4-MAT Review: Four Views on the Apostle Paul
Aaron T. Hamer
NBST515: New Testament Orientation I
August 2023
Contents
Jesus as the Suffering Servant: Baptism and Temptation (Mark 1:8). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2
Jesus as the Suffering Servant: Driving Out Demons and Healing the Sick
(Mark 1:21-28). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Jesus as the Suffering Servant: Calming the Storm and Feeding the Multitude
(Mark 4:35-41) ). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Jesus as the Suffering Servant: Predicting His Own Death (Mark 8:33) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Jesus as the Suffering Servant: Crucifixion and Resurrection (Mark 11:27-33) . . . . . . . . . .7
Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Bibliography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
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Summary
"The Four Views on the Apostle Paul," edited by Stanley N. Gundry and Michael F. Bird,
with contributions from Thomas R. Schreiner, Luke Timothy Johnson, Douglas A. Campbell, and
Mark D. Nanos, explores diverse theological perceptions of the Apostle Paul. It provides the
reader with a profound interpretation of the densities surrounding Paul's life, his teachings, and
his influence on early Christianity.
Thomas Schreiner represents the Reformed view in this compilation. His contributions
advocate for the conventional interpretation of Paul. He discusses the relationship between
gospel and law and the implications of Paul's teachings on today's Christians. But Schreiner
contracts himself because he supports this model but is not Christ-centered, which is something
to which he has already committed, which is something almost gleefully keyed in on by
Campbell. (Bird, p. 55) Schreiner argues that the primary concern of Paul was addressing the
challenge of human sinfulness and proclaiming the power of the gospel in transforming people.
Luke Johnson provides the Catholic viewpoint through his Catholic tradition-fueled
perspective used as a lens to interpret Paul's writings. He contends that Paul's theology was
deep-rooted in his encounter with the risen Christ and his speaking in tongues during some of his
mystical experiences. (Bird, p. 73) He emphasizes the significance of Paul's take on including
Gentiles in the Christian community and his understanding of ecclesiology and grace. Johnson's
writing also highlights Paul's perspective's sacramental and communal nature.
Douglas Campbell's view is progressive and disputes Paul's traditional interpretations.
Campbell argues that the conventional understanding of Paul's theology, particularly regarding
justification, needs to be revised. He proposes an alternative reading of Paul's works that
emphasizes divine love's transformative power that “opens them up to a glorious life of freedom
in the Spirit and communion and the triune of God.” and the Christian faith's communal
dimensions. (Bird, p. 117) Campbell aspires to reimagine the theology of Paul and provide a
renewed evaluation of his writings.
Mark Nanos contributed the Jewish view to this effort. He focuses on the Jewish context
of Paul's text and argues that one must understand Paul's mission to the Gentiles within the
structure of the Jewish distinctiveness. Nanos affronts the interpretations portraying Paul's
rejection of Hebrew practices. (Bird, p. 175) Simultaneously, the continuity between Paul's
mission to the Gentiles and his Jewish beliefs is accented. His essay and responses accentuate
the significance of Paul's letters' historical and cultural context.
This compilation of essays and counterpoints provides a dynamic exchange of opinions
between these scholars as each of them owns their own distinct theological beliefs. Critically
engaging these perspectives is encouraged while the reader ponders the broad implications of
Paul's writings in modern Christianity. By presenting these diverse interpretations, the book
provides the reader with a comprehension of Paul and his significance in the Christian
institution.
Thomas R. Schreiner's "Paul: A Reformed Reading" contains an introspective through
Paul's "Pauling Vision of the Church." Reading through this text, vivid memories from my time
in the Marine Corps came rushing back. His dialogue on Paul's desire for the Corinthians to
focus on Christ and the unity of the body and the unity of being baptized into the body of Christ
ignited the recollection of an experience following a combat deployment to Afghanistan in 2004.
Our chaplain's goal was to deepen our understanding of unity demonstrated in the bible
and its significance in our lives. As the daylight ended on a tough day, the command leadership
announced that Corporal Jenkins had taken his own life; we chatted about the importance of the
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union within the body of Christ. Chaps shared words from 1 Corinthians 12:12, "For just as the
body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one
body, so it is with Christ." Those words resonated with me as we had witnessed shocking and
life-changing carnage on that deployment. Some of what we did and saw changed our souls
forever.
Reflecting on my experience, I recalled when we had previously lost Marines in combat
and how we came together and supported one another. This bonding is what Marines do in times
like these. We set aside our egos and differences and become almost one body.
I recall the chaplain's words from the impromptu memorial service on the grass of the 6th
Marine Regiment headquarters. After the readings and his doing his best to strengthen us
spiritually with his sermon centered around this verse, he allowed us to come up to the Battle
Cross of rifle, boots, helmet, and dog tags. There was no requirement to speak, but you could
say something to the group or yourself if desired.
One by one, people stepped forward after pauses in between each moment. Sometimes, a
couple of Marines would go up together. They cried. They kneeled. Some broke down with
their faces on the ground, sobbing. When it was over, we gathered around the Battle Cross to
bow our heads for some final words from Chaps, to say the Lord's prayer, and for Chaps to send
us off with a blessing as we would be back in the fight soon enough.
I recall his best friend, Corporal Danens, being distraught during the service. He sat
alone under a tree, crushed in pain and anguish. Marines and Sailors went to him. We consoled
him and prayed with him. We hugged him. We cried with him and hugged each other. Love for
each other was intense at the moment. To the best of my recollection, Corporal Danens said, "I
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never understood the true meaning of being part of the body of Christ until just now. Y'all's
support lifted my spirit and gave me hope for peace in my soul someday."
That memory is burned into my mind, reminding me of the profound impact of the power
of unity in the church and its positive effects on an individual. It was through Paul's writing that
this came alive and made sense to me. As I continued the chapter, I marveled at Paul's teachings
and how they shape how Christians understand and practice ministry. Schreiner's words
triggered this sad and powerful memory, but it showcased the lasting influence of Paul on the
church over the centuries.
There are some limitations to the text. Although the writings are scholarly, they do not
capture broad viewpoints. This lack of variety leaves gaps in the analysis, although, to be fair,
this is expected in a concise work. Although the point of this book in the series provides the
reader with diverse lenses through which to ponder the subject, it would be better suited if there
were either more writers or more consensus on some of the concepts. It is difficult to determine
a definitive conclusion or unified interpretation, if any, between the authors. It also needs to be
clarified if the depth of analysis between authors is balanced. As intended, this book is concise,
but a drawback is that it could cover interesting alternative perspectives.
The statement that did not sit well with me from Thomas Schreiner was, “The meaning of
the verse (like everything else in Paul!) is disputed.” (Bird, p. 30) That is an incredibly bold and
broad-brush statement about Paul’s gospel. In contrast to an “all or never” is Luke Johnson’s
approach. (Bird. P.65) I liked that he does not view Paul’s letters as though we should take a
hardline stance and rather embrace some traditional views (whether that is the format through
which we prefer to learn and serve God.
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Schreiner’s warning of not conforming to our worldview and not rejecting our own
civilized and sensible understandings is prudent. (Bird, p. 31) This is important in my pursuit of
ministry as I must not lay my lens of 2023 over Scripture, as I will skew the meaning and
possibly contaminate those I teach. His caution is valid across our hermeneutical efforts as we
move forward. News and social media are infiltrated with disinformation about Christianity’s
position on issues and the validity of that position. False prophets have done the same for
hundreds of years, but those that come to mind are of the last few decades – cults specifically.
Douglas Campbell’s writing regarding Paul’s acclamation of Jesus Christ as “Lord” does
a phenomenal job of breaking down the word’s true meaning as a title. This passage is essential
for someone early on their Christian journey or deepening their understanding of Jesus as Savior.
(Bird, p.120) The reference to YHWH and the identification of it as a word that was too holy to
utter is, I believe, a cornerstone of proper understanding of not only Paul’s perspective but also
Christianity’s roots in Judaism. Another point of Campbell’s worth mentioning here is today’s
Christian’s lack of faith in their faith – that brotherhood is eschatological. (Bird, p.125) People
today, due to technology and advances in science, leave little to faith and desire more of
something concrete, something tangible, that they can see or touch. It is difficult for anyone with
this mentality to understand their inheritance.
A final learning point of Schreiner that is imperative for those studying Paul’s writings is
that we must not fall to deriving all our theology from justification as it will pigeonhole our
spiritual views. (Bird. 39).
This book provides perspectives on the framework of Pauline thought, including the significance
of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, the reconciling work of Jesus Christ, and the role that
grace plays in salvation. The contributors provide access to approaches for the audience to
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understand Paul. They put on display a comprehensive analysis of Paul's work. The engaging
debates of the scholars cause the reader to think more critically and take time to reflect to foster a
more profound understanding of his writings. Analyzing each writer and their responses will
serve everyone well as a foundation for furthering their study of Paul's works. The collective
works aim at a wider audience than, for instance, those pursuing a degree in theology. The
contributors ensured that these complex topics were understandable to the beginner Pauline
student.
A final reflection is on Mark Nanos’s “Jewish View,” which closes the four perspectives
of the book. Out of the gate, he clearly states that Christians advocate, championing Paul, that
they are “free from slavery to the law.” (Bird, p.159) “Generally” is the term that he uses;
however, this is too comprehensive, and there are caveats across the sects of Christianity. I
would argue that most Christians, utilizing the term “generally” against his argument, do not
know, through a lack of knowledge of the actual text and understanding of Paul’s letters, that
there is such a concept as freedom from the law. I will be the generalist now and state that most
Christians generally understand the law as the Ten Commandments, making this concept foreign
to them.
Application
Writing this book review, I feel a renewed sense of purpose. It inspires my conviction
that we will walk together on this journey of living Christ-like. This life is not "my journey."
This life is "our adventure”. To be successful and enjoy it, we must be united. We must be
supportive and encouraging as we strive to use Paul's teachings daily. This chapter refreshed the
unity's transformative power and my understanding of unity within the body of Christ.
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I need to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical background of Paul’s writings
as they are presented in the book. I believe this will provide me with more insight into the
context of the era in which Paul’s audience lived—recognizing cultural norms, societal pressures,
and challenges presented to people in the New Testament era. Having insights into these areas
will provide me with tools to gain a more comprehensive and empathetic counseling approach in
different cultural environments.
Although the text does not directly address Christian counseling that I foresee in my
future, my understanding and interpretation of the writings of Paul can impact how I provide
counsel. Access to various perspectives on Paul’s work will continue to shape my theological
framework. This will have direct implications on whatever counseling approach I decide upon.
Paul’s teachings on ethics, relationships, and personal transformation will influence how I
approach these topics in therapy. I will refer to Paul’s writings to draw his insights into
interpersonal dynamics, moral guidance, or personal growth and change. Another example is the
various interpretations of his emphasis on the role of grace. This will likely affect how I address
infidelity, shame, guilt, and everyone’s need for forgiveness in providing therapy.
In summary, "Four Views of the Apostle Paul" probes my theological perspectives on
Paul and his writings and missions. My reflection on the contributions provides valuable insight
into the theology of Paul and what he taught on grace, law, justification, and the inclusion of
Gentiles in the conversation. This text engaged me with an informative dialogue that has
encouraged me to conduct a more critical evaluation of my novice interpretations of Paul and to
deepen my understanding of Paul's significance for Christian theology.
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Bibliography
Bird, Micheal F., ed. Four Views on the Apostle Paul. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan,
2012
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