Overview

"In this definitive biography, renowned Bible scholar, Anglican bishop, and bestselling author N. T. Wright offers a radical look at the apostle Paul, illuminating the humanity and remarkable achievements of this intellectual who invented Christian theology—transforming a faith and changing the world. For centuries, Paul, the apostle who ""saw the light on the Road to Damascus"" and made a miraculous conversion from zealous Pharisee persecutor to devoted follower of Christ, has been one of the church’s most widely cited saints. While his influence on Christianity has been profound, N. T. Wright argues that Bible scholars and pastors have focused so much attention on Paul’s letters and theology that they have too often overlooked the essence of the man’s life and the extreme unlikelihood of what he achieved. To Wright, ""The problem is that Paul is central to any understanding of earliest Christianity, yet Paul was a Jew; for many generations Christians of all kinds have struggled to put this together."" Wright contends that our knowledge of Paul and appreciation for his legacy cannot be complete without an understanding of his Jewish heritage. Giving us a thoughtful, in-depth exploration of the human and intellectual drama that shaped Paul, Wright provides greater clarity of the apostle’s writings, thoughts, and ideas and helps us see them in a fresh, innovative way. Paul is a compelling modern biography that reveals the apostle’s greater role in Christian history—as an inventor of new paradigms for how we understand Jesus and what he accomplished—and celebrates his stature as one of the most effective and influential intellectuals in human history."

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9780061730597

Table of Contents

Reviews

Compelling . . . a magnificent biography worthy of a wide readership. --Church Times Substantive yet accessible, Paul provides a 432-page exploration of the Apostle's beginnings, his missionary journeys, his struggles and passion, and much more. --The Christian Post A fresh look at the Jewish heritage and the essential place in Christian history of the man converted on the road to Damascus. --Tampa Bay Times The great N.T. Wright [offers] this grand biography of Paul. An exciting book. --The Eric Metaxas Show Paul is a compelling modern biography that reveals the apostle's greater role in Christian history--as an inventor of new paradigms for how we understand Jesus and what he accomplished--and celebrates his stature as one of the most effective and influential intellectuals in human history. --Englewood Review of Books One of Wright's best books . . . Eloquent and moving. --Bible and Culture As lucid as it is salient, this book is a must-read for all readers of the New Testament and all interpreters of early Christianity. --Paul N. Anderson, author of From Crisis to Christ Wright draws from a lifetime of study to construct this useful biography. Accessible and engrossing . . . Wright looks to the realities of what Paul dealt with . . . anxieties, broken relationships, beatings, imprisonments [revealing] a very human Paul. . . . An excellent introduction. --Kirkus (starred review) A compelling, erudite, and readable biography of the most seminal Christian theologian by one of today's most celebrated Paul interpreters. --Miroslav Volf, Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology at Yale University and author of Flourishing Written with the usual Wright combination of erudition, intuition, mature wit, and wisdom, Paul should serve us well as we seek to unlock the keys to the first great Christian theologian. --Dr. Ben Witherington, III, Amos Professor of NT for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary An enthralling journey into the mind of Paul by one of the great theologians of our time, a work full of insight, depth and generosity of understanding. --Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, author of Not in God's Name In his monumental, meticulously detailed and elegant study, Wright presents a fascinating portrait of a man who went from persecuting Christians to being their biggest advocate. --BookPage A very deep dive into Paul. Professor Wright has such a gift in taking truth and presenting it [so] it just comes alive. I can't say enough about it. I love the book --Relevant Radio The most winsome feature is the way Wright paints Paul as a . . . three-dimensional, many-sided, complicated human being. Paul: A Biography is a bright, provocative, imaginative, and often brilliant book. --The Gospel Coalition Walking a fine line between presenting a fresh perspective in Pauline theology and reworking the Pauline corpus according to his own biblical theology, Wright's work, although intended for the informed layperson, will spark much debate among scholars and students. --Library Journal C. S. Lewis spoke of three artistically construed figures who jump off the page--Plato's Socrates, Boswell's Johnson, and the evangelists' Jesus. I am tempted to add a fourth candidate, having encountered Tom Wright's careful, tender, and bracing enfleshment of the apostle Paul! --Edith M. Humphrey, William F. Orr Professor of New Testament, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Nobody who preaches on Paul or ever interested in Paul's life and message will want to miss this treatment of him by N.T. Wright. It sheds fresh light on Paul's ministry, theology and personhood, and it does so in a gripping and readable way. --John Ortberg, Senior Pastor of Menlo Church Brings alive not only Paul but also the communities where he formed churches and the religious ideas swirling around them. . . . This highly readable volume gives those interested in biblical history something to argue about and plenty to ponder. --Booklist (starred review) Wright's excellent book not only brings Paul to life but places that life in the complex and overlapping array of Jewish and non-Jewish communities, all set within the Roman empire. --John Richardson, Emeritus Professor of Classics, University of Edinburgh NT Wright takes the most controversial and influential author of scripture and does something remarkable: he humanizes Paul. I was hooked from the first page. --Mike McHargue, author of Finding God in the Waves as co-host of The Liturgists Podcast The life of one of Christianity's founders is told by renowned biblical scholar N.T. Wright, who believes that in focusing on Paul's letters and theology, scholars and pastors have not considered Paul as a person and in the context of his times. --Publishers Weekly In eloquent and inviting prose, one of the world's leading New Testament scholars retells the story behind the story, the story of the Apostle Paul. A master teacher here communicates Paul in language every reader can understand. --Craig S. Keener, F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of New Testament, Asbury Theological Seminary

Substantive yet accessible, Paul provides a 432-page exploration of the Apostle's beginnings, his missionary journeys, his struggles and passion, and much more. --The Christian Post A fresh look at the Jewish heritage and the essential place in Christian history of the man converted on the road to Damascus. --Tampa Bay Times In his monumental, meticulously detailed and elegant study, Wright presents a fascinating portrait of a man who went from persecuting Christians to being their biggest advocate. --BookPage The great N.T. Wright [offers] this grand biography of Paul. An exciting book. --The Eric Metaxas Show A very deep dive into Paul. Professor Wright has such a gift in taking truth and presenting it [so] it just comes alive. I can't say enough about it. I love the book --Relevant Radio Paul is a compelling modern biography that reveals the apostle's greater role in Christian history--as an inventor of new paradigms for how we understand Jesus and what he accomplished--and celebrates his stature as one of the most effective and influential intellectuals in human history. --Englewood Review of Books The most winsome feature is the way Wright paints Paul as a . . . three-dimensional, many-sided, complicated human being. Paul: A Biography is a bright, provocative, imaginative, and often brilliant book. --The Gospel Coalition One of Wright's best books . . . Eloquent and moving. --Bible and Culture Walking a fine line between presenting a fresh perspective in Pauline theology and reworking the Pauline corpus according to his own biblical theology, Wright's work, although intended for the informed layperson, will spark much debate among scholars and students. --Library Journal As lucid as it is salient, this book is a must-read for all readers of the New Testament and all interpreters of early Christianity. --Paul N. Anderson, author of From Crisis to Christ C. S. Lewis spoke of three artistically construed figures who jump off the page--Plato's Socrates, Boswell's Johnson, and the evangelists' Jesus. I am tempted to add a fourth candidate, having encountered Tom Wright's careful, tender, and bracing enfleshment of the apostle Paul! --Edith M. Humphrey, William F. Orr Professor of New Testament, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Wright draws from a lifetime of study to construct this useful biography. Accessible and engrossing . . . Wright looks to the realities of what Paul dealt with . . . anxieties, broken relationships, beatings, imprisonments [revealing] a very human Paul. . . . An excellent introduction. --Kirkus (starred review) Nobody who preaches on Paul or ever interested in Paul's life and message will want to miss this treatment of him by N.T. Wright. It sheds fresh light on Paul's ministry, theology and personhood, and it does so in a gripping and readable way. --John Ortberg, Senior Pastor of Menlo Church Brings alive not only Paul but also the communities where he formed churches and the religious ideas swirling around them. . . . This highly readable volume gives those interested in biblical history something to argue about and plenty to ponder. --Booklist (starred review) A compelling, erudite, and readable biography of the most seminal Christian theologian by one of today's most celebrated Paul interpreters. --Miroslav Volf, Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology at Yale University and author of Flourishing Wright's excellent book not only brings Paul to life but places that life in the complex and overlapping array of Jewish and non-Jewish communities, all set within the Roman empire. --John Richardson, Emeritus Professor of Classics, University of Edinburgh Written with the usual Wright combination of erudition, intuition, mature wit, and wisdom, Paul should serve us well as we seek to unlock the keys to the first great Christian theologian. --Dr. Ben Witherington, III, Amos Professor of NT for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary NT Wright takes the most controversial and influential author of scripture and does something remarkable: he humanizes Paul. I was hooked from the first page. --Mike McHargue, author of Finding God in the Waves as co-host of The Liturgists Podcast An enthralling journey into the mind of Paul by one of the great theologians of our time, a work full of insight, depth and generosity of understanding. --Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, author of Not in God's Name The life of one of Christianity's founders is told by renowned biblical scholar N.T. Wright, who believes that in focusing on Paul's letters and theology, scholars and pastors have not considered Paul as a person and in the context of his times. --Publishers Weekly In eloquent and inviting prose, one of the world's leading New Testament scholars retells the story behind the story, the story of the Apostle Paul. A master teacher here communicates Paul in language every reader can understand. --Craig S. Keener, F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of New Testament, Asbury Theological Seminary

Compelling . . . a magnificent biography worthy of a wide readership. --Church Times Paul is a compelling modern biography that reveals the apostle's greater role in Christian history--as an inventor of new paradigms for how we understand Jesus and what he accomplished--and celebrates his stature as one of the most effective and influential intellectuals in human history. --Englewood Review of Books A compelling, erudite, and readable biography of the most seminal Christian theologian by one of today's most celebrated Paul interpreters. --Miroslav Volf, Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology at Yale University and author of Flourishing A fresh look at the Jewish heritage and the essential place in Christian history of the man converted on the road to Damascus. --Tampa Bay Times A very deep dive into Paul. Professor Wright has such a gift in taking truth and presenting it [so] it just comes alive. I can't say enough about it. I love the book --Relevant Radio An enthralling journey into the mind of Paul by one of the great theologians of our time, a work full of insight, depth and generosity of understanding. --Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, author of Not in God's Name As lucid as it is salient, this book is a must-read for all readers of the New Testament and all interpreters of early Christianity. --Paul N. Anderson, author of From Crisis to Christ Brings alive not only Paul but also the communities where he formed churches and the religious ideas swirling around them. . . . This highly readable volume gives those interested in biblical history something to argue about and plenty to ponder. --Booklist (starred review) C. S. Lewis spoke of three artistically construed figures who jump off the page--Plato's Socrates, Boswell's Johnson, and the evangelists' Jesus. I am tempted to add a fourth candidate, having encountered Tom Wright's careful, tender, and bracing enfleshment of the apostle Paul! --Edith M. Humphrey, William F. Orr Professor of New Testament, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary In eloquent and inviting prose, one of the world's leading New Testament scholars retells the story behind the story, the story of the Apostle Paul. A master teacher here communicates Paul in language every reader can understand. --Craig S. Keener, F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of New Testament, Asbury Theological Seminary In his monumental, meticulously detailed and elegant study, Wright presents a fascinating portrait of a man who went from persecuting Christians to being their biggest advocate. --BookPage Nobody who preaches on Paul or ever interested in Paul's life and message will want to miss this treatment of him by N.T. Wright. It sheds fresh light on Paul's ministry, theology and personhood, and it does so in a gripping and readable way. --John Ortberg, Senior Pastor of Menlo Church NT Wright takes the most controversial and influential author of scripture and does something remarkable: he humanizes Paul. I was hooked from the first page. --Mike McHargue, author of Finding God in the Waves as co-host of The Liturgists Podcast One of Wright's best books . . . Eloquent and moving. --Bible and Culture Substantive yet accessible, Paul provides a 432-page exploration of the Apostle's beginnings, his missionary journeys, his struggles and passion, and much more. --The Christian Post The great N.T. Wright [offers] this grand biography of Paul. An exciting book. --The Eric Metaxas Show The life of one of Christianity's founders is told by renowned biblical scholar N.T. Wright, who believes that in focusing on Paul's letters and theology, scholars and pastors have not considered Paul as a person and in the context of his times. --Publishers Weekly The most winsome feature is the way Wright paints Paul as a . . . three-dimensional, many-sided, complicated human being. Paul: A Biography is a bright, provocative, imaginative, and often brilliant book. --The Gospel Coalition Walking a fine line between presenting a fresh perspective in Pauline theology and reworking the Pauline corpus according to his own biblical theology, Wright's work, although intended for the informed layperson, will spark much debate among scholars and students. --Library Journal Wright draws from a lifetime of study to construct this useful biography. Accessible and engrossing . . . Wright looks to the realities of what Paul dealt with . . . anxieties, broken relationships, beatings, imprisonments [revealing] a very human Paul. . . . An excellent introduction. --Kirkus (starred review) Wright's excellent book not only brings Paul to life but places that life in the complex and overlapping array of Jewish and non-Jewish communities, all set within the Roman empire. --John Richardson, Emeritus Professor of Classics, University of Edinburgh Written with the usual Wright combination of erudition, intuition, mature wit, and wisdom, Paul should serve us well as we seek to unlock the keys to the first great Christian theologian. --Dr. Ben Witherington, III, Amos Professor of NT for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary

Compelling . . . a magnificent biography worthy of a wide readership. --Church Times Substantive yet accessible, Paul provides a 432-page exploration of the Apostle's beginnings, his missionary journeys, his struggles and passion, and much more. --The Christian Post In his monumental, meticulously detailed and elegant study, Wright presents a fascinating portrait of a man who went from persecuting Christians to being their biggest advocate. --BookPage A very deep dive into Paul. Professor Wright has such a gift in taking truth and presenting it [so] it just comes alive. I can't say enough about it. I love the book --Relevant Radio Paul is a compelling modern biography that reveals the apostle's greater role in Christian history--as an inventor of new paradigms for how we understand Jesus and what he accomplished--and celebrates his stature as one of the most effective and influential intellectuals in human history. --Englewood Review of Books One of Wright's best books . . . Eloquent and moving. --Bible and Culture As lucid as it is salient, this book is a must-read for all readers of the New Testament and all interpreters of early Christianity. --Paul N. Anderson, author of From Crisis to Christ Wright draws from a lifetime of study to construct this useful biography. Accessible and engrossing . . . Wright looks to the realities of what Paul dealt with . . . anxieties, broken relationships, beatings, imprisonments [revealing] a very human Paul. . . . An excellent introduction. --Kirkus (starred review) A compelling, erudite, and readable biography of the most seminal Christian theologian by one of today's most celebrated Paul interpreters. --Miroslav Volf, Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology at Yale University and author of Flourishing Written with the usual Wright combination of erudition, intuition, mature wit, and wisdom, Paul should serve us well as we seek to unlock the keys to the first great Christian theologian. --Dr. Ben Witherington, III, Amos Professor of NT for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary An enthralling journey into the mind of Paul by one of the great theologians of our time, a work full of insight, depth and generosity of understanding. --Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, author of Not in God's Name A fresh look at the Jewish heritage and the essential place in Christian history of the man converted on the road to Damascus. --Tampa Bay Times The great N.T. Wright [offers] this grand biography of Paul. An exciting book. --The Eric Metaxas Show The most winsome feature is the way Wright paints Paul as a . . . three-dimensional, many-sided, complicated human being. Paul: A Biography is a bright, provocative, imaginative, and often brilliant book. --The Gospel Coalition Walking a fine line between presenting a fresh perspective in Pauline theology and reworking the Pauline corpus according to his own biblical theology, Wright's work, although intended for the informed layperson, will spark much debate among scholars and students. --Library Journal C. S. Lewis spoke of three artistically construed figures who jump off the page--Plato's Socrates, Boswell's Johnson, and the evangelists' Jesus. I am tempted to add a fourth candidate, having encountered Tom Wright's careful, tender, and bracing enfleshment of the apostle Paul! --Edith M. Humphrey, William F. Orr Professor of New Testament, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Nobody who preaches on Paul or ever interested in Paul's life and message will want to miss this treatment of him by N.T. Wright. It sheds fresh light on Paul's ministry, theology and personhood, and it does so in a gripping and readable way. --John Ortberg, Senior Pastor of Menlo Church Brings alive not only Paul but also the communities where he formed churches and the religious ideas swirling around them. . . . This highly readable volume gives those interested in biblical history something to argue about and plenty to ponder. --Booklist (starred review) Wright's excellent book not only brings Paul to life but places that life in the complex and overlapping array of Jewish and non-Jewish communities, all set within the Roman empire. --John Richardson, Emeritus Professor of Classics, University of Edinburgh NT Wright takes the most controversial and influential author of scripture and does something remarkable: he humanizes Paul. I was hooked from the first page. --Mike McHargue, author of Finding God in the Waves as co-host of The Liturgists Podcast The life of one of Christianity's founders is told by renowned biblical scholar N.T. Wright, who believes that in focusing on Paul's letters and theology, scholars and pastors have not considered Paul as a person and in the context of his times. --Publishers Weekly In eloquent and inviting prose, one of the world's leading New Testament scholars retells the story behind the story, the story of the Apostle Paul. A master teacher here communicates Paul in language every reader can understand. --Craig S. Keener, F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of New Testament, Asbury Theological Seminary

Substantive yet accessible, Paul provides a 432-page exploration of the Apostle's beginnings, his missionary journeys, his struggles and passion, and much more. --The Christian Post A fresh look at the Jewish heritage and the essential place in Christian history of the man converted on the road to Damascus. --Tampa Bay Times In his monumental, meticulously detailed and elegant study, Wright presents a fascinating portrait of a man who went from persecuting Christians to being their biggest advocate. --BookPage The great N.T. Wright [offers] this grand biography of Paul. An exciting book. --The Eric Metaxas Show A very deep dive into Paul. Professor Wright has such a gift in taking truth and presenting it [so] it just comes alive. I can't say enough about it. I love the book --Relevant Radio Paul is a compelling modern biography that reveals the apostle's greater role in Christian history--as an inventor of new paradigms for how we understand Jesus and what he accomplished--and celebrates his stature as one of the most effective and influential intellectuals in human history. --Englewood Review of Books The most winsome feature is the way Wright paints Paul as a . . . three-dimensional, many-sided, complicated human being. Paul: A Biography is a bright, provocative, imaginative, and often brilliant book. --The Gospel Coalition One of Wright's best books . . . Eloquent and moving. --Bible and Culture Walking a fine line between presenting a fresh perspective in Pauline theology and reworking the Pauline corpus according to his own biblical theology, Wright's work, although intended for the informed layperson, will spark much debate among scholars and students. --Library Journal C. S. Lewis spoke of three artistically construed figures who jump off the page--Plato's Socrates, Boswell's Johnson, and the evangelists' Jesus. I am tempted to add a fourth candidate, having encountered Tom Wright's careful, tender, and bracing enfleshment of the apostle Paul! --Edith M. Humphrey, William F. Orr Professor of New Testament, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Wright draws from a lifetime of study to construct this useful biography. Accessible and engrossing . . . Wright looks to the realities of what Paul dealt with . . . anxieties, broken relationships, beatings, imprisonments [revealing] a very human Paul. . . . An excellent introduction. --Kirkus (starred review) Nobody who preaches on Paul or ever interested in Paul's life and message will want to miss this treatment of him by N.T. Wright. It sheds fresh light on Paul's ministry, theology and personhood, and it does so in a gripping and readable way. --John Ortberg, Senior Pastor of Menlo Church Brings alive not only Paul but also the communities where he formed churches and the religious ideas swirling around them. . . . This highly readable volume gives those interested in biblical history something to argue about and plenty to ponder. --Booklist (starred review) A compelling, erudite, and readable biography of the most seminal Christian theologian by one of today's most celebrated Paul interpreters. --Miroslav Volf, Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology at Yale University and author of Flourishing Wright's excellent book not only brings Paul to life but places that life in the complex and overlapping array of Jewish and non-Jewish communities, all set within the Roman empire. --John Richardson, Emeritus Professor of Classics, University of Edinburgh Written with the usual Wright combination of erudition, intuition, mature wit, and wisdom, Paul should serve us well as we seek to unlock the keys to the first great Christian theologian. --Dr. Ben Witherington, III, Amos Professor of NT for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary NT Wright takes the most controversial and influential author of scripture and does something remarkable: he humanizes Paul. I was hooked from the first page. --Mike McHargue, author of Finding God in the Waves as co-host of The Liturgists Podcast An enthralling journey into the mind of Paul by one of the great theologians of our time, a work full of insight, depth and generosity of understanding. --Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, author of Not in God's Name The life of one of Christianity's founders is told by renowned biblical scholar N.T. Wright, who believes that in focusing on Paul's letters and theology, scholars and pastors have not considered Paul as a person and in the context of his times. --Publishers Weekly In eloquent and inviting prose, one of the world's leading New Testament scholars retells the story behind the story, the story of the Apostle Paul. A master teacher here communicates Paul in language every reader can understand. --Craig S. Keener, F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of New Testament, Asbury Theological Seminary As lucid as it is salient, this book is a must-read for all readers of the New Testament and all interpreters of early Christianity. --Paul N. Anderson, author of From Crisis to Christ

Compelling . . . a magnificent biography worthy of a wide readership. --Church Times Substantive yet accessible, Paul provides a 432-page exploration of the Apostle's beginnings, his missionary journeys, his struggles and passion, and much more. --The Christian Post A fresh look at the Jewish heritage and the essential place in Christian history of the man converted on the road to Damascus. --Tampa Bay Times In his monumental, meticulously detailed and elegant study, Wright presents a fascinating portrait of a man who went from persecuting Christians to being their biggest advocate. --BookPage The great N.T. Wright [offers] this grand biography of Paul. An exciting book. --The Eric Metaxas Show A very deep dive into Paul. Professor Wright has such a gift in taking truth and presenting it [so] it just comes alive. I can't say enough about it. I love the book --Relevant Radio Paul is a compelling modern biography that reveals the apostle's greater role in Christian history--as an inventor of new paradigms for how we understand Jesus and what he accomplished--and celebrates his stature as one of the most effective and influential intellectuals in human history. --Englewood Review of Books The most winsome feature is the way Wright paints Paul as a . . . three-dimensional, many-sided, complicated human being. Paul: A Biography is a bright, provocative, imaginative, and often brilliant book. --The Gospel Coalition One of Wright's best books . . . Eloquent and moving. --Bible and Culture Walking a fine line between presenting a fresh perspective in Pauline theology and reworking the Pauline corpus according to his own biblical theology, Wright's work, although intended for the informed layperson, will spark much debate among scholars and students. --Library Journal As lucid as it is salient, this book is a must-read for all readers of the New Testament and all interpreters of early Christianity. --Paul N. Anderson, author of From Crisis to Christ C. S. Lewis spoke of three artistically construed figures who jump off the page--Plato's Socrates, Boswell's Johnson, and the evangelists' Jesus. I am tempted to add a fourth candidate, having encountered Tom Wright's careful, tender, and bracing enfleshment of the apostle Paul! --Edith M. Humphrey, William F. Orr Professor of New Testament, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Wright draws from a lifetime of study to construct this useful biography. Accessible and engrossing . . . Wright looks to the realities of what Paul dealt with . . . anxieties, broken relationships, beatings, imprisonments [revealing] a very human Paul. . . . An excellent introduction. --Kirkus (starred review) Nobody who preaches on Paul or ever interested in Paul's life and message will want to miss this treatment of him by N.T. Wright. It sheds fresh light on Paul's ministry, theology and personhood, and it does so in a gripping and readable way. --John Ortberg, Senior Pastor of Menlo Church Brings alive not only Paul but also the communities where he formed churches and the religious ideas swirling around them. . . . This highly readable volume gives those interested in biblical history something to argue about and plenty to ponder. --Booklist (starred review) A compelling, erudite, and readable biography of the most seminal Christian theologian by one of today's most celebrated Paul interpreters. --Miroslav Volf, Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology at Yale University and author of Flourishing Wright's excellent book not only brings Paul to life but places that life in the complex and overlapping array of Jewish and non-Jewish communities, all set within the Roman empire. --John Richardson, Emeritus Professor of Classics, University of Edinburgh Written with the usual Wright combination of erudition, intuition, mature wit, and wisdom, Paul should serve us well as we seek to unlock the keys to the first great Christian theologian. --Dr. Ben Witherington, III, Amos Professor of NT for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary NT Wright takes the most controversial and influential author of scripture and does something remarkable: he humanizes Paul. I was hooked from the first page. --Mike McHargue, author of Finding God in the Waves as co-host of The Liturgists Podcast An enthralling journey into the mind of Paul by one of the great theologians of our time, a work full of insight, depth and generosity of understanding. --Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, author of Not in God's Name The life of one of Christianity's founders is told by renowned biblical scholar N.T. Wright, who believes that in focusing on Paul's letters and theology, scholars and pastors have not considered Paul as a person and in the context of his times. --Publishers Weekly In eloquent and inviting prose, one of the world's leading New Testament scholars retells the story behind the story, the story of the Apostle Paul. A master teacher here communicates Paul in language every reader can understand. --Craig S. Keener, F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of New Testament, Asbury Theological Seminary

Compelling . . . a magnificent biography worthy of a wide readership. --Church Times In his monumental, meticulously detailed and elegant study, Wright presents a fascinating portrait of a man who went from persecuting Christians to being their biggest advocate. --BookPage The great N.T. Wright [offers] this grand biography of Paul. An exciting book. --The Eric Metaxas Show Paul is a compelling modern biography that reveals the apostle's greater role in Christian history--as an inventor of new paradigms for how we understand Jesus and what he accomplished--and celebrates his stature as one of the most effective and influential intellectuals in human history. --Englewood Review of Books The most winsome feature is the way Wright paints Paul as a . . . three-dimensional, many-sided, complicated human being. Paul: A Biography is a bright, provocative, imaginative, and often brilliant book. --The Gospel Coalition Walking a fine line between presenting a fresh perspective in Pauline theology and reworking the Pauline corpus according to his own biblical theology, Wright's work, although intended for the informed layperson, will spark much debate among scholars and students. --Library Journal As lucid as it is salient, this book is a must-read for all readers of the New Testament and all interpreters of early Christianity. --Paul N. Anderson, author of From Crisis to Christ C. S. Lewis spoke of three artistically construed figures who jump off the page--Plato's Socrates, Boswell's Johnson, and the evangelists' Jesus. I am tempted to add a fourth candidate, having encountered Tom Wright's careful, tender, and bracing enfleshment of the apostle Paul! --Edith M. Humphrey, William F. Orr Professor of New Testament, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Wright draws from a lifetime of study to construct this useful biography. Accessible and engrossing . . . Wright looks to the realities of what Paul dealt with . . . anxieties, broken relationships, beatings, imprisonments [revealing] a very human Paul. . . . An excellent introduction. --Kirkus (starred review) Nobody who preaches on Paul or ever interested in Paul's life and message will want to miss this treatment of him by N.T. Wright. It sheds fresh light on Paul's ministry, theology and personhood, and it does so in a gripping and readable way. --John Ortberg, Senior Pastor of Menlo Church Brings alive not only Paul but also the communities where he formed churches and the religious ideas swirling around them. . . . This highly readable volume gives those interested in biblical history something to argue about and plenty to ponder. --Booklist (starred review) A compelling, erudite, and readable biography of the most seminal Christian theologian by one of today's most celebrated Paul interpreters. --Miroslav Volf, Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology at Yale University and author of Flourishing Wright's excellent book not only brings Paul to life but places that life in the complex and overlapping array of Jewish and non-Jewish communities, all set within the Roman empire. --John Richardson, Emeritus Professor of Classics, University of Edinburgh Written with the usual Wright combination of erudition, intuition, mature wit, and wisdom, Paul should serve us well as we seek to unlock the keys to the first great Christian theologian. --Dr. Ben Witherington, III, Amos Professor of NT for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary NT Wright takes the most controversial and influential author of scripture and does something remarkable: he humanizes Paul. I was hooked from the first page. --Mike McHargue, author of Finding God in the Waves as co-host of The Liturgists Podcast An enthralling journey into the mind of Paul by one of the great theologians of our time, a work full of insight, depth and generosity of understanding. --Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, author of Not in God's Name The life of one of Christianity's founders is told by renowned biblical scholar N.T. Wright, who believes that in focusing on Paul's letters and theology, scholars and pastors have not considered Paul as a person and in the context of his times. --Publishers Weekly In eloquent and inviting prose, one of the world's leading New Testament scholars retells the story behind the story, the story of the Apostle Paul. A master teacher here communicates Paul in language every reader can understand. --Craig S. Keener, F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of New Testament, Asbury Theological Seminary Substantive yet accessible, Paul provides a 432-page exploration of the Apostle's beginnings, his missionary journeys, his struggles and passion, and much more. --The Christian Post A fresh look at the Jewish heritage and the essential place in Christian history of the man converted on the road to Damascus. --Tampa Bay Times A very deep dive into Paul. Professor Wright has such a gift in taking truth and presenting it [so] it just comes alive. I can't say enough about it. I love the book --Relevant Radio One of Wright's best books . . . Eloquent and moving. --Bible and Culture

Compelling . . . a magnificent biography worthy of a wide readership. --Church Times Substantive yet accessible, Paul provides a 432-page exploration of the Apostle's beginnings, his missionary journeys, his struggles and passion, and much more. --The Christian Post The great N.T. Wright [offers] this grand biography of Paul. An exciting book. --The Eric Metaxas Show A fresh look at the Jewish heritage and the essential place in Christian history of the man converted on the road to Damascus. --Tampa Bay Times In his monumental, meticulously detailed and elegant study, Wright presents a fascinating portrait of a man who went from persecuting Christians to being their biggest advocate. --BookPage A very deep dive into Paul. Professor Wright has such a gift in taking truth and presenting it [so] it just comes alive. I can't say enough about it. I love the book --Relevant Radio Paul is a compelling modern biography that reveals the apostle's greater role in Christian history--as an inventor of new paradigms for how we understand Jesus and what he accomplished--and celebrates his stature as one of the most effective and influential intellectuals in human history. --Englewood Review of Books The most winsome feature is the way Wright paints Paul as a . . . three-dimensional, many-sided, complicated human being. Paul: A Biography is a bright, provocative, imaginative, and often brilliant book. --The Gospel Coalition One of Wright's best books . . . Eloquent and moving. --Bible and Culture Walking a fine line between presenting a fresh perspective in Pauline theology and reworking the Pauline corpus according to his own biblical theology, Wright's work, although intended for the informed layperson, will spark much debate among scholars and students. --Library Journal As lucid as it is salient, this book is a must-read for all readers of the New Testament and all interpreters of early Christianity. --Paul N. Anderson, author of From Crisis to Christ C. S. Lewis spoke of three artistically construed figures who jump off the page--Plato's Socrates, Boswell's Johnson, and the evangelists' Jesus. I am tempted to add a fourth candidate, having encountered Tom Wright's careful, tender, and bracing enfleshment of the apostle Paul! --Edith M. Humphrey, William F. Orr Professor of New Testament, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Wright draws from a lifetime of study to construct this useful biography. Accessible and engrossing . . . Wright looks to the realities of what Paul dealt with . . . anxieties, broken relationships, beatings, imprisonments [revealing] a very human Paul. . . . An excellent introduction. --Kirkus (starred review) Nobody who preaches on Paul or ever interested in Paul's life and message will want to miss this treatment of him by N.T. Wright. It sheds fresh light on Paul's ministry, theology and personhood, and it does so in a gripping and readable way. --John Ortberg, Senior Pastor of Menlo Church Brings alive not only Paul but also the communities where he formed churches and the religious ideas swirling around them. . . . This highly readable volume gives those interested in biblical history something to argue about and plenty to ponder. --Booklist (starred review) A compelling, erudite, and readable biography of the most seminal Christian theologian by one of today's most celebrated Paul interpreters. --Miroslav Volf, Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology at Yale University and author of Flourishing Wright's excellent book not only brings Paul to life but places that life in the complex and overlapping array of Jewish and non-Jewish communities, all set within the Roman empire. --John Richardson, Emeritus Professor of Classics, University of Edinburgh Written with the usual Wright combination of erudition, intuition, mature wit, and wisdom, Paul should serve us well as we seek to unlock the keys to the first great Christian theologian. --Dr. Ben Witherington, III, Amos Professor of NT for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary NT Wright takes the most controversial and influential author of scripture and does something remarkable: he humanizes Paul. I was hooked from the first page. --Mike McHargue, author of Finding God in the Waves as co-host of The Liturgists Podcast An enthralling journey into the mind of Paul by one of the great theologians of our time, a work full of insight, depth and generosity of understanding. --Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, author of Not in God's Name The life of one of Christianity's founders is told by renowned biblical scholar N.T. Wright, who believes that in focusing on Paul's letters and theology, scholars and pastors have not considered Paul as a person and in the context of his times. --Publishers Weekly In eloquent and inviting prose, one of the world's leading New Testament scholars retells the story behind the story, the story of the Apostle Paul. A master teacher here communicates Paul in language every reader can understand. --Craig S. Keener, F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of New Testament, Asbury Theological Seminary

Author Information

N. T. Wright is the former bishop of Durham in the Church of England and one of the world's leading Bible scholars. He is now serving as the Chair of New Testament and Early Christianity at the School of Divinity at the University of St. Andrews. For twenty years he taught New Testament studies at Cambridge, McGill, and Oxford Universities, and he has been featured on ABC News, Dateline, The Colbert Report, and Fresh Air. Wright is the award-winning author of Surprised by Scripture, The Case for the Psalms, How God Became King, Simply Jesus, After You Believe, Surprised by Hope, Simply Christian, Scripture and the Authority of God, The Meaning of Jesus (coauthored with Marcus Borg), as well as being the translator for The Kingdom New Testament.

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