The Bridge Builders Forum Paul was not a Christian – A Conversation with Pamela Eisenbaum
Dec 9, 2025
Pamela Eisenbaum, a Jewish biblical scholar and author of the transformative book *Paul Was Not a Christian*, joins to explore the Apostle Paul's true identity and mission. She argues that Paul should be understood within Judaism, addressing misunderstandings about his letters, especially regarding Gentiles. Eisenbaum highlights the importance of accurate translations of Paul's work, noting how they can sometimes amplify anti-Jewish sentiments. She also discusses the resurgence of Jewish scholars studying Paul and the renewed conversations it inspires between communities.
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Jewish Professor At A Christian Seminary
- Pamela Eisenbaum recounts being hired as a Jewish New Testament professor at a seminary in 1994 and facing controversy.
- She routinely gave an apologia to students explaining her perspective and encountered assumptions she was a Messianic Jew.
Book Born From Classroom Needs
- Eisenbaum wrote Paul Was Not a Christian to address anti-Judaism and help students read Paul in context.
- She aimed the book at seminarians and the interested public to shift the reading lens on Paul.
Read Paul As Addressing Gentiles
- Krister Stendahl reframed Paul as concerned with Gentile inclusion into Israel's covenant rather than individual salvation.
- Reading Paul's letters as addressed primarily to Gentiles clarifies his arguments about law and circumcision.
