OnScript Matthew Novenson – Paul and Judaism at the End of History
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Aug 26, 2025 Matthew Novenson, a professor and author of 'Paul and Judaism at the End of History,' dives into the intricate relationship between Paul’s theology and Jewish identity. He explores Paul's unique views on time and eschatology, shedding light on his categorization of humanity into Jews and Gentiles. With a playful twist, the discussion features humorous interpretations of Paul’s letters, while also tackling the evolving nature of Jewish law. Novenson encourages nuanced readings of these texts, aiming to inspire both academic and community engagement.
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Ethnicity Reframed By New Creation
- Paul assumes the present age is marked by mortality and ethnic divisions but sees the new creation as reversing that condition.
- In the eschaton Israelites and Gentiles share pneumatic, eternal life, so ethnic borders become irrelevant for final destiny.
Eschatology Runs Across Paul’s Letters
- Novenson traces Paul's eschatological and ethnic logic beyond Romans and Galatians into letters like 1 Thessalonians and Corinthians.
- Key ethical and resurrection passages reveal consistent eschatological thinking across Paul's corpus.
Works-Of-Law Is Paul’s Polemical Term
- Novenson shows 'justification from works of the law' is Paul’s polemical coinage, not a phrase rooted in Jewish Scriptures.
- Paul uses it to label opponents who cling to Torah after encountering the Christ; it's context-driven dispute language.
