The Divine Christology of the Apostle Paul: Retrospect and Prospect

“Chris Bruno, John J. R. Lee, and Thomas R. Schreiner offer an insightful overview of recent scholarship on the apostle Paul's Christology while also engaging in their own detailed examination of the key texts in Paul's letters to show that Paul does indeed have a divine Christology. In particular, they demonstrate with clarity and attention to detail that Paul's Jesus shares in the lordship of Israel's God; he is the pre-existent agent of creation who is worthy of worship because of his incarnate life and atoning death. A useful book to begin the study of Paul's Christology.”

“This book fulfills its stated intention—to provide readers with an introduction to recent significant discussions on Pauline Christology in an accessible manner. Readers will benefit from its concise summaries and evenhanded evaluations of the four selected scholars who have advanced this conversation. The authors' theological perspectives are well presented through their exegetical analyses of key scriptural passages.”

“The New Testament is a book about Jesus of Nazareth, who is Messiah, Savior, Lord, the embodiment of God in his salvific revelation to Jews and Gentiles. In The Divine Christology of the Apostle Paul, readers encounter an analysis of past and present scholarship as well as detailed exegetical work on Paul's statements about Jesus. Since Paul preached nothing but the crucified Messiah (1 Cor 2:2), this important book addresses the foundation and center of Paul's proclamation and theology. As the book accessibly combines interpretive and theological depth, scholars, students, pastors, and all who are interested in what Christians believe will benefit immensely.”

“Bruno, Lee, and Schreiner have gifted the church with a terrific overview of contemporary approaches to Christology in Paul. Their survey, balanced and informed, contains helpful taxonomies of the major positions. For anyone looking to enter the debate or simply gain a better understanding of Paul's conception of Christ, this is a wonderful place to start.”

“What a tremendous and well-conceived resource! This fine work offers those entering these discussions a detailed road map. The authors are careful and knowledgeable guides. But more than that, there is also much in these pages for experts to learn from; their helpful criticisms of major scholarly contributions, my own included, deserve sustained attention, as does their positive set of proposals. Paul matters. What he wrote remains load bearing with wide-ranging consequences. And to understand Paul aright, nothing remains as important as the continued need to think and rethink who Jesus is for Paul, and why this matters. This rich and learned book is an immensely valuable aid to that end.”