Studying Paul’s Letters with the Mind and Heart
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
This informative survey of Paul’s epistles is conversant with the latest scholarship but written in an engaging style that emphasizes practical application. In each chapter, Gregory MaGee asks and answers a vital question for understanding Paul’s letters while prompting the reader to consider the discussion’s personal implications. These questions get at the heart of understanding, interpreting, and living out the Pauline letters:
- Why listen to Paul?
- Were all thirteen letters really written by Paul?
- How does Paul interact with the Old Testament?
- What are some specific interpretive challenges in Paul's letters?
- How can I wisely apply Paul’s teachings?
- What are the experts saying about Paul these days?
- What ideas were especially important to Paul?
Students and other thoughtful Christians wishing to dig deeper into Paul’s letters will benefit from this contemporary overview, and will be challenged to grow spiritually and apply Paul’s teachings and example.
- Seeks to guide readers in self-discovered learning
- Addresses the mind and the heart as it provides the necessary tools to develop motivation and ability to pursue transformational learning
- Intends to appeal to a wide audience through its practical questions, skills in interpretation, and spiritual growth
- Introduction
- Why Should I Listen to Paul?
- How Do Paul’s Letters Fit into His Life and Ministry?
- How Did Paul’s World and Background Shape His Writings?
- Were All Thirteen Letters Really Written by Paul?
- How Can I Get the Most Out of Studying Paul’s Letters?
- How Can I Discern Paul’s Train of Thought in His Letters?
- Are There Such Things as “Correct” Interpretations of Paul’s Letters?
- How Can I Wisely Apply Paul’s Teachings?
- What Are Some Specific Interpretive Challenges in Paul’s Letters?
- From Where Does Paul Get His Material?
- How Does Paul Interact with the Old Testament?
- What Are the Experts Saying about Paul These Days?
- What Ideas Were Especially Important to Paul?
This is not a typical introduction to the letters of Paul or his theology, nor a handbook for how to interpret the Pauline epistles, but something of a hybrid of the three. MaGee’s clear writing attests his experience as a gifted teacher of undergraduates; his Christian commitments as he handles the Word of God make this book something that pastors can circulate in their churches with confidence. Highly recommended.
—D. A. Carson, Research Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
In this carefully crafted guide, Dr. MaGee provides a reliable introduction to the reading of Paul’s letters through an informed discussion of a host of methodological issues. Demonstrating his skills as a seasoned teacher, Dr. MaGee provides helpful tools for both the appreciation and application of the gospel that Paul preaches. Beginning students will find this volume helpful in grasping the content of Paul’s letters, while more advanced readers will benefit from the fair presentation of the current issues in Pauline studies.
—David W. Pao, Professor of New Testament and Chair of the New Testament Department, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
For MaGee, ‘It takes wisdom to move from the original meaning of Paul’s letter to faithful responses that capture the potential of Paul’s teachings for transformed living in current context.’ Thus, writing from his wealth of experience in the college classroom, he challenges students to engage in a rigorous and thorough analysis of Paul’s writings in order to understand its original message, but always with an eye towards discovering Paul’s relevancy for personal transformation. MaGee provides a wide perspective in which to hear various viewpoints about Paul, without diminishing the greater desire for his readers to take Paul’s message to heart in practical Christian living.
—David Sparks, president of Footstep Ministries and author of The Daily Insight Series on Paul
Reviews
1 rating
Jayden Wilhelm
10/4/2023
Phenomenal analysis of Paul's letters which gives proper credence to the requirement of appropriate personal relationship with God to apply the Scriptures - alongside careful study.
