Reading Paul

Michael J. Gorman

• Publisher: Cascade Books
• Year: 2008
• Print ISBN: 9781556351952, 9781498213554
• eBook ISBN: 9781621892618
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Biblical Criticism & Interpretation

In this new introduction to the Apostle Paul and his gospel, written especially for lay readers, for beginning students, and for those unsure about what to make of Paul, Michael J. Gorman takes the apostle seriously, as someone who speaks for God and to us. After an overview not only of Paul's radical transformation from persecutor to proclaimer but also of his letter-writing in the context of Paul's new mission, Reading Paul explores the central themes of the apostle's gospel: Gorman places special emphasis on the theopolitical character of Paul's gospel and on the themes of cross and resurrection, multiculturalism in the church, and peacemaking and nonviolence as the way of Christ according to Paul. Gorman also offers a distinctive interpretation of justification by faith as participation in Christ--an interpretation that challenges standard approaches to these Pauline themes. Reading Paul demonstrates that the apostle of faith, hope, and love speaks not only to our deepest spiritual needs but also to the challenging times in which we live.

Table of contents

• Title Page
• Acknowledgments
• Chapter 1: Why Paul?
• Chapter 2: “Grace and Apostleship”
• Chapter 3: “To Spread the Gospel”
• Chapter 4: “The Power of God for Salvation”
• Chapter 5: “In the Fullness of Time”
• Chapter 6: “The Gospel of God”
• Chapter 7: “Even Death on a Cross”
• Chapter 8: “God Raised” and “Highly Exalted Him”
• Chapter 9: “Justified by Faith . . . Crucified with Christ”
• Chapter 10: Countercultural, Multicultural Community in the Spirit
• Chapter 11: “Conformed to the Image of God’s Son”
• Chapter 12: “The Glory about to be Revealed”
• Chapter 13: Why Paul? (Reprise)
• Works Cited
• Further Reading