This five-views work brings together an all-star lineup of Pauline scholars to offer a constructive, interdenominational, up-to-date conversation on key issues of Pauline theology. The editors begin with an informative recent history of biblical tradition related to the perspectives on Paul. John M. G. Barclay, A. Andrew Das, James D. G. Dunn, Brant Pitre, and Magnus Zetterholm then discuss how to interpret Paul's writings and theology, especially the apostle's view of salvation. The book concludes with an assessment of the perspectives from a pastoral point of view by Dennis Edwards.

This volume features a body of work selected by Craig A. Evans, B. J. Oropeza, and Paul T. Sloan, designed to examine just what is meant by “intertextuality,” including metalepsis and the controversial and exciting approach known as “mimesis.” Beginning with an introduction from Oropeza that orients readers in a complex and evolving field, the contributors first establish the growing research surrounding the discipline before examining important texts and themes in the New Testament Gospels and epistles. Throughout, these essays critically evaluate new proposals relating to intertextuality and the function of ancient Scripture in the writings that eventually came to comprise the New Testament. With points of analysis ranging from multidimensional recontextualization and ancient Midrash in the age of intertextuality to Luke’s Christology and multivalent biblical images, this volume amasses cutting-edge research on intertexuality and biblical exegesis.

Synopsis: B. J. Oropeza offers the most thorough examination in recent times on the subject of apostasy in the New Testament. The study examines each book of the New Testament with a fourfold approach that identifies the emerging Christian community in danger, the nature of apostasy that threatens the congregations, and the consequences of defection. Oropeza then compares the various perspectives of the communities in Christ in order to determine the ways in which they perceived apostasy and whether defectors could be restored. In this second volume of a three-volume set titled Apostasy in the New Testament Communities, Oropeza focuses on the Christ communities of the undisputed and disputed Pauline Letters. Endorsements: "Professor B. J. Oropeza's three-volume work on perseverance and apostasy in the New Testament is certain to become the standard in the field for years to come . . . it is thoroughly exegetical, without attempting to promote established theological agendas." -Don Garlington, author of Studies in the New Perspective on Paul "Professor Oropeza provides readers with a stimulating study of apostasy in early Christian communities. It is an important (and much neglected) topic and warrants a careful, detailed study. What I especially like about Oropeza's approach is his skillful integration of exegesis, biblical theology, and historical and social contexts . . . Readers will come across a number of interpretive gems. I found the discussion of Paul particularly insightful." - Craig A. Evans, Payzant Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Acadia Divinity College, Nova Scotia, Canada "The present book offers a genuine contribution to Pauline studies, not only in its study and analysis of 'apostasy' as a socio-religious category addressed within the Pauline tradition but also in its overview of those whose ideas and practices were perceived as a very real threat to the salvific well-being of the churches. In critical interaction with a broad range of contemporary scholarship, Oropeza provides a well-organized and accessible account of detractors from Paul and his followers. One important outcome of the book is its recognition of the bewildering variety of problems (and sources for these problems) faced by Pauline communities. While focusing on apostasy as a socio-religious reality and the role it played in shaping Pauline thought, Oropeza's study raises serious questions about the perception of evil in different dimensions, not all of which result in the loss of faith formerly embraced. This is a must-read for anyone looking for new ways to access the theological world of Paul and his associates." -Loren T. Stuckenbruck Richard Dearborn Professor of New Testament Studies Princeton Theological Seminary Author Biography: B. J. Oropeza is Professor of Biblical Studies at Azusa Pacific University. He is the current founder and chair of Intertextuality in the New Testament sessions for the Society of Biblical Literature. Among his many publications are Jesus and Paul: Global Perspectives in Honor of James D. G. Dunn (2009), and Paul and Apostasy: Eschatology, Perseverance and Falling Away in the Corinthian Congregation (2000/2007).

Synopsis: In this three-volume set, Apostasy in the New Testament Communities, B. J. Oropeza offers the most thorough examination in recent times on the subject of apostasy in the New Testament. The study examines each book of the New Testament and identifies the emerging Christian community in danger, the nature of apostasy that threatens the congregations, and the consequences of defection. Oropeza compares the various perspectives of the New Testament communities on the subject of apostasy to arrive at the idea that the earliest followers of Christ did not all believe and teach alike on the issue. The first volume, In the Footsteps of Judas and Other Defectors, focuses on the Christ-communities of the Gospels, Acts, and Johannine Letters. Endorsements: "By investigating the themes of defection and apostasy, Oropeza develops substantial contextual insights into the texts of the New Testament, the implications of which exegetes will not want their own research to stand apart from consulting." -Mark D. Nanos author of The Irony of Galatians: Paul's Letter in First-Century Context "Professor B. J. Oropeza's projected three-volume work on perseverance and apostasy in the New Testament is certain to become the standard in the field for years to come, if this first installment is any indicator. The book's great strength is that it is thoroughly exegetical, without attempting to promote established theological agendas. Apart from its rich content, this volume is eminently practical and hortatory, as it calls to mind the possibility of apostasy and yet the encouragement to endure to the end." -Don Garlington author of Studies in the New Perspective on Paul: Essays and Reviews "What are the boundaries of Christian community? What might it mean to traverse those boundaries, and what are the consequences of doing so? In this clearly written and well-researched volume, Oropeza begins a journey through the New Testament that will take him, and us, through often familiar territory but from the unique perspective of questions about apostasy or defection among followers of Christ. The result is an uncommon study of early Christianity that invites important theological conversation." -Joel B. Green author of Hearing the New Testament: Strategies for Interpretation Author Biography: B. J. Oropeza is Professor of Biblical Studies at Azusa Pacific University. He is the current founder and chair of Intertextuality in the New Testament sessions for the Society of Biblical Literature. Among his many publications are Jesus and Paul: Global Perspectives in Honor of James D. G. Dunn (2009), and Paul and Apostasy: Eschatology, Perseverance, and Falling Away in the Corinthian Congregation (2000/2007).

The Gospel According to Superheroes: Religion and Popular Culture offers an intriguing look at superheroes in light of the spiritual and mythological roles they play in our lives. B.J. Oropeza takes you through the adventuresome quest of three comic book eras as you read about the popular narratives of superheroes such as Batman, Superman, Spider-Man, X-Men, Hulk, Wonder Woman, the Fantastic Four, sci-fi film heroes, pulp heroes, antiheroes, and more. This book is a must-read for any-one interested in viewing the superheroes as both sinners and saints instead of mere good guys taking on the forces of evil.

James D. G. Dunn has been one of the most influential New Testament scholars of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. His works have altered the very way biblical theologians view Jesus and Paul. This book is written in gratitude of his influence and mentorship. The focus of the work parallels the major research of Dunn's career. It emphasizes the life and teachings of Jesus as remembered by his disciples, the new perspective on Paul, teachings in the Pauline letters, and relevant topics related to ancient Judaism, the Law, Soteriology and Christology in the New Testament. In 2005 another festschrift for James D. G. Dunn's 65th birthday was published with essays by Professor Dunn's many colleagues and friends. In this volume, a new generation of scholars, who are being widely recognized in their own contributions and publications, now honour their former teacher and demonstrate to the scholastic community the breadth of his influence.

Scripture, Texts, and Tracings in Galatians and 1 Thessalonians advances the interpretation of these letters by exploring how the Apostle Paul quotes, alludes to or "echoes" the Jewish Scriptures and other ancient materials. Comparative wording is at the forefront, whether in relation to Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, or prophecies and promises from Genesis, Habakkuk, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, the Psalms, or other texts such as Philo. Issues and controversies include such topics as faith (ἐκ πίστεως), the Torah, the Holy Spirit, holiness, suffering, eschatology, allegorical interpretation, identity of the Israel of God, Zion and the return from exile, Roman piety, imperialism, and hidden transcripts.

Scripture, Texts, and Tracings in 2 Corinthians and Philippians advances the interpretation of 2 Corinthians and Philippians by exploring how the Apostle Paul quotes, alludes to, or "echoes" the Jewish Scriptures. Identification of allusions is at the forefront, as are questions about the Torah, God's righteousness, reconciliation, new creation, new covenant, Christology, lament language, cultic metaphors, canon, rhetoric, and more.

James D. G. Dunn has been one of the most influential New Testament scholars of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. His works have altered the very way biblical theologians view Jesus and Paul. This book is written in gratitude of his influence and mentorship. The focus of the work parallels the major research of Dunn's career. It emphasizes the life and teachings of Jesus as remembered by his disciples, the new perspective on Paul, teachings in the Pauline letters, and relevant topics related to ancient Judaism, the Law, Soteriology and Christology in the New Testament. In 2005 another festschrift for James D. G. Dunn's 65th birthday was published with essays by Professor Dunn's many colleagues and friends. In this volume, a new generation of scholars, who are being widely recognized in their own contributions and publications, now honour their former teacher and demonstrate to the scholastic community the breadth of his influence

This book advances the interpretation of 1 Corinthians by exploring the ways the apostle Paul quoted or "echoed" Jewish scriptures more indirectly in his letter, by metonymy or allusion. Criteria and methods for identifying echoes are brought to the fore, as are questions of the texture of Paul's theology and his understanding of scripture. Important topics in 1 Corinthians addressed here include Paul's use of the Law, monotheism, Christology, wisdom and mystery language, punishment of the incestuous man, baptism for the dead, eschatology, and resurrection.