The Fear of God in 2 Corinthians 7:1: Its Meaning, Function, and Eschatological Context

(Hardback)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Euichang Kim focuses upon the phrase the fear of God, drawn from 2 Corinthians exhortation to reconcile with God. As opposed to these words appearing from no particular source, Kim points to the wider contexts of Old Testament passages quoted by Paul, and demonstrates that Gods eschatological promises in particular his coming judgment, his promise to redeem his people, and the prospect of a new covenant are intertwined with this motif of fear. Beginning with an analysis of the meaning of fear in both the Old Testament and the New, Kim proceeds to the context of fear within 2 Corinthians, Scripture, the writings of Second Temple Judaism and the very eschatology of Paul, suggesting that it stems from an awareness of Gods judgment to come and serves to motivate righteous behavior. Kim finally argues that, in the context of 2 Corinthians, the fear of God functions as the proper response to Gods saving acts in Christ, and provides motivation for believers to pursue a holy life in anticipation of the eschatological judgment to come.

Reviews

Kims work is appropriate for graduate and scholarly audiences, and would contribute to courses in Pauline Theology and 2 Corinthians. Highly Recommended. * Religious Studies Review *

Author Bio

Euichang Kim is Assistant Professor of New Testament at Torch Trinity Graduate University, South Korea.