The Relationship of Jewish and Gentile Believers to the Law Between A.D. 30 and 70 in the Scripture

179 And while it is true that some Jews and even Peter himself, at times, may have emphasized the exclusive nature of "covenantal nomism" (pace Dunn, Howard), once again the phrase hardly refers to a misuse or misunderstanding of the law. In short, Epywv voµou should be understood as a genitive of source with the sense "deeds commanded by the law" and the phrase oaot l~ Epywv voµou would then refer to those who find their identity in the law, referring to the Jewish people. 10 1 This would also explain why Paul can move so easily from the phrase l~ Epywv voµou to the simple voµoc;. 102 The "deeds of the law" are not a moral perversion of the law or a twisted use of it but simply the proper response to its demands . Doing the deeds of the law or obeying the law was how one demonstrated his allegiance to the law . The task left at this point is to see if this understanding harmonizes with the introduction of the letter and makes good sense as Paul uses it in 2 :16 in his response to Peter at Antioch. 103 Narrative Definition. Paul's first story in chapter two utilizes the Gentile believer , Titus , as a test case and concerns the agreement between the "pillars" and Paul. The recognition which Paul received in Jerusalem was not simply a recognition of his person but more importantly of his unique call and ministry . Peter , James and John recognized that Paul's ministry was unique in that he preached to the uncircumci ed in di tinction to the Peter who preached to the ci rcumcised. The nature of the di ffe rence wa not one betwe n ' 1 gali t" Biblical ommentary 41 (Dalla : Word Book , 1990) , 86 . 101 Gordon, "The Problem at Galatia," 38 . 102 r xample , 2 :16t 2 :19andal o3 :10to :11 , 1 . rm :10 nh t the impl ' l w." 103 Alth u h 1t i dif icult t t II aul ' tu I nd nd hi n t th r propo itw b in , it i r th t lit r ril Anti t h itu t1 n I