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The New Perspective on Paul: An Introduction
Can someone please explain this "New Perspective on Paul"? Where did it come from and will it help or hinder Christian interpreters to grasp the apostle's writings more clearly? In The New Perspective on An Introduction, Kent Yinger provides concise, readable, and authoritative answers to these and other questions currently exercising students of Paul. "The New Perspective on Paul has, sadly, been more controversial than illuminative of a neglected dimension of Paul's teaching on justification by faith. Professor Yinger most helpfully explains both aspects. . . . [T]his is as good an Introduction to the New Perspective and the related Pauline teaching as you will find."--James D. G. Dunnauthor of The New Perspective on Collected Essays"Kent Yinger has made a complex and often emotive debate about Paul and Justification accessible to a wider audience. This book isn't beating any drum, it's not an apology for the 'New Perspective' thing, nor is it a declaration of war on any party. Rather, this is a map of the key terrain, a list of who is who in the zoo of debate, and a flashlight on several dark alleys of contested interpretations. At the same time, Yinger gives us some good and sensible commentary along the way. If you're lost in the maelstrom of theological polemics and Pauline interpretation, this book is one of the ways to help you get your bearings."--Michael F. BirdLecturer in Theology and BibleCrossway College, Brisbane, Australia"For those who want to know what all the fuss is about and whether and how it matters, this is just the book. Kent Yinger, while thoroughly conversant with the huge amount of discussion generated by the New Perspective on Paul, has the gift of making the key issues accessible to others. Here is a readable, succinct, clear, accurate, and fair-minded introduction to the ongoing debate. For both the academy and the church Yinger provides a much needed perspective on the New Perspective.--Andrew LincolnPortland Professor of New TestamentUniversity of Gloucestershire"Kent Yinger set out to write a book that offers a fair-minded, easy-to-read explanation of the so-called New Perspective on Paul (NPP), which neither critiques nor defends it. His aim was to navigate between the faddish innovations of some biblical scholars and the deeper insights that come from a better understanding of Scripture. He sought to answer four basic questions regarding (1) What is it? (2) Where did it come from? (3) What are the potential dangers? and (4) What good is it? After reading this book, I have only one thing to say to Dr. Bull's eye!"--Charles J. Conniry Jr.Vice President and DeanGeorge Fox Seminary/George Fox UniversityKent L. Yinger is Professor of New Testament at George Fox Evangelical Seminary (George Fox University) in Portland Oregon. He is the author of Paul, Judaism, and Judgment According to Deeds (1999).
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 2, 2023
Well-written, concise and comprehensive introduction to the issue for a hurried reader. I got more than what I initially expected from it. My favorite qualities in a book are all there: clarity, simplicity, brevity, and essential referencing without tediously long footnotes (if it is an academic or non-fiction work).
Beyond providing a succinct explanation, it in fact clarifies some of the main ‘New Perspectives’ on the Apostle Paul. I found that particularly helpful.
Beyond providing a succinct explanation, it in fact clarifies some of the main ‘New Perspectives’ on the Apostle Paul. I found that particularly helpful.
October 24, 2024
Great intro to modern Pauline studies. It will provoke readers to further study, and some re-interpretation of passages.
September 11, 2014
A short little primer on the New Perspective on Paul (NPP).
There's been a massive shift in New Testament scholarship, beginning more than 40 years ago, in which Biblical scholars of the NPP have been questioning the traditional Protestant interpretation of Paul's writings. The idea is that some of the main assumptions of Luther, and the theologians who came after him, are built on a mischaracterization of the Jewish religion, and the ignoring of the context in which the New Testament books were written. These misinterpretations were committed (unintentionally, of course) as Luther and others applied the scriptures to their present theological concerns and in the context of the Reformation, but without the knowledge of the first century cultural context surrounding the Bible which has recently been so helpful in interpreting New Testament texts. For example one such assumption is that the Judaism of Paul's day was a religion based on legalism--that one achieved salvation through perfect obedience to the law--a characterization that has been demonstrated to be completely false. Saunders, Wright, and others of the NPP have made a strong challenge that Paul's gospel was not primarily about salvation by faith vs. works righteousness, but was more about the salvation of God being opened up to Jew and Gentile alike, without requiring the badges of Jewish identity, for example circumcision. This has, of course, ignited a firestorm among Protestant theologians, including a feisty exchange of books between N. T. Wright and the Neo-Calvinist writer, John Piper.
This book gives a succinct and helpful explanation of how the New Perspective on Paul (NPP) came about, what its chief points and evidences are (in all their variety), how its affecting the world of Biblical scholarship, and the arguments its opponents are making. While the author himself seems to have landed on the side of the NPP, the book seeks to be balanced in its portrayal of both sides.
I'd already been aware of the NPP debate and have my own perspective, but I still found this book quite helpful in its simplicity.
There's been a massive shift in New Testament scholarship, beginning more than 40 years ago, in which Biblical scholars of the NPP have been questioning the traditional Protestant interpretation of Paul's writings. The idea is that some of the main assumptions of Luther, and the theologians who came after him, are built on a mischaracterization of the Jewish religion, and the ignoring of the context in which the New Testament books were written. These misinterpretations were committed (unintentionally, of course) as Luther and others applied the scriptures to their present theological concerns and in the context of the Reformation, but without the knowledge of the first century cultural context surrounding the Bible which has recently been so helpful in interpreting New Testament texts. For example one such assumption is that the Judaism of Paul's day was a religion based on legalism--that one achieved salvation through perfect obedience to the law--a characterization that has been demonstrated to be completely false. Saunders, Wright, and others of the NPP have made a strong challenge that Paul's gospel was not primarily about salvation by faith vs. works righteousness, but was more about the salvation of God being opened up to Jew and Gentile alike, without requiring the badges of Jewish identity, for example circumcision. This has, of course, ignited a firestorm among Protestant theologians, including a feisty exchange of books between N. T. Wright and the Neo-Calvinist writer, John Piper.
This book gives a succinct and helpful explanation of how the New Perspective on Paul (NPP) came about, what its chief points and evidences are (in all their variety), how its affecting the world of Biblical scholarship, and the arguments its opponents are making. While the author himself seems to have landed on the side of the NPP, the book seeks to be balanced in its portrayal of both sides.
I'd already been aware of the NPP debate and have my own perspective, but I still found this book quite helpful in its simplicity.
October 31, 2021
In a word, irenic. Must read if at all interested in this discussion. At only 100 (large font, small) pages, with 2 responses at the end (from "old" and "new" perspectives), introduces the reader fairly to the "issues" at play in this discussion without resorting to the borderline slanderous things you often see.
Embodying James 1:19! "Quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger"
Admittedly as someone sympathetic to the GENERAL NPP's claims (read this book to find out what they actually are!), that may seemed biased. But the solution to seeing if it is, is simple (read this book!).
Major strengths are distilling the key discussion points, and disarming the unnecessary controversy; just a very fair, honest book. Also makes very clear how the "new perspective" is really about "new perspectivES" plural, while showing how they loosely cohere around a "new" perspective on /Judaism/.
Finally, just some helpful quotes from the book that get to the heart of at least how it's spoken about in day-day as I see it:
"As we'll see, most proponents of the NPP are not out to overturn the reformation" (p. 15)
" [...] is by no means, however, the only well known advocate, nor is his position the only NPP. [...] there are, in fact, numerous New Perspectives on Paul" (p. 25)
" [...] 'we reject the Reformation' is hardly a typical statement of NPP proponents" (p. 76)
" It is also worth reminding reader's that the NPP is primarily a matter of NT interpretation, of biblical studies. The concerns of it's proponents are first of all, and sometimes solely, issues of 'What did Paul say and mean?' [...] " (p. 78)
Embodying James 1:19! "Quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger"
Admittedly as someone sympathetic to the GENERAL NPP's claims (read this book to find out what they actually are!), that may seemed biased. But the solution to seeing if it is, is simple (read this book!).
Major strengths are distilling the key discussion points, and disarming the unnecessary controversy; just a very fair, honest book. Also makes very clear how the "new perspective" is really about "new perspectivES" plural, while showing how they loosely cohere around a "new" perspective on /Judaism/.
Finally, just some helpful quotes from the book that get to the heart of at least how it's spoken about in day-day as I see it:
"As we'll see, most proponents of the NPP are not out to overturn the reformation" (p. 15)
" [...] is by no means, however, the only well known advocate, nor is his position the only NPP. [...] there are, in fact, numerous New Perspectives on Paul" (p. 25)
" [...] 'we reject the Reformation' is hardly a typical statement of NPP proponents" (p. 76)
" It is also worth reminding reader's that the NPP is primarily a matter of NT interpretation, of biblical studies. The concerns of it's proponents are first of all, and sometimes solely, issues of 'What did Paul say and mean?' [...] " (p. 78)
November 13, 2019
Excellent overview of the New Perspective on Paul (NPP) in its various iterations.
In a nutshell, the NPP takes the approach that Paul did not believe in a faith vs law dichotomy where faith alone saves while obeying the law gains nothing. Rather, the NPP proponents say that "the law" was a term of art that essentially meant "doing those things that create the covenant between Jews and God, e.g., circumcision." They argue that Paul taught the covenant that had once been only with the Jews was now extended to the Gentiles through Christ, and both Jews and Gentiles could enter this covenant through faith and Christ's grace alone and no longer needed to go through the vestibule of the law (e.g., circumcision) to enter that covenant. Once in the covenant both Jews and Gentiles must live good lives (i.e., keep God's commandments and engage in good works), but the process of entering the covenant was pure grace.
Viewing Paul's writing through the NPP lens completely changes many of the traditional interpretations of the gospel he taught. Yinger admits early on that he subscribes to the NPP approach generally, but he does a nice job describing both sides of the arguments in a clear, succinct manner that is accessible to lay readers.
Recommended for anyone that wants to understand Paul better, regardless of whether you agree with the NPP or not.
In a nutshell, the NPP takes the approach that Paul did not believe in a faith vs law dichotomy where faith alone saves while obeying the law gains nothing. Rather, the NPP proponents say that "the law" was a term of art that essentially meant "doing those things that create the covenant between Jews and God, e.g., circumcision." They argue that Paul taught the covenant that had once been only with the Jews was now extended to the Gentiles through Christ, and both Jews and Gentiles could enter this covenant through faith and Christ's grace alone and no longer needed to go through the vestibule of the law (e.g., circumcision) to enter that covenant. Once in the covenant both Jews and Gentiles must live good lives (i.e., keep God's commandments and engage in good works), but the process of entering the covenant was pure grace.
Viewing Paul's writing through the NPP lens completely changes many of the traditional interpretations of the gospel he taught. Yinger admits early on that he subscribes to the NPP approach generally, but he does a nice job describing both sides of the arguments in a clear, succinct manner that is accessible to lay readers.
Recommended for anyone that wants to understand Paul better, regardless of whether you agree with the NPP or not.
December 13, 2011
Amazing! Best intro on New Perspectives on Paul that I have read. Would that there were more interpreters of theological and Biblical themes so fair, clear and inspiring. He includes a thorough reading list that I will be referring to again. Seriously if you read this book you will know the terrain to be covered and the potential pitfalls as well.
September 28, 2016
This is probably the best (as far as accessibility goes) introduction to NPP, in all of its diversity, today. I highly recommend it to all people to read, especially before dismissing NPP.
October 9, 2024
Banger
June 19, 2024
By far the simplest & most accessible summation of the NPP I’ve read. Very worth one’s time. This says in 80 pages (obviously with less detail) what people like Wright say in 500
December 25, 2019
Een nieuwe visie op Paulus.
In dit boek wordt betoogd dat Paulus en ‘de Joden’ niet zo verschillend dachten. In het christendom is het algemeen aanwezige idee dat de Farizeeën scherpslijpers en letterknechten waren. Dat lijkt mogelijk heel anders te zijn. Joden waren Gods uitverkoren volk volgens het door Hem gesloten verbond. Dat betekende dat Joden geen goede werken hoefden te doen om zalig te worden, zoals zo vaak wordt gedacht, maar dat ze de werken der wet deden omdat ze al uitverkoren waren. Het is dan belangrijk om een definitie van 'volk' te hebben. Anders gezegd, aan welke kenmerken kun je zien dat iemand Jood was. Welnu, dat was eigenlijk eenvoudig. Een Joodse man was besneden, en iedereen hield zich aan de Wet. De 'Werken der Wet' waren dus niet noodzakelijk om het eeuwige leven te beërven, zij zijn het kenmerk van de Jood. Als Paulus stelt dat niet de werken der Wet iemand zalig maken, maar het geloof in Jezus Christus, dan zegt hij in feite alleen maar dat het heil niet alleen voor de Joden is, maar voor iedereen die in God gelooft.
Als je de dingen eenmaal op die manier gaat bekijken, dan worden veel zaken anders. Bijvoorbeeld de gelijkenis van de Farizeeër en de tollenaar. De Farizeeër zegt dan alleen maar dat hij dankbaar is dat hij jood is. De tollenaar voldoet daar niet aan. Maar hij gelooft in God.
Recent hoorde ik nog een katholieke pastoor in zijn preek een bekend karikatuur van Farizeeën neerzetten. Mensen die zichzelf erg belangrijk vonden en graag op de hoeken van de straten stonden te bidden.
In dit boek wordt betoogd dat Paulus en ‘de Joden’ niet zo verschillend dachten. In het christendom is het algemeen aanwezige idee dat de Farizeeën scherpslijpers en letterknechten waren. Dat lijkt mogelijk heel anders te zijn. Joden waren Gods uitverkoren volk volgens het door Hem gesloten verbond. Dat betekende dat Joden geen goede werken hoefden te doen om zalig te worden, zoals zo vaak wordt gedacht, maar dat ze de werken der wet deden omdat ze al uitverkoren waren. Het is dan belangrijk om een definitie van 'volk' te hebben. Anders gezegd, aan welke kenmerken kun je zien dat iemand Jood was. Welnu, dat was eigenlijk eenvoudig. Een Joodse man was besneden, en iedereen hield zich aan de Wet. De 'Werken der Wet' waren dus niet noodzakelijk om het eeuwige leven te beërven, zij zijn het kenmerk van de Jood. Als Paulus stelt dat niet de werken der Wet iemand zalig maken, maar het geloof in Jezus Christus, dan zegt hij in feite alleen maar dat het heil niet alleen voor de Joden is, maar voor iedereen die in God gelooft.
Als je de dingen eenmaal op die manier gaat bekijken, dan worden veel zaken anders. Bijvoorbeeld de gelijkenis van de Farizeeër en de tollenaar. De Farizeeër zegt dan alleen maar dat hij dankbaar is dat hij jood is. De tollenaar voldoet daar niet aan. Maar hij gelooft in God.
Recent hoorde ik nog een katholieke pastoor in zijn preek een bekend karikatuur van Farizeeën neerzetten. Mensen die zichzelf erg belangrijk vonden en graag op de hoeken van de straten stonden te bidden.
March 21, 2022
This small book by Yinger is a good introductory book on Pauline theology, with a focus on developments since E.P.Sanders (hence New Perspective). The New Perspectives reconstruct Paul's relation to Judaism, and brought about interesting derivative questions such as the issue of justification. Yinger's perspective here has a Protestant tilt, but overall he's very balanced. Despite that he went deep into certain theological issues, the book did not turn out to be technical at all. It is very readable.
May 10, 2022
I read this book after listening to a podcast with Kent Yinger who said this was a brief and simple introduction to The New Perspective on Paul. It was what it said to be. I recommend this book of you want to learn more about a subject that has been transformative in Reformed circles while very controversial at the same time. The subject is helpful and I think offers a lot to COC understandings of Paul and how we have traditionally interpreted Paul's approach in letters such as Romans, Galatians, Colossians, and more.
October 6, 2025
Though I strongly disagree with the NPP, this was a good introduction to the various views that have emerged within the recent study of Pauline literature. Sometimes it was a bit hard to follow but I think that is the nature of the NPP—there are multiple opinions under one umbrella. Yinger does a good job of condensing such a wide swath of information into a readable format. As he is a proponent of the NPP, I was expecting a bit stronger argument against NPP critics but overall that was not his goal in writing and the short volume was rather mild in “taking sides.”
January 13, 2025
I found this to be a very helpful introduction to the discussions around the new perspective on Paul (NPP). The author is clear he is a proponent of the NPP but did a good job balancing out old and new perspectives. The book did what the author intended, provide a basic overview of the debates and subject of the NPP. If you want a detailed study this is not the book for you. If you want an introduction this book is perfect.
September 30, 2019
An approachable, short introduction to the New Perspective on Paul (NPP). The author remains very objective when presenting both sides of numerous arguments concerning the NPP, and allows the reader to draw his or her own conclusions. Well done and a good primer for those looking to read a brief introduction to the issue that doesn’t argue one way or the other on many of the theological issues.
March 28, 2020
This book accomplishes it’s stated purpose of introducing NPP. Though the author clearly espouses this position he seems to clearly define the arguments for and against this approach. Sine the views are so varied he gets away with answering “yes” and “no” to most question, which obviously requires further study to get more clarity.
September 5, 2025
2025 reads: 19
Rating: 4 stars
Yinger provides a helpful and very brief overview of the New Perspective on Paul. He traces the history, key texts, and issues of debate. An afterword from Hagner and Garlington to top it off. This is a great place to start for beginners. Full disclosure: Yinger himself mostly agrees with the NPP.
Rating: 4 stars
Yinger provides a helpful and very brief overview of the New Perspective on Paul. He traces the history, key texts, and issues of debate. An afterword from Hagner and Garlington to top it off. This is a great place to start for beginners. Full disclosure: Yinger himself mostly agrees with the NPP.
September 13, 2017
Excellent introduction
An excellent introduction very useful to those who are new to the New Perspective on Paul. Well worth the price of the book, hopefully you'll purchase this body of work.
An excellent introduction very useful to those who are new to the New Perspective on Paul. Well worth the price of the book, hopefully you'll purchase this body of work.
January 6, 2025
This is a well-written and concise introduction to the New Perspective on Paul. I got more than I expected from this introduction and if anything, Yinger has encouraged me to take a closer look at the Scriptures and make my own conclusion on the matter.
May 14, 2025
As an introduction, I found this book mostly fairhanded and helpful. I am completely unconvinced by the NPP, and I think the exegetical section is built mostly upon the premise "It looks like the text says this, but it really means this if you consider these extra-biblical passages."
April 24, 2018
The book was a great introduction to the issues and controversies surrounding the New Perspective of Paul (NPP). Short and concise.
June 18, 2019
A balanced and irenic approach to the often divisive debate between proponents of NPP and traditional reformed camps.
August 23, 2020
A good introduction. It does the job. It's brevity, which is necessary for a lay-level introduction, precludes it from doing much else.
June 9, 2021
Mission accomplished. I wanted to understand the NPP. This book enabled that understanding in just a few hours of reading.
September 12, 2021
A great and accessible introduction to this critical field of scholarship with many suggestions for further study.
October 13, 2021
An accessible, helpful, and well balanced introduction.
December 15, 2021
Fair and helpful!!
Yinger is fair in presenting both the NPP and its opponents. He also gives some suggested readings for one who want to study NPP as well as its critics.
Yinger is fair in presenting both the NPP and its opponents. He also gives some suggested readings for one who want to study NPP as well as its critics.
October 29, 2024
A consice, helpful introduction to the NPP.
January 4, 2025
An informative and charitable primer with suggestions for further study
February 5, 2025
Objective?
I find some elements of the NPP to be helpful but Yinger is about as fair and balanced here as the moderators in the 2024 debates.
I find some elements of the NPP to be helpful but Yinger is about as fair and balanced here as the moderators in the 2024 debates.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews