Gods Israel and the Israel of God: Paul and Supersessionism by Bird, boutiques Michael F.

Paul and Jewish identity after Christ

Paul believed Israels Messiah had come. But what does this mean for Israel? Debate rages over Paul and supersessionism: the question of whether--and if so, to what extent--the new covenant in Christ replaces Gods "old" covenant with Israel. Discussion of supersessionism carries much historical, theological, and political baggage, complicating attempts at dialogue.

Gods Israel and the Israel of God: Paul and boutiques Supersessionism pursues fruitful discussion by listening to a variety of perspectives. Scot McKnight, Michael F. Bird, and Ben Witherington III consider supersessionism from political, biblical, and historical angles, each concluding that if Paul believed Jesus was Israels Messiah, then some type of supersessionism is unavoidable even if it is not necessarily a replacement of Israel by the church. Lynn H. Cohick, David J. Rudolph, Janelle Peters, and Ronald Charles respond to the opening essays and offer their own perspectives.

Readers of Gods Israel and the Israel of God will gain a broader understanding of the debate, its key texts, and the factors that shaped Pauls view of Israel.