Paul's Conundrum

Synopsis: Paul is a polarizing figure in biblical history. He was stubborn. He was opinionated. He was an obstinate man. Many women distrust him because some of the language in today's world appears to be misogynistic and advocating for the suppression of women. Others accuse him of being in favor of slavery. However, it is to his own Jewish people that Paul creates the most antipathy and the most divisiveness. Was Paul an anti-Semite? Was Paul a self-hating Jew? Was Paul misunderstood and wrongly accused? This is the debate that has been raging for almost two millennia. Paul's Conundrum seeks to answer these questions through an analysis of his two most controversial passages--1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 and Romans 9:1-5. Amy Downey has sought to reconcile these passages through a conservative, evangelical approach that not only considers the Jewish man Paul, but also Paul the Apostle of Messiah Jesus. Downey considers the historical setting of the two passages, analyzes the exegesis of the passages in question, and seeks to respond to three separate but unique theological controversies that arise out of these letters. Hopefully by the end of this book, the reader will be left with only one question: "Just how far was Paul willing to go to realize the salvation of the Jewish people?" Endorsement: "The lord said about a devout Jew named Paul, 'for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles . . ." I am blessed to be able to say the same about a devout Gentile named Amy Downey, 'for she is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before my people, the children of Israel.' The calling and passion to share Messiah Jesus placed in the heart of a small town Texas Baptist pastor's daughter is a miracle. I have known Amy for almost twenty years and her life is a testament to her Lord. She is diligent, driven, and dedicated to her Savior and Messiah. This work is an example of her faith and life's work. I am simply excited in having an opportunity to share in this worthy endeavor and to have Amy as a friend and co-laborer in Christ." --Dennis Parish Senior Pastor, Needham Road Baptist Church Conroe, Texas Author Biography: Amy Downey is the director of Tzedakah Ministries (www.tzedakahministries.org) and Professor/Director of General Studies at Arlington Baptist College in Arlington, Texas. She is also the author of numerous articles related to Jewish evangelism and Messianic apologetics.