Ervaring, Schrift en Traditie in Paulus’ brieven Kritische noten bij een stelling van E.P. Sanders

Abstract

E.P. Sanders is correct in pointing to christology as the centre of Paul’s theology, but he goes too far in arguing that for him sin was a conclusion from his soteriology, without an analysis of the human condition. From Romans 7 and 8 and Phil.3:5-6 it is proved that the experience of human shortcomings is important in Paul’s theology, as is also apparent from its apocalyptic character. An extra argument arises from Paul’s use of the Old Testament: the accent on the sin and forlornness of men and on the grace of God does not depend on logic, but stands in the tradition of the exilic prophets, who spoke of a new beginning, given by God.