Paul and His Letters
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
Except for Christ himself, no figure has been more influential in the history of Christianity than the apostle Paul. And yet his remarkable life remains shrouded in mystery. Paul & His Letters scrapes away the myths about this great man and uncovers the truth of his life and thought.
Dr. Polhill’s well-written introduction to Paul and his letters reflects his conservative, evangelical perspective and his many years of scholarship. One of the strengths of this book is his detail in defining terms, people and places relating to Paul in Acts and his epistles.
Polhill also uses reliable traditions from non-canonical sources, weaving together the remarkable story of Paul's transformation from persecutor to persecuted, following Paul from his early years in Tarsus and Jerusalem to his imprisonment and eventual martyrdom. This detailed, comprehensive portrait of Paul will serve as an indispensable resource for students, teachers, pastors and all Christians who seek to know this enigmatic man of God.
Top Highlights
“The truth likely lies somewhere in between these extremes. Paul was reared in Tarsus by a pious Jewish family who sent him to study the Jewish Torah in Jerusalem, probably while he was in his early teens. In his earlier years, Paul would not have been wholly sheltered from the hellenistic culture of Tarsus; it would have influenced him in various and subtle ways.” (Page 6)
“Summary. The following composite can be drawn from Paul’s references to his conversion in his epistles. First, Paul depicted it as a vision of the risen Christ (Gal. 1; 1 Cor. 15; 2 Cor. 4). Second, it was a radical reversal for Paul, from persecutor of Christ to proclaimer (Gal. 1; 1 Cor. 15; Phil. 3; 1 Tim. 1). Third, Paul considered himself unworthy of the commission given him by Christ; he owed it all to God’s grace (1 Cor. 15; Eph. 3; 1 Tim. 1). Finally, he linked his conversion with his call to be an apostle to the Gentiles; they were inseparable (Gal. 1; 1 Cor. 15).” (Page 54)
“The purpose of this book is to provide a survey of all the information we have on the life and thought of the apostle Paul—from Acts, from his epistles, and from seemingly reliable traditions that have been preserved in the noncanonical sources.” (Page 1)
“Tarsus seems to have been unique among hellenistic cities in having such a rule by philosophers for a time. And, that time was the period of Paul’s youth.” (Page 8)
“The second approach is to weave the Pauline epistles into the Acts narrative to produce a continuous story line for the life and ministry of Paul.” (Page 2)
About John B. Polhill
John B. Polhill is the author of the widely acclaimed volume on Acts in the New American Commentary series. He has also contributed to numerous journals, reference works, and denominational publications. He is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature and the National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion. He is a frequent speaker at Bible conferences in the United States and abroad. A devoted churchman, he has served as pastor of congregations in Virginia, Kentucky, and Massachusetts.
Sample Pages from the Print Edition
Reviews
6 ratings
Tyrell Lowther
10/16/2023
Christopher Gibbs
4/13/2017
Johnnie Ray Bailey
5/9/2015
Dr. Polhill, is among the greatest writers of his time. This book is very well written and researched. I have a hardcopy and it is among one of my favorite on Paul.Andreshome
11/12/2013
Dan Langston
11/8/2013
Willie Parker
8/29/2013
