The Apostle Paul: His Life, Thought, and Letters
Digital Verbum Edition
Overview
In this comprehensive introduction to the apostle Paul, Stanley Porter devotes serious consideration both to the background and major contours of Paul’s thought and to the unique contributions of each of his letters.
Porter begins by introducing the Pauline tradition and outlining the basics of Paul’s life, the chronology of his ministry, and his several imprisonments. Porter then discusses the background to Paul’s thought, examines some of the major themes of his writings, and treats issues concerning the Pauline epistles, such as pseudonymity and canon.
Finally, Porter delves into all thirteen of Paul’s letters individually, placing them within their historical contexts and examining critical issues relating to the content and interpretation of each letter. The result is a thorough, balanced treatment of one of the most important figures in Christianity.
- Presents an introduction to both Paul as a human and his letters
- Discusses and deconstructs each of Paul’s letters through various contexts
- Part 1: The Pauline Tradition
- Paul the Person
- The Chronology of Paul’s Ministry and His Imprisonments
- Background to Paul’s Thought
- Major Themes of Paul’s Thought and Writings
- The Pauline Letter Form
- Pseudonymity and Formation of the Pauline Canon
- Part 2: The Pauline Letters
- Galatians
- 1–2 Thessalonians
- 1–2 Corinthians
- Romans
- Prison Epistles: Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians
- Pastoral Epistles: 1–2 Timothy, Titus
Top Highlights
“The most likely explanation of what Paul means by being ‘in Christ’ is that one falls within the sphere, power, or control of Christ.” (Page 101)
“The difference, for Dunn, is that the Jew was not concerned with adhering to the law in order to gain God’s favor and be in good standing with him, but that he was interested in obedience to the law in order to mark himself out as a member of God’s community.” (Page 114)
“Paul’s value for the study of the New Testament can be summarized in three major points. First, Paul is probably the earliest writer of the New Testament. Some might put the book of James prior to Paul’s letters.2 Even if Paul was not the earliest, however, he certainly made the most sizable contribution at an early date. Paul is therefore the writer closest to early Christianity in terms of its most significant early events, such as the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which had a crucial role in the formulation of his theology.” (Page 4)
“If this is correct, then Paul was born in Tarsus and received his grammatical education there, before moving to Jerusalem, possibly around the age of thirteen to fifteen, to receive his rabbinical education under Gamaliel.” (Page 13)
“The third purpose was to provide a permanent record of some form of interaction between the sender and receiver.” (Page 141)
This volume is a remarkable synthesis of Stanley Porter’s extensive work on the background, setting, and content of Paul’s letters. Making it clear that historical investigation still counts, Porter addresses a whole array of debates on Paul and his letters with careful and measured judgments. Here is an in-depth introduction to Paul from which both a beginning student and an advanced scholar can profit.
—Mark A. Seifrid, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
In this well-organized and accessibly written book, noted Pauline scholar Stanley Porter surveys both Paul’s letters and traditional introductory questions surrounding them. Although Porter is as brilliantly independent as usual and many of his own conclusions are traditional, he presents fairly the arguments for various positions, enabling critical readers to reach their own conclusions.
—Craig S. Keener, Asbury Theological Seminary
Stan Porter’s work on Paul and his letters represents scholarship at its best. Porter assesses the evidence independently and from a fresh perspective. . . . A tremendous resource for scholars, teachers, pastors, and students.
—Thomas R. Schreiner, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
This book showcases Porter’s ability to integrate history and interpretation. A very satisfying study of Paul’s ministry and letters, this learned work will become a standard in the field of Pauline studies.
—Craig A. Evans, Houston Baptist University
Stanley E. Porter is president, dean, professor of New Testament, and holder of the Roy A. Hope Chair in Christian Worldview at McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton, Ontario.
Reviews
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Matlyn Collins
9/22/2023
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12/8/2018
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7/20/2018
