Did the Reformers Misread Paul?

By placing the Reformation doctrine of justification in its historical-theological context against the backdrop of late medieval Catholic theology, O'Kelley demonstrates that the real nature of the debate between Rome and the Reformers was not grace vs. works per se but rather the Reformation's clear law-gospel distinction vs. Rome's law-gospel synthesis. This extraordinary study seeks to allow the Reformers and their heirs a fair hearing in the current debate over Paul's doctrine of justification, a courtesy that they have too often been denied.

'Aaron O'Kelley demonstrates that Roman Catholicism in the 16th century was not Pelagian but, at worst, semi-Pelagian. They promulgated a theology of grace as well, but the Reformers taught a radically different theology of grace. O'Kelley shows convincingly that the portrait of Roman Catholicism painted by many new perspective advocates needs to be redone.' '
Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, USA

'Carefully researched and argued, Aaron O'Kelley's monograph offers a refreshing engagement of New Testament scholarship from the perspective of historical and systematic theology.'
Kevin W. McFadden, Assistant Professor of New Testament, Cairn University, USA

'Several urgent questions confront the Christian church today, but few are more urgent than the question Aaron O'Kelley addresses in this book. Did the Reformers Misread Paul? Thankfully, they certainly did not. But against the backdrop of misreadings new and old, Aaron O'Kelley brings a clear affirmation of both Paul and the Reformation interpretation of the great Apostle.'
R. Albert Mohler, Jr. President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, USA

'Part of the polemic surrounding the new perspective on Paul has focused on the historical context of debates about justification. Central to this has been the important question as to whether the Reformers read Paul correctly or not. In this work, Dr. O'Kelley has made a significant contribution to clarifying this vital but hotly contested point.'
Carl R. Trueman, Paul Woolley Professor of Church History, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, USA


Aaron O'Kelley is teacher of Bible, Latin, and Rhetoric at Augustine School, Director of Pastoral Apprentice Program, Cornerstone Community Church, and Adjunct Professor of Christian Studies, Union University, Jackson, TN