Paul: A Biography

Paul: A Biography

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 first-century Jewish heritage. Giving us a thoughtful, in-depth exploration of the human and intellectual drama that shaped the man behind the letters, 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. Wright’s masterful biography goes beyond the letters to explore the man himself, revealing: The Historical Paul: A portrait that moves beyond theology to uncover the human drama, motivations, and Jewish background of the man from Tarsus. - First-Century Context: An exploration of the Greco-Roman and Jewish worlds that shaped Paul’s thought, mission, and writings. - Christian Origins: Fresh clarity on how the apostle’s ideas shaped the early church and invented new paradigms for understanding Jesus. - Biblical Scholarship: N. T. Wright’s accessible yet profound analysis, offering a new way to see Paul’s writings, thoughts, and ideas. “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 “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 “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 “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 “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 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 “It’s that revelatory presentation — understanding Paul as first and always a Jew — that makes Wright’s work so imperative. What makes Wright’s work a joy is that he so brilliantly holds his ground as a scholar, yet writes with a storyteller’s narrative mastery. . . . Wright illuminates all angles of Paul’s humanity.” - Chicago Tribune “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 “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 “One of Wright’s best books . . . Eloquent and moving.” - Bible and Culture “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 great N.T. Wright [offers] this grand biography of Paul. An exciting