� WR�:ULJKW�being correct here,
but it seems that Paul
didn’t expend much
energy in combatting
emperor worship in
KLV� OHWWHUV�� :ULJKW�argues that the language is coded, but
ZKDW�LV�FRGH�WR�RQH�LV�LQYLVLEOH�WR�DQRWKHU��Perhaps Paul doesn’t address empire
VSHFL¿FDOO\�EHFDXVH�PRVW� RUGLQDU\�SHRSOH�GLGQ¶W�UHDOO\�WDNH�LW�DOO�WKDW�VHULRXVO\��7KH\�tipped their hat to it; they did their duty
when they were required to do so, but in
most places where Paul planted churches
people were concerned about and devoted
WR�RWKHU�WKLQJV��2WKHU�JRGV�ZHUH�SUREDEO\�more important in their everyday life than
HPSHURU�ZRUVKLS��
The Lord’s Return to Zion
:ULJKW� DOVR� VXJJHVWV� WKDW� 3DXO¶V� KLJK�&KULVWRORJ\�VWHPPHG�LQ�SDUW�IURP�WKH�EHOLHI�WKDW� LQ�-HVXV�&KULVW� WKH�/RUG�KDG�FRPH� WR�
Zion; he returned to his
WHPSOH�� /HW� PH� SDXVH�DQG� VD\� WKDW� :ULJKW�contends convincingly
for the notion that
3DXO¶V�&KULVWRORJ\�ZDV�KLJK�� ,� IRXQG� DOPRVW�all of his arguments
FRQYLQFLQJ�� )RU� WKDW�matter, his work on the
identity of the Spirit
is also excellent; he
agrees that the early
church fathers were
IDLWKIXO� WR� WKH� 17� LQ�WKHLU�7ULQLWDULDQ�YLVLRQ��
6R�� WKH� LVVXH� UDLVHG� KHUH� LV� TXLWH� VSHFL¿F�DQG� QDUURZ�� 'LG� 3DXO¶V� KLJK� &KULVWRORJ\�GHULYH�VLJQL¿FDQWO\�IURP�WKH�QRWLRQ�WKDW�WKH�/RUG�UHWXUQHG�WR�=LRQ"�&HUWDLQO\��ZH�KDYH�temple theology in Paul, especially in the
QRWLRQ� WKDW� WKH�6SLULW� LQGZHOOV� KLV� SHRSOH��3HUKDSV� ,� PLVXQGHUVWDQG� :ULJKW�� DQG� KH�is referring to the Gospels instead of Paul
ZKHQ� VSHDNLQJ� RI� WKH� /RUG� UHWXUQLQJ� WR�=LRQ��EXW�ZKHUH�GRHV�3DXO�HPSKDVL]H�WKDW�-HVXV�UHWXUQHG�WR�WKH�WHPSOH"�,W�VHHPV�WKDW�such language is used with reference to the
6SLULW��3DXO�VSHDNV�RI�&KULVW�LQGZHOOLQJ�KLV�people, but it isn’t clear that such language
I WONDER IF WRIGHT’S EMPHASIS ON STORY, AS HELPFUL AS IT IS, OVERLOOKS OR DOESN’T ACCOUNT FULLY FOR THE GENRE IN WHICH PAUL WROTE ... WRIGHT’S NARRATIVE APPROACH DIMINISHES THE EXPOSITORY CHARACTER OF PAUL’S WRITINGS.
www.credomag.com | 49
CONTENTS
VLJQL¿HV� WKH�/RUG� UHWXUQLQJ� WR�KLV� WHPSOH��Hence, support seems to be lacking for
WKH� QRWLRQ� WKDW� 3DXO¶V� &KULVWRORJ\� ZDV�SURIRXQGO\�VKDSHG�E\�WKH�/RUG�UHWXUQLQJ�WR�KLV�WHPSOH�
The Story
$SSUHFLDWLRQ�IRU�:ULJKW¶V�HPSKDVLV�RQ�WKH�story and the big picture was expressed
DERYH�� &HUWDLQO\�� 3DXO� KDG� D� ZRUOGYLHZ�and a story from which he approached the
ZRUOG��2Q�WKH�RWKHU�KDQG��KH�ZURWH�OHWWHUV��explicating his theology in a discursive
VW\OH��7KH�OHWWHUV�DUH�RFFDVLRQDO�WR�EH�VXUH��UHVSRQGLQJ� WR� VLWXDWLRQV� LQ� KLV� FKXUFKHV��None of the letters represents the whole of
his thinking, nor are his letters systematic
WUHDWLVHV��,�ZRQGHU�LI�:ULJKW¶V�HPSKDVLV�RQ�story, as helpful as it is, overlooks or doesn’t
account fully for the genre in which Paul
ZURWH��,�DP�QRW�VD\LQJ�:ULJKW�LV�PLVWDNHQ�KHUH�� ,� WKLQN� WKHUH� LV� D� VWRU\� LQ� 3DXOLQH�WKHRORJ\��%XW�ZLWK�HYHU\� VWUHQJWK� WKHUH� LV�D� ZHDNQHVV�� :ULJKW¶V� QDUUDWLYH� DSSURDFK�diminishes the expository character of
3DXO¶V�ZULWLQJV��:H�FDQ�FRPSDUH�:ULJKW¶V�Pauline theology with the fairly recent
ERRN�E\�8GR�6FKQHOOH��$SRVWOH�3DXO��+LV�/LIH� DQG� 7KHRORJ\� �%DNHU� $FDGHPLF��� ,�am not endorsing everything Schnelle
says, but when we compare Schnelle to
:ULJKW�WKH�IRUPHU�VWDQGV�RXW�IRU�LWV�ORJLFDO�and expository clarity, and the kind of
exposition Schnelle offers matches in many
UHVSHFWV�WKH�QDWXUH�RI�3DXOLQH�WKHRORJ\�
Eschatological Salvation of Israel
,� GRQ¶W�ZDQW� WR� OLQJHU� ORQJ� RQ� WKLV� SRLQW��for good commentators disagree on the
PHDQLQJ� RI� 5RPDQV� ������� DQG� D� ORQJHU�GLVFXVVLRQ�LV�QHHGHG�WR�DUELWUDWH�WKH�PDWWHU��6WLOO��,�DP�QRW�FRQYLQFHG�WKDW�WKH�VDOYDWLRQ�RI�DOO�,VUDHO�LQ�5RPDQV�������LQFOXGHV�ERWK�-HZLVK�DQG�*HQWLOH�EHOLHYHUV��,W�LV�GLI¿FXOW�WR�EHOLHYH�WKDW�WKH�GH¿QLWLRQ�RI�,VUDHO�VKLIWV�IURP�������WR�������ZKHQ�WKHUH�LV�QR�FOHDU�VLJQDO�WKDW�,VUDHO�VKLIWV�LWV�UHIHUHQW�IURP�RQH�YHUVH�WR�WKH�QH[W��)XUWKHUPRUH��D�PHUH�WZR�YHUVHV� DIWHU� ������ 3DXO� FOHDUO\� LGHQWL¿HV�,VUDHO�DV�*RG¶V�HOHFW����������ZKLFK�LQGLFDWHV�that Paul continued to look forward to the
IXO¿OOPHQW�RI�*RG¶V�SURPLVHV�WR�KLV�SHRSOH��)XUWKHUPRUH�� :ULJKW� PLVLQWHUSUHWV� OLIH�IURP� WKH� GHDG� LQ� 5RPDQV� ������� IRU� WKH�H[SUHVVLRQ�PRUH�QDWXUDOO\�UHIHUV�WR�WKH�¿QDO�resurrection, and such a resurrection occurs
after the end-time acceptance of ethnic
,VUDHO�
Return of Christ
Related to the above is Paul’s frequent
UHIHUHQFH� WR� WKH� UHWXUQ� RI� &KULVW�� WR�ZKDW� LV� FDOOHG� KLV� VHFRQG� FRPLQJ�� ,� ZDV�TXLWH� FXULRXV�� JLYHQ� :ULJKW¶V� VRPHZKDW�controversial views on this issue in the
Gospels, what he would say about the
PDWWHU� ZKHQ� LW� FDPH� WR� 3DXO�� :KDW� ZDV�
50 | CREDO MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2014
CONTENTS
striking was how little he said about
WKH� VXEMHFW�� 2QH� ZRXOG� DOPRVW�WKLQN� &KULVW¶V� UHWXUQ� ZDV� RI� OLWWOH�FRQVHTXHQFH�WR�3DXO��VLQFH�:ULJKW¶V�GLVFXVVLRQ�RQ�WKH�VXEMHFW�LV�VR�EULHI��His attenuated discussion made me
ZRQGHU�LI�&KULVW¶V�UHWXUQ�LV�SXW�RQ�WKH�back burner because it isn’t of much
LQWHUHVW� WR� :ULJKW�� 2WKHU� HOHPHQWV�RI� WKH� VWRU\� HQWUDQFH� KLP�PRUH��2I�course, he doesn’t deny the return of
&KULVW�� EXW� WKH� WRSLF� LVQ¶W� JLYHQ� LWV�GXH�ZHLJKW�LQ�:ULJKW¶V�H[SRVLWLRQ��,W�seems to play quite a minor role in
the story he tells, which means, at the
very least, that the story needs to be
expanded, for the theme is actually
TXLWH�SURPLQHQW�LQ�3DXO¶V�WKRXJKW��
The Role of Israel
,� DJUHH� ZLWK�:ULJKW� WKDW� WKH� SURPLVHV� RI�$EUDKDP�ZHUH�JLYHQ�WR�,VUDHO��EXW�KH�VHHPV�WR�PDNH�D�OHDS�LQ�VD\LQJ�WKDW�,VUDHO�ZDV�WKH�VROXWLRQ� WR� WKH� ZRUOG¶V� SUREOHP�� 7KDW� LV�D� VWHS� WRR� IDU�� ,W� VHHPV� LW�ZRXOG� EH�PRUH�SUHFLVH�WR�VD\�WKDW�,VUDHO�SRLQWV�WR�WKH�/RUG�DV�WKH�VROXWLRQ�WR�WKH�ZRUOG¶V�SUREOHP��3DXO�VD\V� WKDW� ,VUDHO�EHOLHYHG� LW�ZDV�D� OLJKW� IRU�Gentiles, but that isn’t quite the same thing
DV�VD\LQJ�WKDW�,VUDHO�ZRXOG�VROYH�WKH�ZRUOG¶V�SUREOHP��DV�LI�,VUDHO�LWVHOI�ZRXOG�XQGR�WKH�VLQ�RI�$GDP�
:ULJKW� DUJXHV� WKDW� ,VUDHO� LVQ¶W� LQGLFWHG�
SULPDULO\� IRU� LWV� VLQ� EHIRUH� *RG� �WKRXJK�KH�GRHV�VD\�WKDW�WKH\�KDYH�VLQQHG�DV�ZHOO��EXW� IRU� IDLOXUH� WR� FDUU\� RXW� LWV� YRFDWLRQ��1RZ�5RPDQV���������GRHV�UHIHU�WR�,VUDHO¶V�YRFDWLRQ��EXW�WKH�WH[W�GRHVQ¶W�VD\�WKDW�,VUDHO¶V�fundamental fault was failure to carry out
LWV�YRFDWLRQ�� ,QVWHDG�� ,VUDHO� LV� LQGLFWHG� IRU�sins like adultery and stealing and robbing
WHPSOHV�� 6LPLODUO\�� ZKHQ� FLUFXPFLVLRQ�FRPHV�XS��5RP������������,VUDHO�LV�FHQVXUHG�for disobedience in general, not for failing
LQ�LWV�PLVVLRQ��&RQWUDU\�WR�:ULJKW��LW�VHHPV�WKDW�3DXO¶V�PDLQ�FRPSODLQW��FI��5RP����������� LV� ,VUDHO¶V� VLQ�� QRW� WKDW� LW� IDLOHG� LQ� LWV�PLVVLRQ�WR�WKH�*HQWLOHV�
JUSTIFICATION DOESN’T, ACCORDING TO WRIGHT, PRIMARILY MEAN THAT WE ARE RIGHT WITH GOD. IT FUNDAMENTALLY MEANS THAT WE ARE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH, THAT WE ARE COVENANT MEMBERS. I BELIEVE WRIGHT HERE MAKES A CATEGORY MISTAKE. HE RIGHTLY SEES THAT RIGHTEOUSNESS RELATES BOTH TO CREATION AND COVENANT. RIGHTEOUSNESS AND THE COVENANT AREN’T SEPARATED ONE FROM THE OTHER. BUT IT DOESN’T FOLLOW FROM THIS THAT RIGHTEOUSNESS MEANS COVENANT FAITHFULNESS OR COVENANT MEMBERSHIP. INSTEAD ... JUSTIFICATION MEANS THAT ONE IS IN THE RIGHT, THAT ONE IS DECLARED TO BE IN THE RIGHT.
www.credomag.com | 51
CONTENTS
,� DOVR�ZRQGHU�ZKHUH�:ULJKW�JHWV� WKH� LGHD�WKDW� VLQ� LV� FROOHFWHG� LQ� RQH� SODFH�� L�H��� LQ�,VUDHO��DQG�WKXV�WKH�VLQ�RI�,VUDHO�LV�SODFHG�RQ�-HVXV��VR�WKDW�-HVXV�GUDZV�WKH�VLQ�RI�,VUDHO�LQWR� RQH� SODFH�� $IWHU� DOO�� VLQ� LV� FHUWDLQO\�a problem in the Gentile world as well
�5RP�� ���������� 3HUKDSV�:ULJKW� VHHV� WKLV�QRWLRQ� LQ� WH[WV� OLNH�*DODWLDQV������� IRU�KH�XQGHUVWDQGV�WKH�¿UVW�SHUVRQ�SOXUDO�SURQRXQ�to be limited to Jews, and thus Jesus took
WKH�FXUVH�XSRQ�KLPVHOI�RQO\� IRU� WKH� -HZV��7KH� ¿UVW� SHUVRQ� SOXUDO� LQ� WKH� QH[W� YHUVH��*DO�� ������� KRZHYHU�� FHUWDLQO\� LQFOXGHV�*HQWLOHV�� ZKLFK� FDVWV� GRXEW� RQ� :ULJKW¶V�LQWHUSUHWDWLRQ�RI�*DODWLDQV�������%XW�HYHQ�LI�:ULJKW�LV�FRUUHFW�RQ�*DODWLDQV�������LW�VWLOO�LVQ¶W�FOHDU�WKDW�VLQ�LV�FROOHFWHG�LQ�RQH�SODFH��Sin is placed on Jesus, but Jesus died as a
representative for both Jews and Gentiles
���&RU������������DQG�KHQFH�KLV�VLQ�EHDULQJ�UROH�LVQ¶W�OLPLWHG�WR�,VUDHO�
RECONCILIATION AND ONEFAMILY AS CENTRAL?
:ULJKW�GRHVQ¶W�XVH�WKH�ODQJXDJH�RI�FHQWHU��but it seems that he sees the unity of the
church, reconciliation with God and one
DQRWKHU�� DV� WKH� FHQWHU� RI� 3DXO¶V� WKRXJKW��Such a proposal is certainly a possible
UHDGLQJ�RI�WKH�HYLGHQFH��,�VXSSRVH�:ULJKW�would say that his whole reading of the
HYLGHQFH� MXVWL¿HV� WKH� FODLP��&HUWDLQO\� WKH�
unity of the church and reconciliation with
one another are very important to Paul, and
ZH�FDQ�EH�JUDWHIXO�WKDW�:ULJKW�KDV�UHPLQGHG�XV�RI�WKLV�WUXWK�
7KH� FHQWHU� SURSRVHG� LV� SRVVLEOH�� 2Q� WKH�RWKHU�KDQG��:ULJKW� WHOOV�D� ODUJH�VSUDZOLQJ�story, admitting that his own retelling
LV� SDUWLDO� DQG� SHUVSHFWLYDO�� ,Q� WKH� PLGVW�RI� WKH� VWRU\� ,� IRXQG� P\VHOI� ZRQGHULQJ�why reconciliation and the unity and the
holiness of the church are the central truth
DQG� V\PERO� LQ� 3DXOLQH� WKRXJKW�� :ULJKW�has certainly shown us that reconciliation
and unity are crucial for Paul, but more
argumentation and defense is needed for
seeing it as the most important theme and
WKH�PRVW�SURPLQHQW� V\PERO��7KH�TXHVWLRQ�raised here leads to the next discussion,
IRU� LW� VHHPV� WKDW� :ULJKW� HPSKDVL]HV� WKH�KRUL]RQWDO�UHODWLRQVKLS��XQLW\�LQ�WKH�FKXUFK��PRUH�WKDQ�WKH�YHUWLFDO��UHODWLRQVKLS�WR�*RG���though he certainly doesn’t deny the latter
DQG�EHOLHYHV�LW�LV�LPSRUWDQW�DV�ZHOO�
Justification
7KDW� EULQJV� PH� WR� MXVWL¿FDWLRQ�� ZKLFK�FRQWLQXHV� WR� EH� WKH� SODFH� ZKHUH� :ULJKW�is most controversial—at least for
FRQIHVVLRQDO� DQG� HYDQJHOLFDO� 3URWHVWDQWV��:ULJKW¶V�YLHZ�LV�ERWK�KHOSIXO�DQG�FRQIXVLQJ��+H� ULJKWO\� HPSKDVL]HV� WKDW� MXVWL¿FDWLRQ�is a forensic reality, that it has to do with
WKH�ODZ�FRXUW��+HQFH��KH�UHMHFWV�WKH�QRWLRQ�
52 | CREDO MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2014
CONTENTS
WKDW� MXVWL¿FDWLRQ�LV� WUDQVIRUPDWLYH�DQG�OLIH�FKDQJLQJ�� ,W� LV� D� GHFODUDWLRQ� E\� WKH� MXGJH�WKDW�RQH�VWDQGV�LQ�WKH�ULJKW��$OO�WKLV�VHHPV�H[DFWO\�ULJKW�
2Q� WKH� RWKHU� KDQG�� KH� DOVR� GH¿QHV�MXVWL¿FDWLRQ� LQ� WHUPV� RI� *RG¶V� FRYHQDQW�IDLWKIXOQHVV�DQG�RXU�FRYHQDQW�PHPEHUVKLS��,W� VHHPV�� WKHQ�� WKDW� MXVWL¿FDWLRQ� GRHVQ¶W��DFFRUGLQJ� WR�:ULJKW�� SULPDULO\�PHDQ� WKDW�
ZH� DUH� ULJKW� ZLWK� *RG�� ,W� IXQGDPHQWDOO\�means that we are members of the church,
WKDW� ZH� DUH� FRYHQDQW� PHPEHUV�� ,� EHOLHYH�:ULJKW�KHUH�PDNHV�D�FDWHJRU\�PLVWDNH��+H�rightly sees that righteousness relates both
WR� FUHDWLRQ� DQG� FRYHQDQW�� 5LJKWHRXVQHVV�and the covenant aren’t separated one
IURP�WKH�RWKHU��%XW�LW�GRHVQ¶W�IROORZ�IURP�this that righteousness means covenant
IDLWKIXOQHVV� RU� FRYHQDQW� PHPEHUVKLS��,QVWHDG�� DV� 6WHSKHQ�:HVWHUKROP� VKRZV� LQ�his recent book, -XVWL¿FDWLRQ�5HFRQVLGHUHG��5HWKLQNLQJ� D� 3DXOLQH� 7KHPH� �(HUGPDQV���MXVWL¿FDWLRQ�PHDQV�WKDW�RQH�LV�LQ�WKH�ULJKW��
WKDW� RQH� LV� GHFODUHG� WR� EH� LQ� WKH� ULJKW��7KLV� LV� QRW� WR� VD\� WKDW� ULJKWHRXVQHVV� KDV�QRWKLQJ� WR� GR� ZLWK� WKH� FRYHQDQW�� %HWWHU�to say that God’s saving righteousness
IXO¿OOV� KLV� FRYHQDQW� SURPLVHV� LQVWHDG� RI�saying that righteousness means covenant
PHPEHUVKLS� RU� FRYHQDQW� IDLWKIXOQHVV��,QGHHG�� LW� VHHPV� DV� LI� WKH� HPSKDVLV� RQ�covenant membership sits awkwardly with
the notion that righteousness is declarative,
IRU�MXVWL¿FDWLRQ�PHDQV�WKDW�ZH�VWDQG�LQ�WKH�ULJKW�EHIRUH�*RG�
7KH� PDWWHU� RI� MXVWL¿FDWLRQ�GHVHUYHV� IXUWKHU� FRPPHQW��:ULJKW� RIWHQ� FULWLFL]HV� WKRVH�ZKR�LGHQWLI\�MXVWL¿FDWLRQ�ZLWK�salvation, pointing out that the
words justify and salvation
PHDQ� GLIIHUHQW� WKLQJV�� +H� LV�certainly right on this score,
EXW�KH�QHJOHFWV�DQ�LPSRUWDQW�SRLQW�DV�ZHOO��:ULJKW�� DV� QRWHG� DERYH�� SXWV� MXVWL¿FDWLRQ�LQ� WKH� HFFOHVLRORJLFDO� FDWHJRU\�� ,W� GRHVQ¶W�FRPPXQLFDWH�� VD\V� :ULJKW�� WKDW� RQH� KDV�EHFRPH�D�&KULVWLDQ��LW�WHOOV�XV�ZKHWKHU�RQH�is a covenant member, a member of the
FKXUFK� RI� -HVXV� &KULVW�� ,� FRQWLQXH� WR� EH�XQSHUVXDGHG��<HV��MXVWL¿FDWLRQ�DQG�VDOYDWLRQ�don’t mean the same thing, but they have
WKH�VDPH�UHIHUHQW��6DOYDWLRQ�PHDQV�WKDW�RQH�is spared from the eschatological wrath to
FRPH�� ZKLOH� MXVWL¿FDWLRQ� PHDQV� WKDW� RQH�LV� GHFODUHG� WR� EH� ULJKW� RQ� WKH� ¿QDO� GD\��:ULJKW�KLPVHOI�VD\V�WKDW�WKLV�HVFKDWRORJLFDO�
BOTH SALVATION AND JUSTIFICATION, THEN, ARE SOTERIOLOGICAL REALITIES. JUSTIFICATION MOST NATURALLY REFERS TO ONE WHO IS DECLARED TO BE IN THE RIGHT BEFORE GOD, AND THAT FITS BETTER WITH SOTERIOLOGY RATHER THAN ECCLESIOLOGY.
www.credomag.com | 53
CONTENTS
verdict has been declared in advance, the
end time announcement has been declared
in advance with reference to those who
EHOLHYH�LQ�-HVXV�&KULVW��:KHQ�KH�WDONV�OLNH�this, it seems that he is thinking mainly of
VRWHULRORJ\�� L�H��� RXU� UHODWLRQVKLS� WR� *RG��KHQFH� WKH� FRQIXVLRQ� PHQWLRQHG� DERYH���%RWK� VDOYDWLRQ� DQG� MXVWL¿FDWLRQ�� WKHQ�� DUH�VRWHULRORJLFDO� UHDOLWLHV�� -XVWL¿FDWLRQ� PRVW�naturally refers to one who is declared to be
LQ�WKH�ULJKW�EHIRUH�*RG��DQG�WKDW�¿WV�EHWWHU�ZLWK�VRWHULRORJ\�UDWKHU�WKDQ�HFFOHVLRORJ\�
:ULJKW�RIWHQ�VD\V�WKDW�WKRVH�ZKR�KROG�RQWR�the so-called old perspective distort Paul,
since they speak of putting one’s faith in
&KULVW� DQG� WKHQ� JRLQJ� WR� KHDYHQ��:ULJKW�VD\V�WKLV�LV�IXQGDPHQWDOO\�ÀDZHG�VLQFH�WKH�promise is not an ethereal heavenly existence
EXW� WKH� QHZ� FUHDWLRQ�� :H� FDQ� JUDQW� WKLV�point as a good corrective, though most old
SHUVSHFWLYH�VFKRODUV�,�NQRZ�DOUHDG\�DJUHH�WKDW�RXU�IXWXUH�GHVWLQ\�LV�D�QHZ�FUHDWLRQ��,Q�RWKHU� ZRUGV��:ULJKW¶V� SURSRVDO� DERXW� WKH�new creation isn’t as new and as radical as
KH�WKLQNV�LW�LV��6WLOO��KH�ULJKWO\�VD\V�WKDW�RXU�future life will be in a transformed world, a
QHZ�FUHDWLRQ��
,I� RXU� GHVWLQ\� LV� WKH� QHZ� FUHDWLRQ�� WKH�VRWHULRORJLFDO� GLPHQVLRQ� RI� MXVWL¿FDWLRQ�still remains, for only those who are
MXVWL¿HG�ZLOO�HQWHU�WKH�QHZ�FUHDWLRQ��7KRVH�who face God’s eschatological wrath will
H[SHULHQFH� WKH� ¿QDO� MXGJPHQW� LQVWHDG� RI�
SDUWLFLSDWLQJ� LQ� WKH� QHZ� FUHDWLRQ��:ULJKW�doesn’t deny the wrath of God and the
judgment to come, but in an exceedingly
long book on Paul it doesn’t receive
HQRXJK� DWWHQWLRQ� RU� FRPPHQW�� ,Q� RWKHU�words, he waxes eloquently on the unity
RI� WKH� FKXUFK� �D� KRUL]RQWDO� UHDOLW\��� EXW�E\� FRPSDULVRQ� KLV� UHÀHFWLRQV� RQ� *RG¶V�ZUDWK�DQG�WKH�¿QDO�MXGJPHQW�DUH�UHODWLYHO\�DEEUHYLDWHG��7KH�EUHYLW\�RI�KLV� FRPPHQWV�have consequences, for he doesn’t give the
same weight to escaping God’s wrath and
WKH�¿QDO� MXGJPHQW� WKDW�3DXO�GRHV��*HWWLQJ�the story right doesn’t mean just including
every bit of the story; it also means that
each element in Paul’s theology is given
SURSHU�ZHLJKW�
,� DP� QRW� PDNLQJ� DQ\� DFFXVDWLRQV� KHUH�DERXW� :ULJKW¶V� RUWKRGR[\� RU� HYDQJHOLFDO�FUHGHQWLDOV�� ,W� LV� D� PDWWHU� RI� HPSKDVLV�LQVWHDG� RI� GHQLDO�� 6WLOO�� LW� VHHPV� WKDW� KH�HPSKDVL]HV� WKH� KRUL]RQWDO� PXFK� PRUH�WKDQ�KH� VWUHVVHV� WKH�YHUWLFDO��%RWK� WKHPHV�DUH�FHUWDLQO\�SUHVHQW��1HYHUWKHOHVV��:ULJKW�doesn’t give us an in-depth and profound
GLVFXVVLRQ�RQ�WKH�QDWXUH�RI�VLQ�LQ�3DXO��+H�UHSHDWHGO\�VD\V�WKDW�WKH�SUREOHP�LV�VLQ��<HV�DQG� \HV�� %XW� KH� GRHVQ¶W� OLQJHU� RYHU�ZKDW�VLQ�LV�RU�XQSDFN�LWV�VLJQL¿FDQFH��+H�GRHVQ¶W�focus on its refusal to honor and glorify
*RG��2EYLRXVO\�� KH� EHOLHYHV� WKHVH� WKLQJV��but the emphasis and the passion seem to be
HOVHZKHUH��%XW�LI�WKH�IXQGDPHQWDO�DQG�PRVW�KRUUHQGRXV�LVVXH�LQ�OLIH�LV�VLQ��L�H���UHEHOOLRQ�
54 | CREDO MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2014
CONTENTS
against God, a proud and stubborn refusal
to honor God as God, then one of the most
important issues is whether one can be
saved from God’s wrath; whether one will
EH� VDYHG� �GHOLYHUHG��RU� MXVWL¿HG� �GHFODUHG�WR�EH�LQ�WKH�ULJKW��RQ�WKH�ODVW�GD\��
:ULJKW� ZULWHV�PRYLQJO\� RQ� WKH� DVVXUDQFH�MXVWL¿FDWLRQ� JLYHV� WR� EHOLHYHUV�� IRU� WKRVH�ZKR� DUH� MXVWL¿HG� FDQ� EH� VXUH� RI� ¿QDO�VDOYDWLRQ�� +H� KHOSIXOO\� UHLWHUDWHV� WKDW�MXVWL¿FDWLRQ� LV� IRUHQVLF�DQG�QRW� D�SURFHVV��,W�LV�D�YHUGLFW��D�GHFODUDWLRQ�IURP�*RG�WKDW�JLYHV� EHOLHYHUV¶� FRQ¿GHQFH� DV� WKH\� IDFH�WKH�¿QDO�GD\�� ,�ZRQGHUHG�DJDLQ�KRZ�VXFK�D�VWDWHPHQW�¿W�ZLWK�FRYHQDQW�PHPEHUVKLS�RU� FRYHQDQW� IDLWKIXOQHVV� DV� WKH� GH¿QLWLRQ�SURYLGHG�IRU�MXVWL¿FDWLRQ��IRU�WKH�HPSKDVLV�RQ� DVVXUDQFH� VHHPV� WR� SXW� MXVWL¿FDWLRQ� LQ�the realm of soteriology, where there is
FRQ¿GHQFH�DERXW�LQGLYLGXDO�¿QDO�VDOYDWLRQ��
:ULJKW¶V� VWDWHPHQW� DERXW� LQGLYLGXDO�DVVXUDQFH� UDLVHV� DQRWKHU� TXHVWLRQ��+H�LQVLVWV� ULJKWO\� WKDW� MXVWL¿FDWLRQ� LVQ¶W�D� SURFHVV�� 2QH� GRHVQ¶W� EHFRPH�PRUH�MXVWL¿HG� DV� WLPH� SDVVHV�� DQG� WKRVH�ZKR� DUH� MXVWL¿HG� DUH� DVVXUHG� RI� ¿QDO�VDOYDWLRQ�� 2Q� WKH� RWKHU� KDQG��:ULJKW�DOVR�VD\V�WKDW�¿QDO�MXVWL¿FDWLRQ�LV�EDVHG�RQ�ZRUNV��,I�¿QDO�MXVWL¿FDWLRQ�LV�EDVHG�on works, then how can believers have
DVVXUDQFH�WKDW�WKH\�ZLOO�EH�MXVWL¿HG�RQ�WKH� ¿QDO� GD\"� :ULJKW� QHYHU� DQVZHUV�RU� DWWHPSWV� WR� DQVZHU� WKDW� TXHVWLRQ�� ,�would suggest along with many others
that it is better to conceive of works as the
IUXLW� RU� HYLGHQFH� RI� MXVWL¿FDWLRQ�� :ULJKW�knows the distinction posited here but
¿QGV�LW�WR�EH�XQKHOSIXO��6WLOO��WKH�ODQJXDJH�of basis should be rejected, for it suggests
that works are the foundation of our right-
standing with God, but how can that be the
FDVH� LI� MXVWL¿FDWLRQ� LV�E\�JUDFH"�$QG�KRZ�FDQ�ZH�WUXO\�KDYH�DVVXUDQFH�LI�MXVWL¿FDWLRQ�is based in part on works? Paul grounds
MXVWL¿FDWLRQ�RQ� WKH� GHDWK� DQG� UHVXUUHFWLRQ�RI�-HVXV�&KULVW��-XVW�DV�-HVXV�ZDV�GHFODUHG�to be in the right at his resurrection, so too
DOO�WKRVH�ZKR�DUH�XQLWHG�ZLWK�&KULVW�E\�IDLWK�also stand in the right because they belong
WR�WKH�RQH�ZKR�KDV�EHHQ�YLQGLFDWHG�E\�*RG�
$VVXUDQFH�DQG�¿QDO�MXVWL¿FDWLRQ�DUH�OLQNHG�WR�LPSXWDWLRQ��,Q�RQH�VHQVH�:ULJKW�VHHPV�WR�believe in imputation, for he says believers
are in the right with God because they have
WRIGHT INSISTS RIGHTLY THAT JUSTIFICATION ISN’T A PROCESS. ONE DOESN’T BECOME MORE JUSTIFIED AS TIME PASSES, AND THOSE WHO ARE JUSTIFIED ARE ASSURED OF FINAL SALVATION. ON THE OTHER HAND, WRIGHT ALSO SAYS THAT FINAL JUSTIFICATION IS BASED ON WORKS. IF FINAL JUSTIFICATION IS BASED ON WORKS, THEN HOW CAN BELIEVERS HAVE ASSURANCE THAT THEY WILL BE JUSTIFIED ON THE FINAL DAY?
www.credomag.com | 55
CONTENTS
GLHG� DQG� ULVHQ� ZLWK� &KULVW� �5RP�� ���� ,Q�any case, the issue shouldn’t be limited to
whether it is legitimate to speak of active
DQG�SDVVLYH�ULJKWHRXVQHVV��:KDW�LV�DW�VWDNH�LV� ZKHWKHU� &KULVW� LV� RXU� ULJKWHRXVQHVV��ZKHWKHU� RXU� ULJKWHRXVQHVV� ¿QDOO\� OLHV�outside of ourselves and is found in Jesus
&KULVW�� ,W� VHHPV� WKDW� 5RPDQV� ��������WHDFKHV�WKDW�&KULVW¶V�ULJKWHRXVQHVV�LV�RXUV��IRU�EHOLHYHUV�DUH�XQLWHG�ZLWK�&KULVW��DQG�DOO�WKDW�KH�LV�IRU�XV��LQVWHDG�RI�EHLQJ�XQLWHG�ZLWK�$GDP�� $QRWKHU� FOHDU� WH[W� RQ� LPSXWDWLRQ�LV���&RULQWKLDQV�������7KH�RQH�ZKR�QHYHU�sinned took our sin upon himself, so that
we receive God’s righteousness as we are
XQLWHG�ZLWK�-HVXV�&KULVW��
:ULJKW¶V� REMHFWLRQV� �VWDWHG� DERYH�� WR�WKLV� UHDGLQJ� RI� �� &RULQWKLDQV� ����� DUHQ¶W�FRPSHOOLQJ�IRU�WKUHH�UHDVRQV�����:H�HQMR\�*RG¶V�ULJKWHRXVQHVV�EHFDXVH�RI�ZKDW�&KULVW�KDV� GRQH�� KLV� VLQOHVV� OLIH� DQG� VDFUL¿FLDO�GHDWK��+H� GLHG� DV� D� VXEVWLWXWH� IRU� XV�� DQG�KHQFH�KLV� GHDWK� LV� RXU� GHDWK��%HFDXVH�ZH�DUH�XQLWHG�ZLWK�&KULVW��*RG¶V�ULJKWHRXVQHVV��ULJKW�VWDQGLQJ�ZLWK�*RG��LV�JUDQWHG�WR�XV��
7KLV� LV� D� ULJKWHRXVQHVV� WKDW� LV� RXUV� RQO\�WKURXJK�WKH�ZRUN�RI�-HVXV�&KULVW�����:ULJKW�WKLQNV� WKH� YHUE� ³EHFRPH´� �JHQǀPHWKD��can’t be equative, that the verb carries
WKH� QRWLRQ� RI� ³EHFRPLQJ�´� %XW� WKH� YHUE�³EHFRPH´� �JLQRPDL�� LV� YHU\� ÀH[LEOH� LQ�Paul, and it can easily be taken as equative
�FI�� 5RP�� ������ ������ �� &RU�� ������ �������%XW� HYHQ� LI� WKH� YHUE�PHDQV� ³EHFRPH�´� LW�doesn’t rule out imputation, for believers
become something they weren’t before
�³ULJKWHRXV�´�� E\� YLUWXH� RI� XQLRQ� ZLWK�&KULVW��7KH\�UHFHLYH�ULJKW�VWDQGLQJ�ZLWK�*RG�DV�D�JLIW������7KH�¿UVW�SHUVRQ�SOXUDO�SURQRXQ�doesn’t indicate Paul is only thinking of his
DSRVWROLF�PLQLVWU\��3DXO¶V�XVH�RI�SURQRXQV�LV� DOVR� ÀH[LEOH� DQG� VKRXOGQ¶W�EH� VWUDLWMDFNHWHG�� <HV�� WKH� ¿UVW�person plural in the previous
verse refers to Paul, but Paul
VKLIWV� EHWZHHQ� WKH� ¿UVW� SHUVRQ�plural as a reference to himself
DQG� WKH� ¿UVW� SHUVRQ� SOXUDO� DV� D�UHIHUHQFH�WR�DOO�&KULVWLDQV�LQ�WKLV�very paragraph, for when Paul
VD\V�³*RG�UHFRQFLOHG�XV´�LQ���&RULQWKLDQV�������KH�LVQ¶W�OLPLWLQJ�WKDW�DFWLRQ�WR�KLPVHOI�EXW� LQFOXGHV� DOO� EHOLHYHUV�� 6R� WRR�� LQ� ��&RULQWKLDQV� ����� WKH� ³ZH´�PRVW� QDWXUDOO\�UHIHUV�WR�DOO�EHOLHYHUV��
Since we are talking about new perspective
PDWWHUV�� RQH� RWKHU� LVVXH� VKRXOG� EH� UDLVHG��:ULJKW� VWLOO� ZULWHV� DV� LI� (�� 3�� 6DQGHUV¶V�YLVLRQ�RI�-XGDLVP��KLV�FRYHQDQWDO�QRPLVP��
WHAT IS AT STAKE IS WHETHER CHRIST IS OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS, WHETHER OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS FINALLY LIES OUTSIDE OF OURSELVES AND IS FOUND IN JESUS CHRIST.
56 | CREDO MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2014
CONTENTS
LV�FRPSOHWHO\�FRQYLQFLQJ��%XW�WKHUH�LV�QRZ�SOHQW\�RI�evidence out there about
WKH� GLYHUVLW\� RI� -XGDLVP��6RPH�-HZV�ZHUH�OHJDOLVWLF��7KDW� LV� SODLQ� IURP� /XNH��������� DORQH�� /HJDOLVP�isn’t a Jewish problem
EXW� D� KXPDQ� SUREOHP��,� EHOLHYH� WKLV� LV� D� PRUH�FRQYLQFLQJ�UHDGLQJ�RI�WH[WV�OLNH�5RPDQV���WKDQ�WKH�RQH�:ULJKW�SRVLWV��<HV��H[FOXVLYLVP�and nationalism and boundary markers
ZHUH� D� SUREOHP�� 7KH� QHZ� SHUVSHFWLYH�KDV� KHOSHG� XV� VHH� WKDW� VR� FOHDUO\��:H� DUH�JUDWHIXO�IRU�D�FOHDU�UHPLQGHU�RQ�WKLV�PDWWHU��%XW� QHZ� SHUVSHFWLYLVWV� OLNH�:ULJKW� GRQ¶W�VHHP�RSHQ�WR�DQ\�PRGL¿FDWLRQ�RI�6DQGHUV¶V�FRQVWUXDO�RI�-XGDLVP��7KH\�LQVLVW�WKDW�WKHUH�LV� QR� SROHPLF� DJDLQVW� OHJDOLVP� LQ� 3DXO�� ,W�seems that some new perspectivists aren’t
DV�RSHQ�DV�VRPH�ROG�SHUVSHFWLYH�DGKHUHQWV��:H� VHH� D� ERWK�DQG� SUREOHP� LQ� 3DXO��ERWK� H[FOXVLYLVP� DQG� OHJDOLVP�� 7KH� QHZ�perspective has helped us see an emphasis
WKDW� ZDV� WRR� RIWHQ� QHJOHFWHG�� %XW�:ULJKW�insists that it is only one way; there is only
RQH� SUREOHP� �QDWLRQDOLVWLF� H[FOXVLYLVP���and he continues to advocate this line,
even though there are good historical and
exegetical reasons to see also a polemic
DJDLQVW� OHJDOLVP� LQ� 3DXO¶V� OHWWHUV�� +HUH� LV�DQRWKHU�SODFH�ZKHUH�:ULJKW�IRFXVHV�RQ�WKH�KRUL]RQWDO��ERXQGDU\�PDUNHUV��DQG�IDLOV�WR�VHH�WKH�YHUWLFDO��RQH¶V�UHODWLRQVKLS�WR�*RG��
Final Word
'LVFXVVLQJ� GLVDJUHHPHQWV� KDV� D� QHJDWLYH�side effect, for we tend to focus on those
DQG� WR� IRUJHW� ZKHUH� ZH� DJUHH�� 6R� WRR�here, the concerns and disagreements may
cause us to neglect the many places where
WKHUH� LV� DJUHHPHQW�� 6R�� OHW� PH� VD\� DJDLQ�KRZ�WKDQNIXO�,�DP�IRU�WKH�VFKRODUVKLS�DQG�ZLVGRP�HYLGHQW� LQ�:ULJKW¶V�ZRUN��:H� DOO�stand in his debt, for he has helped us to
see in a new way the coherence, historical
URRWHGQHVV�� DQG� SUDFWLFDO� UDPL¿FDWLRQV� RI�3DXOLQH� WKHRORJ\��:ULJKW¶V� ZRUN� RQ� 3DXO�ZLOO�EH�SUR¿WHG�IURP�DQG�UHDG�IRU�\HDUV�WR�FRPH��0D\�WKH�FRQYHUVDWLRQ�FRQWLQXH�ZLWK�FKDULW\��JUDFH��DQG�IRUWKULJKW�GLDORJXH�
Thomas R. Schreiner is James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and Professor of Biblical Theology, as well as Associate Dean of the School of Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
WRIGHT STILL WRITES AS IF E. P. 6$1'(56á6�9,6,21�2)�-8'$,60��+,6�
&29(1$17$/�120,60��,6�&203/(7(/<�CONVINCING. BUT THERE IS NOW PLENTY
OF EVIDENCE OUT THERE ABOUT THE DIVERSITY OF JUDAISM. SOME JEWS WERE
LEGALISTIC. THAT IS PLAIN FROM LUKE 18:9-14 ALONE. LEGALISM ISN’T A JEWISH
PROBLEM BUT A HUMAN PROBLEM.