Matthew Novenson: Paul and Judaism at the End of History
Mar 31, 2025
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Matthew Novenson, a distinguished New Testament scholar from Princeton Theological Seminary, reexamines the Apostle Paul in a groundbreaking way. He argues that Paul viewed history as concluded with Jesus' resurrection, reshaping our understanding of his Jewish heritage. The discussion explores how modern interpretations often misrepresent Paul, emphasizing the resurrection as a present reality. Novenson also highlights an eschatological view of justification, encouraging a deeper connection between faith and the new creation, all while keeping Paul's unique perspective alive.
Paul's Jewish identity profoundly influences his theology, challenging the misconception that he rejected Judaism in favor of Christianity.
Novenson posits that for Paul, history ended with the resurrection, making his theology focused on eschatology rather than mere atonement.
The concept of justification for Paul is not just about compliance but participation in the new creation initiated by Christ's resurrection.
Deep dives
Understanding Paul Through His Jewish Context
Paul's perspective as a Jewish thinker significantly shapes his understanding of faith and tradition. He framed his previous life in Judaism not as a rejection but as an earnest commitment to his ancestral beliefs. This commitment influences his writings, suggesting that his revelation of Christ does not lead to outright dismissal of Judaism but rather portrays a continuation of his Jewish identity. By examining his writings through this lens, it is clear that Paul remains deeply rooted in the symbolic world of ancient Judaism while introducing a transformative understanding of faith through Christ.
The Concept of Justification in Paul's Theology
In Paul's writings, justification transcends a mere religious label or set of practices associated with the law; it signifies participation in the redemptive work initiated by Christ. He asserts that justification is a unique gift resulting from the resurrection rather than a system of compliance with the law. This notion establishes that both Jews and Gentiles are offered new life in Christ, which is achievable only through faith and the transformative experience of resurrection. Thus, Paul reconfigures the relationship between law and faith, emphasizing that true justification stems from the resurrection and does not rely on the old covenant.
Eschatology and the Urgency of the Present
Paul's eschatological vision infuses a sense of urgency and immediacy into his message, suggesting that the Kingdom of God is already present post-resurrection. He perceives the powerful works and moral transformations within the Christian community as evidence of the new creation unfolding in real time. For Paul, this active participation in the life of the Spirit alleviates anxiety about the delay of Christ's return, as the resurrection already enables believers to experience a foretaste of the new creation. This unique perspective positions Paul firmly in his belief that the eschaton has begun, inviting members of the faith to live as people imbued with that reality.
The Role of the Spirit in Indicating New Creation
In Paul's theological framework, the presence of the Spirit is essential for understanding and living out the new creation. He argues that the spirit-filled life marks believers as participants in the reality of resurrection now, not just in the future. The transformative power of the Spirit allows individuals to demonstrate virtues that reflect the ongoing work of the new creation. Hence, baptism serves as a pivotal moment for believers, initiating them into this eschatological reality where they embody the life of Christ through the Spirit within them.
Paul's Vision of Universal Resurrection
Paul's writings link the resurrection of Jesus closely to the promise of universal resurrection, emphasizing that the resurrection is not a separate event but an inaugurating moment for all humanity. His belief is that with the resurrection of Christ, the door is opened for all people to attain new life, thereby inviting everyone into the Kingdom of God. This transformative event not only signals a new beginning through Christ but encapsulates the offer of hope for all, undermining the oppressive powers of sin and death. Through this lens, Paul reframes the understanding of resurrection as a communal event rooted in the personal experience of Christ's death and resurrection, ensuring that it encompasses the entirety of humanity.
In this episode, Dr. Matthew Novenson returns to the podcast after his move from the University of Edinburgh to Princeton Theological Seminary. We discuss his new book "Paul and Judaism at the End of History," which develops a radical reframing of how we understand the Apostle Paul: not as someone who rejected Judaism for Christianity, but as a Jewish thinker who believed that history had already ended with the resurrection of Jesus. We unpack into Paul's unique eschatological vision, his understanding of the resurrection, and how modern theological traditions often misread Paul by projecting their own frameworks onto his writings.
Themes Discussed
Paul's Jewish Context: The conversation highlights how Paul remained deeply Jewish throughout his life, challenging the common notion that he rejected Judaism for Christianity.
The End of History: Novenson argues that Paul genuinely believed history had ended with Christ's resurrection, making his theology fundamentally eschatological rather than focused on atonement.
Resurrection as Present Reality: For Paul, the resurrection wasn't a distant future event but something already beginning through the Spirit's work in baptized believers.
Justification Reframed: The discussion reexamines Paul's concept of justification not as merely a way of "getting right with God" but as participation in the new creation.
Keeping Paul Weird: Novenson emphasizes the importance of understanding Paul in his historical context rather than forcing him to fit modern theological frameworks.
Dr. Matthew Novensonis a distinguished New Testament scholar now teaching at Princeton Theological Seminary. His scholarship focuses on Paul's letters, early Judaism, and early Christianity. His latest book, "Paul and Judaism at the End of History," offers a fresh perspective on understanding Paul's theological vision and his relationship to Judaism. Novenson is known for his nuanced approach to historical interpretation that resists simplified readings of Paul through later Christian theological frameworks.
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