Book Review: The Theology of Paul the Apostle

Dunn, James D. G. The Theology of Paul the Apostle. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998. 737 pages


        Expressing a fascination for Paul for over forty years, James Dunn was an excellent choice for this needed volume.  Dunn’s approach to Pauline theology was both innovative and appropriate.  Adopting Romans as his model, the author addressed Pauline issues in the order in which they appear in the epistle.  The result is a comprehensive treatment that has proven to be one of the most important volumes to be published in recent years.

        Chapter one began with a prolegomena to a theology of Paul.  Dunn defined the term “theology of Paul” and explained why such a volume is necessary.  He then explored the possibility of whether a Pauline theology is indeed possible (or even essential).  Dunn’s response was this beneficial volume.

        In chapter two Dunn addressed the issue of God and humankind.  The doctrine of Theology proper begins the study, providing the foundation for later section.  After firmly establishing Pauline thought on teachings concerning God, a biblical image of mankind is addressed.

        Next, humankind under indictment became the center of chapter three.  Dunn brought to light Paul’s extensive treatment of the person of Adam as well as the ramifications of the first man’s sins in all humans.  Studies concerning sin, death, and the law comprise the remainder of the segment.

        Chapter four researches the Gospel of Jesus Christ as presented by Paul.  The author wisely began by defining the Gospel as presented in the writings of the apostle. Other issues addressed include Jesus the man, Christ crucified, the risen Lord, the pre-existent One, as well as Paul’s instructions concerning the Parousia.

        In chapter five, the beginning of salvation takes center stage.  Dunn explored metaphors of salvation employed by Paul in order to provide a proper basis for further exploration.  After defining salvation, the issues of justification by faith, participation in Christ, the gift of the Spirit, and baptism are related to soteriology.

        Next, Dunn focused on the process of salvation in chapter six.  A two-pronged issue in the mind of Dunn, the author explored the realm of “already–not yet,” the plight of present believers.  He then undertook the meaning of Israel’s election.

        Chapter seven takes up the issue of the Church in the writings of Paul.  As an essential beginning point,
Dunn defined the body of Christ.  Ministry and authority, as well as the Lord’s Supper, are the other main topics in the section.

        In chapter eight Dunn explored the ethical system which he charged believers to adopt.  A somewhat ignored subject in a number of Pauline theologies, the author of the present volume netted together his observations and placed them in the practical realm.  Dunn displayed that Paul is as practical as he is theological.

        Last of all, a postlegomena to the theology of the apostle is given in chapter nine.  Among other things,
Dunn declared that Paul indeed possessed a stable foundation for his theology.  He concluded the volume by expressing the fulcrum point of Paul’s theology as well as its center and development.

        Dunn’s desire to produce a theology of Paul was a complete success.  Any comprehensive study of the life, letters, and doctrines of the apostle to the Gentiles is a daunting task that requires the utmost diligence and scholarship.  The author however, demonstrated his abilities to fulfil both of these requirements.

        Since Pauline studies is such a large topic, one of the difficulties of penning a volume on the subject revolves around the proper place to begin.  One of Dunn’s strengths was opening with a beneficial, informative prologue. Additionally, the author’s choice to make the literary form informative was useful.

        As far as persuasiveness is concerned, Dunn was a master at drawing out the strengths of his convictions while at the same time fairly presenting the views of others. This feature requires the reader to properly evaluate his or her views in light of Paul’s writings.

        Dunn, however, did exhibit certain biases within his work.  His opinions concerning the authenticity of certain Pauline epistles leaves something to be desired.  Likewise, the author’s view of baptism is most certainly informed by his theological convictions.

        Though Dunn has demonstrated the ability to produce a top-notch scholarly piece, he is able to marry this talent with clear-cut writing.  Even a reader with no background in Pauline studies should have no problem interacting with the text.

        A 737 page work, The Theology of Paul the Apostle is perhaps one of the most thorough treatments of the apostle available today.  Dunn was careful not to skip any detail of the teachings of Paul.  One exception to the author’s generally extensive treatments is his discussion of the Holy Spirit; a separate section devoted to Pauline Pneumatology would have been welcome.

        Dunn demonstrated a high view of Scripture. Throughout the volume the author constantly referred to Paul’s primary sources and Acts.  The problem with Dunn’s treatment of Scripture however, lies in his understanding of certain epistles.  Since he did not regard every Pauline letter as authentic, this skewed his overall portrait of the apostle and his teachings.

        Far from laborious, Dunn presented Paul as a living, breathing, flesh and blood person.  The background studies of the various missionary points portrayed the New Testament world in a three-dimensional light.  The political and social climate of the age as portrayed by the author helped to explain why various groups reacted to Paul in sundry manners.  The atmosphere of the roads traveled by Paul showed how dangerous his travel was at times.  Most importantly, the author proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that theology is not a dull subject, but the marrow of Christianity.

        Being unfamiliar with the previous writings of the author, I was unsure what to expect from the volume.  If however, I would have had expectations concerning the tome, they most likely would have been met and even surpassed.  Although Dunn does not always approach an issue from a completely orthodox position, it is to his credit that he is intellectually honest.  When I disagreed with the author’s findings, I gained a better understanding of alternate views as well as reasons why he espouses his positions.

        Because of the reasons listed above, Dunn’s volume is highly recommended for anyone who wishes to better understand Paul and his convictions.  Dunn no doubt possessed a more or less accurate understanding of the apostle, for he declared in the conclusion of his book that “Paul’s theology, however complex and high-flown, was never of the ivory-tower kind.  It was first and last an attempt to make sense of the gospel as they key to everyday life . . . .” (Dunn, 737).  Anyone who wishes to read Dunn should turn to the last page and take in this statement first, for it echoes the heartbeat of Paul and demonstrates why The Theology of Paul the Apostle should be on the shelf of every serious New Testament scholar.