When Wright is Wrong: A Reformed Baptist Critique of N. T. Wright’s New Perspective on Paul

by Phillip D. R. Griffiths

In today's world the Christian is constantly being challenged with new teachings. Some of these are particularly dangerous because they are put forward by those with evangelical credentials. Tom Nicholas Wright is one of the leading proponents of the New Perspective on Paul. Wright sees himself as the new Luther, a discoverer of the true biblical understanding of key doctrines like that of justification by faith. According to him, the Reformation misunderstood the nature of justification by faith alone and the role of the law in the Old Testament. Wright maintains that this has continued to be the case for those of the Reformed Faith. He tells us that we are guilty of anachronism, whereby we interpret first-century Judaism in the light of medieval Roman Catholicism. In this work the writer not only defends the Reformed understanding of this vital doctrine but also seeks to show how Wright has misunderstood the nature of the new covenant and the place of ethnic Israel. "The so-called 'New Perspectives on Paul' suggests that what the Reformers believed about Pauline theology is wrong. It is an important but intrinsically difficult issue to address. In the mix we have Scripture, the Reformers, the NPP theologians--and Second Temple Judaism, which on its own is a complex field of study. But Phillip Griffiths not only demonstrates a mastery of the subject, he writes with a singular clarity." --Colin Hamer, served for many years as an elder of a Grace Baptist Church in the UK "Many do not know that what is called the 'New Perspective on Paul', like the proverbial camel's nose, not only got into the tent of the gospel but it has expelled many of its glorious truths that strengthened the faith of our forefathers. Here, Philip Griffiths sounds a much-needed alarm that calls the leaders and teachers of the church of God to pay close attention to what has been lost, marking out a much better way through a faithful exposition of the scriptures." --Tom Holland, Senior Research Fellow, Union School of Theology Phillip D. R. Griffiths is a retired teacher. He lives in Bethlehem, Pembrokeshire, with his wife Melody and their two sons, Benjamin and Joseph. Phillip holds three first degrees, two with first class honors, and a master's degree in philosophical and systematic theology. He also holds a diploma from the London School of Theology in theological studies.

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 11, 2019

Reviews

[David Glock]

I have read a number of books on the New Perspective on Paul. The most recent being Griffith’s When Wright is Wrong. The book is both informative and enlightening. Griffith exposes the weaknesses of Wright’s position and offers a more biblically based alternative. Prior to reading this book I’d read Cody Folates review. I thoroughly agree with his comments - coming away for Griffith’s book with a greater appreciation of the biblical doctrine of justification by faith alone. I thoroughly recommend this book to all bible believing Christians who are concerned with defending the Faith.

[Kara Gummel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great theology and explanation of the passages in question. The many typing errors made the book difficult to read at points. Would happily volunteer as an editor for Griffiths on future works as he states in the opening he did the editing himself.

[Abbie Rees · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best critiques of the NPP I have read. Highly recommend.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thorough refutation of the New Perspective. This work gave me a much greater appreciation of the Reformed Baptist understanding of the covenants. In all, excellent!