Paul and the Wrath

[Swordman]

I was asked to do a review of Thomas P. Dixon's Paul and the Wrath. The subtitle at the bottom of cover is "Divine Judgment and Mercy for Israel in Romans 9-11." Dixon teaches at Campbell University and it was published by Baylor University.

I have just started reading this, but his approach seems to complement mine (Mercy for All).

I am curious - has anyone read this book yet?

 

[Pancho Frijoles]

I have not, Swordman.

However, to support your interesting thread and open discussion about it, I have asked Perplexity to summarize the content. This is the AI summary:

In his book Paul and the Wrath, Thomas P. Dixon's central thesis is that the Apostle Paul presents God's wrath not as the opposite of mercy, but as a remedial and restorative tool that God uses for salvation. Dixon argues that, specifically in Romans 9–11, God's judgment against Israel is a provisional measure intended to ultimately bring about Israel's salvation.​

​

Dixon's argument is built on these key points:​

​

• Rejection of the Wrath-Mercy Binary Dixon contends that much of Pauline scholarship is skewed by a "false antithesis" that wrongly pits God's wrath against His mercy. This has led interpreters to find contradictions or incoherence in Paul's reasoning in Romans 9–11.
• The Concept of Remedial Wrath To resolve this, Dixon proposes a "distinctly Jewish lens of remedial wrath". He argues that in many biblical and extrabiblical Jewish texts, judgment is depicted as an action that advances mercy. His core argument is that Paul operates within this framework, viewing divine wrath as a means to an end. Paul's logic, according to Dixon, is that "God strikes Israel in wrath in order to heal them".
• Application to Romans 9–11 This concept clarifies the controversial chapters of Romans 9–11, which describe God's judgment and mercy toward Israel. Instead of seeing a contradiction, Dixon suggests Paul is describing a process of "restorative wrath on Israel that leads to mercy on those judged". The ultimate purpose of God's judgment is redemptive.

By re-framing wrath as a purposeful and temporary tool for restoration, Dixon seeks to offer a more coherent interpretation of Paul's theology on judgment, mercy, and atonement​

 

[Swordman]

I have not, Swordman.

However, to support your interesting thread and open discussion about it, I have asked Perplexity to summarize the content. This is the AI summary:

In his book Paul and the Wrath, Thomas P. Dixon's central thesis is that the Apostle Paul presents God's wrath not as the opposite of mercy, but as a remedial and restorative tool that God uses for salvation. Dixon argues that, specifically in Romans 9–11, God's judgment against Israel is a provisional measure intended to ultimately bring about Israel's salvation.​

​

Dixon's argument is built on these key points:​

​

• Rejection of the Wrath-Mercy Binary Dixon contends that much of Pauline scholarship is skewed by a "false antithesis" that wrongly pits God's wrath against His mercy. This has led interpreters to find contradictions or incoherence in Paul's reasoning in Romans 9–11.
• The Concept of Remedial Wrath To resolve this, Dixon proposes a "distinctly Jewish lens of remedial wrath". He argues that in many biblical and extrabiblical Jewish texts, judgment is depicted as an action that advances mercy. His core argument is that Paul operates within this framework, viewing divine wrath as a means to an end. Paul's logic, according to Dixon, is that "God strikes Israel in wrath in order to heal them".
• Application to Romans 9–11 This concept clarifies the controversial chapters of Romans 9–11, which describe God's judgment and mercy toward Israel. Instead of seeing a contradiction, Dixon suggests Paul is describing a process of "restorative wrath on Israel that leads to mercy on those judged". The ultimate purpose of God's judgment is redemptive.

By re-framing wrath as a purposeful and temporary tool for restoration, Dixon seeks to offer a more coherent interpretation of Paul's theology on judgment, mercy, and atonement​

Pancho, Thanks for the post. He raises these points in the introduction as well. I would agree with him that wrath can be restorative. That was the point of the exile.

I am doing the review for SBL/RBL, so I cannot use AI, but thanks anyway.

My book, Mercy for All, focuses on the defense of Israel by Paul, with a missional approach to Romans 11.

 

[Grace ambassador]

Paul and Wrath?:

Reminds me of: Undiluted Wrath and Undiluted Grace!

Amen.

 

[mikesw]

I assume the book basically expands his paper from 2014.
#judgement-for-israel-the-marriage-of-wrath-and-mercy-in-romans

 

[mikesw]

I have been going through the book. I'm trying to finish chapter 2 on Provisional Wrath

 

[Victoria]

The Day of the Lord
(1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)

But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them,
as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love;
and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

 

[atpollard]

Perhaps I am a dullard, but after almost 2000 years of wrath since Paul penned Romans, have the original “chosen people” returned to God through His Son in droves, yet?

“The proof of the pudding is in the eating.” - 14th Century British proverb

 

[Swordman]

I assume the book basically expands his paper from 2014.
#judgement-for-israel-the-marriage-of-wrath-and-mercy-in-romans

I believe that is the case.

 

[mikesw]

The first three chapters (introduction chapter and then chapters 1 and 2) provide a great overview of the historical perspectives held on the wrath. I have wanted to address that topic ever since encountering Hanson's book Wrath of the Lamb which failed to connect any NT wrath with the OT context.
The second chapter maybe be useful for its coverage and observations on Isaiah. However, he does not cover much context for the prophecies involving the troubles of the Israel people and the outcomes. Instead he just picks out certain patterns with the often idea of wrath followed by mercy. Sometimes he correctly points out that only the obedient ones would have mercy. However, that is bad news for most and only identifies some as enjoying that mercy. Daniel 9 would provide a more specific assessment of the situation. I feel his case for wrath followed by mercy then was imbalanced and overstated.
I do appreciate his mention of the times when the OT was of most interest versus being overlooked. The scan of a good breadth of key interpreters of scripture around the idea of wrath is useful.

 

[Swordman]

The first three chapters (introduction chapter and then chapters 1 and 2) provide a great overview of the historical perspectives held on the wrath. I have wanted to address that topic ever since encountering Hanson's book Wrath of the Lamb which failed to connect any NT wrath with the OT context.
The second chapter maybe be useful for its coverage and observations on Isaiah. However, he does not cover much context for the prophecies involving the troubles of the Israel people and the outcomes. Instead he just picks out certain patterns with the often idea of wrath followed by mercy. Sometimes he correctly points out that only the obedient ones would have mercy. However, that is bad news for most and only identifies some as enjoying that mercy. Daniel 9 would provide a more specific assessment of the situation. I feel his case for wrath followed by mercy then was imbalanced and overstated.
I do appreciate his mention of the times when the OT was of most interest versus being overlooked. The scan of a good breadth of key interpreters of scripture around the idea of wrath is useful.

Mike, Thanks for the review of the first two chapters. I am just getting started on the reading. I needed to complete another project first.

I rather like this idea of a joint review of a piece of literature. I think it would make a profitable forum thread and, as Gorman always noted, "theology is best done in community." Civic - is there a group for this type of activity, or could there be one?

 

[mikesw]

Mike, Thanks for the review of the first two chapters. I am just getting started on the reading. I needed to complete another project first.

I rather like this idea of a joint review of a piece of literature. I think it would make a profitable forum thread and, as Gorman always noted, "theology is best done in community." Civic - is there a group for this type of activity, or could there be one?

i was sort of being tested with a request to write a book review. I had not been familiar enough with the conventions and not practiced enough to identify key elements of a writing down to a typical review. Maybe this will lead to a better review like those in the journals.
You are tricky getting someone to read it first. kidding. But I thought maybe you had already read it.

 

[civic]

Mike, Thanks for the review of the first two chapters. I am just getting started on the reading. I needed to complete another project first.

I rather like this idea of a joint review of a piece of literature. I think it would make a profitable forum thread and, as Gorman always noted, "theology is best done in community." Civic - is there a group for this type of activity, or could there be one?

Yes I will see if our @Administrator can create its own sub forum. Great idea

 

[Administrator]

Yes I will see if our @Administrator can create its own sub forum. Great idea

Like "Book Reviews?

 

[mikesw]

you could just put the discussion in the Romans section. A Book Reviews section might be good for the final reviews.

Edited: I hope this point does not interfere with Swordman's preference.

 

[Administrator]

Here it is

Thread 'Discussion of Romans'

Monday at 9:57 AM

This Theard is for 'Discussion of Romans" as the title says. I'll start it off with a short introduction.

Author: Paul the apostle
Date: A.D. 57–58
Background: Though both Paul and Peter were apparently martyred in Rome, it is unlikely that either was the founder of the church in that city. Possibly some who were converted on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:10) carried the gospel back to the imperial city; or it may be that converts of Paul or of other apostles founded the church there. We do know that the membership was predominantly Gentile (Romans1:13; 11:13; 15:15–16).

Overview: Paul’s...

• Administrator
• Replies: 14
• Forum: Discussion of Books of the Bible

 

[mikesw]

I finished reading it. Maybe I rushed through the conclusion chapter to get the reading done.

It has content that will help me on some projects at various stages. But I will have to go through my notes and summarize and highlight what he shares in each chapter to get a proper review written. The published reviews basically begin with the summary of the content so people know whether the book is on the topic they like. That part of the review can be followed by reactions more from the reviewer's experience.