Since Krister Stendahl and E.P. Sanders challenged the conventional wisdom that Paul’s life-changing experience near Damascus resulted in his rejection of Judaism, the debate over the apostle’s relationship with Judaism (of lack thereof) has persisted. The Message of Paul the Apostle contains articles by many leading scholars who continue the quest to understand Paul in the context of first-century Judaism. Anyone with an interest in Paul and/or second temple Judaism will want to have this collection of essays near at hand.

- Paul B. Duff, George Washington University,

In this volume, František Ábel brings into conversation numerous Pauline scholars who strive to read the apostle to the gentiles within the diversity and complexity of first-century Judaism. The essays that make up The Message of Paul the Apostle are a must read for anyone willing to rethink Paul.

- Matthew Thiessen, McMaster University,

Paul remained a Jew throughout his lifetime! But what does this concretely mean if our images of Second Temple Judaism become increasingly complex and varied? In a fascinating manner, this book not only shows how we have to re-think key concepts of Pauline theology if we take this question seriously; it also demonstrates what all this means for the practice of the Church today. A great read!

- Tobias Nicklas, Universität Regensburg and The Catholic University of America,