Customer Reviews

Paul and the Jews (Library of Pauline Studies)

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Here is another good book examining the merits of the New Perspective on Paul. In contrast to his previous book "Paul, the Law, and the Covenant," Das deals more with themes pertaining to the New Perspective than providing a rigorous examination of certain passages in Second Temple literature, Romans and Galatians. In this book, instead, he examines the place and role of ethnic Israel, the Mosaic Law, and Jesus Christ in redemptive history. Particularly good are chapters two, three, six, and seven. In these chapters Das deals with the issue of the Law in the post-Mosaic dispensation period. In summary, Das argues that there is an antithetical relationship between Christ and the Law, and that the Law pointed to Christ all along (the only means of salvation). He also nicely summarizes in three points what is wrong with the Law in light of Christ: 1) it requires perfect obedience; 2) it excluded Gentiles from enjoying the blessings of the covenant; and 3) it enslaved sinners. However, the Law is not done away with for those in Christ. Christians, through the power of the Holy Spirit, can and do fulfill the Law. Overall, this book is a useful addition to the collection of works that have sprung up in recent years responding to the New Perspective on Paul.