Paul on the Cross: Reconstructing the Apostle's Story of Redemption

Even as theologians have become more critical of classic theories of atonement biblical scholars have continued to rely upon such theories as a basis for interpreting Pauls teaching regarding salvation and the cross. In this vital volume Brondos looks to the recent advances in New Testament scholarship to argue for an alternative understanding of Pauls doctrine of salvation and the cross.Paul says Brondos understood Jesus death primarily as the consequence of his mission: to serve as Gods instrument to bring about the long-awaited redemption of Israel in which Gentiles throughout the world would also be included. For Paul Jesus death is salvific not because it satisfies some necessary condition for human salvation as most doctrines of the atonement have traditionally maintained nor because it effects some change in the situation of human beings or the world in general. Rather Jesus God responded to Jesus faithfulness unto death by raising him thereby ensuring that all the divine promises of salvation would be fulfilled through him.Jesus death forms part of an overarching story culminating in the redemption of Israel and the world. It is this story and in particular what preceded and followed Jesus death on the cross that makes that death redemptive for Paul.