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KENT L. YINGER, Paul, Judaism, and Judgment according to Deeds (SNTSMS 105; Cambridge/New York/Oakleigh: Cambridge University Press, 1999). Pp. xiv + 318. $64.95.
It would seem to be a roaring contradiction to speak of judgment according to deeds in the same breath with justification by faith. Yet, according to Yinger, Paul does just that, without any observable uneasiness. Paul speaks blithely of justification and judgment without fear of being misunderstood, even though he otherwise tended to be sensitive to the possibility of being misconstrued (Rom 6:1-23). The Paul who can unabashedly quote Prov 2:12 (or Ps 62:13) and say that "he will repay everyone according to his deeds: eternal life for those who by patiently doing good strive for glory, honor, and immortality" (Rom 2:6-7) is the same Paul who writes, "We maintain that a human being is justified by faith apart from deeds prescribed by the law" (Rom 3:28). This cannot be viewed as mere rhetorical flourish. It is solid Pauline teaching.
The task to which Y. sets himself, is to demonstrate that Paul's views on the matter concord neatly with the...