Paul, the Law, and the Jewish People

E.P.Sanders started a new look into Paul. It is a hard read, but worth it. E.P. Sanders is cited so often in other works that you really should read him yourself! E.P. Sanders doesn't claim to know all of the answers and he gives plenty of other viewpoints than his own. Read this along with N.T Wright, but watch out for subtle supersessionism.

Sanders eloquently describes 1st century Judaism and the relationship of the Jewish people to the Law of Moses. He explains the meaning of covenant without the usual Christian revisionism. The Jews work to fulfill the law Not to be saved, (a Christian idea), but rather because they are already beneficiaries of the covenant. Paul's problem with the Judaism of his past is not because of anything necessarily wrong with it, but simply because it is not "Christianity". A ready reference for biblical scholars and informed amateurs, this text is not an easy read, but well worth the effort.