Paul and the Hope of Glory: An Exegetical and Theological Study

Paul and the Hope of Glory is a unique study of Pauline eschatology that is both exegetical and theological. It examines the significance of eschatology for the apostle and how it shapes his teaching about justification, resurrection, the cross, ethics, and more. The study combines high-level scholarship with a concern for practical application and is a helpful reference tool for students, scholars, and pastors.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 528 pages
Publication date: 10 December 2020
Publisher: Zondervan

One of the intriguing trajectories emerging from Constantine Campbell's groundbreaking book, Paul and Union with Christ, revolves around the significance of eschatology for the apostle. Alongside union with Christ, eschatology forms a central aspect of Paul's philosophical framework, influencing virtually every other aspect of his thought. While union with Christ serves as the cohesive thread that binds Paul's ideas together, eschatology shapes the contours of his thought, thereby shaping his teachings on justification, resurrection, the cross, ethics, and various other subjects. However, there exists a lively debate surrounding Paul's eschatology, with questions being raised about whether he can be classified as a covenantal or apocalyptic theologian.

In his book, Paul and the Hope of Glory, Campbell undertakes a comprehensive exegetical exploration of the various elements of Paul's eschatological language, metaphors, and images, including terms such as parousia, the last day, inheritance, hope, and others. He meticulously examines each passage in its contextual setting, employing an inductive approach to construct a holistic understanding of Paul's thinking. The findings from this exegetical study then serve as the foundation for a theological study that showcases the seamless integration of Paul's eschatological ideas into his overarching theological framework.

The study is structured into three distinct parts:

The first part serves as an introduction, outlining the key issues, both exegetical and theological, that will be explored throughout the book. It provides a historical survey of the scholarly work on Paul's eschatology, spanning from the twentieth century to the present day. This section sets the parameters and methodologies employed in the study.

The second part delves into the detailed exegetical analysis, presenting chapters dedicated to each significant Pauline phrase, metaphor, and image related to eschatology. Campbell meticulously examines these elements, drawing upon various scholarly interpretations and employing a rigorous analytical approach to unravel their meaning and significance.

The third part focuses on theological synthesis. It summarizes the relevant conclusions drawn from the evidence presented throughout the book. Campbell skillfully weaves together the exegetical findings with his theological insights, offering a coherent and comprehensive interpretation of Paul's eschatological thought.

Through his meticulous exegesis and theological exploration, Campbell's book provides a valuable contribution to the study of Pauline eschatology. It sheds light on the intricate relationship between Paul's eschatological beliefs and his overall theological framework, offering a deeper understanding of the apostle's thought and its enduring impact on Christian theology. Whether one is a scholar of Paul or simply interested in exploring the complexities of Christian eschatology, Paul and the Hope of Glory is a must-read for anyone seeking to delve into the rich tapestry of Paul's eschatological ideas.

Weight: 568g
Dimension: 154 x 229 x 42 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780310521204