I had a good book buying day yesterday. I went to the Mecca of bookstores, namely Powell’s Books here in Portland, OR. I went to the Christianity section and I went to the shelf or two where books on Paul are kept. There were many great books that I did not get, but let me brag about those that I did.

First, I found Reconciliation: A Study of Paul’s Theology by Ralph P. Martin for $2.50! Martin is one of many who have rethought justification as the center of Pauline theology. For Martin it is reconciliation.

Second, I found Paul, Apostle of the Heart Set Free by F.F. Bruce for $6.50! This is a modern classic on Paul. And Bruce is respected by almost everyone, everywhere.

Third, and last, but not least, I found Rereading Paul Together: Protestant and Catholic Perspective on Justification for $9.99! This book was generated by the 1999 “Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification”. It is edited by David E. Aune of Notre Dame and it includes contributions by the likes of Michael Root, J.A. Fitzmyer, and Margret Mitchell, amongst others.

Portland, O Portland, how I love thee for being home to the greatest bookstore known to humanity!