Stephen Westerholm’s Perspectives Old and New on Paul: The “Lutheran” Paul and His Critics is one of the most outstanding books I have ever read or seen on the issues of Paul, the law, and justification. Westerholm masterfully summaries the views of Augustine, Luther, Calvin, and Wesley on matters such as sin, law, and redemption. Then he chronicles twentieth century responses to Paul, both those who are critical to the “Lutheran” slant on Paul (sharp dichotomy between law and gospel) — everyone from Albert Schweitzer, Krister Stendahl, E.P. Sanders, N.T. Wright, James D.G. Dunn — and those who are more favorable (Cranfield, Schreiner, Andrew Das, Frank Thielman, and Mark Seifrid). Then he packs in six powerful chapters in which he gives his own “perspective on Paul.” He examines the concept of “righteousness” and “law” in Paul. In another chapter, he walks through the concept of justification by faith in I Thessalonians, I and II Corinthians, Galatians, Romans, and Philippians, Ephesians, the Pastorals, and even James (the epistle of straw?). The logical, exegetical, and nuanced, theological rigor are unparalleled. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a broad exposure to law/gospel.
