The first book I finished in the new year is Paul & the Power of Grace by John M. G. Barclay. It is the more accessible version of his massive tome on grace entitled Paul & the Gift. I am halfway through that volume, but upon receiving this little gem I decided to read it through regardless.
His work on grace is profound. Mainly, his point, and I agree, is that the Christ gift of grace is given without pre-condition (worth, value, merit, etc.) but not without expectation of reciprocity. Summarized in short would be to say that grace is unconditioned, but not unconditional.
The journey along the way to his argument is full of gems, especially in his comments on Galatians and Romans in light of this understanding of grace.
He includes a section on what this means for the various readings of Paul. He also claims that this provides a much needed bridge to commonality between Catholics and Protestants.
He concludes the book with what this means for our praxis as followers of Jesus. This has implications in the makeup of our communities, our self-worth, and our “charity”. Pick up a copy to find out!
One of my professors claimed that Barclay’s work on the gift has transformed New Testament studies, and as a result sets the landscape for communities of Jesus followers. I agree!
justin is reading 