Paul, the Law, and the Jewish People (Paperback)

by E. P. Sanders (Author)
Key Phrases: eis dikaiosynén, opposing missionaries, thought about the law, Fortress Press, New York, Paul the Apostle (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This book is devoted both to the problem of Paul's view of the law as a whole, and to his thought about and relation to his fellow Jews. Building upon his previous study, the critically acclaimed Paul and Palestinian Judaism, E.P. Sanders explores Paul's Jewishness by concentrating on his overall relationship to Jewish tradition and thought. Sanders addresses such topics as Paul's use of scripture, the degree to which he was a practicing Jew during his career as apostle to the Gentiles, and his thoughts about his "kin by race" who did not accept Jesus as the messiah. In short, Paul's thoughts about the law and his own people are re-examined with new awareness and great care. Sanders addresses an important chapter in the history of the emergence of Christianity. Paul's role in that development -- specially in light of Galatians and Romans -- is now re-evaluated in a major way. This book is in fact a significant contribution to the study of the emergent normative self-definition in Judaism and Christianity during the first centuries of the common era.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers (June 1, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800618785
• ISBN-13: 978-0800618780
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #447,041 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not For The Neophyte, June 17, 2000

By A Customer

Sanders eloquently describes 1st century Judaism and the relationship of the Jewish people to the Law of Moses. He explains the meaning of covenant without the usual Christian revisionism. The Jews work to fulfill the law Not to be saved, (a Christian idea), but rather because they are already beneficiaries of the covenant. Paul's problem with the Judaism of his past is not because of anything necessarily wrong with it, but simply because it is not "Christianity". A ready reference for biblical scholars and informed amateurs, this text is not an easy read, but well worth the effort.

5.0 out of 5 stars foundational Paul, February 16, 2009

By	H. Lightner (CO) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

E.P.Sanders started a new look into Paul. It is a hard read, but worth it. E.P. Sanders is cited so often in other works that you really should read him yourself! E.P. Sanders doesn't claim to know all of the answers and he gives plenty of other viewpoints than his own. Read this along with N.T Wright, but watch out for subtle supersessionism.