Apostle of the Crucified Lord: A Theological Introduction to Paul and His Letters, 2nd ed.
Digital Verbum Edition
Overview
This comprehensive and widely used text by Michael Gorman presents a theologically focused, historically grounded interpretation of the apostle Paul and raises significant questions for engaging Paul today. After providing substantial background information on Paul's world, career, letters, gospel, spirituality, and theology, Gorman covers in full detail each of the thirteen Pauline epistles. Enhancing the text are questions for reflection and discussion at the end of each chapter as well as numerous photos, maps, and tables throughout.
The new introduction in this second edition helpfully situates the book within current approaches to Paul. Gorman also brings the conversation up-to-date with major recent developments in Pauline studies and devotes greater attention to themes of participation, transformation, resurrection, justice, and peace.
Key Features
- Provides an introduction to Paul that is theological, historical, and literary
- Accessible lays out the centrality of the gospel in Paul: the crucified and resurrected Christ
- Establishes a foundation for understanding the larger field of Pauline studies
Contents
- Introduction: Approaching Paul Perspectives on the Apostle
- Paul’s World(s): The Greco- Roman Context of His Mission
- Paul’s Résumé: The Mission of the Former Persecutor
- Paul’s Letters: Apostleship in Absentia
- Paul’s Gospel: The Good News of Christ Crucified and Raised
- Paul’s Spirituality: Participation and Transformation in Christ
- Paul’s Theology: A Dozen Fundamental Convictions
- 1 Thessalonians: Holiness and Hope in Faithful Witness to a Pagan World
- 2 Thessalonians: Cruciform Endurance and Goodness before the Parousia
- Galatians: The Sufficiency of Christ and the Spirit
- 1 Corinthians: Chaos, the Cross, and the Spirit in Corinth
- 2 Corinthians: Paul’s Defense of Spirit-Filled, Cruciform Life and Ministry
- Romans: Gentile and Jew in Cruciform: Covenant Community in Christ
- Philippians: The Master Story of the Crucified, Exalted Lord: in the Cruciform, Missional Community
- Philemon: The Cross and the Status Quo
- Colossians: The Cosmic, Crucified Christ: as the Fullness and Wisdom of God
- Ephesians: One New Humanity, Walking Worthy of the: Cosmic, Crucified, Peacemaking Christ
- 1 Timothy: Suffering Rather than Shame
- 2 Timothy: Proper Order and Conduct in God’s Household
- Titus: Ordering Church Life and Leadership: between the Epiphanies
- Epilogue: Paul Our Contemporary
Top Highlights
“Which of Paul’s letters are questioned on the issue of authorship? Nearly everyone, without hesitation, acknowledges Paul’s authorship of seven letters: Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, and Philemon.” (Page 108)
“Justification for Paul may be defined as follows: the establishment or restoration of right covenant relations with God, including fidelity to God and love for neighbor, and incorporation into the covenant community of the just/righteous, with the certain hope of acquittal on the day of judgment and final glorification.” (Page 173)
“Paul was a man of several worlds—the culture of the hellenized Mediterranean basin, the political reality of the Roman Empire, and the orb of Second Temple Judaism.” (Page 11)
“Greek word apokalypsis, meaning ‘revelation.’ Apocalyptic may be defined as a worldview about the meaning and goal of history, understood as a cosmic battle between God and the forces of evil, that is communicated through visions and other forms of unusual revelations.” (Page 30)
“In other words, for Paul, realities like ‘justification’ and ‘salvation’ are social or corporate realities; we experience them with other people.” (Page 134)
Praise for the Print Edition
Michael Gorman enviably combines simplicity of presentation with profound originality. The present work, enhanced in this new edition, is simultaneously an accessible textbook and an exposition of challenging new ideas which all Pauline scholars must take seriously. A book to draw in the beginner and to compel the expert into fresh reflection.
—N. T. Wright, University of St. Andrews
Gorman's learned, sustained, inclusive advocacy of participation as the center of Paul's gospel is one of the key features of the modern scholarly landscape. This second edition of his balanced yet probing introduction to Paul's thought is therefore profoundly welcome.
—Douglas A. Campbell, Duke Divinity School
The best introduction to Paul and his letters just got better!
—Michael F. Bird, Ridley College, Melbourne
About Michael J. Gorman
Michael J. Gorman holds the Raymond E. Brown Chair in Biblical Studies and Theology at St. Mary's Seminary & University, Baltimore, Maryland. A highly regarded New Testament scholar, he has also written Cruciformity, Inhabiting the Cruciform God, Becoming the Gospel, and several other works.