New Creation in Paul's Letters: A Study of the Historical and Social Setting of a Pauline Concept (Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen Zum Neuen Testament 2.Reihe)

Ryan Jackson explores the apostle Paul's conception of new creation in the light of a fresh consideration of its historical and social contexts. This work seeks to understand how Paul innovatively applied his theological convictions in his letters to three communities - in Galatia, in Corinth, and in Rome. The discussion contributes to the ongoing debate concerning the degree to which Paul's soteriology should be viewed in continuity or discontinuity with the Old Testament. It also offers a further example of how Roman imperial ideology may be employed in the study of the reception of Paul's letters. The thesis proposes that Paul's concept of new creation is an expression of his eschatologically infused soteriology which involves the individual, the community, and the cosmos, and which is inaugurated in the death and resurrection of Christ. Cover Dedication Preface Table of Contents Abbreviations Chapter 1. Introduction A. Brief History of Research B. Early Christian Understandings of New Creation C. Limitations D. Overview Part I Historical and Social Contexts of New Creation Chapter 2. New Creation in the Old Testament A. The Former Things/New Things B. Cosmic Judgment/Cosmic Renewal The Problem of Idolatry Cosmological Consequences of Sin Use of the City in Isaiah C. The Nature of the New Creation in Isaiah 65:17 D. CONCLUSION Chapter 3. New Creation in Early Jewish Literature A. The Plight of Second Temple Judaism Historical Context Apocalypticism and the Response of People under Pressure New Creation in Jewish Apocalyptic Works B. The Function of New Creation in the Book of Jubilees Assimilation to Hellenistic Society and the Loss of Jewish Identity in Jubilees Reclaiming Identity through the Redefinition of Time and Space New Creation in Jubilees C. New Creation in the Dead Sea Scrolls D. CONCLUSIONS Chapter 4. Roman Imperial Ideology and Paul’s Concept of New Creation A. Methodological Considerations B. The Imperial Transformation of the World C. The Turn of the Ages and the Eternal Empire D. Rome and the New World Order E. CONCLUSIONS Part II New Creation in Paul's Letters – An Examination of the Hauptbriefe Chapter 5. Paul’s Conception of New Creation in Galatians 6:11-18 A. New Creation in the Concluding Verses of Galatians (6:11-18) B. Paul's Use of κóσμος in Galatians C. The New Creation and the New Age D. Paul’s Modification of “Jewish Apocalyptic Eschatology” E. The Christ Event and Inaugurated Eschatology in Galatians F. Eschatological Unity and New Creation G. The New Creation and the Israel of God H. CONCLUSIONS Chapter 6. Paul’s Conception of New Creation in 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 A. Paul’s Use of Isaiah in 2 Cor 5 2 Cor 5:1-5 The New Creation The Ministry of Reconciliation 2 Cor 6:2 and Its Use of Isa 49:8 B. New Creation Epistemology as Apostolic Defence C. The Christ Event and the New Creation D. CONCLUSIONS Chapter 7. Paul’s Conception of New Creation in Romans 8:18-25 A. Paul’s Use of κτíσις in Romans B. Paul's Use of κóσμος in Rom 3-5 C. Eschatological Glory and the Restoration of Creation in Romans 8:18-25 D. The Effects of Human Sin on Creation E. Creation and Redemption F. CONCLUSIONS Conclusion Chapter 8. Conclusion A. Summary B. Implications and Considerations for Further Study Bibliography Index of Ancient Sources A. Hebrew Scriptures and Septuagint B. New Testament C. Other Ancient Sources Index of Modern Authors Index of Subjects HauptbeschreibungRyan Jackson explores the apostle Paul's conception of new creation in the light of a fresh consideration of its historical and social contexts. This work seeks to understand how Paul innovatively applied his theological convictions in his letters to three communities - in Galatia, in Corinth, and in Rome. The discussion contributes to the ongoing debate concerning the degree to which Paul's soteriology should be viewed in continuity or discontinuity with the Old Testament. It also offers a further example of how Roman imperial ideology may be employed in the study of the rece