Paul, Apostle of Weakness

Synopsis: In this practical book every occurrence of astheneia and its cognates in the Pauline Epistles is examined, both in its immediate context and in its relation to Pauline thought as a whole. The analysis begins, first, by examining both secular and Septuagintal Greek usages of astheneia as well as its usage in the non-Pauline New Testament writings. It then proceeds, secondly, by defining Paul's astheneia termini from letter to letter and context to context. All the passages in the Pauline literature where the words appear undergo a detailed exegetical examination. The Pauline weakness motif is then summarized, with the conclusion that the concept of weakness is foundational to Paul's anthropology, Christology, and ethics. Endorsements: "David Alan Black has done excellent work in analyzing the Greek word astheneia and its cognates in the context of the Pauline Epistles. I also appreciate his effort to relate the word study to different aspects of Paul's theology. I am delighted to recommend it." --Victor (Sung Yul) Rhee, Associate Professor of New Testament Language and Literature, Talbot School of Theology "The theme of weakness in the Pauline Epistles is very important to Paul's theological perspective. David Alan Black provides a treatment of the subject that is academically excellent and yet accessible to the ordinary reader. . . . Seldom does one find in the same book this level of academic excellence combined with such great practical relevance." --Donald A. Hagner, Professor Emeritus of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary "For those in Christ, his way must be our way! Through weakness, our Savior redeemed us. Through weakness, our Savior sanctifies us on the way to glory. Of these marvelous truths this book makes abundantly clear." --Daniel L. Akin, President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary "A model of careful and detailed exegetical analysis, fair and balanced in its conclusions, David Alan Black's revision of his work on astheneia and its cognates in Paul's writings is a welcome addition to contemporary discussions within Pauline scholarship. Exemplifying scholarly depth and thoroughness, Black's writing is nonetheless eminently readable and extremely practical for all who seek to understand God's manifestation of his power through our human frailty." --David R. Beck, Professor of New Testament and Greek, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary "The theme of power in weakness in Paul's letters remains important, timely, and countercultural, and one both our society and the church need to learn more than ever. It is a blessing for this book to be back in print." --Craig L. Blomberg, Professor of New Testament, Denver Seminary Author Biography: David Alan Black (ThD, University of Basel) is Professor of New Testament and Greek at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. His recent publications include Perspectives on the Ending of Mark, Why Four Gospels?, and The Jesus Paradigm. He and his wife live on a 123-acre working farm in southern Virginia and are self-supporting missionaries to Ethiopia.