[A] significant study of Paul within his Jewish context--a topic important not only for Lutherans in Eastern Europe!

The Bible Today

Since Krister Stendahl and E.P. Sanders challenged the conventional wisdom that Paul’s life-changing experience near Damascus resulted in his rejection of Judaism, the debate over the apostle’s relationship with Judaism (or lack thereof) has persisted. The Message of Paul the Apostle within Second Temple Judaism contains essays by many leading scholars who continue the quest to understand Paul in the context of first-century Judaism. Anyone with an interest in Paul or Second Temple Judaism will want to have this collection near at hand.

Paul B. Duff, George Washington University

In this book, František Ábel brings into conversation numerous Pauline scholars who strive to read the apostle to the gentiles within the diversity and complexity of first-century Judaism. The essays that make up The Message of Paul the Apostle within Second Temple Judaism are a must-read for anyone willing to rethink Paul.

Matthew Thiessen, McMaster University

Paul remained a Jew throughout his lifetime! But what does this concretely mean if our images of Second Temple Judaism become increasingly complex and varied? In a fascinating manner, this book not only shows how we must to rethink key concepts of Pauline theology if we take this question seriously; it also demonstrates what all of this means for the practice of the Church today. A great read!

Tobias Nicklas, Universität Regensburg and The Catholic University of America

This book brings together a broad spectrum of internationally respected Pauline and Second Temple Judaism scholars who cover many of the central issues in a fresh and challenging way. A real contribution to the old and ever new topic of Paul and Judaism. In these changing times, it is a much-needed book in the academy and in society at large.

Reimund Bieringer, KU Leuven

Reading Paul historically within Judaism—beyond the context of later church theology—this collection contributes to the recent surge in scholarship that destabilizes centuries of Christian anti-Jewish readings of the apostle to the gentiles. Essential reading for anyone who is interested in what the historical Paul can teach his modern readers.

Anders Runesson, University of Oslo; author of Judaism for Gentiles