Understanding Paul

by Richard Lloyd Anderson

What is the proper relationship of a husband and wife? Does salvation come through grace, through works, or both? What are the duties of Church leaders and members? The Apostle Paul's inspired answers to the religious questions of his day also help solve the problems of gospel living today. In this updated version of Understanding Paul, Richard Lloyd Anderson supplies background information and accurate translations of the writings of Paul. He discusses the highlights of Paul's message and demonstrates how modern revelation adds critical insight to the Apostle's teachings. Heighten your appreciation of why Paul's testimony and teachings are a powerful source of wisdom and strength for Latter-day Saints.

Genres: Religion, Lds, New Testament, History

Hardcover

First published March 1, 2007

Reviews

[Cauleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has deepened my appreciation and understanding of Paul the Apostle. It detailed his
missionary experiences, relationships and the places where he taught.. He bears an incredible witness of Jesus Christ and his church organization and sealed that testimony with his blood.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for extra credit in a New Testament class in college. I really liked the maps and how you could follow Paul through his journey of conversion and preaching of Christ. It's more of a history book read though, so it's not an easy read.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful exposition of the writings of Paul. Even Peter thought Paul wrote "some things hard to be understood" (2 Peter 3:16). Anderson does a great job elucidating the more difficult passages and harmonizing Paul's teachings on grace and his teachings on the need for a repentant life of striving to obey God's commandments. This book is a keeper!

[Kathy Cardon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, informative read. Loved the history and love Paul.

[Matthew Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

By far one of the most enlightening works on Paul and very holistic when it comes to history and interpretations of Biblical Greek words in the realm of semantics and context within the Pauline Epistles. You can tell that Anderson spent a lifetime teaching and studying Paul and the Epistles. The work was didactic, but not as much as I though it would be. It gave a lot of insight, but was not too academic in the sense that the layperson would be uninterested or turned off. I have learned much from this book and Anderson did a great job discussing Corinthians, Galatians, and Ephesians, and the Pastoral epistles. It must be noted that Anderson takes a southern Galatian hypothesis on Paul. Whereas scholars such as Helmut and Murphy O'Coonnor take the Northern Galatian hypothesis. Anderson discusses the Jerusalem council and ties this in to how Romans should be understood as well as Galatians within the context of the Proclamation that James (the Lord's brother) post Jerusalem Council that Paul and Barnabas take with them according to Acts to areas that had previously been evangelized by Paul. Many study guides are provided with comparisions between other gospel writers in scope and content. A biological sketch-table of Paul and his epistles and major events is also provided. Appendices include other specific matters of theology that may also benefit those who are learning about Paul and the Pauline epistles of the New Testament. I enjoyed this book so much that after returning the book to my library I am actually going to purchase it for reference and will more than likely re-read it for a more thorough study.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I poured over this book; reading many chaters 3 to 4 times each trying to understand the history, the man, the maps and the many lands the Apostle Paul traveled teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. I really enjoyed learning so much from one book! It is quite a history book so it is not a simple read!

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I poured over this book trying to study the Apostle Paul's life in depth. I read many chaters 3 to 4 times. I learned so much out the history, the man and the many lands he traveled to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

[Lisa Reising · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful resource for learning about and teaching the epistles of Paul in the New Testament. Full of historical facts on the places, times, cultures, and challenges of the people Paul taught. I appreciate the doctrinal commentary as well. All is insightful and fully annotated.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful book about Paul, his life, missions and epistles. Lots of insights, but hard to read in places: the author goes on a little long about certain topics. Still, it was good to understand a lot more about Paul and his life and convictions.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best discussion of themes presented in Paul's New Testament letters that I have read

[Jeff Crosby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part biography and part commentary on the epistles.