How to Read Paul: A Brief Introduction to his Theology, Writings, and Word
(Fortress, 2021 forthcoming)
In How to Read Paul, Yung Suk Kim portrays Paul as a practical theologian, a missionary, and a community organizer, and explores key theological concepts in Paul’s undisputed letters, in dialogue with Greco-Roman and Jewish texts and contexts. Against a traditional view that the essence of Paul’s theology is “justification by faith,” Kim argues that Paul’s theology begins with “the gospel of God”—the good news about and from God—that was proclaimed and embodied by Jesus, Son of God. In the end, those who share in Jesus Christ’s faithfulness are justified by God. Other theological concepts such as new life, freedom, and “the body of Christ” are built on and developed from this bedrock of the gospel. This book presents a revised form of the new perspective on Paul and emphasizes the faithfulness of Jesus Christ as well as believers’ participation in him. At the end of each chapter, readers engage in questions for reflection. This book probes Paul and his letters in critical, fresh ways that elucidate not only his key theological concepts in context but also his gospel-driven mission in Greco-Roman and Jewish contexts. How to Read Paul is ideal for students engaging Paul and his letters and those who teach and preach Pauline themes.
