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Biblical Theology of the New Testament
A Theology of Paul and His Letters: The Gift of the New Realm in Christ
A landmark study of the apostle's writings by one of the world's leading Pauline scholars
Winner of the 2022 ECPA Christian Book Award for Bible Reference Works
This highly anticipated volume gives pastors, scholars, and all serious students of the New Testament exactly what they need for in-depth study and engagement with one of Christian history's most formative thinkers and writers. A Theology of Paul and His Letters is a landmark study of the apostle's writings by one of the world's leading Pauline scholars Douglas J. Moo. Fifteen years in the making, this groundbreaking work is organized into three major sections:
Part 1 provides an overview of the issues involved in doing biblical theology in general and a Pauline theology in particular. Here Moo also sets out the methodological issues, formative influences, and conceptual categories of Paul's thought.
Part 2 moves on to Paul's New Testament writings, where Moo describes each Pauline letter with particular relevance to its theology.
Part 3 offers a masterful synthesis of Paul’s theology under the overarching theme of the gift of the new realm in Christ.
Engaging, insightful, and wise, this substantive, evangelical treatment of Paul's theology offers extensive engagement with the latest Pauline scholarship without sacrificing its readability. This volume brings insights from over thirty years of experience studying, teaching, and writing about Paul into one comprehensive guide that will serve readers as a go-to resource for decades to come.
Winner of the 2022 ECPA Christian Book Award for Bible Reference Works
This highly anticipated volume gives pastors, scholars, and all serious students of the New Testament exactly what they need for in-depth study and engagement with one of Christian history's most formative thinkers and writers. A Theology of Paul and His Letters is a landmark study of the apostle's writings by one of the world's leading Pauline scholars Douglas J. Moo. Fifteen years in the making, this groundbreaking work is organized into three major sections:
Part 1 provides an overview of the issues involved in doing biblical theology in general and a Pauline theology in particular. Here Moo also sets out the methodological issues, formative influences, and conceptual categories of Paul's thought.
Part 2 moves on to Paul's New Testament writings, where Moo describes each Pauline letter with particular relevance to its theology.
Part 3 offers a masterful synthesis of Paul’s theology under the overarching theme of the gift of the new realm in Christ.
Engaging, insightful, and wise, this substantive, evangelical treatment of Paul's theology offers extensive engagement with the latest Pauline scholarship without sacrificing its readability. This volume brings insights from over thirty years of experience studying, teaching, and writing about Paul into one comprehensive guide that will serve readers as a go-to resource for decades to come.
773 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 26, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 18, 2022
Moo's book doesn't really offer much that is new. It isn't cast in terms of paving a new way forward or as correcting all that is wrong. And yet, that is what I liked about the book. Everywhere, Moo has something nice to say about other interpreters, even as he disagrees with them. He doesn't write in an inflammatory way. You don't get the sense that he is trying to sell you anything or to play sectarian games.
Because of his approach, he incorporates so much that is good about newer approaches to Paul. He is fair when he disagrees and identifies the important differences between positions. He is happy to affirm old boring claims about faith and about the old rugged cross. He also is not restricted by pandering to reformed readings. He might say it is possible that justification is chief among equals, but he freely admits it is not the center of Paul's theology.
So, Moo defends in clear and simple terms the good news of God in Christ according to Paul. There isn't a great deal of moving rhetoric or beautiful literary style. He is content to let the glory of the new realm in Christ do the work.
Because of his approach, he incorporates so much that is good about newer approaches to Paul. He is fair when he disagrees and identifies the important differences between positions. He is happy to affirm old boring claims about faith and about the old rugged cross. He also is not restricted by pandering to reformed readings. He might say it is possible that justification is chief among equals, but he freely admits it is not the center of Paul's theology.
So, Moo defends in clear and simple terms the good news of God in Christ according to Paul. There isn't a great deal of moving rhetoric or beautiful literary style. He is content to let the glory of the new realm in Christ do the work.
January 28, 2022
Comprehensive.
A helpful introduction to the many facets of Pauline theology.
Main takeaway is the centrality of Christ Union to the theology of Paul. Everything flows from that central identity and victory of Christ.
Also useful for anyone who wants to engage with the new perspective. Although I would suggest read ‘what St. Paul really said’ first.
A helpful introduction to the many facets of Pauline theology.
Main takeaway is the centrality of Christ Union to the theology of Paul. Everything flows from that central identity and victory of Christ.
Also useful for anyone who wants to engage with the new perspective. Although I would suggest read ‘what St. Paul really said’ first.
December 19, 2022
Every volume I’ve encountered in this Biblical Theology of the New Testament (BTNT) series has been excellent. As much, or maybe more, than the others this volume by Pauline scholar Douglas Moo shows expert handling. You wonder if there are absolutely no issues however minute that Moo doesn’t know all about involving Paul. Having written major, and I might add well received, commentaries on Romans, Galatians, Colossians, and Philemon, who could have been better positioned to write this work? As he relates in the preface, he worked on this project over 15 years. It was bound to be good and it is.
When I first picked up this volume, my thought was that it seemed to be laid out differently than the others in the series. The design appeared pedestrian and early on he relayed that he felt more comfortable in the trees than in the forest, that he enjoyed exegeting a text more than taking these big-picture views. Naturally, I lowered my expectations…until I read far enough to realize that he had misled me. The design was perfect because of the excellent work he did within it. Further, I felt he took me high enough to get a clearer forest view than I had. He knew every ditch that scholarship had run into, but he stayed on the highway. He wrote as one of whom Paul’s writings had pierced his heart after filling his head. Are we so jaded these days that we have forgotten just how much that can elevate a work like this one?
I enjoyed chapter 2 on the shape of Paul’s thought. In fact, it well illustrates what I said above. He sifted so much of the scholarly refuse to blaze a straight path to the mountain top. Along the way, you saw his honesty too. He had occasional small deviations to the normal conclusions of the bunch he runs with, but he seemed bound to tell where his studies took him. Let’s call it refreshing.
After that chapter you are better equipped to traverse his discussion of Paul’s life and ministry. After that, he takes each Pauline epistle in turn. You will feel in the hands of a master throughout. It is not a commentary, but has as much awareness as found in one.
Part 3 backs up and talks about the collective theology that you’ve already been collecting in the book to that point. Read enough to get his concept of the “New Realm”. It really unifies his entire presentation. Taking the three parts of this book together is somewhat akin to looking at Paul through a prism. Paul’s lofty contribution is key to our faith and worthy of such a grand view. This book provides such a view in a way that few ever have.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
When I first picked up this volume, my thought was that it seemed to be laid out differently than the others in the series. The design appeared pedestrian and early on he relayed that he felt more comfortable in the trees than in the forest, that he enjoyed exegeting a text more than taking these big-picture views. Naturally, I lowered my expectations…until I read far enough to realize that he had misled me. The design was perfect because of the excellent work he did within it. Further, I felt he took me high enough to get a clearer forest view than I had. He knew every ditch that scholarship had run into, but he stayed on the highway. He wrote as one of whom Paul’s writings had pierced his heart after filling his head. Are we so jaded these days that we have forgotten just how much that can elevate a work like this one?
I enjoyed chapter 2 on the shape of Paul’s thought. In fact, it well illustrates what I said above. He sifted so much of the scholarly refuse to blaze a straight path to the mountain top. Along the way, you saw his honesty too. He had occasional small deviations to the normal conclusions of the bunch he runs with, but he seemed bound to tell where his studies took him. Let’s call it refreshing.
After that chapter you are better equipped to traverse his discussion of Paul’s life and ministry. After that, he takes each Pauline epistle in turn. You will feel in the hands of a master throughout. It is not a commentary, but has as much awareness as found in one.
Part 3 backs up and talks about the collective theology that you’ve already been collecting in the book to that point. Read enough to get his concept of the “New Realm”. It really unifies his entire presentation. Taking the three parts of this book together is somewhat akin to looking at Paul through a prism. Paul’s lofty contribution is key to our faith and worthy of such a grand view. This book provides such a view in a way that few ever have.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
April 25, 2024
I hesitated to give this book 5 stars just because I find myself increasingly disagreeing (sometimes significantly) with much of Dr. Moo's theology. However, I am in awe at the excellence with which Moo accomplished his task. With such a broad scope he manages to present Paul's thought with elegant organization, a clear and precise voice, and with a consistent theological framework throughout. And what's best is that he is always humble, he's aware of his own biases from approaching Paul with a particular framework, and he's well-educated on positions he disagrees with. He engages honestly and generously with many many opposing views, crediting what's good and what he's learned from and critiquing what he finds unconvincing. I think he really does represent the best of broadly reformed and evangelical biblical theology.
November 27, 2025
An absolutely incredible resource. Moo thoroughly and expertly presents a biblical theology of Paul by first introducing Paul and his letters, then carefully exporting each of these letters (meaning this book contains a short commentary on each NT book authored by Paul), and then finally summarizing in length the overall theology that Paul presents. I admit that I have only read the first and third of these divisions, and not the commentaries Moo provides on each book. The sections from this section division I have read, however, are necessarily brief but nonetheless phenomenal. This book provides Moo’s understanding on the overall message of each of the letters, an exposition of how Paul Mae’s his message by working through the letters, and then a synthesis of the theology presented by Paul in these letters as a whole. Phenomenal resource that would look great on both a Christmas wish list and a bookshelf!
November 9, 2023
Standard reformed fare. Was hoping for more here. There were several deep subjects that got glossed over in which the author lays out different opinions, and then just says he sides with the traditional reformed answer on the matter. Not really defending it or giving strong reasons, just saying he felt it was better understood by Calvinists. This happened several times throughout the work, almost any time he encountered different lines of thought towards Pauline theology.
This book is somewhat helpful as a surface level introduction to Paul, but not really helpful for any serious discussion on the matter. Moo uses the idea of "two realms" (old age & new age) as a framing device for the Theology of Paul as a whole. This is a basically helpful way of understanding Paul (and probably even the Old and New Testaments as a whole), just not really groundbreaking or anything.
Don't bother with it if you're not Calvinist.
This book is somewhat helpful as a surface level introduction to Paul, but not really helpful for any serious discussion on the matter. Moo uses the idea of "two realms" (old age & new age) as a framing device for the Theology of Paul as a whole. This is a basically helpful way of understanding Paul (and probably even the Old and New Testaments as a whole), just not really groundbreaking or anything.
Don't bother with it if you're not Calvinist.
June 28, 2025
An Outstanding Contribution to Pauline Theology
In typical Moo fashion, Paul’s theology is expertly evaluated and categorized from every angle. Moo’s strengths continue to be his scholarship, thoroughness, and balanced conclusions and insights. His weakness (if you consider it that) is a scholarly lack of Pastoral warmth. Perhaps a great teacher, this man is clearly not a Pastor. Nevertheless, Moo gives us a great deal to think through as well as keeping us abreast on the best of modern writing and scholarship. His amazing breadth of footnotes/references is impressive, yet I personally found many of them obscure and unrelatable. Where are the references to the best major works of a similar kind? Also typical of Moo is that he examines points of view and opinions that, as a serious conservative evangelical Bible student, I find foolish, unnecessary, and easy to dismiss. Just because someone writes a scholarly treatise on a matter regarding Paul, does not mean we need to give it any credibility. Nonetheless, If you enjoy looking at a matter from every point of view, whether you find it helpful or not, Moo will certainly be your cup of tea. In any case, his summary of Paul’s theology is invaluable, and his recap of Paul’s letters alone is worth the price of admission. In my opinion, this work deserves a primary place for anyone interested in an outstanding look at the theology of Paul and His letters.
In typical Moo fashion, Paul’s theology is expertly evaluated and categorized from every angle. Moo’s strengths continue to be his scholarship, thoroughness, and balanced conclusions and insights. His weakness (if you consider it that) is a scholarly lack of Pastoral warmth. Perhaps a great teacher, this man is clearly not a Pastor. Nevertheless, Moo gives us a great deal to think through as well as keeping us abreast on the best of modern writing and scholarship. His amazing breadth of footnotes/references is impressive, yet I personally found many of them obscure and unrelatable. Where are the references to the best major works of a similar kind? Also typical of Moo is that he examines points of view and opinions that, as a serious conservative evangelical Bible student, I find foolish, unnecessary, and easy to dismiss. Just because someone writes a scholarly treatise on a matter regarding Paul, does not mean we need to give it any credibility. Nonetheless, If you enjoy looking at a matter from every point of view, whether you find it helpful or not, Moo will certainly be your cup of tea. In any case, his summary of Paul’s theology is invaluable, and his recap of Paul’s letters alone is worth the price of admission. In my opinion, this work deserves a primary place for anyone interested in an outstanding look at the theology of Paul and His letters.
April 15, 2023
This review is based on a series of audio book lectures - not the specific book.
Basically my complaint with the lecture (I am assuming the book is similar) is that it's a good overview but does not provide the depth and detail I was looking for. Specifically I am looking for a discussion on the controversial passages - primarily women in the church. The lecture basically said "we don't have the time to go into it here". If the book does a better job covering the topic than the lecture did then I will happily go in and bump the rating up. Likewise, if the book skirts the issue then I will be tempted to knock it down a star.
Basically my complaint with the lecture (I am assuming the book is similar) is that it's a good overview but does not provide the depth and detail I was looking for. Specifically I am looking for a discussion on the controversial passages - primarily women in the church. The lecture basically said "we don't have the time to go into it here". If the book does a better job covering the topic than the lecture did then I will happily go in and bump the rating up. Likewise, if the book skirts the issue then I will be tempted to knock it down a star.
July 3, 2024
As a believer without formal education in Biblical studies, theology, or any related field, I'm reading lots in retirement - and chose this because Biblical theology interests me. I found this book a really helpful exploration of all of Paul's letters, and an equally helpful and insightful summary of Paul's theology across all the letters. While this isn't light reading, it's truly accessible to one who, like me, has no formal education in any area even close to this.
February 10, 2022
Great content but much of it I have heard before from Mr. Moo. It was worth the money spent.
May 2, 2022
Moo's analysis of Paul's theology is wide and deep, and written with a delightful, humble style that makes his book a joy to read. I was thoroughly impressed and enlightened.
May 27, 2022
4.5 out of 5. A helpful resource to have for Pauline theology and letters!
January 6, 2023
Haven't read all the book-specific chapters yet, but the overview chapters were very helpful.
December 25, 2025
Excellent book synthesizing Paul's writings.
April 22, 2025
This is top notch, as you might expect from Moo.
This should be a welcomed companion to help you understand the nuances of Paul’s theology, and to help you write overview papers on Paul’s letters!
This should be a welcomed companion to help you understand the nuances of Paul’s theology, and to help you write overview papers on Paul’s letters!
September 19, 2023
listened to audio book
Great big idea approach. Moo does not get into specifics on controversial issues rather just gives a general review of views. I enjoyed the approach and the fact he did not get caught up in the difficult passages; so if that is what you are look for, not the book for you. If you want a general laypersons view and really a basic intro to Paul's theology, I believe you will find this book beneficial.
Great big idea approach. Moo does not get into specifics on controversial issues rather just gives a general review of views. I enjoyed the approach and the fact he did not get caught up in the difficult passages; so if that is what you are look for, not the book for you. If you want a general laypersons view and really a basic intro to Paul's theology, I believe you will find this book beneficial.
June 28, 2022
Helpful resource to understand the variety of viewpoints of Paul’s writing, believes, and the construction of this letters.
January 13, 2024
Excellent ! Dans cet ouvrage Douglas Moo nous livre le fruit d'années d'études dans un livre bien fait et facile à lire.
Le livre se découpe en deux parties
- Dans la première Moo fait un survol des épîtres de Paul ( il accepte bien évidemment l'ensemble du corpus comme authentique). Si l'on pourrait s'attendre à être déçu par un traitement léger et superficiel des textes ce n'est étonnamment pas le cas (on ne reste pas sur sa faim), Moo ayant l'intelligence de s'attarder sur les textes les plus compliqués .
La seconde elle se concentre sur la théologie que l'on peut trouver dans les lettres. Et ce qu'il y a de bien c'est que Moi prend position. Toujours avec l'intention de ne pas être polémique pour le plaisir de la polémique mais en cherchant toujours le positif à retirer des différentes opinions. Sans jamais non plus tomber dans un compromis où à la fin on se demande “ d'accord tout ça est bien résumé mais il veut dire quoi ?“.
Le livre se découpe en deux parties
- Dans la première Moo fait un survol des épîtres de Paul ( il accepte bien évidemment l'ensemble du corpus comme authentique). Si l'on pourrait s'attendre à être déçu par un traitement léger et superficiel des textes ce n'est étonnamment pas le cas (on ne reste pas sur sa faim), Moo ayant l'intelligence de s'attarder sur les textes les plus compliqués .
La seconde elle se concentre sur la théologie que l'on peut trouver dans les lettres. Et ce qu'il y a de bien c'est que Moi prend position. Toujours avec l'intention de ne pas être polémique pour le plaisir de la polémique mais en cherchant toujours le positif à retirer des différentes opinions. Sans jamais non plus tomber dans un compromis où à la fin on se demande “ d'accord tout ça est bien résumé mais il veut dire quoi ?“.
January 9, 2024
Did I just find one of my favorite biblical scholars?
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews