Ep. #141 – St. Paul and “Works of the Law”

Summary

What did St. Paul mean when he said men are justified by faith apart from “works of the law”? How did early Christians understand this phrase? What should we think about the differences between St. Jerome and St. Augustine on the meaning of this phrase? Is the discussion of “works of law” relevant to interpreting Romans 4 which seems to use “works” and “work” more generally? Dr. Matthew J. Thomas joins us to discuss these questions and more.

Guest Bio

Dr. Thomas holds a DPhil in New Testament and Patristics from the University of Oxford and has published extensively including his recent book, Paul’s “Works of the Law” in the Perspective of Second Century Reception, which received the Jesus Creed “Book of the Year” Award.  He has published numerous articles in publications such as New Testament Studies, Studia Patristica, and Nova et Vetera. He and his wife Leeanne wrote the introduction and commentary for 1 and 2 Maccabees in the Ignatius Study Bible, which is soon to be released. Dr. Thomas has previously served at the University of Oxford, Regent College, St. Patrick’s Seminary, and Franciscan University.His book for the Popular Patristic Series is forthcoming, focusing on Clement of Rome.

Topics

• How did you get interested in studying the Bible at such a deep level?
• What is your book about and what was your purpose in writing it?
• Who has influenced your thinking and work when it comes to Scripture studies?
• What do you think about this typical apologetic line I’ve been using? How might you nuance it?
• Why are Justin and Irenaeus marked as “Category A, direct evidence” and what does that mean?
• Did you find St. Thomas Aquinas to be a helpful source at all for your work on this topic?
• If you don’t like the term “ceremonial law” then what should we use?
• What should we think of Romans 4 which seems to refer to works more generally?
• What else can you tell us about Luther and Calvin’s views on “works of the law”?

Resources

Dr. Matthew J. Thomas (faculty website)

Dr. Matthew J. Thomas’s Academia.edu Page

Iustitia Dei: A History of the Christian Doctrine of Justification by Allister McGrath

Paul’s “Works of the Law” in the Perspective of Second Century Reception

Related Episodes

Ep. #130 – A Lutheran’s Case for Catholicism w/ Dr. Robert Koons