The Divine Christology of the Apostle Paul: Retrospect and Prospect

by Christopher R. Bruno, John J. R. Lee, Thomas R. Schreiner

Overview

The last fifty years of Pauline scholarship have provided numerous insights to both the academy and the church. Some of those most important discussions have related to the question of Paul's view of Christ with respect to his divinity. While the landscape is rich with scholarly findings, it can be overwhelming to navigate the complex lines of argumentation and the interactions between various key scholars.

In The Divine Christology of the Apostle Paul, biblical scholars Chris Bruno, John Lee, and Thomas Schreiner explore the more detailed and often perplexing conversations concerning the divinity of Christ, bringing helpful guidance and clarity to scholars' various articulations, including those of:

• Richard Bauckham
• Larry Hurtado
• Chris Tilling
• N. T. Wright
• and others

After offering a cohesive and constructive understanding of such landmark studies, they then provide their own insights through the exegetical study of key New Testament passages related to Paul's Christology.

Filled with helpful charts, appendixes, and study aids, The Divine Christology of the Apostle Paul is an essential guide for any student, pastor, or scholar looking for an insightful distillation of this key dimension of Pauline studies.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781514001141
Publisher:	InterVarsity Press
Publication date:	05/28/2024
Pages:	256
Sales rank:	497,426
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.64(d)

About the Author

Chris Bruno (PhD, Wheaton College) is a global partner with Training Leaders International and the founding president of Oahu Theological Seminary, Oahu, Hawaii. He is the author of several books, including The Whole Story of the Bible in 16 Verses and, with Jared Compton and Kevin McFadden, Biblical Theology According to the Apostles.

John J. R. Lee (PhD, University of Edinburgh) is professor of New Testament at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City. He is the author of a number of books, including Christological Rereading of the Shema in Mark's Gospel and (with Daniel Brueske) A Ransom for Many.

Thomas R. Schreiner is associate dean and James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky. His books include The Law and Its Fulfillment, Interpreting the Pauline Epistles, and Romans.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
1. Introduction

Part One: Recent Proposals for Pauline Divine Christology
2. The Divine Identity Paradigm: Richard Bauckham
3. The Corporate Worship Paradigm: Larry Hurtado
4. The Christ-Relation Paradigm: Chris Tilling
5. The YHWH's Return Paradigm: N. T. Wright
6. Evaluation

Part Two: Exegetical Analysis for Pauline Divine Christology
7. Jesus, the One Lord of Israel
8. Jesus, the Incarnate God Who Humbled Himself as Man
9. Jesus, the Ruler and Sovereign of Creation and New Creation
10. Jesus, the Subordinate One?
11. Conclusion

Afterword by Thomas R. Schreiner
Appendix I: Other Notable Contributors
Appendix II: For Review
Appendix III: Some Tips on Second Temple Jewish Writings
Bibliography
General Index
Scripture Index

Editorial Reviews

"What a tremendous and well-conceived resource! This fine work offers those entering these discussions a detailed road map. The authors are careful and knowledgeable guides. But more than that, there is also much in these pages for experts to learn from; their helpful criticisms of major scholarly contributions, my own included, deserve sustained attention, as does their positive set of proposals. Paul matters. What he wrote remains load bearing with wide-ranging consequences. And to understand Paul aright, nothing remains as important as the continued need to think and rethink who Jesus is for Paul, and why this matters. This rich and learned book is an immensely valuable aid to that end."

Chris Tilling

"Bruno, Lee, and Schreiner have gifted the church with a terrific overview of contemporary approaches to Christology in Paul. Their survey, balanced and informed, contains helpful taxonomies of the major positions. For anyone looking to enter the debate or simply gain a better understanding of Paul's conception of Christ, this is a wonderful place to start."

Benjamin L. Gladd

"This book fulfills its stated intention—to provide readers with an introduction to recent significant discussions on Pauline Christology in an accessible manner. Readers will benefit from its concise summaries and evenhanded evaluations of the four selected scholars who have advanced this conversation. The authors' theological perspectives are well presented through their exegetical analyses of key scriptural passages."

Chee-Chiew Lee

"The New Testament is a book about Jesus of Nazareth, who is Messiah, Savior, Lord, the embodiment of God in his salvific revelation to Jews and Gentiles. In The Divine Christology of the Apostle Paul, readers encounter an analysis of past and present scholarship as well as detailed exegetical work on Paul's statements about Jesus. Since Paul preached nothing but the crucified Messiah (1 Cor 2:2), this important book addresses the foundation and center of Paul's proclamation and theology. As the book accessibly combines interpretive and theological depth, scholars, students, pastors, and all who are interested in what Christians believe will benefit immensely."

Eckhard Schnabel

"Chris Bruno, John J. R. Lee, and Thomas R. Schreiner offer an insightful overview of recent scholarship on the apostle Paul's Christology while also engaging in their own detailed examination of the key texts in Paul's letters to show that Paul does indeed have a divine Christology. In particular, they demonstrate with clarity and attention to detail that Paul's Jesus shares in the lordship of Israel's God; he is the pre-existent agent of creation who is worthy of worship because of his incarnate life and atoning death. A useful book to begin the study of Paul's Christology."

Michael F. Bird

★ 05/01/2024

This important text profoundly ponders the question of how Paul, possibly the earliest and certainly one of the most important New Testament writers, understood the divine nature of Jesus. Respected theologians and scholars Bruno (founding president, Oahu Theological Seminary; The Whole Story of the Bible in 16 Verses), John J.R. Lee (New Testament, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Christological Rereading of the Shema in Mark's Gospel), and Thomas Schreiner (associate dean, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; The Law and Its Fulfillment) are powerful advocates and guides through the complexities of these ancient texts and timeless questions. Their writing is quite scholarly, so this book is best for theologians and seminarians, who will gain insightful analyses and interpretations. The well-organized volume examines contemporary theories of Paul's interpretations and gives special attention to specific passages from his writings. There's also a helpful historical overview of trends and changes in Pauline theological thinking, plus charts, appendixes, and study aids. VERDICT Informative, challenging and ultimately quite engrossing, this highly recommended title carefully unpacks selected New Testament passages. It reveals new facets and offers insights into profound and depthless truths about Paul and his understanding of who and what Jesus was.—Herman Sutter

Library Journal