An Introduction to the Study of Paul

by David G. Horrell

This study introduces its readers to the differing positions and methods developed by contemporary scholars in Pauline studies. By setting out these views, and the evidence on which they are based, it equips the reader to approach the study of Paul with an awareness of the range of current debate and a knowledge of the evidence and arguments they will encounter. After considering Paul's importance and influence, and the important sources for the study of Paul, the book examines: the earliest period of Christianity - from Jesus to Paul; Paul's life before and after his 'conversion'; his individual letters; the major elements of his theology; his attitude to Israel and the Jewish law; new approaches to the study of Paul, including social-scientific and feminist approaches; and Paul's legacy in the New Testament and beyond. This volume now includes study questions at the end of each chapter as well as updated reading lists.

Genres: Theology, Biblical Studies, History

Paperback

First published October 24, 2000

Reviews

[Kyle Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Horrell does a nice job at what his title claims, namely, introducing readers to the STUDY of Paul. Whether he is discussing the biographical info of Paul, Paul's writings, Paul's theology, or Paul's legacy, he provides a wide range of ways scholars have interpreted matters (from conservative evangelicals to non-religious socialists). His approach could be viewed as almost pastoral for conservative evangelicals, specifically, who can be quickly overwhelmed when engaging in critical issues for the first time (speaking from my own first experience with a less gentle text). He assumes very little and answers absolutely nothing. His ability to pinpoint key points of debate and then point readers to essentially annotated bibliographies is the best feature.

[Timothy Decker · Rating 2 out of 5]

An intro textbook that I would never use in a class.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book definitely achieved its goal: to introduce me to the current state of Pauline studies (I read the 2015 3rd edition) without telling me what to think. It dealt with all of the important, basic and intermediate subjects in Pauline studies, such as Paul the man, Paul the letter-writer, Paul the theologian, the authorship of the disputed Pauline letters, and other topics. However, full disclosure to the more evangelical audience, this book does introduce you to ALL of Pauline scholarship, not just Christian or Evangelical Christian scholarship. Thus, it is probably best for the reader to have some sort of foundation in their theology and knowledge of (and beliefs about) the Bible, since Horrell does not tell you what to think, and thus does not explicitly disagree with the most radical critical scholars. This being said, conservative scholars (like Ben Witherington III, Donald Guthrie, N.T Wright, Michael Bird, Gordon Fee, I. Howard Marshall and others) do get their fair mention. If you're looking to understand contemporary Pauline studies and get a spring start on your own study of Paul, go no further! There is a reason this book is in its 3rd edition.

[Nelio Gomes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview of St. Paul and his writings. The first half, encompassing Paul's life and theology, was most fascinating, with the latter chapters, exploring new approaches to Paul, less so. But overall, the author has succeeded in his goal to present to the reader the "various areas of discussion in the contemporary study of Paul".

[Leon O'Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The comment on the front cover is a good insight; "Put your other books on Paul to one side and begin here". A good place to start your research, or a good place to capture a great summary of current issues.

[Nathan Bruley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great from a historical perspective and the trains of thought in the history of New Testament. Theologically, doesn’t change my perspective on Paul’s authorship and authority.

[Patrick Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

All in all, a good book about the issues surrounding Pauline studies. As is indicated in the title, this book is an introduction to the study of Paul, not an introduction to Paul. If you're looking for a book that's going to take sides in the various debates in Pauline studies, then you're going to be disappointed with this book. But, that's the advantage of this book. It doesn't do your thinking for you. It presents the debates about Paul's theology, historical value, and relevance for contemporary issues, and shows you all the different angles from which those things can be seen. It's up to the reader to go from there. In its presentation of the material the author does his best to be fair to all sides which is helpful in allowing the reader to form their own judgment. Even though I have very strong opinions about what Paul really meant, I still think this book does a very good job representing both sides of the various issues surrounding the interpretation of Paul.

[нєνєℓ ¢ανα · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review made a finest introduction on Paul's life and work and ideas... good scholarship!

[Nicholas Quient · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief but helpful. His section on the Law helped distill some of the NPP for me. Think I more or less line up there.