Perspectives of Jesus in the Writings of Paul: An Historical Examination of Shared Core Commitments with a View to Determining the Extent of Paul’s Dependence on Jesus

The critical question of the relationship between Jesus and Paul has been well established in New Testament studies for over 150 years and needs to be addressed with all the tools of historical criticism that scholarship has developed. So states Gerry Schoberg at the beginning of this new and important work that carries out that important task.
By coupling comparative instances in the gospels and the works attributed to Paul, Schoberg invites the reader to enquire more profoundly than in past studies as to the nature of the relationship between Jesus and the most dramatic of Christian converts.
At the heart of this study is not only the question of whether the New Testament truly gives a unified vision of the Christian movement, but also how the early followers of Jesus felt able to draw such insightful conclusions about him. Answering such questions through the study of Jesus and Paul offers an insight into the way one can make theological sense everyday life, and thereby live a life in Christ.

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments
Abbreviations
Translations of Ancient Sources
1 I ntroduction
2 Jesus’ Table Fellowship with Tax Collectors and Sinners
3 Paul’s Welcome of the Gentiles
4 Jesus’ Challenge to Share His Fate
5 Paul’s Participationist Language
6 Jesus’ Ministry in the Context of New Creation
7 Paul’s New Creation Eschatology
8 Conclusions
Appendix A: Dating of Ancient Sources
Appendix B: Description of the Pharisees
Appendix C: Identification with Deities in the Mystery Religions
Bibliography