Paul and Union with Christ: An Exegetical and Theological Study

A thorough and exhaustive survey of all the Biblical verses that explicitly or implicitly conveys Paul's theme of union with Christ within his epistles.Campbell starts with brief discussions of how major Biblical scholars, like Deismann to Barth to Gorman, view union with Christ, defines certain theological concepts like mysticism, sacramentalism, deification, and the "body of Christ," to finally engage the everyplace in Paul's writings where he refers to or suggests union with Christ explicitly or implicitly, e.g. "in Christ," "through Christ," "by Him" (i.e. "by Christ"); he even discusses those texts where Paul metaphorically refers to union with Christ as believers being, for example, the "body," "temple," and "building" of Christ.Campbell then pursues a theological study, that is, the significance of union with Christ as it relates to the work of Christ, the Trinity, Christian ethics, justification, and defines it as participation with, identification, and incorporation into Christ. He even considers union with Christ in relation to eschatology. Campbell closes his exhaustive study making suggestions and directions for future study and research discussing the importance and structure of Paul's theology as it relates to union with Christ.This is a necessary read for anyone considering a serious study on the topic of union with Christ in the thought of Paul the apostle. Since Campbell, apparently, minutely goes through every verse in Paul's writings on the issue, I contend it should be the first book before any other books relating to a study of union with Christ.

I'm just a novice when it comes to this level of in-depth doctrinal study, but I'm loving it. The Greek lessons are helping me to improve my fledgling understanding of the language, giving me a strong desire and realization of how important understanding the Biblical languages are for learning God's intended purposes in His word, particularly when it comes to understanding the breadth and depth of our union with Christ and all that it means and symbolizes. For who desire to move on from the milk to the meat, this book is for you.

This is perhaps the most thorough presentation from all perspectives written. Starting with detailed exegetical work Campbell then moves into analyzing what this means. He covers predecessors work thoughtfully and then suggests his own view. Almost encyclopedic in its breadth.

Paul and Union...arrived in new condition, quickly. I was very happy with my purchase. Campbell has given me what I have look for for years. This term of Pauline phraseology has puzzled me for decades. I tended to lean to the mystical side.

Campbell's careful analysis of 'in Christ' both exegetically and theologically assists greatly in understanding how this concept is to be understood. In particular, the way in which 'en Christw' is employed slightly differently in various texts is highlighted for the exegete. I recommend the book without reservation.

Wow! I knew this book was highly regarded on the influential subject of union with Christ. I’ve seen Constantine Campbell’s name show up all over this issue as well. What surprised me, though, is this book’s laudable design. I cannot think of a more ideal way to examine Paul’s relationship to the theological subject of union with Christ than to simply exegete every passage in the epistles of Paul that touch on the subject. Along the way, Campbell tackles “in Christ”, “through Christ”, “into Christ”, as well as every other conceivable expression on the subject. In addition to exegeting each passage, he outlines the possible uses of the word and categorizes each passage as to its likely usage.Before all those passages are exegeted, there are two chapters that cover introductory matters and a history of the issue seen through the eyes of the major theological players that have most contributed to how the debate has gone. There’s a lot to evaluate there as Campbell does a fine job explaining the strengths and weaknesses of each theologian. After chapters 3 through 7 exegete all those passages, there are several chapters of theological study. More terms are defined and exegeted as well as major concepts of participation like the body of Christ, Temple and building, marriage, dying and rising with Christ, and the new Adam being explained. There’s one chapter that well explains Trinitarian issues and another that tackles the often-debated relationship of union with Christ and justification. The twelveth chapter defines union with Christ with all the information we gained throughout the book and there’s one final chapter on implications and future directions that will really appeal to scholars. Fortunately, there’s a scriptural index that will make this volume as wonderful a reference as it is a theological read.To my mind, this volume is without peer for the needs of Bible students and pastors on union with Christ. Without a doubt, it will be my go-to volume.

Not practical enough.

Its definitely not and easy going book, but i don't know any greek neither do i study theology academically and yet i've enjoyed reading it. Its pretty much what it says on the front cover as well. Constantine (anyone with a name like that knows what there talking about) basically goes through each instance of "in Christ", "by Christ", "through Christ" etc that there is in Pauls epistles, so although i read it from cover to cover, its definitely a book you could dip in to when you want deeper understanding on a specific verse that contains an union with christ phrase.chances are if your looking at this book as possible purchase then its gonna be useful for you, its going to help you understand the wider context surrounding union with Christ, and then hopefully clear up any confusion you may have had about specific verses. The only complaint i have is that the chapter titles are in Greek, and theres lots of little untranslated bits of greek strewn throughout the book and so i had to work out what exactly was being referred to in the chapters (wether "in Christ" or "through Christ" etc), write it down in the margin, then keep turning back to work out what greek phrase he was on about. essentially it seems as though the author assumes some greek knowledge.

Un traitement excellent, très complet, qui commence par l'exégèse des phrases, survole les différentes perspectives. Très enrichissant, conduit une bonne réflexion!

It helped me write an essay but quite difficult to understand some of it.