In the Footsteps of Saint Paul

by Edward Stourton

A layman reflects on the life and legacy of the influential apostle as he retraces Paul’s footsteps through the old Roman Empire in this biography. Regarded by many as the founder of organized Christianity, Saint Paul the Apostle is a contradictory figure. Before his conversion to Christianity, Paul persecuted Christians, and it is believed he even enthusiastically attended Saint Stephen’s stoning. After his conversion, he began his ministry, traveling the Roman Empire and writing famous letters that are some of the earliest Christian documents. But who was he really? In this book, British radio presenter and journalist Edward Stourton recounts his own journey to real sites from St. Paul’s life. He begins with Paul’s birthplace of Tarsus and continues all the way to Paul’s martyrdom in Rome more than sixty years later. With detailed research, Stourton contemplates the apostle’s experiences, education, and background, as well as his relevance to contemporary political and social issues. Ultimately, he transforms St. Paul from an elusive New Testament figure into a flesh and blood man with a passion for his beliefs.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 20, 2004

About the author

Edward Stourton is a newspaper columnist, writer and presenter of several high-profile current affairs programmes and regularly presents BBC Radio Four programmes such as The World at One, The World this Weekend, Sunday and Analysis. He is a frequent contributor to the Today programme, where for ten years he was one of the main presenters.

Reviews

[Graham]

Terrific fast paced introduction to St Paul and the different ways to see him. Moralist, founder of Christianity, adventurer, missionary, disruptor. Leaves me wanting to know more.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting look at the context of Paul and what was going on around him

[Andrew Imrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite books about the history of early Christianity. Stourton goes in search of Saint Paul, visiting many of the places associated with him during his life and journeys.

[Joana Andrade]

comment once I've finished it