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Paul and His Letters
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. In this probing new book, John B. Polhill scrapes away the myths about this great man and uncovers the truth of his life and thought. Using Acts, the Pauline epistles, and reliable traditions from non-canonical sources, Polhill weaves together the remarkable story of Paul's transformation from persecutor to persecuted, producing a dynamic account of his entire ministry. By placing each of Paul's letters in its proper historical context, Polhill brings new light to these foundation stones of the Christian faith. He follows Paul from his early years in Tarsus and Jerusalem to his imprisonment and eventual martyrdom, painting a detailed, comprehensive portrait of Paul that will serve as an indispensable resource for students, teachers, and pastors alike.
496 pages, Hardcover
First published August 15, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 26, 2021
A detailed study of Paul. There were multiple points where I disagreed with Polhill, yet I respect the way his cases were presented. A little outdated and dry, but an overall enjoyable read.
February 18, 2018
Color me nerdy, but I read this book for leisure reading. I happened to be in the office of a pastor friend, and the subject of Paul came up. He pulled this book off the shelf, and asked if I would like to read it. I’m glad he offered, and more than glad that I said yes!
John B Polhill, when this book was published, was a professor of New Testament at a well-known theological seminary. It’s obvious that he knows his stuff. Paul and His Letters (B&H Academic, 1999) is not the definitive “everything you always wanted to know about Paul” book. Nor was it intended to be. In his introduction, the author writes, “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”.
Despite the introductory disclaimer that this book is “Not a ‘Life of Paul’”, Polhill does include some biographical material about the writer of much of the New Testament. As we remember Paul as the one who, more than others, helps us to understand Christian Theology, it’s important to remember that as a Pharisee he was also familiar with Jewish theology of the time. Polhill helps the reader understand where Paul started, and how, over time, his understanding of the teachings of Jesus developed to the point where he recorded them in the form of these letters to the various churches that he had helped establish, or, in the case of the church at Rome, where he had some knowledge and a connection of some type.
One of the things that I particularly enjoyed about this book is the way that Polhill examines each of the Pauline epistles in the context of Paul’s missionary journeys. Again, we have to remind ourselves that entire volumes, exploring every nuance of every word, have been written about each of the epistles. In this survey, there is a mere chapter covering each letter. Highlights of each letter are addressed, along with some of the criticisms and arguments—for and against—some of the interpretations of certain passages. There is also a teaching outline included for each of the letters.
In my opinion, one of the many purposes for a survey of this type is to expose the readers to ideas, questions, areas, of consensus, as well as controversies, and to encourage further study. Polhill does his readers a great service by including at the end of each chapter, a list of ‘suggested further reading’ or ‘selected commentaries’.
Beyond the use of this as a text book in Bible Colleges or Theological Seminaries, I think this book would be a handy reference tool for pastors who are preaching from any of Paul’s letters, and Sunday School teachers and Small Group leaders should be advised to review Polhill’s “Study Outline” and highlights of each epistle as they prepare to lead the discussions.
A solid A+
5/5
John B Polhill, when this book was published, was a professor of New Testament at a well-known theological seminary. It’s obvious that he knows his stuff. Paul and His Letters (B&H Academic, 1999) is not the definitive “everything you always wanted to know about Paul” book. Nor was it intended to be. In his introduction, the author writes, “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”.
Despite the introductory disclaimer that this book is “Not a ‘Life of Paul’”, Polhill does include some biographical material about the writer of much of the New Testament. As we remember Paul as the one who, more than others, helps us to understand Christian Theology, it’s important to remember that as a Pharisee he was also familiar with Jewish theology of the time. Polhill helps the reader understand where Paul started, and how, over time, his understanding of the teachings of Jesus developed to the point where he recorded them in the form of these letters to the various churches that he had helped establish, or, in the case of the church at Rome, where he had some knowledge and a connection of some type.
One of the things that I particularly enjoyed about this book is the way that Polhill examines each of the Pauline epistles in the context of Paul’s missionary journeys. Again, we have to remind ourselves that entire volumes, exploring every nuance of every word, have been written about each of the epistles. In this survey, there is a mere chapter covering each letter. Highlights of each letter are addressed, along with some of the criticisms and arguments—for and against—some of the interpretations of certain passages. There is also a teaching outline included for each of the letters.
In my opinion, one of the many purposes for a survey of this type is to expose the readers to ideas, questions, areas, of consensus, as well as controversies, and to encourage further study. Polhill does his readers a great service by including at the end of each chapter, a list of ‘suggested further reading’ or ‘selected commentaries’.
Beyond the use of this as a text book in Bible Colleges or Theological Seminaries, I think this book would be a handy reference tool for pastors who are preaching from any of Paul’s letters, and Sunday School teachers and Small Group leaders should be advised to review Polhill’s “Study Outline” and highlights of each epistle as they prepare to lead the discussions.
A solid A+
5/5
March 22, 2021
I'm just a layperson so this review is for ordinary folks. Most of my current reading is fiction for pleasure.. Its been a while since I picked up a text book.
I wanted to keep reading. The more I read the more I wanted to get to know more about Paul as well as the gospel he preached. I rarely give a book five stars, but the reason I gave this one five stars it's because of the way it inspired me to want to know more. Have never enjoyed reading a textbook this much.
I wanted to keep reading. The more I read the more I wanted to get to know more about Paul as well as the gospel he preached. I rarely give a book five stars, but the reason I gave this one five stars it's because of the way it inspired me to want to know more. Have never enjoyed reading a textbook this much.
November 9, 2024
A very thorough treatment of Paul, his life, and his writings. An outstanding resource even for laymen (which I am), which deepened my understanding of the life and culture in which Paul lived, and how all of that intersects with Paul’s significant NT contributions
December 23, 2024
Provides some good background information about the original audiences and cites of Paul’s letters. Not a super in depth commentary, but a good resource for what it is.
August 7, 2015
Are you looking for a book that digs into who Paul is and then naturally works its way to the 13 books conservative scholarship attributes to Paul’s hand? You will want to check out this accessible volume that is widely used by seminarians and pastors alike. Polhill is a highly respected Pauline scholar, having also produced a commentary on Acts, who is the perfect choice for this volume.
He first fleshes out Paul with penetrating insight. You get an idea of the key elements of Paul’s early history that molded him for the work God had for him. Roman citizen, Jew, and Pharisee, Paul was a complex person. His zeal was legendary, first for the bad and then the good. His meeting with Christ, which Polhill devotes a whole chapter, changed everything.
As the book develops, Polhill traces Paul through Acts and begins tying his letters to the narrative. Some reviewers, who feel that he offers too brief a commentary of these books, miss the point entirely. It is not a commentary at all, but a description of introductory and background issues from Paul’s life. The point is showing the essence of each letter, and what, humanly speaking, brought about the need of the letter. For its actual goal, the volume wonderfully succeeded. It occasionally traced rabbit trails of more eccentric scholarship, but usually sided on the conservative side.
This book will find its home next to F.F. Bruce and Conybeare and Howson on my shelves. Plus, it is the most recent of the three. I highly recommend it!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
He first fleshes out Paul with penetrating insight. You get an idea of the key elements of Paul’s early history that molded him for the work God had for him. Roman citizen, Jew, and Pharisee, Paul was a complex person. His zeal was legendary, first for the bad and then the good. His meeting with Christ, which Polhill devotes a whole chapter, changed everything.
As the book develops, Polhill traces Paul through Acts and begins tying his letters to the narrative. Some reviewers, who feel that he offers too brief a commentary of these books, miss the point entirely. It is not a commentary at all, but a description of introductory and background issues from Paul’s life. The point is showing the essence of each letter, and what, humanly speaking, brought about the need of the letter. For its actual goal, the volume wonderfully succeeded. It occasionally traced rabbit trails of more eccentric scholarship, but usually sided on the conservative side.
This book will find its home next to F.F. Bruce and Conybeare and Howson on my shelves. Plus, it is the most recent of the three. I highly recommend it!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
July 18, 2014
This is the best book I have read to date on Paul, his mission, through the lens of his letters. I have not read a lot, but was delighted to introduced to the author, and to read through this in its entirety to NT 504 (GCTS)
November 6, 2014
A good introduction to Paul. Definitely not exhaustive nor definitive.
February 26, 2015
Of the three books that I have recently read on the life and letters of Paul this one is the best.
Schreiner on his theology is better but this is the best so far introducing his life and letters.
Schreiner on his theology is better but this is the best so far introducing his life and letters.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews