Paul and the Hope of Glory

Reviews

'Campbell's study offers a careful exegesis of Paul's writing on eschatology and a fresh set of integrative theological reflections, all developed in dialogue with diverse, modern, scholarly treatments of the apostle's thought. The book will make an important contribution not just to academic activity but to pastoral and homiletical application of Paul's 'hope.''

'Con Campbell has produced a careful and comprehensive study of Pauline eschatology. Campbell works through the key texts and important themes in Paul's letters to explain with a rare mix of insight and clarity what Paul taught about the 'hope of glory.' Campbell handles the complexity and occasional ambiguity of Paul's 'end-times' thought with responsible restraint, even as he offers a lucid explanation of Paul's letters. I have no doubt that this will be the standard book on the subject for decades to come.'

'Con Campbell here proves himself to be the Melanchthon to Vos's Luther, systematically (and exegetically) examining all the relevant texts that touch on what the apostle Paul has to say about the Christian hope of glory. Following Vos, Campbell makes a compelling case that the Pauline eschatology sees all of reality as participating in two realms and two ages, existing side by side and vying for the hearts and minds of every human being, with Jesus Christ himself being the invasion of the new in the midst of the old. In bringing into focus the hope of glory, Campbell has produced the perfect tonic for world-weary pessimists who think that history is a series of one drab thing after another.'

'No one doubts the importance of eschatology for the apostle Paul, which underpins every aspect of his theology and ethics. Yet too often scholars only consider a sliver of his teaching and miss the full range of Paul's terminology and imagery. In Paul and the Hope of Glory, Con Campbell, widely known and admired for his exegetical precision and theological thoroughness, offers the comprehensive study that is so sorely needed.'

'Paul and the Hope of Glory shows the organization of a German monograph, the lucidity of a well-spoken English professor, the nuance of an ancient historian, and the passion of a Protestant evangelical. Where Paul doesn't clarify, Campbell does not clarify; where Paul speaks, Campbell speaks. Some will be surprised, but all will learn. I expect this book to become a steady source for years to come on Paul's eschatology.'

'This enlightening and thorough study is immaculately organized and draws on the entire Pauline corpus. Moreover, rather than trying to fit all the Pauline evidence into a preexisting grid, Campbell develops Pauline theology carefully from his exegesis of the relevant Pauline passages.'

'We are once again in Con Campbell's debt, as he exegetically analyzes and theologically synthesizes the many Pauline eschatological texts, seeing Paul's Christocentric eschatology as the 'frame' of the apostle's theological vision. Campbell's careful consideration of Paul's many eschatological themes and subthemes will no doubt spark occasional debate. But the overall interpretation, recognizing past realities (e.g., Christ's death and resurrection) and present experience (e.g., participation, the Spirit, mission, hope) but especially highlighting future glory, is both enlightening and compelling.'