The Apostle Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles, is a central figure within both Christian tradition and New Testament thought and writing. With such a crucial place, it is vital that we come to understand more of his life and thinking, as well as the world in which he and, more specifically, his theology were shaped. With this in mind, this essay will seek to explore Paul’s conversion and call experience as understood from Acts, and his personal references to it, drawing from them the ways in which this time was significant for Paul’s theological thinking, as expressed in his letters and work. To achieve this we will begin by addressing the call and/or conversion debate, arguing that the term ‘conversion and call’ best encapsulates Paul’s experience as reported. From there we will explore the theological implications of this conversion and call, particularly the way in which a distinctive Christocentrism develops and forces new understandings and revisions of his past theological insights
Before we begin this essay proper, it is important to first justify our argument that Paul should be considered as both called and converted. This is by no means a consensus position, as within Pauline studies and primarily stemming from discussions on the New Perspective on Paul, there is contestation of the terminology of, and meaning behind, the word ‘conversion’ and whether it is in fact applicable to Paul at all. A prime example of this is in the work of Krister Stendahl. Stendahl argues very strongly that to place the label ‘convert’ upon Paul suggests a disconnection, a thorough turning away from his previous religious life and the adoption of something new. This, he argues, is not evident in the personal accounts Paul gives, ...
... middle of paper ...
...Road from Damascus: The Impact of Paul's Conversion on His Life, Thought, and Ministry, edited by R. N. Longenecker. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1997.
Polhill, John B. Paul and His Letters. Nashville, TN: Broadman and Holman Publishers, 1999.
Sanders, E. P. Paul and Palestinian Judaism: A comparison of Patterns of Relgion. London: SCM, 1981.
Segal, A. F. Paul the Convert. London: Yale University Press, 1990.
Stendahl, Krister. Paul among Jews and Gentiles, and Other Essays. Philadelphia, PA: Fortress Press, 1976.
Wong, Kam Ming. Wolfhart Pannenberg on Human Destiny. Aldershot: Ashgate Publishing Limited, 2008.
Wood, H. G. “The Conversion of St Paul: Its Nature, Antecedents, and Consequences.” New Testament Studies (Cambridge University Press) 1, no. 4 (1955): 276-282.
Wright, N. T. Paul: In Fresh Perspective. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2005.
"Conversion." In New Catholic Encyclopedia, edited by Bernard L. Marthaler, 231-242. Detroit: Thomson Gale, 2003.
Ruden, Sarah. Paul among the People: The Apostle Reinterpreted and Reimagined in His Own Time. New York: Pantheon, 2010. Print.
Oxtoby, Willard Gurdon. "Jewish Traditions." World religions: western traditions. 1996. Reprint. Toronto: Oxford University Press, 2011. 127-157. Print.
Aquinas, St. Thomas. COMMENTARY on SAINT PAUL'S EPISTLE to the GALATIANS. Trans. F. R. Larcher. Albany: Magi Books, 1996.
Einstein, Stephen. & Kukoff, Lydia. (1989). Every Person's Guide to Judaism. New York: UAHC Press.
As one begins to read the letter to the Ephesians, he is intrigued not only by the many topics that the letter mentions, but also the fact that there are some major differences between this book and Paul’s other writings. The purpose of this essay is to explore the book of Ephesians by commenting on critical issues, such as date, authorship, and setting, major theological themes, the purpose of the letter, and to offer an outline of the book itself.
1996. “Sacrifices and Offerings in Ancient Israel” in Community, Identity, and Ideology: Social Science approach to the Hebrew Bible., ed. Charles E. Carter.
Jenkins, Phillips. The Lost History of Christianity. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2008. Print. Phillips, Jonathan.
Stanton, Graham. Gospel Truth?: New Light on Jesus and the Gospels. Valley Forge, PA: Trinity Press International, 1995. Paperback.
"EXPLORING THEOLOGY 1 & 2." EXPLORING THEOLOGY 1 2. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 May 2014.
Grayston, Kenneth. The Letters of Paul to the Philippians and to the Thessalonians. CBC. London: Cambridge U.P., 1967.
After having his mother deliver a message to Agnes stating, “do not expect me again” (Deledda 81), Paul seeks to consume his mind with Antiochus and his desire to become a priest. As the village priest, Paul intend...
In these letters Paul provides the most complete statement of the doctrine in the New Testament. If want to know the ins and outs of Christianity, let people check out the writings of Paul to the Romans. So says a notable interpreter. Because of that this note on Romans should earnestly by every Christian, as very important and contains the full spiritual object.
Lane, William. The Gospel According to Mark: The English Text With Introduction, Exposition, and Notes (New International Commentary on the New Testament). Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1974.
Dirks, Jerald. The Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam : similarities & contrasts. Beltsville, Md.: Amana Publications, 2004.