The Conversion of the Imagination: Paul as Interpreter of Israel's Scripture

What it's about

Richard B. Hays examines how the Apostle Paul re-read Israel’s scriptures to shape a new identity for Gentile believers. He argues that Paul’s use of the Old Testament was not merely academic, but a transformative act that converted the imagination of the early church to see themselves as part of Israel's story.

Key ideas

• Scriptural Re-reading: Paul interpreted Israel's ancient promises as being fulfilled in the life and death of Jesus.
• Gentile Inclusion: The primary goal of Paul's mission was to graft outsiders into the covenantal history of Israel through the lens of Isaiah.
• Eschatological Outlook: Paul believed he was living in the final age where God’s promises were finally being realized for all nations.
• Trust in Provision: The call to reject hoarding reveals a deeper faith in God’s ability to sustain his people, mirroring the wilderness reliance of ancient Israel.

You'll love this book if...

• You want to understand how the New Testament authors used the Old Testament to build their theology.
• You are looking for a scholarly yet readable exploration of Paul’s actual mission and mindset.
• You enjoy deep dives into biblical hermeneutics and the historical context of early Christianity.

Best for

Students of theology and serious Bible readers who want to bridge the gap between the Old and New Testaments.

Books with the same vibe

• Echoes of Scripture in the Letters of Paul by Richard B. Hays
• The King Jesus Gospel by Scot McKnight
• Paul and the Faithfulness of God by N.T. Wright