The Morality of Paul's Converts

A careful analysis of the texts of Paul's letters shows that in every church there were two main groups of converts: those who were baptized and those being instructed for baptism. Such analysis also makes it possible to determine which parts of each letter were directed toward converts being prepared for baptism and those already baptized. Baptism was the rite by which converts were forgiven of their past sins whereby they were made righteous, with the obligation to remain sinless for the day of Christ's return. Baptized converts became members of a renewed covenant community of God from which persons who continued to sin were expelled. Paul was always more concerned with how converts behaved than with what they believed about Christ. Paul remained a Jew even after he became a member of the group of Jews who accepted Jesus as the Messiah. Consequently, his primary message for Gentiles was faithfulness toward God, along with the moral probity of those who believe. Paul eventually developed beliefs about Jesus the Messiah as the Son of God and Lord, in order to win Gentile converts to faithfulness toward God. Being made righteous, the original meaning of Paul's word usually translated as "justified," brings out the depth of Paul's emphasis on the morality of converts. Faithfulness toward God and moral probity are the primary messages in the letters of Paul; therefore, there emerges from this study a concern on the part of Paul for the moral life of believers not heretofore recognized. In turn, the vague doctrine of justification by faith in Christ, is no longer cogent for the twenty-first century.

Table of Contents:
Introduction: Paul the Jew and Jewish Influence on his Ideas; 1. The Renewed Covenant Community of God; 2. 1 Thessalonians: The Place to Begin; 3. 1 Thessalonians: The Place to Begin, Continued; 4. 1 and 2 Corinthians: Morality Comes to an Immoral City (1 Corinthians 1-6); 5. 1 and 2 Corinthians: Morality Comes to an Immoral City (1 Corinthians 7-11); 6. 1 and 2 Corinthians: Morality Comes to an Immoral City (1 Corinthians 12-16); 7. 1 and 2 Corinthians: Morality Comes to an Immoral City (2 Corinthians 10-13); 8. 1 and 2 Corinthians: Morality Comes to an Immoral City (2 Corinthians 1-9); 9. Galatians: The Morality of Faithfulness, the Spirit and Jewish Law; 10. Galatians: The Morality of Faithfulness, the Spirit and Jewish Law, Continued; 11. Philippians: Moral Life is Complete; Conclusion

About the Author :
Edwin D. Freed is Emeritus Professor of Religion, Gettysburg College, having taught biblical studies for thirty-six years. He has published articles in numerous professional journals and has authored several books, including two textbooks.

Review :
"Freed's work proposes an interesting solution to the problem faced by much scholarship which is unable adequately to account for Paul's ethical concern for those who have been 'justified by faith'. He also engages in much valuable discussion of Greek expressions accessible for those who do not read Greek." - The Expository Times "A significant addition to the vast field of recent Pauline studies." - Religious Studies Review