Key Figures in Intepretations of Paul

How did Martin Luther interpret Paul's Letter to the Romans?

focused on individual salvation, asking how a sinful human could stand before a holy God. He emphasized "justification by faith" (or righteousness as a gift from God) as central to the gospel and strongly critiqued Judaism for legalism, meaning righteousness by human works.

What was Albert Schweitzer's central thesis regarding Paul's theology?

argued that Jewish "Christ-mysticism" (being united to Christ) is central to Paul's theology, viewing "justification by faith" not as a main point, but a "subsidiary crater" (minor critique of Judaism).

How did Rudolf Bultmann approach Paul's writings?

translated (or "de-mythologized") Paul for existentialists, maintaining that "justification by faith" is central for Paul and represents a strong critique of Judaism for its belief in justification by human works.

What was Ernst Käsemann's perspective on justification by faith in Paul?

believed that "justification by faith" is central but rooted in apocalyptic Judaism, describing Paul's critique of Judaism as a "critique from within."

What was E. P. Sanders' understanding of Second-Temple Judaism and Paul's problem with it?

argued that grace was everywhere in Second-Temple Judaism, which was characterized by "covenantal nomism" (Jews follow the law because they are already in covenantal relationship with God), not legalism. He contended Paul’s only problem with Judaism was that it "is not Christianity"—God’s grace came through Jesus ("participation"), not through Jewish covenant or laws.

Explain the "New Perspective" on Paul, as represented by James Dunn and N. T. Wright, concerning justification.

argued that justification is central for Paul, but it is about membership in the covenant people. Paul's opposition to Judaism is seen as a critique of ethnocentrism, where "works of the law" refers to boundary markers, not attempts to earn salvation.

What is John Barclay's key contribution to understanding grace in Paul and Second-Temple Judaism?

emphasized that while grace was everywhere in Second-Temple Judaism, it was not everywhere the same. He highlighted Paul’s emphasis that God’s grace is "incongruous," meaning it is given without regard to the worth or worthiness of those who receive it.