Paul the apostle: The triumph of God in life and thought

by Johan Christiaan Beker

Historical Religion

Genres: Theology

452 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Elliot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Other reviews have noted the book is a bit dated in terms of scholarship, definitely true. The one note I will leave on this book is that Beker's understanding of Coherence and Contingency, especially in relationship to 1 Cor 15 and Pauline Apocalyptic should be required reading for anyone that cares about Paul.

Read this book way back in my 1st year at PTS with Lisa Bowens.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting work on Paul. His idea of reading Paul with coherency and contingency is excellent, holding the balance between Paul being swayed by the randomness of the churches he writes to and Paul being easily reduced to a list of doctrine. Older work, but still valuable for studying Pauline thought, especially in relation to apocalypse.

[Nicholas Quient · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit dated when it comes to issues in New Testament scholarship (his treatment of the so-called women texts in Paul leave a lot to be desired), but one cannot find a more passionate, articulate, and compelling work than this one. Highly recommended.

[Laura Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most helpful books on Paul I've ever met. A little too old to participate in some important conversations today but I still like it.