Paul and the Resurrection of Israel

Reading Paul as an ancient Jew, and not one of our tribe
Understanding that Israel encompasses all of the tribes
The problem with the law is that we don't keep it
Implanted on our hearts is where we need it
The wrath of God revealed, not just against the gentiles
But Israel herself has gone astray and proven hostile
Torah can't bring justice, but God himself sure does
Messiah make us righteous and empowers us to love
Israel is proven unfaithful, but God remains true
An unexpected salvation encompassing Gentiles too
Israel is cast away into the sea of the nations
God brings them back in via Gentile salvation
This is the Messiah's work, the only faithful one
Israel pursues Torah vainly, because it's already been done
But all who trust in hum and pledge their loyalty
Are sons by the Holy Spirit and heirs of royalty

This book is a goldmine of exegesis and Pauline theology. The tracing of Paul's argument for Gentile inclusion as the means of restoring the still-yet-in-exile tribes of Israel is rock solid, but there is so much more in here worth chewing on. Whether or not you end up accepting everything he's laying down, you have to come to terms with his detailed exegesis and coherent analytics of Paul's thought.

Key Themes
Common Knowledge in Pauline Letters
Paul's letters are dense and rely on shared knowledge that many modern readers lack. This can obscure the original meaning and intent behind Paul's arguments.

Modern Interpretations of Paul's Message
Staples critiques the modern tendency to view Paul through contemporary lenses. He argues that interpreting Paul's gospel as focusing on inclusiveness and opposing racism reflects modern Western values rather than Paul's original context. This approach can unintentionally reinforce anti-Jewish sentiments by casting Paul as a champion of modern liberal values against a supposedly regressive Jewish particularism.

Defining Israel
Staples discusses the challenge of defining who constitutes Israel. Terms like “ethnic” or “empirical” Israel are inadequate and fail to capture the issue's complexity. The distinction between Jews and Israelites is nuanced, as shown by historical and current debates within Jewish communities.

Jews vs. Israelites
During the Second Temple period, a distinction existed between Jews (Ioudaioi) and Israelites. Staples notes that “Jews” typically referred to people from Judah, while “Israel” included the broader identity of the northern tribes. This distinction appears in various contexts, such as cultic or eschatological settings, where “Israel” is used to refer to the collective people, including non-Jewish northern tribes.

Significance of the Exile
The exile continued even after the return from Babylon. Staples cites the book of Daniel, which suggests that Israel's true redemption is still in the future with the arrival of an “anointed one.” This perspective highlights the ongoing nature of Israel's exile and the anticipation of future restoration.

Paul's Approach to the Torah and New Covenant
Paul is not “law-free” but advocates for a “law-implanted” approach. He argues that true obedience to God requires a new heart and the indwelling of the sacred spirit, as promised in the new covenant. This transformation enables followers of the resurrected Messiah to genuinely fulfill the Torah's requirements. Staples highlights Paul's use of the distinction between the “letter” and the “Spirit” in 2 Corinthians 3, drawing parallels between Moses and Jesus as mediators of God's promises.

Paul's Inclusive Message
Paul's message of inclusiveness is controversial because it extends the restoration promises to uncircumcised Gentiles who receive the spirit and become equal members of restored Israel. This inclusion challenges traditional boundaries and redefines the concept of Israel to encompass all transformed by the spirit.

Exile and Death
In ancient Mediterranean thought, exile and death were seen as equivalent, with exile often leading to death. This idea is evident in biblical narratives like the banishment of Adam and Eve from Eden and Cain's punishment after killing Abel. Staples connects this concept to Paul's argument that followers of the Messiah pass from under the Torah through death and resurrection, moving from an age of wrath to an age of favor.

Transformative Justification
Staples emphasizes that Paul's view of justification is transformative. God does not change the standard of judgment but changes the person through the spirit, enabling them to fulfill the Torah's requirements. This transformation is necessary for a person to be judged as righteous. Staples argues that this transformative view of justification is central to Paul's message and differs from later Protestant interpretations that emphasize forensic declaration over transformation.

Israel and the Nations
Staples highlights the interconnectedness of Israel and the nations in Paul's theology. He argues that Israel's insensibility leads to mercy for the Gentiles, which in turn facilitates Israel's redemption. This reciprocal relationship fulfills the promise of blessings for all nations through Israel's restoration.

Role of the Messiah
Staples outlines various perspectives on the coming of the Messiah within Jewish tradition. Paul combines these views, suggesting that the Messiah came at the appointed time for an apostate people, bringing justification and repentance through his death and resurrection. The Messiah will return when Israel has been fully transformed by the spirit, fulfilling the eschatological promises.

Final Restoration
Staples explains that Israel's destruction and dispersion among the nations are part of God's hidden plan for vindication and victory. By incorporating Israel into the nations, God extends his claim to all peoples. This cosmic drama underscores the mystery of Israel's salvation and the ultimate restoration of all things through the Messiah.

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