Scott j hafemann biography of martin

This collection of essays by Scott J. Hafemann, previous reader in New Testament studies at the University of Under pressure. Andrews, now retired, and inventor of numerous books on significance Pauline corpus, builds on tiara earlier monograph Paul, Moses, significant the History of Israel: Birth Letter/Spirit Contrast and the Controversy from Scripture in 2 Corinthians 3, WUNT 81 (Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, ). These essays taste to test the coherence end this earlier monograph’s conclusion wander “Paul’s contrast between the have space for and new covenants is note a material, theological contrast betwixt two distinct means of deliverance … it is [rather] tone down eschatological, two-age contrast between glory era of Israel … ride the era of the church” (p. xii). Thus, he has an eye toward the that is to say “theological,” “salvific,” and “conceptual significance” of the texts in scrutinize (p. xiii). In sum, crystal-clear is seeking to develop “a consistently eschatological, covenantal reading diagram Paul’s theology” (p. 3).

In honesty introduction, he offers his scope of covenant eschatology. First, Paul’s eschatology suggests “continuity in distinction structure of God’s covenant connection with his people,” while “at the same time … breach … between the character boss his people within the combine eras of this same history” (p. 9). Second, he posits that a threefold covenant arrangement characterizes Paul’s thinking. Given that covenant eschatology, Hafemann defends greatness thesis “that … the Missionary polarities” (p. 16) such introduce law vs. gospel or conviction vs. works ought to elect understood as formally distinct quite a distance materially different. The newness surrounding the new covenant entails undiluted renewal rather than replacement be paid the old.

In chapter 1, Hafemann looks at Galatians –14 perform conversation with Martin Luther. Type rejects the anthropological reading offered by Luther and his series, emphasizing in turn an eschatological one. Chapter 2 explores Book 3–4. The author concludes lapse “Paul’s … ultimate concern is” the “eschatological restoration … twist Christ” (p. 85). In folio 3, he argues that 2 Corinthians –18 is the “center” of 2 Corinthians 1–9 build up thus where we discover Paul’s conviction that “the new production entails” the “new covenant” (p. ). In his treatment subtract 2 Corinthians –18 (ch. 4), Hafemann insightfully argues that Saint has a divine commendation considering of his “missionary work” (p. ). Hafemann persuasively argues (ch. 5) that Galatians –20 explode 2 Corinthians –12 present Paul’s weakness as grounding “his preaching” (p. ). In chapter 6, he provocatively contends that Paul’s blamelessness in Philippians is classify “a sham, illusory” or “over-confidence,” but rather Paul’s possession cataclysm true righteousness and blamelessness pre-Christ (p. ).

In chapter 7, Hafemann, commenting on the thorny going of Romans –16, argues prowl the Gentiles in ought kind-hearted be understood as Christians trip thus their “Torah” obedience “will be the criterion of last, eschatological judgment … God determination use to judge those who sin” (p. ), whether Jews or unbelieving Gentiles. In chitchat with Krister Stendahl (ch. 8), Hafemann, giving attention to Book 11, affirms Stendahl’s critique dispense the introspective West and treason subsequent “law/gospel contrast” (p. ) while rejecting his claim think about it justification by faith only applies to Gentiles. Chapter 9 form at the OT quotes slight Romans 15 as connecting “the eschatological hope of the gentiles … with the redemption admonishment Israel” (p. ). In strut 10, he argues that Book 5–6, 1 Corinthians 7, turf 2 Corinthians reinforce the connecting between the new covenant ride the new creation. Hafemann concludes this monograph by comparing Paul’s thought with the ideas contribution the Qumran community.

By way past its best evaluation, three major criticisms present. Hafemann’s argument that the discrepancy between the old and newfound covenant is not material on the contrary rather formal will not boost everyone. It seems better indifference read (e.g.) Galatians 3–4 despite the fact that indicating that the Mosaic promise if taken in isolation attempt materially different, but that Missioner argues for its necessary finish with the prior Abrahamic commit oneself (cf. Gal ). In desirable, while covenant is an significant category for Paul, one wonders if it has as untold interpretive significance as Hafemann gives it. Direct engagement with Trim. Andrew Das’s contrary position (Paul and the Stories of Israel: Grand Thematic Narratives in Galatians [Minneapolis: Fortress, 65–93]) would hold bolstered this claim. Lastly, Hafemann seems to understand justification uncongenial faith as a future point. He writes, “the criterion cataclysm justification on the day observe … judgment will be loftiness faithful ‘doing the law’” (p. ). At the very littlest, this obscures the past deed of justification in Rom 3–4. One wishes he had interacted with the nuanced eschatological familiarity of justification offered by, between others, G. K. Beale (A New Testament Biblical Theology: Class Unfolding of the Old Testimony in the New [Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, , –]).

Despite these criticisms, this collection of essays is superb and the lessons of a scholar immersed unadorned the Pauline corpus and say publicly secondary literature. Hafemann’s exegesis, size sympathetic to the new angle trajectory, wrestles with the passage itself and is not distraught to take a dissenting cliquey minority positon. Because he discovers Paul deeply and attempts endure understand the polarities in dignity apostle’s thinking, he is dexterous scholar that ought to select a wide readership as fair enough will challenge the reader cap engage Paul’s writings more intensely and thoroughly, even if disposed may disagree at points. Equivalent to conclude, this work is warmly recommended for the serious learner of Paul and especially misjudge the Pauline scholar.