Description: This book explores the historical context of Paul and the way Paul's Jewish heritage was received, including the specifics of contemporary Jewish phenomena, within the successive generations of Jesus-followers during the first two centuries CE (in and outside the corpus of New Testament writings).
Brief description: Kenneth Atkinson is Professor of History at the University of Northern Iowa, USA.
Review Quotes:
"Anyone researching Paul and his early reception will appreciate the variety of approaches and depth of scholarship undertaken in these essays by leading international New Testament scholars. Thank you Professor A´bel and contributors for yet again advancing new, innovative developments in the field of "within Judaism" and related Pauline studies." --Mark D. Nanos, Lund University; author of Reading Paul within Judaism
"Historical readings of Paul's undisputed letters as expressions of a Jewish eschatological message for non-Jews are at the heart of an emerging paradigm shift in New Testament studies. But how was the Apostle to the Gentiles understood by others during his lifetime and after his death? In this timely and important book a group of international scholars investigate the earliest evidence of Pauline reception, showing how intertwined with Judaism the Jesus movement often was, even as Paul began to be understood as a 'convert' to Christianity in the second century. A must-read for anyone interested in Pauline studies, early Jewish-Christian relations, and Christian origins." --Anders Runesson, University of Oslo; author of Judaism for Gentiles "This important volume extends the discussion of the Jewish matrix of Paul to the reception of Paul in later New Testament traditions and beyond. Touching on a number of salient topics ranging from the influence of Second Temple Judaism to Pauline ritual observances and many more, the illuminating and detailed contributions are a must-read for scholars and students interested in the reception of Paul and will certainly stimulate further research." --William S. Campbell, University of Basel