The Law and Its Fulfillment: A Pauline Theology of Law

Thomas R. Schreiner (Ph.D., Fuller Theological Seminary) is professor of New Testament interpretation at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of Interpreting the Pauline Epistles and Romans in the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament.

"In this excellent book Professor Schreiner reasserts the traditional Protestant understanding of Paul's approach to the Mosaic law with clarity and exegetical rigor. These qualities have made his treatment of this hotly contested issue one of the standard works in the field. Hopefully this new paperback edition will put the book on the shelf of everyone interested in Pauline theology."--Frank Thielman

"No single area of Paul's theology has occupied more scholarly attention in the last twenty years than 'Paul and the Law.' Despite a maze of conflicting interpretations, significant advances in our understanding of the topic have been achieved. Sadly, the average evangelical pastor and congregation, and not a few professionally trained systematic theologians, seem entirely unaware of these developments. Some of them offer a striking paradigm shift from classic Reformation thought. Schreiner offers a reliable guide to the recent discussion in readable style, helping us know where our views should change and where Calvin and Luther remain on target. Overall Schreiner's book remains an excellent evangelical synthesis and critique of the issues. It is good to have this new edition in paperback."--Craig L. Blomberg

"A trustworthy guide through the thicket of current discussion, Dr. Schreiner provides thoughtful analysis and his own balanced conclusions. This rewarding book is marked by evenhandedness, clear thinking, first-rate scholarship, and above all by solid, faithful exegesis. One of the most helpful discussions available."--Donald A. Hagner

"The place of the law in the theology of Paul is one of the most difficult and disputed areas in contemporary New Testament study, not least since the advent of the so-called 'new perspective' on Paul some twenty years ago. Baker Book House is therefore to be commended for making available in paperback version Tom Schreiner's volume on this important theme. His comprehensive work addresses the major issues, engages in a careful exegetical study of the significant Pauline texts relating to the law, interacts with a wide range of secondary literature bearing on the major theological issues, and carefully nuances his conclusions. Dr. Schreiner defends the historic Protestant viewpoint with clarity and conviction. He writes in an irenic spirit, and treats differing positions fairly and courteously. Even if readers disagree on particular points they will be grateful to him for having laid out the issues so clearly."--Peter O'Brien

No single area of Paul's theology has occupied more scholarly attention in the last twenty years than 'Paul and the Law,' notes Craig Blomberg. Schreiner's The Law and Its Fulfillment remains an excellent evangelical synthesis and critique of the issues. Now this important contribution to Pauline studies is available in a paperback edition.

The major purpose of The Law and Its Fulfillment is to build an accurate, relevant understanding of Pauline theology for students, pastors preaching on Paul's letters, and others who want to understand how to relate God's holiness and mercy in greater depth. Schreiner explains, Grasping Paul's theology [of the law] is essential for understanding his soteriology, the death of Jesus, Christian ethics, the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in the new community, and the continuity and discontinuity between the Testaments.