Deeds, Reward, and Divine Mercy: Jewish Views and Pauline Passages

Updated by: 
Shlomo Brand
Research notes: 
SB/07/10/2021 YKC/reader checked/25/01/2022
Reference type: 
Journal Article
Author(s): 
Kister, Menahem
year: 
2021
Full title: 

Deeds, Reward, and Divine Mercy: Jewish Views and Pauline Passages

Journal / Book Title || Series Title: 
Journal for the Study of Judaism
Volume: 
52
Issue / Series Volume: 
4-5
Abbreviated Series Name: 
JSJ
Place of Publication: 
Leiden
Publisher: 
Brill
Pages: 
557-600
Work type: 
Essay/Monograph
Abstract: 

The present article deals with a strand of ancient Jewish theological notions (in rabbinic literature, Fourth Ezra, and elsewhere) and Pauline ones. In these Jewish passages—sharing similar religious sensitivities and using similar terminology—human works stand vis-à-vis God’s mercy and his benevolence (צדקה). In some passages these categories turn out to be in tension in view of human sinfulness, since no human being can comply with the rigid standards of observing God’s commandments, resulting in the emphasis of divine mercy. Paul’s view, according to which “works (of the law)” and “grace” are mutually exclusive, is a radical intensification of this tension. Paul’s distinct ideas display the inherent dynamics of contemporary Jewish notions and reveal the inner tension within Jewish thought of the late Second Temple period, a tension that continued in Jewish writings (including rabbinic literature) after the Second Temple’s destruction.

Primary Texts: Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha: 
Composition / Author: 
Prayer of Manasseh
Composition / Author: 
4 Ezra
URL: 
https://brill.com/view/journals/jsj/52/4-5/article-p557_4.xml?ebody=full%20html-copy1
Label: 
11/10/2021
Record number: 
107 983