Paul's use of the Old Testament in defense of justification by faith in Romans 4 and Galatians 3

Abstract

This dissertation examines Paul's use of certain Old Testament texts in defense of justification by faith in Galatians 3 and Romans 4. It focuses on how Paul's chosen texts contribute to the argument, and how his purpose in the letters, and his perspective on certain elements in Old Testament history, explain his use of these Old Testament texts within his context, namely, the challenges facing the recipients of these letters.

Chapter 1 surveys approaches to the relationship of the Old and New Testaments covering 150 years, as well as recent approaches to Paul's use of the Old Testament and to the comparison of Romans and Galatians.

Chapter 2 contains exegesis of Galatians 3:1-22, with the emphasis on verses 6 and 10-13, for the quotations they contain. In these verses the results of Abraham's faith, God's promise, and the work of Christ in redemption are discussed, as well as the relationship of Law and promise.

Chapter 3 offers exegesis of Romans 4, particularly verses 3, 7-8, and 22-24. It is in these verses that Paul connects Abraham and David, emphasizes the timing of Abraham's righteousness, and the reason Abraham's story appears here.

Chapter 4 discusses various theories about Paul's quotation from the Old Testament, and what his application of these texts to his context implies about his view of the Old Testament, and of salvation-history. A discussion of whether there is a hermeneutical description to describe Paul's usage, and argues for an understanding of salvation-history as the perspective or conviction that determines or accounts for Paul's application of these texts. Paul's view of his gospel, and of the role of Christ relative to the Law and the promise to Abraham, are used to defend this perspective and to offer reasons why he sees these particular texts as important to his argument.