Synopsis:
Paul's writings are centrally important not only for the establishment of the Christian faith but for the whole history of Western culture. The original German edition of Udo Schnelle's work has established itself as a leading introduction to Paul in Europe. Now in Eugene Boring's translation, and with his bibliographic revisions, it represents the state of the art in the English-speaking world.
This comprehensive critical introduction combines historical and theological analysis. After essential methodological preliminaries, the first half of the book constructs Paul's biography: his pre-Christian life, his conversion, his missionary journeys, and the context of his writings. The second half is a synchronic exposition of the theological themes that run through his writings. Apostle Paul is an essential book for professors, students, clergy, and others with a scholarly interest in Paul.
From the Back Cover:
"Among recent studies of Paul's life and thought, Schnelle's deserves to be ranked not only as one of the most comprehensive but also as one of the most compelling. With methodological clarity and exegetical skill, he demonstrates that the apostle's theology has to be understood in relation to his ministry and that this requires an examination of his letters individually, in the light of their respective historical, situational, and cultural contexts. Schnelle's exposition of the basic structures and overarching themes of Paul's theology is the more credible for being so carefully grounded and is an outstanding contribution to the ongoing discussion of this critical topic."
--Victor Paul Furnish, Southern Methodist University
"An amazingly comprehensive book on the apostle. . . . I do not know when in recent years a scholar has grappled with the history behind Paul's life and produced as coherent a statement of Paul's thought as it arises out of the circumstances of his ministry. This massive book will no doubt be read primarily by scholars and graduate students and perhaps serve as a textbook or resource for others. Eugene Boring ably translates the book and adapts the bibliographical documentation for English-speaking readers. . . . Schnelle's work represents an important milestone in Pauline studies. It will be a major conversation-partner for scholars for a long time to come."
--Charles B. Cousar, Interpretation
"A magisterial work that will become an essential reference volume for students and scholars alike desiring a convenient book that examines all important primary texts and scholarly positions in Pauline research, particularly English and German. . . . The author and translator have worked well together to produce a work that surpasses the German original: it should be regarded as an entirely new study! Schnelle's book will undoubtedly become a classic in the field."
--Kenneth Atkinson, Review of Biblical Literature
"A significant contribution to the study of Paul's theology. . . . The writing and theological analysis is crisp, logical, and precise. . . . The work provides an interesting way to access much German Pauline scholarship. It is a pleasure to read and each page holds new insights even for the advanced scholar."
--Dennis L. Stamps, Journal for the Study of the New Testament
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