Synopses & Reviews
Several modern interpretations of Paul's letter to the Galatians claim to uncover an underlying attitude of anti-Judaism. Michael Bachmann refutes those claims with his own detailed exegesis and astute examination of comparative material from the religious environment of that day, revealing instead how Paul embraces both Jews and Gentiles. Bachmann holds that, in the determination of meaning, the literary context of Galatians should be considered over historical background. / Nonetheless, he does engage parallels in Qumran material and archaeology as secondary methods to confirm his exegetical arguments. Through his rigorous examination, Bachmann shows that Galatians exhibits evidence of anti-Judaism not in itself, but only in its reception. / Rich in scholarship and sound exegesis, Anti-Judaism in Galatians? is an ideal text for scholars and students seeking the whole truth about Paul.
Table of Contents
Justification and the works of the law in Paul -- 4QMMT and Galatians, [maasei haTorah] and [erga nomou] -- Jewish covenantal nomism and the Pauline understanding of the Law, the mosaic floor of Beth-Alpha and Gal 3:15-29 -- Investigations on the mediator : Gal 3:20 and the character of the Mosaic Law -- The other woman : synchronic and diachronic observations on Gal 4:21-5:1 -- The church and the Israel of God : on the meaning and ecclesiastical relevance of the benediction at the end of Galatians.