Paul Among Jews: A Study of the Meaning and Significance of Paul's Inaugural Sermon in the Synagogue of Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:16-41) for His Missionary Work Among the Jews

Description: This book challenges a popular and influential thesis in Lukan scholarship presented by the Tübingen School: Paul is a rival of Peter and Paul is an anti-Jewish apostle. Consequently he is solely an apostle to Gentiles in Acts. Through a narrative-critical method Wenxi Zhang studies Pauls inaugural speech in Antioch of Pisidia and its literary function in relation to Pauls missionary activity among Jews in Acts. He concludes (1) that this inaugural sermon functions as an interpretative key to understand the narrative of Pauls missionary activity among his fellow Jews; and (2) that Paul is not anti-Jewish. He remains a faithful Jew who proclaims to his fellow Jews the fulfillment of Gods promise to David in Jesus resurrection. Consequently Acts is not anti-Jewish document. Endorsements: This insightful narrative-critical analysis of Pauls inaugural sermon in the synagogue of Antioch in Pisidia not only deftly illustrates its often unrecognized central importance within Luke-Acts but helpfully contributes to a correction of any misguided notions that Paul was anti-Jewish. Highly recommended for all scholars of Luke-Acts and of Paul. -John Paul Heil The Catholic University of America Wenxi Zhangs study Paul Among Jews opens a new way for us to view Paul in Acts. His work shows that Luke portrays Paul as a great missionary to his own people the Jews as well as to Gentiles. -Frank J. Matera The Catholic University of America As the apostle to the Gentiles Paul is often characterized as anti-Jewish. In this seminal narrative-critical analysis of the model sermon of Paul in Pisidian Antioch composed by the author of Acts Wenxi Zhang shows how Paul emphasized the Jewish concept of the resurrection of the Davidic Messiah. Although Paul announces that he will turn to the Gentiles he continues to go first to preach in Jewish synagogues as a missionary to the Jews among the Gentiles. -Francis T. Gignac SJ The Catholic University of America About the Contributor(s): Wenxi Zhang (PhD Catholic University of America) is Academic Dean at Hebei Catholic Major Seminary in Shijiazhuang Director of the Faith Institute for Cultural Studies and an editor of the Lectio Divina Chinese Bible translation.