Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
This is a print on demand book and is therefore non- returnable. A description of the first thirty years of the primitive church is largely a description of the course of Paul's life and ministry. A full understanding of Paul's activities and thought is therefore essential for any study of the church or of New Testament theology in general. This thoroughgoing work by Rainer Riesner addresses many of the scholarly questions relating to early Pauline chronology and theology. Conversant with nearly everything of significance written on the subject, this volume will be a valuable aid to the study of Paul and his importance to the early church.
Synopsis
This monumental work by German scholar Rainer Riesner examines both biblical and extra-biblical sources to establish the chronology of Paul's early ministry and also illumines our understanding of his work by portraying him in his cultural context.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 419-499) and indexes.
Table of Contents
Introduction : chronologies and theologies -- Status of scholarship : a survey -- Further procedure -- Early Pauline chronology : from Jerusalem to Achaia. The crucifixion of Jesus -- Persecution of Stephen and conversion -- Flight from Damascus -- The religious policies of Claudius -- Mission to the Gentiles and persecution -- Famine and apocalyptic prophecy -- The Cypriot proconsul Sergius Paullus -- Paul's Roman citizenship -- Claudius' Roman edict concerning the Jews -- Paul and Gallio -- Later chronology -- Stages of Pauline missionary strategy. Geographic sequences in Paul's letters -- The beginning of the mission -- Pushing forward to the northwest -- The way west -- The apostle's rate of travel -- Attempt at a chronological synthesis -- Acts and world history -- Early Pauline theology : the apostle and the church in Thessalonica. Apology for abrupt departure -- Christians under the pressure of a pagan metropolis -- A concrete eschatological question -- Absent doctrine of justification? -- The unity of 1 Thessalonians.