I get asked about my opinion of the NPP at events and on Q & A episodes of the Naked Bible Podcast. I always recommend Kent Yinger’s book, The New Perspective on Paul: An Introduction
I’m happy to also recommend this brief set of comments from Michael Bird on the issue. It won’t educate you like Yinger’s book, but Bird captures my own thoughts. In a sentence: “The NPP is correct in what it affirms, but often wrong in what it denies.” That’s well said. Read what he means at the link (and get a lot more with Yinger’s book — the same spirit there).
Very big fan of yours Dr! I feel that I need to go get a copy of this book. As much as I may sound heretical, I feel that the scriptures are clear that salvation produces good fruit. “100, 60, or 30”. It’s not a matter “for” justification that these works are completed, but rather “because” of it. Jewish traditions(the law) is very different from good works. This is sure to make the Calvinist and Arminian both shutter, which is something I like to do. Let’s take God out of the boxes we try to put him in and let the text speak for itself. I like that the Soveignty of God and Man’s Responsibility are once again allowed to converge without everyone screaming “papist” or “heretic”. Of course, I could be wrong which is why I continue to search the scriptures daily.
Also,
Dr., I would love to get your opinion on something. Could the times statements in Matthew 10 and 24 mean anything other than what they seem in regards to the Parousia? I am not looking for a debate, just and honest unbiased opinion from a scholar that knows way more Greek than I do. Thanks again for your research!
I enjoyed the Bird interview article. It was a good read; I’m not too sure what Michael Bird means by “Reformed”.
(like what’s his brand; european {er-body that’s reformation birthed} or american {nearly synonymous with calvinism}.