Chosen People
Election, Paul and Second Temple Judaism
By A. Chadwick Thornhill | Publisher: InterVarsity Press
About the book
One of the central touchstones of Second Temple Judaism is election. The Jews considered themselves a people set apart for God's special purpose. So it is not surprising that this concept plays such an important role in Pauline theology. In this careful and provocative study, Chad Thornhill considers how Second Temple understandings of election influenced key Pauline texts.
Thornhill seeks to establish the thought patterns of the ancient texts regarding election, with sensitivity to social, historical and literary factors. He carefully considers questions of \"extent\" (ethnic/national or remnant), the relationship to the individual (corporate or individual in focus), and the relationship to salvation (divine/human agency and the presence of \"conditions\"). Thornhill looks at the markers or conditions that defined various groups, and considers whether election was viewed by ancient authors as merited, given graciously or both.
Thorough and measured, the author contends that individual election is not usually associated with a \"soteriological\" status but rather with the quality of the individual (or sometimes group) in view—the collective entity is in view in the Jewish notion of election. While Paul is certainly able to move beyond these categories, Thornhill shows how he too follows these patterns.
Editions of Chosen People
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780830840830
- EBook
- ISBN 9780830899159
Read an Excerpt
One of the central touchstones of Second Temple Judaism is election. The Jews considered themselves a people set apart for God's special purpose. So it is not surprising that this concept plays such an important role in Pauline theology. In this careful and provocative study, Chad Thornhill considers how Second Temple understandings of election influenced key Pauline texts.
Thornhill seeks to establish the thought patterns of the ancient texts regarding election, with sensitivity to social, historical and literary factors. He carefully considers questions of \"extent\" (ethnic/national or remnant), the relationship to the individual (corporate or individual in focus), and the relationship to salvation (divine/human agency and the presence of \"conditions\"). Thornhill looks at the markers or conditions that defined various groups, and considers whether election was viewed by ancient authors as merited, given graciously or both.
Thorough and measured, the author contends that individual election is not usually associated with a \"soteriological\" status but rather with the quality of the individual (or sometimes group) in view—the collective entity is in view in the Jewish notion of election. While Paul is certainly able to move beyond these categories, Thornhill shows how he too follows these patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chosen People about?
One of the central touchstones of Second Temple Judaism is election. The Jews considered themselves a people set apart for God's special purpose. So it is not surprising that this concept plays such an important role in Pauline theology. In this careful and provocative study, Chad Thornhill considers how Second Temple understandings of election influenced key Pauline texts.
Thornhill seeks to establish the thought patterns of the ancient texts regarding election, with sensitivity to social, historical and literary factors. He carefully considers questions of \"extent\" (ethnic/national or remnant), the relationship to the individual (corporate or individual in focus), and the relationship to salvation (divine/human agency and the presence of \"conditions\"). Thornhill looks at the markers or conditions that defined various groups, and considers whether election was viewed by ancient authors as merited, given graciously or both.
Thorough and measured, the author contends that individual election is not usually associated with a \"soteriological\" status but rather with the quality of the individual (or sometimes group) in view—the collective entity is in view in the Jewish notion of election. While Paul is certainly able to move beyond these categories, Thornhill shows how he too follows these patterns.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Chosen People?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Aspects of religion > Criticism and exegesis of sacred texts
Where can I read a sample of Chosen People?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780830840830
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Chosen People?
A. Chadwick Thornhill
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Chosen People is available as paperback(ISBN 9780830840830) and ebook(ISBN 9780830899159)
Where can I buy Chosen People online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy Chosen People?