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Transformations of Pauline Theology in Justin’s Dialogue
This post is part of an ongoing series on Paul and Pneuma, Justin and Judaism. Scholars have long noted that Paul and Justin differ on who possess Abraham as ancestor and who belongs to true Israel. Less satisfactory, however, have been explanations as to why Paul and Justin diverge over these claims. It is my…
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The Letters of Paul in Justin Martyr (Part 2)
This post is part of an ongoing series on Paul and Pneuma, Justin and Judaism. Justin also develops his reading of the Old Testament beyond Paul, for many of Justin’s glosses on these passage emphasize the separateness of Christ-followers and Jews because of belief in Christ as the Messiah.[1] In the interpretation of the scriptures—especially…
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Christmas Letter 2021
Merry Christmas Friends and Family, We hope this missive finds you well, warm, and enjoying many a festivity celebrating the birth of King Jesus! 2021 has been an, erm, interesting year for the Prahlows, but we continue to forge ahead, thankful for all we’ve been blessed with and eager to what God has in store…
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The Letters of Paul in Justin Martyr (Part 1)
This post is part of an ongoing series on Paul and Pneuma, Justin and Judaism. An astounding variety exists among the receptions of Pauline literature and thought in early Christian writings.[1] Though certainly not the first interpreter of Paul, Justin Martyr remains one of the most influential. Before turning to Justin’s specific receptions and transformations…
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Paul and the Gentile Problem
This post is part of an ongoing series on Paul and Pneuma, Justin and Judaism. The status of the Gentiles within the Jesus Movement seems to have become a topic of concern soon after the death and resurrection appearances of Jesus in the mid-30’s CE. By the time Paul began his missionary work, likely in…
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Justin’s Dialogue with Trypho
This post is part of an ongoing series on Paul and Pneuma, Justin and Judaism. Although numerous writings have been attributed to Justin throughout the years, only three extant works are believed to be authentic: the First and Second Apologies[1] and the Dialogue with Trypho the Jew.[2] While some scholars have questioned if Justin could…
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Who Was Justin Martyr?
This post is part of an ongoing series on Paul and Pneuma, Justin and Judaism. Justin occupies a relatively unique place in the history of Christianity, for not only was he a “mover between many worlds” but he also stood at the end of the apostolic age and the beginning of the apologetic period of…
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Paul and Pneuma, Justin and Judaism: Introduction
A series on the reception and transformation of Paul in Justin Martyr’s Dialogue with Trypho In the 100 years between the time when the apostle Paul wrote his epistles and when a Christian named Justin read those letters, numerous transformations occurred in the community of Jesus followers.[1] Perhaps most important was the shift surrounding the…
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Forgiveness in Matthew: Conclusion and Bibliography
This post concludes our series on Forgiveness in the Gospel of Matthew. The imperative of forgiveness stands at the heart of the Parable of Unforgiving Servant. For Jesus and Matthew, releasing others from sins and debts constitutes an integral part of what it means to be a member of the Christian community and proclaim God’s…
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Implications for Matthew’s Theology of Forgiveness
This post is part of an ongoing series on Forgiveness in the Gospel of Matthew. But what are the implications and applications of this theology of forgiveness? Ulrich Luz rightly reminds us that, “Biblical texts are meaningful only when they become a part of our life.”[1] While Matthew’s Gospel has been read and interpreted in…