Paul was not a Christian

Changing Views of Paul:From Conversion to Call

1I. Paul the Convert

2Augustine of Hippo 354-430

3Romans 13:13-14let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. 4Martin Luther 1483-1546

5Tell story of Luthers tower experiencego to next slide for inspirational quote.Romans 1:17For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, The one who is righteous will live by faith. 6Justification by FaithWe know that a person is justified not by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christbecause no one will be justified by the works of the law. (Gal 2:16)7Not only does this set up the deed vs. creed dichotomy, it is seen to be the quintessential statement of Christian exclusivism. Pauls negative comments about the lawAll who rely on the works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the things written in the book of the law. (Gal 3:10)Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law. (Gal 3:13)For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation. (Rom 4:14-15)Christ is the end of the law. (Rom 10:4)8Lets look at some passages to see how Luther came to think as he did. Why is law so bad?II. Paul the Jew

9Pauls positive statements about the lawIt is not the hearers of the law who are righteous in Gods sight, but the doers of the law who will be justified (Rom 2:13)The law is holy, and the commandment is holy and just and good. (Rom 7:12)Is the law then opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! (Gal 3:21)What advantage has the Jew? What is the value of circumcision? Much in every way! (Rom 3:1)

10Krister Stendahl

called, not converted11Galatians 1:11-17For you heard of my earlier life in Judaismhow I progressed in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, because Iwas especially eager for my ancestral traditions. But when God, who chose me while in my mothers womb and called me through his grace, thought it right to reveal hisSon in me, so that I might proclaim him amongthe nations,.

Philippians 3:2-9circumcised on the eighth day, by virtue of belonging to the people of Israel, from the Tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews, withregard to Torah --a Pharisee, with regard to zeal--a persecutor of the church, in terms of righteousnessattained by (the practice of) Torah--I was blameless. ButWhatever gains had accrued to me, these I now count as a loss because of Christ.

Three Myths of Ancient Judaism Debunked Judaism not legalisticJudaism not excessively exclusive or nationalisticJewish theology did not conceive God as judgmental and mercilessThe Flexible PhariseesR. Yosi b. Yoezer of Zereda testified that the Ayil-locust is clean,and that the liquid that flows in the shambles [in the Temple] is not susceptible to uncleanness; andThat he that touches a corpse becomes unclean.And they called him Yosi the Permitter. --Mishnah, Edduyot 8.4

Perhaps skip slide?15Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing; but the commandments of God are everything.

1 Corinthians 7:19

16Jesus and JustificationNRSV: I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing. PME: I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification comes through the law, then Christ died as a gift.

Galatians 2:21

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