Contemporary perspectives on Paul

Abstract

Fresh winds are blowing through the corridors of Pauline studies, and in many ways it is an exciting time to be studying the apostle to the Gentiles' correspondence. In this chapter we will be exploring four areas where new perspectives and methodologies have led to further light being shed on the Pauline corpus. The areas of our discussion will include: (1) Jewish perspectives on Paul; (2) feminist and liberationist perspectives on Paul; (3) rhetorical studies of Paul's letters; and (4) the examination of Paul's letters as scripture. SAUL THE PHARISEE/PAUL THE CHRISTIAN IN JEWISH PERSPECTIVE The study of Saul of Tarsus’ life andworks by Jewish scholars is certainly not an entirely new phenomenon. A generation ago, H. J. Schoeps wrote a lively account of the apostle’s life and work, and there were always a few treatments, like that of S. Sandmel, which suggested that the subject deserved closer scrutiny by Jewish scholars. But in recent years some of the most influential studies on Paul have been offered by Jewish scholars such as A. Segal, D. Boyarin, or M. Nanos.