Constantine R. Campbell - Paul and Union with Christ: An Exegetical and Theological Study

For years I have taught students that one of the most important items in Pauls theological vocabulary is the two-letter word en, despite the failure of so many writers to pick it up. Now at last there is a comprehensive study that pays attention to the use of en and related terms in the whole of the Pauline corpus and incorporates the insights of contemporary scholarship. This is a valuable reference work for all students of New Testament theology.

I. Howard Marshall, Professor Emeritus of New Testament, University of Aberdeen

At the heart of debate over several important theological issues, not least justification, stands a unifying theme: union with Christ. That theme almost everyone espouses but interprets differently or with remarkable vagueness. The strength of Con Campbells book is his patient examination of the controlling expressionswhat it means to be in Christ, for example. Here there is no reductionism, but sure-footed guidance through the biblical evidence and sensible, even-handed, conclusions. Highly recommended.

D. A. Carson, Research Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

Broad claims about the nature of Pauls theology are often made with surprisingly little attention to the specific language he uses to communicate it. In this book Campbell focuses on the condensed and cryptic formulae that Paul uses over and over again (in Christ, with Christ, through Christ) and succeeds in showing that a close reading of these prepositional phrases can shed light on Pauls deepest theological convictions.

Francis Watson, Chair of Biblical Interpretation, Durham University

Rarely do New Testament scholars and theologians seem interested in the same thing at the same time, although until this volume the latter have done the lions share of monograph-style treatments. Holding up the diamond, Professor Campbell explores each facet. Although readers may not agree with all of the conclusions, Paul and Union with Christ is a crucial resource for exegetical reflection and precision on such an important topic.

Michael Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary California; author of The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way

Building on an extensive and careful study of every passage in the Pauline corpus pertaining to union with Christ, Constantine Campbell demonstrates the themes important role in Pauls theologya role he describes as being that of the webbing that holds the theology together. His book is a helpful reminder of how essential this idea is for our understanding of Paul.

Morna D. Hooker, Lady Margarets Professor of Divinity Emerita, University of Cambridge

With the increased prominence of attention to union with Christ in Paul in recent decades, Campbells contribution is most welcome. Impressive for its comprehensive scope, its careful attention to exegetical detail yet with the overall theological picture also in view, and its balanced and fair conclusions, this book is bound to benefit anyone interested in this important topic.

Richard B. Gaffin Jr., Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Emeritus, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia

Union with Christ, a vital and debated theme in Pauls theology, has not received the attention it deserves. Constantine Campbell seeks to redress this situation with a thorough exegetical analysis of all the relevant Pauline texts. His study both makes its own contribution and provides a great foundation for continuing discussion.

Douglas J. Moo, Wessner Chair of Biblical Studies, Wheaton College; Chair, Committee on Bible Translation

Campbell provides a lucid and lively study of union with Christ. Few authors are able to combine exegetical skill with theological acumen on such a complex topic as Campbell does here. It is a brilliant study about what a constellation of images of union, participation, identification, and incorporation into Christ actually means. Campbells tour de force will be the authoritative book on the subject for decades to come.

Michael Bird, Lecturer in Theology and New Testament, Crossway College in Brisbane, Australia

The unifying theme of union with Christ in Paul is often interpreted vaguely or in surprisingly different ways, with little attention to the apostles specific language. Dr. Campbell carefully examines all the expressions related to in Christ, sensibly explains their meaning within each context, and insightfully integrates the results into Pauls overarching teaching and practice. This book is an invaluable tool.

Peter T. OBrien, senior research fellow at Moore Theological College

Paul and Union with Christ

A N E XEGETICAL AND T HEOLOGICAL S TUDY

C ONSTANTINE R . C AMPBELL

ZONDERVAN

Paul and Union with Christ

Copyright 2012 by Constantine R. Campbell

ePub edition March 2015: ISBN 978-0-310-52318-5

Requests for information should be addressed to:

Zondervan, 3900 Sparks Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Campbell, Constantine R.

Paul and union with Christ : an exegetical and theological study / Constantine R. Campbell.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references (pp.) and indexes.

ISBN 978-0-310-32905-3 (softcover)

1. Bible. N.T. Epistles of PaulCriticism, interpretation, etc. 2. Mystical union. I. Title.

BS2655.M85C36 2012

227'.06dc23 2012009068

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible. Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. HCSB is a federally registered trademark of Holman Bible Publishers. All rights reserved worldwide.

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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any otherexcept for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher.

Cover design: John Hamilton Design

Cover photography: Erich Lessing / Art Resource, NY

For Jasmine, Xanthe and Lukas

Contents

I am indebted to two outstanding New Testament scholars, Dr Peter OBrien and Dr Francis Watson. Dr OBrien first implanted the idea that I might conduct research on the Pauline theme of union with Christ. He pointed out that the theme is both extremely important and in need of serious treatment. Thatcombined with the fact that I had been lecturing on Pauls epistle to the Ephesians and was already intrigued by the conceptimmediately settled the matter as to what my next major research task should engage. Dr OBrien also studied the manuscript carefully, which offered great reassurance to me since his attention to detail and exegetical prowess is world-renowned.

My interactions with Dr Francis Watson during the course of my research became highly influential on the shape of this study. We have met together annually at the SBL conventions in the United States over the last five years, and each meeting provided fresh stimulus, challenge, and direction as I conducted my work. One of his suggestionsthat I ought to conduct a thorough examination of Pauls relevant prepositional phrasesaccounts for roughly half this book. I have richly benefitted from Dr Watsons penetrating insight into Pauline theology and scholarship, for which he is highly acclaimed.