Preaching from the Cross
Paul’s Theology of Proclamation
About
Much has been written about the life, ministry, and theology of the apostle Paul. But what about Paul specifically as a preacher? How did he understand his commission from the risen Lord Jesus to preach the gospel, and how did he put it into practice? Further, what lessons can contemporary preachers learn from Paul about the theology and practice of preaching to help them be more faithful messengers of God's Word?
As a leading Pauline scholar and practicing pastor, Frank Matera has considered these questions, and he offers this short, accessible book to pastors and students as wise and helpful guidance. Matera explores a Pauline theology of preaching, focusing on three main questions: Why did Paul preach? What did he preach? And how did he preach? He also explores Paul's preaching as the ministry of the new covenant. He identifies and explores seven themes of Paul's preaching, which in turn offer key practical insights for preaching in a Pauline way. Readers are encouraged to "preach from the cross," making the crucified Christ their focus and their model, demonstrating what they preach by their own cruciform lives.
Introduction: Paul's Theology of Preaching
1. Why Paul Preached
2. What Paul Preached
3. How Paul Preached
4. Preaching as the Ministry of a New Covenant
5. Seven Theses for Pauline Preaching
Conclusion: Preaching from the Cross
For Further Study
Indexes
Endorsements
"Filling a gap in recent Pauline studies, scholar-pastor Frank Matera once again brings his considerable exegetical and homiletical skills to the apostle Paul, specifically to his preaching. Anyone who reads and absorbs this small but significant--and deeply spiritual--book will be a better interpreter of Paul the preacher and a better preacher of the powerful gospel of the cross and resurrection that Paul proclaimed."
Michael J. Gorman, Raymond E. Brown Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology, St. Mary's Seminary & University
"Frank Matera has brought a lifelong passion for Paul to this powerful book, directed to all Christian preachers and readers. It is easier to preach on the Gospel stories than on the Pauline gospel. But our preaching will be enriched if we consider carefully why Paul preached, what he preached, and how he preached. The book contains a carefully nuanced presentation of Paul the preacher and the message he preached: the new creation made universally available in and through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Not only does Matera guide all who exercise the ministry of preaching in the Christian church. He also reminds us that we must practice what we preach. Preaching 'is a ministry of living the gospel one proclaims.' This sentiment has long been credited to Francis of Assisi: Preach the gospel at all times. Occasionally you may have to say something."
Francis J. Moloney, SDB, Catholic Theological College, University of Divinity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
"In this unique, integrative volume, a distinguished biblical theologian and experienced practitioner of preaching articulates the theology of preaching he discerns in the Pauline corpus, reflecting on why, what, and how Paul preached, thereby clarifying why, what, and how we should preach today. Readers called to the ministry of proclamation will come away with a renewed sense of the vital importance of this lifelong and life-changing task and invaluable food for thought about what it means to preach with integrity in a Pauline manner, from the perspective of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection."
Frances Taylor Gench, Herbert Worth and Annie H. Jackson Professor of Biblical Interpretation, Union Presbyterian Seminary
"Frank Matera's latest offering in his long career of cogent and insightful theological and exegetical studies of the New Testament presents Paul's preaching first in its original context, then discusses how it can continue to be effective across time. This volume explores Paul's preaching from the cross through his theology of proclamation. Focusing on the why, what, and how of Paul's preaching, Matera presents comprehensive theses for integrating Paul's gift of preaching into a necessary challenge for incisive and active homiletics today."
Sherri Brown, professor of theology, Creighton University
"Frank Matera is a renowned interpreter of Paul's letters and theology. With this slim volume, he adds to his impressive portfolio by offering an insightful exposition of Paul's theology and practice of preaching, covering all aspects of this significant but overlooked topic. This book should be required reading for all preachers of the Word from any denomination, but it also offers a wider audience a superb summary of Paul's unparalleled proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ."
Ronald D. Witherup, PSS, St. Mary's Seminary & University
The Author
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Frank J. Matera
Frank J. Matera (PhD, Union Theological Seminary, Richmond) is professor emeritus of The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, where he taught New Testament for many years. He recently served as pastor at St. Mary's Church in Simsbury,...
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