Book Reviews -- By: Anonymous
Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 38:4 (Dec 1995)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Anonymous
JETS 38:4 (December 1995) p. 613
Book Reviews
The Law and Its Fulfillment: A Pauline Theology of Law. By Thomas R. Schreiner. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1993, 294 pp., $24.99.
Schreiner has provided a valuable service to anyone trying to get a “handle” on the various issues related to the complex theme of the Mosaic law and its fulfillment. Well suited for more advanced students/scholars, this book serves particularly well those who are beginning their frightful journey through this most thorny field.
As the subtitle implies, Schreiner’s focus is on the Pauline literature, but the range of topics covered is by no means narrow. In his introduction Schreiner states that his purpose is to provide a fresh analysis of the “new perspective” on Paul (p. 14). This he does well in chaps. 2 and 4 (and at other points), and his defense here of the historic Protestant view is both clear and convincing. Especially insightful is his demonstration of Jewish legalism in the first century and that this is, indeed (contra Sanders), precisely what Paul was opposing (pp. 93-121). And his evidencing of the same even in Sanders’ own data is fair and compelling.
But his work takes the reader beyond this objective and examines such perennial and controversial topics as the present relevance of Moses, the purpose of the law, and Paul’s theology of works. And although he never says so directly, Schreiner enters the current “lordship salvation” controversy in chap. 7 (“Did Paul Teach Justification by Works?”)
The introduction (“The Background to the Debate”) surveys the history of the various interpretations of Paul preceding the new perspective. The summary is brief but helpful (again, particularly for the newcomer), sets the reader well on his way, and provides a general frame of reference in which to approach the study.
Chapter 1 (“The Meaning of the Term Law in Paul”) yields little that is new, but it does sort out carefully the various nuances of nomos in its Pauline usage. Among the various meanings offered, Schreiner wisely avoids the confusions of “law of Christ” with “law of Moses” (p. 36). He also demonstrates that “law,” more often than not, has the narrower focus of “commandment” (pp. 38-39). And he notes the redemptive-historical use of the term (p. 39). These observations—and their implications—are in my judgment very significant and often overlooked. Further, this chapter provides some helpful definitions and establishes the parameters for the study.
Of particular interest in chap. 3 (“The Purpose of the Law”) is Schreiner’s treatment of paidagogos (pp. 77-80). The salvation-historical reference he sees in it is critical to a right understanding of the passage, an...
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