What can we know about the apostle Paul, and what difference does it make?
Paul of Tarsus was an undeniably forceful presence in the early Christian church, instructing fledgling congregations of believers throughout the Mediterranean in person and by letter and authoring about half of the New Testament in the process. But who was this powerful personality? And how can students most benefit from the extensive studies on Paul available today?
New Testament scholars Miguel Echevarria and Benjamin Laird provide an invaluable foundation for students beginning their investigations into the apostle Paul, Paul's theology, and Pauline studies, addressing orienting questions such as these:
• What do we know about Paul's family?
• How did Paul's companions assist in the composition and distribution of his letters?
• Did Paul think his letters were authoritative Scripture?
• Is there a center to Paul's theology?
• What is Paul's Christology?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the New Perspective on Paul?
• Does Paul address slavery and racial division?
