Part of the recent consensus in Pauline scholarship emerging over the course of the twentieth century, just noted, is that Paul's eschatology has a dual or elliptical focus. For him eschatology is defined not only in terms of Christ's second coming but also by his first, by what has already taken place in Christ, especially his death and resurrection, as well as what is still future at his return. Paul teaches an eschatology that for the church is, i part, present, already realized.
In my view, looking at developments over the history of the interpretation of Paul as a whole, the relatively recent widespread recognition of his realized eschatology represents the truly "new perspective" on Paul, one that is far more important with wider-ranging implications than those developments of the past several decades given that designation. I would observe here that a commensurate impact of this rediscovery is still to be had in the doctrine and life of the church, in its preaching and teaching.
(p.26f, Richard B. Gaffin Jr, By Faith, Not by Sight)
- Isn't 'elliptical' a great word to use for this?
- How do I need to is my life and doctrine yet to be impacted with this rediscovery I know in my head? How will the penny drop for me?
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