The Figure of Adam in Romans 5 and 1 Corinthians 15: The New Creation and Its Ethical and Social Reconfiguration

by Felipe de Jesus Legarreta-Castillo (Author)

It is widely recognized that in some of his letters, Paul develops a Christology based on a comparison between Adam and Christ, and that this Christology has antecedents in Jewish interpretation of Genesis 1–4. But Paul was not concerned simply to develop themes found in scripture.

Felipe Legarreta gives careful attention to patterns of exegesis in Second-Temple Judaism and identifies, for the first time, a number of motifs by which Jews drew ethical implications from the story of Adam and his expulsion from Eden. He then demonstrates that throughout the "Christological" passages in Romans and 1 Corinthians, Paul is taking part in a wider Jewish exegetical and ethical discussion regarding life in the new creation.

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Publisher Fortress Press
Format Paperback
ISBN 9781451470017
eBook ISBN 9781451480245
Dimensions 6 x 9
Pages 160
Emerging Scholars category Bible
Publication Date February 1, 2014

Contents:

Introduction

1. Status Questionis on the Adam Typology in Paul

2. The Figure of Adam in Ancient Jewish Sources

3. The Figure of Adam in 1 Corinthians 15:21–22; 45-29, and Romans 5:12–21

Conclusion

Bibliography

Endorsements

"This book is a significant contribution to understanding how Paul brings together theological and ethical concerns. Legarreta-Castillo sets Paul’s use of the image of Adam in the larger context of Jewish interpretations of Adam. He shows how Paul used the figure of Adam and contrasted it with the figure to Christ both for theological purposes and to draw social and ethical consequences. For Paul, the antithesis between Adam and Christ illustrates the contrast between the old and the new creation and how believers must undergo an ethical assimilation to Christ, the last and heavenly Adam, in order to participate in the eschatological resurrection."
—Thomas H. Tobin
Loyola University Chicago

"In this groundbreaking work that offers a panoramic view of the debate on the origins of the Adam motif in Paul, Legarreta-Castillo draws compelling conclusions from his careful reading of Second Temple sources, and forces us to take a fresh look at 1 Corinthians 15 and Romans 5. This book is the fruit of thorough research, a careful reading of a plethora of primary sources, and balanced reflection—a must-read for anyone interested in understanding how Paul came up with his views on Adam."
—P. Richard Choi, PhD
Andrews University

“After a comprehensive review of previous interpretations, both ancient and modern, Legarreta-Castillo offers fresh insights from a literary approach to Romans 5 and 1 Corinthians 15. He shows important ethical and social implications from Paul’s use of the figure of Adam. Legarreta-Castillo is an emerging voice with much to offer.”

—Barbara E. Reid

Catholic Theological Union

Samples

Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1 excerpt