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The latest book in our Library of Pauline Studies series, Paul and the Jews examines the question, “How did Paul’s thinking compare with that of the Jews of his time?” By providing a survey of the scholarly views on this question, Andrew Das offers the beginning Pauline student an entrance into the interesting world of Pauline studies and then presents his own conclusions to this pivotal question.

“The topic of Andrew Das’s new monograph requires that he address a whole series of issues that have proven controversial in recent Pauline scholarship: the two-covenant theory, the identification of the 'weak' and the 'strong' in Romans 14, the place of the law in the lives of Christians, and, of course, the ongoing debate between the 'new perspective' and traditional readings of Paul. All are tackled head-on in an accessible, informed, and balanced way. Das’s fresh—and thoughtful—proposals are sure to garner attention, and Paul’s impact on Jewish-Christian relations is the subject of stimulating reflections. A book for students and scholars alike.”
—Stephen Westerholm, Associate Professor in Religious Studies, McMaster University

"For the past twenty years, 'the new perspective on Paul,' inaugurated by the work of E. P. Sanders and James D. G. Dunn, has been a dominant perspective in American and British Pauline scholarship. Acknowledging the important advances made by this new perspective, but also arguing for 'a newer perspective' that appropriates the theological as well as the social significance of Paul’s gospel, Das has provide us with a careful analysis of how Paul understands the Jewish people and their law in the light of the universal savior, Jesus Christ. Clearly written, cogently argued, Das’s newer perspective challenges readers to reassess some basic assumptions of recent scholarship."
—Frank J. Matera, Professor of New Testament, The Catholic University of America

"This book places itself in the midst of the discussion on the 'New Look' in Pauline studies, and makes an important contribution to that debate. Whether one is disposed to follow that way of seeing Paul's theology or not, this book will surely provoke further reflection. Well written and cogently argued, it will reward a careful reading."
—Paul Achtemeier, Union Theological Seminary

Reviews

“Few areas of New Testament study have been as scrutinized as that of Paul’s relationship to Judaism. Das begins this incisive work by tracing the newer appreciation of Paul based on a post-Shoah renewed understanding of first-century Judaism. In this view, first-century Judaism could not be characterized as legalistic nor did Paul repudiate his Jewish heritage and fidelity to the Law on that basis. Furthermore, the teaching of Paul in Romans 9-11 is a biblical foundation for a “two covenant” perspective that respects the continuing role of Israel in God’s plan of salvation. While not unsympathetic to this overall view, Das subjects this general thesis to a rigorous examination. He concludes that Paul envisioned a role for Israel only on the premise that Jews would eventually accept Jesus as Messiah, a reading of Paul that is a challenge to the ongoing Christian-Jewish dialogue.”
—The Bible Today

“It may appear that biblical scholarship has been slow to reckon with the way the Holocaust has, or should, affect the study of Christian origins (in general) of how to read Paul (in particular). However, ever since the publication of E.P. Sanders Paul and Palestinian Judaism, Pauline scholars have wrestled with how Paul understands his own Jewish heritage—the subject of Das’s book. Typically, scholars take one of several positions: (1) Paul’s perspective is said to be as harsh as it is wrong (the Jews have been replaced by Christians in God’s plan); (2) Paul understands that there are two paths to God (Jews will enjoy God’s blessings by being Jews; Christians by their union with the risen Christ); or (3) Paul’s thinking is completely muddled on the matter (Paul’s contextual opportunism overrides any drive for consistency). In this regard Das’s book is especially exquisite: he allows Paul to be Paul, and he does so in a post-Holocaust context. Das (Elmhurst College) demonstrates clearly that Paul always maintained a gracious perspective on Jews qua Jews, all the while showing how Jesus is Israel’s Messiah stands at the center of the Christian Gospel. This is an especially franks and honest discussion of a contentious issue. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-level undergraduates through faculty.”
—Choice: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries

“Das concludes that although Paul ultimately held out hope for ethnic Israel, the christocentric focus of his hope will likely remain a stumbling block for Jewish readers because Paul adopted the aberrant position that ethnic Israel would not benefit from God’s election or promises apart from faith in Jesus Christ, and because Paul maintained that a Jew or a Gentile who followed his path in his spiritual journey should have to undergo a similar conversion.”
—New Testament Abstracts

“. . . Das has given us much to ponder. His reading of Paul on Israel is well-researched and provocative. It will surely advance our discussion on this important topic.”
—Interpretation

“This well-written and often subtly nuanced discussion covers a good deal that will be of interest to students of Paul. It is both a valuable contribution to the interpretation of Paul that will be of interest to scholars, and a useful survey of the issues that should prove helpful to students and pastors.”
—Expository Times

"Das succeeds brilliantly in providing a thorough introduction to the discussion of Israel and the Mosaic law in Paul’s letters. Not only is the book clearly written and accessible to a wide range of readers, but Das manages to represent viewpoints with which he disagrees fairly—something that is all too rare where matters related to Paul and the law are concerned. Das is also discerning in his use of footnotes, avoiding overly technical discussions that might overwhelm undergraduates but indicating where readers might go to pursue certain discussions further. This book makes for enjoyable reading and is highly recommended for use in undergraduate and seminary classrooms, but also for anyone looking for a helpful introduction to the discussion of Paul, Israel, and the Mosaic law."
—Review of Biblical Literature

“Andrew Das, who has previously written an insightful work titled Paul, the Law, and the Covenant, tackles in this book Paul’s view of the Jews. . . . The work is characterized by thoughtful and mainly convincing exegesis. We look forward for further contributions from Andrew Das in coming years.”
—The Southern Baptist Journal of Theology

“Das’ clearly written, highly detailed argumentation ensures that his book will figure as an important source in future considerations of Paul’s perspective on Judaism.”
—The Catholic Biblical Quarterly

“According to fashionable reading, Paul was essentially friendly to his non-believing fellow Jews. . . . Das would have none of this. The present book is a bold affirmation of Paul’s Christocentric faith. For Jews, there can be no salvation apart from Christ.”
—International Review of Biblical Studies

“. . . It is in opposition to the ‘new perspectives’ on Paul that Das has composed his magisterial work. Das here marshals a complete reading of the Hebrew and Greek scriptures as well as an encompassing erudition of the extra-Biblical Jewish, Christian, and pagan literature of the early centuries on the common era to produce what must be considered the definitive work for our time on the difficult theme of Paul’s relations to the Jews. His one hundred and ninety-six pages of text with generous footnotes, and twenty-three-page ‘Select Bibliography’ present a completing engagement with contemporary Pauline scholarship and provide the reader with a clear compass with which to navigate a path though the complicated issues involved. . . . This description [of Das’ reconstruction of the context of the Letter to the Romans] does little justice to the richness of the argumentation, the sophisticated employment of texts, and the engagement with recent scholarship that distinguish Dr. Das’ fine achievement in this work.”
—Heythrop Journal

“Das usefully interacts with Paul’s view of Israel and the Law. He writes clearly, making judicious use of technical apparatus and ably defending his positions. He is to be commended for offering a well-presented exegetical approach to a cluster of biblical theological questions.”
—The Reformed Theological Review

“Brief and clearly written, the book provides an even-handed introduction to current debates over Paul’s theology, his Jewishness, and the interpretation of Galatians and Romans. In particular, it gives a lucid presentation of an approach to Paul which is both appreciative of some ‘new perspective’ elements and highly critical of others. It will prove of value for students of Paul and his literature, whether pastors, seminarians, undergraduates, or informed lay-persons. Scholars will want to refer to the authors 2001 publication [Paul, the Law, and the Covenant]. The select bibliography and three indices (modern authors, subjects, and ancient sources) make it user friendly.”
—Journal of Evangelical Theological Society

“The highly controversial debate over Paul and his thoughts on the Law and Judaism as reflected in the epistles to the Galatians and Romans receive a deft and expansive investigation in Das’ most recent work. He not only demonstrates expertise with the biblical texts and vast array of primary sources but he also brings some measure of equanimity to the oftentimes ‘one-sided’ debate. While Das firmly rejects the New Perspective’s proposal that the issue addressed in either Galatians or Romans is merely the Jewish offence of ‘exclusivity,’ he nevertheless strives to grapple with the highly derogatory implications of Paul’s stance on the Law and Judaism (historical effects as well as modern day dangers of anti-Semitism) and offers a refreshing synthesis of theology and praxis that is not based on what may be deemed politically correct in contemporary scholarship but on the world of Paul himself in Romans 9-11. . . . In sum, Das offers a refreshing and engaging interaction with the current and much debated issues of Paul, the Law and the Jews.”
—Themelios

“The book is a welcome correction to J.D.G. Dunn.”
—Theological Studies

“This is a book worth reading, and serious attention should be paid to its well-researched and argued conclusions.”
—The Banner of Truth

“Though seeking to mark out a third way to approach the New Perspective on Paul issue, Das so thoroughly discredits major aspects of the NPP that it is difficult to understand why he would seek a mediating position. His biblical analyses clearly support the traditional interpretation of Paul and the Mosaic Law without modifying that tradition. Whether one agrees with his third view or not, his volume deserves a wide reading for its clarity, its well-reasoned argumentation, and its exposure of the weaknesses of the NPP view of covenantal nomism.”
—The Master’s Seminary Journal

“Upper-level New Testament students and serious seminarians should find much beneficial in this volume. Das is detailed, but presents his arguments logically and understandably. Most of all, Das offers an important contribution to and critique of the New Perspective on Paul in an excellent introduction to Paul and Judaism.”
—Ashland Theological Journal

“Das’ book, Paul and the Jews, interacts with materials in which the ‘new perspective’ is argued, but arrives at a different conclusion. ‘New perspective’ interpreters will need to interact with Das’ proposed construction of Pauline theology; ‘old perspective’ interpreters will need to examine whether Das’ thesis has elements they can embrace. Despite the recent proliferation of works on Paul’s view of the Law and Israel, Das’ contribution will remain substantial and noteworthy for some years.”
—The Master’s Seminary Journal

“This is an important contribution to Pauline scholarship; Das’ exegesis is sober, careful, convincing, and he is particularly good at tracing the logic of Paul’s argument.”
— Churchman

“The clear arguments of this book cannot be ignored in the ongoing debate. . . . [Das] shows convincingly that Paul’s critique of the law is broader than many today would want to recognize.”
—Religious Studies Review

A. Andrew Das is Niebuhr Distinguished Chair and Associate Professor of Theology and Religion, Elmhurst College, Illinois, and is the author of Paul, the Law and the Covenant.

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