The Reverse of the Curse: Paul, Wisdom, and the Law

by C. Marvin Pate

C. Marvin Pate examines the undisputed Pauline writings and demonstrates that wherever Paul employs the theme of wisdom, he does so to reverse the Deuteronomic curses and blessings. The covenantal blessings rest on those whose faith is in Christ, the wisdom of God, while the covenantal curses abide on those who attempt to obey the Torah. All of this results from Paul's separation of Christ, God's wisdom, from the law of Moses. In addition, the author deals with two secondary themes. First of all, he calls the 'new perspective' on Paul into question. Secondly, a revised form of the 'Tübingen theory' is put forth. Both of these points call scholarship back to a more Lutheran reading of the subject of Pauline theology, emphasizing the importance of law and gospel therein. Born 1952; 1982 M.A. Wheaton Graduate School/USA; 1988 PhD. Marquette University/USA; since 1988 Professor of Bible, Moody Bible Institute, Chicago/USA.

558 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 31, 2000

About the author

C. Marvin Pate (PhD, Marquette University) is professor of biblical studies at Ouachita Baptist University. He is the author and editor of numerous works, including Four Views on the Book of Revelation; The Writings of John: A Survey of the Gospel, Epistles, and Apocalypse; Romans (Teach the Text Commentary Series); and From Plato to Jesus.

Reviews

[Ross Harmon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has good work with the law and wisdom. Claims that Paul was in conflict with Matthew James and Luke. Thinks Matthew Luke and James are trying to promote the Law. Believes Gospels based on Q source.