Paul and the Law: Keeping the Commandments of God

Summary

This study tackles one of the most pastorally sensitive and exegetically contested topics in Pauline theology, the place of the law in the life of the Christian. The author argues with careful attention to the text that Paul is not anti obedience, yet he is deeply opposed to using the law as a covenant of righteousness. The book seeks to hold together what many sermons accidentally separate, justification by faith apart from works, and a real call to holiness shaped by the will of God. It moves through major Pauline passages, engages the language of commandment keeping, and shows how the new covenant reshapes the believer relationship to the law. The result is a framework that can help preachers avoid both legalism and lawlessness while honouring Paul own emphases.

Strengths

The greatest strength is its exegetical sobriety. Arguments are built from key texts rather than from slogans, and the author takes the time to clarify definitions, especially when the word law can mean different things in different contexts. The discussion of how Paul can affirm commandment keeping while denying the law as the basis of justification is particularly helpful for preaching. It also gives a pastorally workable way of speaking about the moral will of God without collapsing the covenants into one flat scheme. The book stays alert to the danger of importing later debates into Paul, yet it does not refuse theological synthesis. Ministers will appreciate that the conclusions are not merely academic, they provide categories that can serve discipleship, assurance, and church discipline.

Limitations

The careful pace means the argument can feel dense for readers who want quick answers. Some chapters require you to track distinctions that are not difficult, but they are necessary, and they may slow down more casual readers. Because the scope is biblical theology rather than a commentary, individual passages are treated selectively, and you may wish for more sustained exposition of particular problem texts. It also assumes a reader who is already aware of common positions in the debate, so absolute beginners may need a simpler introduction before they can benefit fully.

How We Would Use It

This is an excellent tool for preparing sermons in Romans, Galatians, and the letters where ethical instruction is prominent. It can also serve as a corrective when a church has grown confused about grace and obedience. We would use it in training settings, perhaps with elders in training, where you can read a chapter and then work through several Pauline texts together. It would also help in shaping membership teaching on sanctification. Keep your own pastoral context in mind, and translate the categories into plain language for your people, always letting the gospel drive the call to holiness.

Closing Recommendation

If your preaching on Paul tends to drift into either harshness or vagueness, this book can restore balance, offering clear categories rooted in careful reading of Scripture.