God's Saved Israel: Reading Romans 11:26 and Galatians 6:16 in Terms of the New Identity in Christ and the Spirit

Gods Saved Israel examines identity in the Pauline corpus in terms of how Paul expresses the new identity in Christ in relation to the identity of ancient Israel. In this study the way in which Paul uses the terms Israel Israelite and Judean is approached on the basis of the way in which these terms were used in the second temple period by both insiders and outsiders rather than presupposing that Paul used it in a different way. By thoroughly engaging with the New Perspective on Paul and the Radical New Perspective on Paul Pauls conception of identity is pursued mainly along theological-exegetical lines especially in terms of the contrast between flesh and S/spirit. While Rom 11:26 which points to all Israel that will be saved and Gal 6:16 which points to the Israel of God who are blessed are often utilized in a paradigmatic way to interpret the rest of Paul the approach in this book is the other way around. These two texts are approached by first assessing Pauls conception of identity in the whole of the Pauline corpus and then by interpreting Rom 11:26 and Gal 6:16 with a larger understanding of identity in Paul at hand. Written as a dissertation for Stellenbosch University in South Africa this is a magisterial study of Romans 11:26 (and Galatians 6:16) which surveys each of our interpretative options and offers a creative and convincing solution. Every advanced study of Pauls theology and his letter to Rome must make this monograph required reading. --Gary M. Burge Calvin Theological Seminary Philip La Grange Du Toits robustly exegetical study of a long-standing crux is a breath of fresh air in the midst of the pedestrian oversimplification emanating from all too many theological camps. Instead of trying to find what isnt there in the text Du Toit starts with the exegesis of the text and then in clear and simple language explains who the Israel of God is based on the teaching of the apostle Paul. If youre looking for an informed discussion of a seemingly endless debate then this book is for you. --David Alan Black Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Scholars interested in Pauline rhetoric and theology identity studies as well as Judaism Hellenism and early Christianity will find here a range of theological topics and semantically important terminologies to critically engage within their own research. --Gert J. Steyn Theologische Hochschule Ewersbach Germany This book challenges the mistaken idea that Gods promises to OT Israel have to be fulfilled in a future restoration of physical Israel. The author shows that these promises have been fulfilled in Christ and have been made available to all nations including Israel from which he gathers in his church. As such the book contributes to the debate in the Christian world about the relationship between Israel and the church. --Steven Paas author of Christian Zionism Examined Philip La G. Du Toit is Senior Lecturer in New Testament at North West University South Africa. He is the author of various scholarly articles and conference papers of the New Testament.