This book is novel in its questioning of the adequacy of interpreting Paul from the perspective of the Reformation and in its application of sociological methods to the New Testament. 'In the past few years or so Paul's theology, especially his relationship to Judaism, has become a highly controversial topic in NT studies. In this book Watson launches into that controversy with one of the most important and adventurous contributions to date, which is sure to spark off further controversies in its wake ... that he has managed to produce strikingly novel but not wild or idiosyncratic results is a measure of his rigorous methods of argument' -- Themelios 'A timely contribution, offering a reassessment of the New Testament texts behind the Reformation and encouraging us to see them differently.' -- Theology 'A bold and provocative thesis, presented clearly and readably.' -- Journal of Theological StudiesThis book is novel in its questioning of the adequacy of interpreting Paul from the perspective of the Reformation and in its application of sociological methods to the New Testament. 'In the past few years or so Paul's theology, especially his relationship to Judaism, has become a highly controversial topic in NT studies. In this book Watson launches into that controversy with one of the most important and adventurous contributions to date, which is sure to spark off further controversies in its wake ... that he has managed to produce strikingly novel but not wild or idiosyncratic results is a measure of his rigorous methods of argument' -- Themelios 'A timely contribution, offering a reassessment of the New Testament texts behind the Reformation and encouraging us to see them differently.'-- Theology 'A bold and provocative thesis, presented clearly and readably.' -- Journal of Theological Studies
