So I’m working my way through Richard B. Hays The Conversion of the Imagination: Paul as Interpreter of Israel’s Scripture. I must finish it. In fact, I’ve suspended all other readings just to focus on this one. Here’s why:
In the words of Richard Hays himself:
1. The Interpretation of Israel’s Scripture was central to the apostle Paul’s thought;
2. We can learn from Paul’s example how to read Scripture faithfully;
3. If we do follow his example, the church’s imagination will be converted to see both Scripture and the world in a radically new way (p. viii).
For example, in his first chapter, “The Conversion of the Imagination: Scripture and Eschatology in 1 Corinthians, Professor Hays writes:
I contend that Paul’s pastoral strategy for reshaping the consciousness of his pagan converts was to narrate them into Israel’s story through metaphorical appropriation of Scripture—and precisely by so doing to teach them to think apocalyptically. (p. xi)
Then in reading 1 Corinthians 14:25 through Paul as interpreter of Israel’s Scripture:
Thus Paul subtly pictures the conversion of Gentile unbelievers through the prophetic activity of Corinthian Christians as a fulfillment of Isaiah’s eschatological vision: the Gentiles will recognize the presence of God in the midst of God’s people. (p. 3)
Now you understand why I’m so hooked on The Conversion of the Imagination: Paul as Interpreter of Israel’s Scripture and have no hesitation in recommending it, though written at a somewhat technical level.
This book sounds pretty cool!! Correct me if I am wrong, but this basically seems like another way of using Scripture to interpret Scripture? Am I on track with that. It is amazing how much Paul refers back to the Old Testament.
I am currently studying Genesis 3 and it is my first study of an entire chapter. As I am studying and researching and reading Genesis 3 my mind keeps going back to Roman 5:12-21! Paul uses the example of Adam’s sin in such a clear way to help explain how and why Jesus reconciled us!!
Now I think I am going to add Hays’ book to my list!
Tomg,
That’s it: “Scripture interpreting Scripture.” But more than that, Paul, as a Jew, living in a Greco-Roman world, apostle to the Gentiles and so on, as interpreter.
Yes, when we understand where the OT is really headed, text like Gen. 3 and so on come alive in light of Romans 5 and so on.
You simply cannot go wrong with Hays.
TC
Have you read his Echoes of Scriptre? I recently bought it but haven’t started on it yet, just wondering if you had any thoughts on that…
Mike,
I had a decision to make and decided to go with this over Echoes because much of Echoes is actually echoed in here and some material actually repeated. But I must still read Echoes, which is about 20yrs back.
But since you have Echoes, I think you should read it and then this one.
Sounds like one to add to my wish list. I am quite interested in NT use of the OT and there’s been quite a bit of chatter about it lately.
Jason,
Then this will be a great read. I highly recommend it. And get his breakthrough Echoes while you’re at it.
It truly sounds fascinating.
Peter,
As a serious NT student and reader of Paul, this would be a good investment.
you’re giving me too many spoilers!!
Brian,
Blame Mr. Hays for writing such an insightful book.
Pingback: Inspiring Books « Εις Δοξαν
Dr. Hays was one of my advisers for my ThM thesis. He is a close reader of Scripture and presents a strong challenge to the “Neo-Marcionite” manner of reading the NT so typical among broadly evangelicals.
He (along with some other folks I encountered during the same time) was very influential in the way I read the NT use of the OT . . . especially the concept that when we encounter an OT quote or allusion in the NT we should start our interpretation by understanding the original context of the quote or allusion.
Meto,
I knew there was something special about you.
Yes, we serious need to learn how to read the NT in light of the OT.
In fact, I’ve noticed already that my eschatology is being challenged by what I’m discovering thus far. Ha!
I am always looking for definitions when certain words are used. What does he mean by: teach them to think apocalyptically. Specifically, what does HAYES mean by “apocalyptic” in this context?
Apprentice,
By “to think apocalyptically” Hays has in mind what God is doing in the final act of his redemptive plan, if you will. I hope that helps.
And what does having in mind what God is doing in the final act of his redemptive plan? What is that final act? Thanks. I’m just trying to get an idea of all this jargon in particular contexts.
Dan
Dan,
Two texts from Paul are in order: 1. Romans 15:8-12; and 2. 11:13. Paul saw Christ, in God’s final act, as servant to the Jews, and himself to the Gentiles.
But it’s about the announcement of the gospel to the Jews and then to the nations (Rom. 1:1-7 and 16-17).
For Paul the gospel is what God is doing in the wrong to put it to rights through King Jesus, precisely because of his death and resurrection and their eschatological significance.
Glad I found this discussion! A friend let me borrow the book a few days ago- I’ll be diving in soon!
Kevin,
Anyone who is seriously into Pauline theology must read this.