A short-hand term used by scholars of Paul meaning "the center, heart, or organizing principle of Paul's theology." Since Paul did not write a systematic theology, what we understand of his theology can only be gleaned from his letters, which, as occasional writings, only provide us with "snapshots" of his theological thinking. Suggestions for such a Pauline center include "justification by faith," "the saving acts of God," "salvation history," "the work of Christ as the center of redemptive history," etc.
For a very useful summary and discussion, see Colin G. Kruse, Paul's Letter to the Romans (Pillar New Testament Commentary; Grand Rapids/Nottingham: Eerdmans/Apollos, 2012), 31-33.
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