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{en} Peter J. Tomson. Paul and the Jewish Law: Halakha in the Letters of the Apostle to the Gentiles. Assen [Netherlands]: Van Gorcum; and Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 1990.

Abstract

Tomson, straddling the New Perspective and Radical New Perspective, maintains a supersessionist reading of Paul, however with some distinct caveats. According to Tomson, faith in Christ is necessary for the justification/salvation of all people, both Jews and Gentiles. However, in the new community of Christ, each people should continue in their former, God-given way of life, their particular halakha; for the Jews, this meant the Mosaic Torah, for the Gentiles, the Noahide Laws. This distinction continues in the community until the eschaton, when all distinctions will be abolished.

"While interest in Paul's relationship to Judaism has been growing recently, this study adds an important aspect by comparing Paul's practical instruction with the ancient halakha or Jewish traditional law. First Corinthians is found to be a source of prime importance, and surprisingly, halakha appears to be basic to Paul's instruction for non-Jewish Christians. The book includes thorough discussion of hermeneutic and methodological implications, always viewed in relation to the history of Pauline and Judaic study. Attention is also being paid to the setting within Hellenistic culture. Finally, conclusions are drawn about the texture of Paul's thought and these are applied to two 'theological' passages decisive for his place in Judaism. Historical and theological implications are vast, both regarding Paul's relationship to Judaism, his attitude towards Jesus and his Apostles, and the meaning of his teaching concerning justification and the Law."--

Contents

Introduction : how to approach Paul and the law -- The quest for Paul's historical background -- Halakha in Paul's letters -- The Halakha in First Corinthians -- Laws concerning idolatry in early Judaism and Christianity -- 1 Cor 8-10 : 'On idol offerings' -- Table fellowship of Jews and Gentiles -- Conclusion : the nexus of halakha and theology.

External links

• [ Google Books]