Paul: The Pagan's Apostle by Paula Fredriksen Summary

Paul: The Pagans' Apostle examines the apostle Paul’s mission to integrate Gentiles into early Christianity while maintaining their ethnic identity as non-Jews. Fredriksen argues that Paul, rooted in Jewish apocalyptic thought, envisioned Gentiles abandoning pagan practices to worship Israel’s God through Christ—without requiring full conversion to Judaism (e.g., circumcision). The book situates Paul’s theology within Roman-era Jewish diversity and Gentile social dynamics.

This book is ideal for scholars and students of early Christianity, Jewish-Christian relations, or New Testament studies. It also appeals to readers interested in historical analyses of Paul’s letters, Gentile inclusion in apocalyptic Judaism, or critiques of traditional Christian interpretations of Paul’s teachings.

Fredriksen contends that Paul remained a devout Jew, viewing Gentile inclusion as fulfillment of Jewish eschatological hopes—not a rejection of Judaism. She emphasizes that Paul required Gentiles to abandon pagan idolatry but not adopt Jewish law, framing baptism as marking their inclusion in God’s covenant. The book challenges stereotypes of Paul as a “founder of Christianity”.

Fredriksen distinguishes “Gentiles” (non-Jewish ethnic groups) from “pagans” (those practicing idolatrous religions). Paul’s mission, she argues, aimed to transform pagans into Gentiles aligned with Israel’s God—abandoning polytheism but retaining ethnic distinction from Jews. This nuanced terminology clarifies Paul’s inclusive yet boundary-aware theology.

The book draws on Paul’s letters, Second Temple Jewish texts (e.g., Dead Sea Scrolls), and Roman-era inscriptions. Fredriksen contextualizes Pauline theology within Jewish apocalyptic expectations and Greco-Roman cultic practices, contrasting it with later Christian interpretations.

Unlike traditions framing Paul as rejecting Judaism, Fredriksen portrays him as a Jewish thinker expecting imminent divine intervention. She rejects the notion that Paul invented Christian theology, instead presenting his teachings as deeply rooted in Jewish messianism and eschatology.

Fredriksen critiques modern projections of Christian theology onto Paul’s Jewish worldview. She challenges assumptions that Paul opposed Torah observance for Jews or viewed Judaism as obsolete, arguing these misreadings stem from later church conflicts, not Paul’s writings.

While Sanders highlighted Judaism’s covenantal grace, Fredriksen focuses on Paul’s apocalyptic urgency and Gentile-specific ethics. Both scholars reject caricatures of legalistic Judaism but differ in emphasizing Paul’s eschatological timetable vs. Sanders’ “participationist eschatology”.

The book explores Romans 11:25-26 (Gentiles’ role in Israel’s redemption) and Galatians 3:28 (unity in Christ). Fredriksen interprets these as apocalyptic declarations, not theological universalism, stressing Paul’s expectation of imminent cosmic transformation.

Some scholars argue Fredriksen overemphasizes Jewish apocalypticism, underplaying Paul’s ethical teachings. Others note the dense academic style may challenge general readers. However, the book is widely praised for recontextualizing Paul within Second Temple Judaism.

By framing Paul as a Jew addressing Gentiles, Fredriksen undermines supersessionist theology. Her work supports interfaith dialogue by reclaiming Paul’s Jewish identity and challenging historical anti-Judaism in Christian interpretations.

Fredriksen’s focus on Roman-era social dynamics and Gentile-specific ethics offers fresh insights. Unlike doctrinal analyses, she prioritizes historical context, revealing how Paul’s Jewish worldview shaped his mission to pagan communities.