Paul: A Guide for the Perplexed

Guides for the Perplexed

by Timothy G. Gombis

This is an up-to-date and engaging introduction to the study of Paul offering prompting fresh interpretations of this crucial figure in biblical studies. The Apostle Paul is the most influential theologian in the Christian tradition while also being the most controversial and probably the least understood. He has been regarded simultaneously as an anti-Semite, a figure who would surely support the state of Israel, a misogynist, a feminist, a conservative, and a radical. Just as at various times over the last two millennia, Paul is again at the center of a range of controversies, beginning especially with E. P. Sanders's groundbreaking work in the late 1970's on Paul's relationship to Judaism. Since then, the field of Pauline studies has been a hot-bed of vigorous and creative debate. This book will serve as an upper-undergraduate level engagement with these various controversies and debates, introducing students to the historical and hermeneutical dynamics that have given rise to the variety of discussions before then rigorously working through them. The book will begin by placing Paul historically in his first-century context and throughout church history. Gombis will then introduce the most significant debates in the study of Paul, drawing out the lines of argument of the major players in Pauline studies before then commending a way of processing the issues involved. The format of discussions, then, will be somewhat of a broad survey of advanced discussions, but will include Gombis' own advocacy of a preferred view in each case. Continuum's Guides for the Perplexed are clear, concise and accessible introductions to thinkers, writers and subjects that students and readers can find especially challenging - or indeed downright bewildering. Concentrating specifically on what it is that makes the subject difficult to grasp, these books explain and explore key themes and ideas, guiding the reader towards a thorough understanding of demanding material.

Genres: Theology, Religion

176 pages, Paperback

First published September 20, 2010

Reviews

[Samuel Youngblood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gombis lays out a small dive (140 pages) into the framework of and issues surrounding Paul. I really left reading this feeling much more clarity on the new perspective on Paul, salvation as described by Paul, and congruency with Jesus’ Kingdom gospel.
Though there is some reference to scholarship and historically contextual details, Gombis mainly uses Paul’s original texts to present different views, and I felt he did this concisely and understandably.
I’d recommend trying to find the book used; it is expensive for a book of its size.

[Matthew Hilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I did not agree with all the conclusions of the author he laid out differing views of Pauline theology in a fair and concise way. This book certainly made me think and has bettered my understanding of Paul and his writing

[Drew Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent introductory text for all things Paul, especially as understood by modern scholarship. ‘New perspective,’ Paul’s theology of women, and his understanding of faiths relation to politics addressed helpfully and broadly.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nicely balanced introduction which presents both traditional and new perspectives on Paul. Light on scholarly language and citations and liberal with scripture. Too bad this isn’t more widely available. Might be be the best short introduction I’ve read yet.

[Benjamin Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great primer for those wanting to dig into Paul's theology without having to purchase a tome by many of the other Pauline scholars.

[Alex Connell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great introduction to some of the conversations around Pauline studies.

[Mark Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptionally clear introduction to Paul's theology that truly is a guide for the perplexed. I only wish Gombis would have dedicated a section to outlining the main perspectives on justification. This would have fit nicely in his chapter on "Paul and Judaism," in which he discusses the Old and New Perspectives with respect key justification texts but never defines that immensely important word. It might also have fit in his chapter on Salvation (ch. 6). But this omission in minor in comparison to his achievement of this work: he successfully sets out the main lines of Paul's theology and letters and orients the reader to the major ways of reading him in current scholarship, all with succinct eloquence in less than 150 pages! This is a book I will go back to.

[Vanessa Siemens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gombis does a good job of discussing various aspects of Paul's writings. While he makes his opinion clear on certain topics, I appreciate that he mentions the alternate perspectives that people hold and why they might interpret Paul that way. Well laid out and presented.

[Sidney Davis]

I brought the book today.

[Marco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great beginning resource to Pauline theology. Accessible yet thorough.