Not all biblical authors write the same way. In this episode, we discuss how Paul wrote his letters, and why it’s so important to identify the unique styles among various Bible writers.

Music:
“Kid Kodi”
Blue Dot Sessions
http://www.sessions.blue

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Episode #63 – How to Interpret…Paul’s Letters

1. Flesh vs. Spirit
   1. Paul often contrasts life in the flesh and life in the Spirit. 
   2. When Paul uses the word “flesh” (gk. σάρξ; sarx), it is always in a negative sense.
      1. Paul does not use flesh to refer to our physical body. When referring to our physical body Paul uses the word σῶμα (soma; eg. 1 Cor 12:12).
      2. Flesh refers to the sinful parts, desires, and thoughts of human beings.  
2. The Law
   1. Traditional Interpretation
      1. Paul attacks the law, because it is built on “works righteousness” which cannot save. 
      2. The law (e.g., works righteousness) is then contrasted with salvation by faith alone through the grace of God (Martin Luther was a major figure in developing this perspective). 
   2. New Perspective on Paul
      1. A newer scholarly perspective that is held by many, but not all, Pauline scholars. 
      2. Recognizes that grace and faith are not merely New Testament concepts, but were central to proper understanding of the Law and God’s relationship with Israel. 
      3. Argues that Jews never thought that the Law was a way to earn a relationship with God through works. Rather, they saw the law as the boundary marker to distinguish the people of God from the rest of the world. 
      4. Based on this perspective, Paul’s argument is that the boundary markers of the people of God have changed. No longer does the law draw the boundaries, for the law was only for the Jews, but faith, open to both Jews and Gentiles, is the new boundary marker.
         1. This understanding comes from Paul’s encounter with Jesus and his mission to the Gentiles. Note controversy over the law in the early church and difference between Paul and Peter and Matthew.
   3. It is also important to recognize that in the letters where Paul attacks the law the most (e.g., Romans and Galatians), he goes to great lengths to show that the law wasn’t bad. Paul believes that if the law was bad or failed then God, the giver of the law, is also bad or failed. Rather, the law had a limited purpose (to show and multiply sin) to prepare the way for Jesus. 
3. Faithfulness of Jesus vs. Faith in Jesus
   1. Throughout Paul’s letters, he uses the phrase πίστις Χριστοῦ.
   2. Objective Genitive: “faith in Jesus”
   3. Subjective Genitive: “faithfulness of Jesus” 
   4. Romans 3:21–22
4. Apocalypticism
   1. Paul likely believed that the world would end during his lifetime. 
   2. Paul believes that there is a cosmic battle going on between the forces of good and evil, and that these spiritual powers sit behind and control the earthly powers. 
5. Cross/Crucifixion/Christ Crucified
   1. When Paul uses these terms, he is referring to the entire Christ event. 

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Want more? Be sure to check out another analysis on the writing of Paul in the episode “A Brief Introduction to Pauline Theology” here.