Language:
English
Year of publication:
2021
Titel der Quelle:
Journal for the Study of Judaism in the Persian, Hellenistic and Roman Period
Angaben zur Quelle:
52,4-5 (2021) 557-600
Keywords:
Paul,
;
Apocalypse of Ezra Criticism, interpretation, etc.
;
New Testament Comparative studies
;
New Testament. Criticism, interpretation, etc.
;
God Mercy
;
Christianity and other religions Judaism Early church, ca. 30-600
;
History
Abstract:
The present article deals with a strand of ancient Jewish theological notions (in rabbinic literature, Fourth Ezra, and elsewhere) and Pauline ones. In these Jewish passages—sharing similar religious sensitivities and using similar terminology—human works stand vis-à-vis God’s mercy and his benevolence (צדקה). In some passages these categories turn out to be in tension in view of human sinfulness, since no human being can comply with the rigid standards of observing God’s commandments, resulting in the emphasis of divine mercy. Paul’s view, according to which “works (of the law)” and “grace” are mutually exclusive, is a radical intensification of this tension. Paul’s distinct ideas display the inherent dynamics of contemporary Jewish notions and reveal the inner tension within Jewish thought of the late Second Temple period, a tension that continued in Jewish writings (including rabbinic literature) after the Second Temple’s destruction.
DOI:
10.1163/15700631-12511312
URL:
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