The Gnostic Paul: Gnostic Exegesis of the Pauline Letters

This original work demonstrates how evidence from gnostic sources may challenge the assumption that Paul writes his letters to combat "gnostic opponents" & to repudiate their claims to secret wisdom. Drawing upon evidence from the gnostic exegesis of Paul, including several Nag Hammadi texts, she examines how gnostic exegetes cite & interpret key passages in the letters they consider Pauline: 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians & Hebrews. Besides offering new insight into controversies over Paul in the 2nd century, this analysis of gnostic exegesis suggests a new perspective for Pauline study, challenging students & scholars to recognize the presuppositions—hermenuetical & theological—involved in their own reading of Paul's letters.