The State of Pauline Studies

For those of us who identify as Christian, I think it's likely true that there are those biblical figures with whom we identify, with whom we are furious, with whom we don't particularly identify, and those with whom we simply want to learn more.

Paul is, I think, one of the most intriguing figures in Scripture. "The State of Pauline Studies: A Survey of Recent Research" surveys the current landscape of Pauline studies and offers readers a surprisingly clear, concise, and engaging guide to contemporary discussions in Pauline scholarship.

Scholars such as Scott McKnight, Nijay K. Gupta, Ben Blackwell, Dennis Edwards, Timothy Gombis, John Goodrich, Erin Heim, Joshua Jipp, Angela Parker, Kris Song, Jennifer Strawbridge, Sydney Tooth, Chris Hoklotubbe, B.J. Oropeza, Peter Oakes, Cynthia Long Westfall, and Kent Yinger provide remarkably diverse perspectives on Christology, salvation, the Spirit, gender, and empire. Beyond this, they go into each of the Pauline letters in detail - often beginning with whether current research would indicate they really are Pauline letters.

"The State of Pauline Studies," it should be obvious, really isn't for the casual reader. It's for those who want to dig deeper, study more comprehensively, and/or for those in seminary, teaching settings, or pastoral settings. A basic knowledge of Paul is likely essential along with a basic knowledge of theological terms. As a seminary graduate, I was fine. However, I could also easily see someone being confused by the material without a fundamental background in theology.

For those with that basic knowledge, "The State of Pauline Studies" is a terrific place to begin the deeper dive. If you're like me (You're probably not, I'm a weirdo.), you'll likely find yourself taking the hundreds of resources offered here and diving even deeper after finishing the book. What "The State of Pauline Studies" does really well is encourage a truly deeper dive into these remarkable professors, theologians, researchers, and scholars.

Paul is a fascinating figure and "The State of Pauline Studies" really captures that quite briliantly in a myriad of ways. Utilizing diverse voices and contemporary approaches, "The State of Pauline Studies" is a book that informs, inspires, and challenges from beginning to end. It's a perfect seminary companion and practically a must-read for anyone wanting to better understand Pauline studies.

An excellent sampling of Pauline scholarship on Messiah, salvation, gender, and other prominent topics. Very helpful survey and overview.

(I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)

The State of Pauline Studies provides a thorough survey of contemporary scholarship on the Apostle Paul, examining the latest trends, methods, and debates that shape the field. This volume is a crucial resource for anyone interested in the ongoing scholarly conversation about Pauline studies, offering insights from seventeen scholars across two main sections: key topics related to Paul and examinations of the Pauline corpus.

Introduction: The editors begin by outlining the purpose of the book, which aims to address gaps in previous studies that did not sufficiently cover the Pauline texts. They highlight the diversity of approaches and the increasingly global nature of current scholarship, underscoring the importance of both historical-critical methods and newer, more varied perspectives. The introduction emphasizes that Pauline studies today is characterized by both energy and diversity, with scholars paying close attention to Paul’s Jewish context as well as the broader Greco-Roman world in which he lived.

Chapter 1: Paul and the Messiah by Joshua W. Jipp
This chapter delves into Paul’s understanding of Jesus as the Messiah, focusing on how Paul’s frequent use of "Christos" is deeply connected to Jewish messianic expectations. Jipp challenges the view that "Christos" became merely a proper name in Paul’s writings, instead arguing that it should be interpreted as messianic language rooted in the shared linguistic and scriptural heritage of Paul’s community.

Chapter 2: Paul and Judaism by Kent L. Yinger
Yinger explores the complex relationship between Paul and Judaism, engaging with the ongoing debate about whether Paul broke with Judaism or reconfigured it. The chapter highlights the trend in scholarship towards viewing Paul as more integrated with his Jewish identity than previous consensus allowed. Yinger also points out the diversity of perspectives in this debate, reflecting the richness and complexity of the field.

Chapter 3: Paul and Salvation by Ben C. Blackwell
Blackwell provides an overview of various approaches to Paul’s teachings on salvation, including traditional views on justification by faith and newer perspectives like participation in Christ and the "Apocalyptic Paul." He observes that the wide range of soteriological approaches in recent decades reflects a desire for greater nuance and historical accuracy in understanding Paul’s theology.

Chapter 4: Paul and the Spirit by Kris Song
This chapter examines the role of the Holy Spirit in Paul’s theology, emphasizing its centrality to both individual believers and the communal aspects of Pauline pneumatology. Song discusses how Paul views the Spirit as not only a guarantee of future resurrection but also as the active presence of God in the believer’s life and the church as a whole.

Chapter 5: Paul and Gender by Cynthia Long Westfall
Westfall addresses the contentious issue of gender in Paul’s writings, engaging with traditional interpretations as well as feminist critiques. She discusses Paul’s complex and sometimes contradictory approach to gender, urging readers to consider his teachings within their cultural and theological contexts. The chapter also explores how recent scholarship is moving beyond simplistic readings to better understand the nuances of Paul’s statements on gender.

Chapter 6: Paul and Empire by Peter Oakes
Oakes explores how Paul’s writings interact with the Roman Empire, suggesting that Paul’s theology subtly critiques imperial power. The chapter discusses how Paul’s use of terms like "gospel" and "Lord" can be seen as directly challenging Roman imperial ideology, positioning Jesus as a counter-emperor. Oakes also examines the complexities of Paul’s engagement with the empire, which involved both resistance and accommodation.

Chapter 7: Feminist, Postcolonial, and Womanist Approaches to Paul by Angela N. Parker
Parker surveys how feminist, postcolonial, and womanist scholars have reshaped Pauline studies by bringing new insights into Paul’s writings, particularly by highlighting the experiences of marginalized groups. The chapter emphasizes how these approaches challenge traditional interpretations and open up new ways of understanding Paul’s letters that are more inclusive and socially aware.

Chapter 8: Romans by Jennifer Strawbridge
Strawbridge offers an analysis of recent scholarship on Romans, focusing on its theological richness and its central place in Pauline studies. She discusses the letter’s complex structure and the diverse interpretations it has inspired, reflecting Romans’ importance in understanding Paul’s theology.

Chapter 9: 1 Corinthians by John K. Goodrich
Goodrich examines the recent trends in the study of 1 Corinthians, particularly the letter’s focus on social and ethical issues within the Pauline community. The chapter highlights how 1 Corinthians provides valuable insights into the challenges of unity, morality, and identity in an early Christian community.

Chapter 10: 2 Corinthians by B. J. Oropeza
Oropeza explores the relationship between Paul and the Corinthian church as reflected in 2 Corinthians, noting the letter’s mix of deep affection and stern rebuke. He also discusses the theological themes of the letter, including Paul’s reflections on suffering, reconciliation, and ministry.

Chapter 11: Galatians by Erin M. Heim
Heim surveys recent scholarship on Galatians, emphasizing its role in debates about the law, faith, and Christian identity. The chapter highlights Galatians as a key text for understanding Paul’s theology of the law and his vision of a Christian community transcending traditional divisions.

Chapter 12: Ephesians by Timothy G. Gombis
Gombis explores the theological and ecclesiological themes of Ephesians, with a focus on the unity of the church and the cosmic scope of Christ’s work. He discusses how Ephesians presents the church as the body of Christ, united in Him, and reflects on the letter’s eschatological dimensions.

Chapter 13: Philippians by Nijay K. Gupta
Gupta provides an overview of recent scholarship on Philippians, focusing on its themes of joy, suffering, and partnership in the gospel. The chapter highlights the significance of the Christ hymn in Philippians and the ongoing debates about its origins and theological implications.

Chapter 14: Colossians by Scot McKnight
McKnight discusses Colossians’ high Christology and its implications for understanding Paul’s theology. He examines how Colossians presents Christ as preeminent in creation and redemption and how this shapes the ethical teachings within the letter.

Chapter 15: 1-2 Thessalonians by Sydney Tooth
Tooth focuses on the eschatological themes in 1-2 Thessalonians, particularly their teachings on the return of Christ and the resurrection. The chapter also discusses the pastoral tone of these letters, reflecting Paul’s deep concern for the faith and perseverance of the Thessalonian believers.

Chapter 16: 1-2 Timothy and Titus by T. Christopher Hoklotubbe
Hoklotubbe explores the guidance on church leadership, doctrine, and ethics in the pastoral epistles, noting their emphasis on sound teaching and godly living. The chapter also addresses the debates about the authorship of these letters and their implications for understanding Paul’s legacy.

Chapter 17: Philemon by Dennis R. Edwards
Edwards analyzes Philemon, focusing on its themes of reconciliation, forgiveness, and social justice. He discusses how the letter reflects Paul’s approach to social issues, advocating for transformed relationships in light of the gospel.

Concluding Assessment:
The State of Pauline Studies is an essential resource for scholars, students, and anyone deeply interested in Pauline theology. It provides a thorough overview of the latest research and trends, offering insights from leading experts on key topics and texts within the Pauline corpus.

Who Should Read This Book:

Biblical Scholars and Theologians: For those engaged in Pauline studies or broader New Testament research, this book is indispensable for understanding the current state of scholarship.

Graduate Students and Seminary Students: Those preparing for academic or pastoral work will find this volume to be a valuable guide to the key issues and debates surrounding Paul’s writings.

Pastors and Church Leaders: While more academic, the book provides deep insights into Pauline theology that can enrich sermon preparation and teaching.

Should You Purchase It? Yes, The State of Pauline Studies is a highly recommended purchase for anyone serious about understanding the Apostle Paul’s writings and their ongoing impact on theology and the church. Its detailed surveys and critical assessments make it a valuable addition to any theological library.

With almost 1500 footnotes and with more than half the text of the book devoted to notes and bibliographies this is a serious work of scholarship. It sets out to survey the field of Pauline studies and it delivers what it promises. But even then, in places the book acknowledges that it has to break off and summarise themes which would otherwise take it beyond its scope.

One of the strengths of the book is that it provides a set of themed essays on broad generic ‘Pauline issues’ and then it also provides a detailed epistle by epistle analysis of the major themes and sets of issues which are raised in each document. This makes it an extremely useful resource for students or wider readers, regardless of how broad or specific their interests might be.

Unsurprisingly, given wider contemporary sociological interests, issues of gender and social justice feature heavily in several places. Similarly, unsurprisingly given developments in ecumenism, the denominational apologetics and doctrinal disagreements of former generations are largely marked by their absence. The epistle to the Romans still prompts contemporary engagement with themes of righteousness (of course!) but that is now just one theme among many others which are stirring academic interest.

Despite the persistent academic overtones throughout the book, it remained (surprisingly) readable with some engaging turns of phrase. For example, Thessalonians is introduced as ‘like the oddball cousins at a family reunion’ due to the fact those letters have links and relationships to the wider Pauline corpus, but they also raise some very distinctive questions of how they fit in.

Overall, this is a set of essays which will be appreciated most by readers who have a prior theological background or expertise, and are looking to deepen an already existing knowledge base by engaging with the most recent developments in the field.

(These are honest comments based on a digital ARC (Advanced Review Copy) version of the text).