Abstract
The Apostle Paul and the Christian Life presents the reader with some of the practical implications that the New Perspective on Paul (NPP) has for the Christian life and church. As with many lively discussions in academia, the practical implications of new ideas can often be left underexplored, and this volume attempts to remedy that. This compact volume contains eight essays from scholars with diverse backgrounds and varying degrees of involvement in Pauline studies.
The first two essays deal with NPP interpretations of individual Pauline epistles. James D. G. Dunn’s essay on Galatians emphasizes the centrality of faith in the Christian life, which coincides with receiving the Spirit. Lynn H. Cohick offers an essay on Ephesians, which gives the reader a broad overview of the themes in Ephesians and how the NPP influences her exegesis. The essay from Bruce W. Longenecker covers the role of works in the life of the Christian. He offers a helpful contrast between ‘faith works’ (p. 48) and works of Torah, providing the reader with a practical vision of Paul’s hope for the Christian life.
Next, Patrick Mitchel’s essay covers a swath of Biblical and theological material, demonstrating the centrality of the Spirit in Paul’s thought. Similarly, Timothy G. Gombis focuses on the role of the Spirit in forming the people of God, emphasizing the corporate element present in Pauline thought. Scot McKnight’s offering on the role of the church in the Christian life is a welcome follow-up to Gombis’ essay, demonstrating the obsession Paul had with the church and her inclusive, corporate nature. Tara Beth Leach’s contribution highlights how the NPP has impacted her understanding of her denomination and personal and corporate piety. Lastly, the essay by N. T. Wright briefly sketches a picture of the missional imperative present in Paul’s epistles.
The impact of the NPP on the church is a broad topic, and this volume offers a glimpse at how the work of the academy can influence the church. While it is by no means comprehensive, this volume is commendable, particularly for its emphasis on the Spirit and the corporate people of God as major Pauline themes.