The crux of election

Sigurd Grindheim anlyzes the relationship between Paul and contemporary Judaism by investigating Paul's understanding of Israel's election. In 2 Cor 11:16-12:10 and Phil 3:1-11 Paul rejects election-based privileges as basis for confidence before God. The author argues that, for Paul, the elect identity can only be rightly conceived of as entailing conformity to Christ and his cross. Jewish election-based confidence is critiqued because it does not conform to this pattern. Finally, the author analyzes Rom 9-11, where Paul approaches the question of Israel's election from a more positive angle. In light of the results reached, the study concludes with a critique of the new perspective on Paul.