„Paul and the Nomos“: Study Day in Hamburg

On November 28th, the Pauline Letters working groups (Dr. Nicole Oesterreich, Prof. Dr. Martin Bauspieß, PD Dr. Felix John, Andrej Lacko, Lena Setzer) met in Hamburg for a study day entitled “Paul and the Nomos.” The team was supported by Dr. Ralph Brucker (Kiel), Dr. Daniel Schumann (Tübingen), and Hannah Wirbatz (The Epistle of James working group).

The aim of the study day was to read and exegetically analyse selected and particularly challenging texts of Pauline theology concerning the theme of the nomos (Law). After brief introductory reflections on various interpretations of Paul throughout the history of theology, we turned directly to the central passages. Our discussion focused especially on Gal 2:16–21, 4 Ezra 8:34–37, 2 Cor 3:6f, and 1 Cor 9:20.

Prompted by the discussions at the Paul within Judaism panels during this year’s EABS annual meeting in Uppsala, we took particular interest in the interpretation of the Pauline passages that portray the Law in a negative light.The study day yielded numerous new insights, yet also brought to light further demanding questions that cannot be resolved within a single day. For our continued work in the smaller teams, we therefore take with us valuable impulses—and, no less, the anticipation of continuing this exchange at the next opportunity.