Traditionally, Paul is understood as someone who moved away from Judaism to establish a new religion called Christianity, promoting a "Law-free" gospel. This perspective often highlights a fundamental opposition between Paul's teachings and Jewish identity and practice. However, a different interpretation suggests that Paul remained a Jew and continued to practice Judaism as an expression of covenant faithfulness after his experience of Jesus Christ. According to this view, the notion of a "Law-free" Paul is a misreading. Paul’s "Law-free gospel" was specifically for non-Jews, indicating that they were not required to undergo proselyte conversion (like circumcision for males) to become full and equal members of God's people. Paul believed that the awaited age had begun in Christ, allowing people from all nations to worship the One God alongside Israel while retaining their distinct identities. Jews, including Paul himself, were expected to continue observing Torah.
Paul's rhetorical strategy of "becoming all things to all people" involved adapting his arguments to different groups, not abandoning his Jewish convictions or behaviors. He reasoned from his audience's premises to lead them to conclusions about the gospel. His communities were Christ-following Jewish subgroups, where Jews continued to observe Torah, and non-Jews were encouraged to live in a "jewish" way (i.e., according to Jewish norms) without becoming ethnic Jews. The foundational Jewish concept of the Shema (God's oneness) underpins Paul's theology, affirming that God is the God of both Jews and non-Jews, and necessitating the inclusion of all nations.
This re-reading challenges traditional negative valuations of Jewishness in Pauline studies, promoting a more historically accurate understanding of Paul within Judaism and fostering improved Christian-Jewish relations.
Paul And Judaism: Why Not Paul’s Judaism?
How Inter-Christian Approaches to Paul's Rhetoric Can Perpetuate Negative Valuations of Jewishness
The Myth Of The “Law Free” Paul Standing Between Christians And Jews
Paul And The Jewish Tradition: “The Shema”
Pauls Non-Jews Do Not Become Jews; But Maybe They Become “Jewish”