Christ Redeemed 'Us' from the Curse of the Law

This book provides a thorough examination of Jewish martyrology's influence on Paul's writings, particularly in Galatians 3:13, offering new insights into his theological arguments.

In Christ Redeemed 'Us' from the Curse of the Law, Jarvis J. Williams explores the intersection of Jewish martyrology and Pauline theology. He posits that the martyrological concepts found in 2 and 4 Maccabees, along with selected passages from LXX Daniel 3, serve as crucial context for understanding Paul's remarks about the 'cursed Christ' in Galatians 3:13. Williams emphasizes the significance of these ideas in relation to the soteriological implications of Christ's death for both Jews and Gentiles as articulated in Galatians.

The author meticulously reviews existing scholarship on Galatians 3:13, presenting five key arguments that touch on scriptural, theological, lexical, grammatical, and polemical connections between Paul's writings and Jewish martyrological traditions. By analyzing texts from the Second Temple period, Williams sheds light on how Paul adapted these traditions to suit his theological aims, particularly in his appeal to the Galatians against the influence of rival teachings.

Through this examination, Christ Redeemed 'Us' from the Curse of the Law offers new insights into Paul's rhetoric and his defense of a Torah-free gospel that is inclusive of Gentiles. Williams' work not only enriches our understanding of Galatians but also invites readers to consider the broader implications of early Christian thought in relation to Jewish traditions.