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The Call: The Life and Message of the Apostle Paul
With Adam Hamilton, we have traced the life of Jesus from his birth The Journey, through his ministry The Way, to his death and resurrection 24 Hours That Changed the World. What happened next? Follow the journeys of Paul, beginning with his dramatic conversion, as he spread the Gospel through modern-day Greece and Turkey. Travel to the early church sites and explore Paul’s conversations with the Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. In this six-week study, you are invited to experience faith through Christ’s greatest teacher and missionary.?Endorsements“Adam Hamilton has proven to be a faithful guide to applying the Bible to modern life in a sane and balanced way, and I trust him as an interpreter of the Apostle Paul for today.”-Philip Yancey, author of Vanishing Grace and The Jesus I Never Knew“Pastor and teacher Adam Hamilton succeeds brilliantly in introducing the life and ministry of Paul. Adam’s interweaving of personal testimony and ministry insights provide important lessons for Christian disciples today—something Paul himself would have readily welcomed.”- Dr. Mark Wilson, Asia Minor Research Center, Antalya, Turkey“Adam Hamilton demonstrates theologically and spiritually how indispensable the apostle Paul is to both the early Christian and 21st century church. This book is a wonderful gift for the church, and I recommend it with utmost Christian enthusiasm.”- Dr. Israel Kamudzandu, Associate Professor of New Testament and Biblical Interpretation, Saint Paul School of Theology“I regularly lead groups of seminary students, alums, clergy, and laity on immersion trips to Greece and Turkey. This book will certainly be on my reading list.”- Jaime Clark-Soles, Associate Professor of New Testament, Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor, Perkins School of Theology
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2015
181 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Adam Hamilton
297 books287 followersRev. Adam Hamilton is the founding pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. He grew up in the Kansas City area. He earned a B.A. degree in Pastoral Ministry from Oral Roberts University and a Master of Divinity Degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection has grown from four people in 1990 to more than 16,000 adult members with an average weekly worship attendance of more than 8,600 in 2011. The church was listed as the most influential mainline church in America in a 2005 survey of American pastors.
Adam has been married 30 years to LaVon. They have two grown daughters.
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection has grown from four people in 1990 to more than 16,000 adult members with an average weekly worship attendance of more than 8,600 in 2011. The church was listed as the most influential mainline church in America in a 2005 survey of American pastors.
Adam has been married 30 years to LaVon. They have two grown daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
June 22, 2018
Good study that goes well with the DVD. I'd like to do this one again on my own. I didn't get to finish with class because I was out of town for several lessons. Putting it on my wishlist to buy in the future.
August 12, 2015
I'd really go 4 and a half stars - I'm stingy with 5's. This is exactly what I'd hoped it would be - a walk through the three missionary journey's of the Apostle Paul. It is so much easier to get a handle on Paul's writing with a good understanding of Paul the person and the context of his writings. I'm looking forward to doing the DVD study of this book with the congregation at Hebron this fall.
March 3, 2023
Other than Jesus Christ, there is no one more responsible for the growth of Christianity than St. Paul. He was not only a missionary traveling all over the place spreading the Word, but also he wrote (or is credited with writing) many of the epistles that make up the New Testament.
Adam Hamilton, a minister in The United Methodist Church, has written a fascinating book about the life of Paul based not only on a thorough reading of the epistles authored by Paul along with scholarly research, but also with a physical journey undertaken by Hamilton, retracing Paul's many steps through what is now modern-day Greece, Turkey, and Italy.
Hamilton's stated goal with the book is to connect Paul's life, message, and call to the reader's life and faith, and he succeeds magnificently by making this illusive figure seem more real…more human. The writing is truly accessible to the lay person. You don't need a theology degree to understand it!
Beginning with Paul's early years and his dramatic encounter with Christ as he was on his way to Damascus to rout the early believers in "the way" so he could have them thrown in prison, punished, and even killed, the book continues with Paul's lifelong missionary journeys over mountain and sea. Hamilton is adept at singling out short clauses and sentences in the Book of Acts or one of Paul's letters to explain a deeper meaning, as well as fully describing Paul's missionary companions, including Barnabas, John Mark, Timothy, and Silas (or Sylvanus). He doesn't put Paul on a pedestal; rather, he's honest about Paul's temper, imperfections, and flaws.
St. Paul has long been criticized (and in some circles, condemned) for his views on women in the church, the role of Jews, and the place of gays in society. Hamilton goes far in explaining what Paul was saying and what his words meant for his first-century audience, as opposed to our 21st century mindset. It doesn't erase the hurt and anguish those words have caused, but it helps explain their background.
The book has a larger point than merely exploring the life of St. Paul. As the title reflects, Hamilton's goal is for the reader to also examine his or her own calling. In so doing, he asks a fascinating and thought-provoking question: "What won't happen if you don't do what God has called you to do?" In other words, think of the positive difference you can make in your world by following God's call to you.
While I read this book in just a few days, its six chapters make it perfect for studying throughout the six weeks of Lent. Photos of the sites that Paul visited and in which he lived add much to the text.
Adam Hamilton, a minister in The United Methodist Church, has written a fascinating book about the life of Paul based not only on a thorough reading of the epistles authored by Paul along with scholarly research, but also with a physical journey undertaken by Hamilton, retracing Paul's many steps through what is now modern-day Greece, Turkey, and Italy.
Hamilton's stated goal with the book is to connect Paul's life, message, and call to the reader's life and faith, and he succeeds magnificently by making this illusive figure seem more real…more human. The writing is truly accessible to the lay person. You don't need a theology degree to understand it!
Beginning with Paul's early years and his dramatic encounter with Christ as he was on his way to Damascus to rout the early believers in "the way" so he could have them thrown in prison, punished, and even killed, the book continues with Paul's lifelong missionary journeys over mountain and sea. Hamilton is adept at singling out short clauses and sentences in the Book of Acts or one of Paul's letters to explain a deeper meaning, as well as fully describing Paul's missionary companions, including Barnabas, John Mark, Timothy, and Silas (or Sylvanus). He doesn't put Paul on a pedestal; rather, he's honest about Paul's temper, imperfections, and flaws.
St. Paul has long been criticized (and in some circles, condemned) for his views on women in the church, the role of Jews, and the place of gays in society. Hamilton goes far in explaining what Paul was saying and what his words meant for his first-century audience, as opposed to our 21st century mindset. It doesn't erase the hurt and anguish those words have caused, but it helps explain their background.
The book has a larger point than merely exploring the life of St. Paul. As the title reflects, Hamilton's goal is for the reader to also examine his or her own calling. In so doing, he asks a fascinating and thought-provoking question: "What won't happen if you don't do what God has called you to do?" In other words, think of the positive difference you can make in your world by following God's call to you.
While I read this book in just a few days, its six chapters make it perfect for studying throughout the six weeks of Lent. Photos of the sites that Paul visited and in which he lived add much to the text.
May 22, 2020
I went to Greece a year ago, and this brought back happy memories. I like Hamilton's style. Fairly easy to read, but full of content.
September 30, 2020
I’ve always wanted to know more about the apostle Paul, the prolific writer of so many letters in the Bible. This 220-page recounting of his life spares few details, and I learned a lot. Because I’ve never traveled around the eastern Mediterranean, it was difficult for me to picture all of the places Paul visited on his missions to spread the good word, and author Adam Hamilton did well as a tour guide, but still, it was tough sledding. What fascinates me is the history behind Paul’s life and journeys, and how varying accounts still have some commonalities in where he was, who he spoke to, and what he did as Jesus’s most fervent and scholarly disciple. If I read this book again, at a slower pace, I would probably give it 4 stars.
February 12, 2016
His Hebrew name was Saul - named for the first king of the United Kingdom of Israel. His Roman name was Paul. His conversion on the Damascus road from a persecutor of Christians to a Christian teacher and preacher, his missionary journeys, his arrest in Jerusalem and trip to Rome, are old familiar stories.
Adam Hamilton’s "The Call - Life and Message of the Apostle Paul" appears to be more the work of a Christian apologist than that of a Pauline scholar. His list of references does not include citations by established scholars such as James Tabor, Marcus Borg, John Dominic Crossan, and others. Being a graduate of Oral Roberts University might lead the reader to wonder, “Is this just another fundamentalist Bible thumper?” In each section of the book, Rev. Hamilton gives a little information on the Apostle St. Paul, then launches into a sermon. At times one might feel like shouting, “Get back to the topic!”.
Rev. Hamilton describes well Paul’s background and his birthplace, Tarsus, a center of culture and learning. Greek philosopher Strabo (died 24 CE) described Tarsus as surpassing Athens and Alexandria as a center of philosophy. Paul was well educated and probably spoke several languages, giving him a distinct advantage over “The Twelve”, who were uneducated fishermen from Galilee. Further, he studied in Jerusalem, possibly with Gamaliel I, a first century rabbi and leader in the Sanhedrin. Moreover, his Roman citizenship probably saved his life on several occasions. However, Paul never personally met the earthly Jesus.
To his credit, some of Rev. Hamilton’s sideline sermons were meaningful and inspirational. In Athens Paul began with an affirmation of the people: “I see that you are very religious.” This was Paul’s positive way of introducing his message for Christ, rather than attacking the Athenians’ pagan gods. Many clergy members should consider this. In Rev Hamilton’s words, “I think this points to Paul’s genius in sharing Christ”. He mentions the need to take time from a busy life for “solitude, reading, prayer, and reflection”. He points out that, “Our task in worship is to prepare ourselves spiritually to hear the Spirit speak, sometimes despite the music and preaching”. In fact, all too often we are so focused on the quality of some aspect of the service that worship falls by the wayside. Moreover, we often fail in the area of social and political activism. A riot broke out in Bristol, England, when John Wesley preached against slavery. American Civil rights leaders faced threats. A congregation planned to establish a home for special needs adults, but the neighbors were concerned about lowering property values. A pastor welcomed gay and lesbian people to the congregation, only to see some of his parishioners get up and leave.
Rev. Hamilton points out that the Holy Spirit is an aspect that is often missed in today’s sermons. “This lack of attention to the Holy Spirit may be one reason many of us, and many of our churches, have a faith that is a bit anemic. …. When we baptize and confirm in The United Methodist Church, we lay our hands on the head of the one being baptized or confirmed. Often we anoint with oil (a sign, among other things, of the Spirit’s presence and power) and ask the Holy Spirit to fill the one being baptized or confirmed. But I wonder how many, as adults, continue to invite the Holy Spirit to empower, work in, and fill them? In the time since your baptism or confirmation, have you intentionally sought the Spirit to work in your life?”
Paul was a stubborn individual and was known for perseverance in the face of hardship. He continued after numerous setbacks, even at the risk of his life. He emphasized that Jesus taught love (my favorite verse):
1 Corinthians 13: 13 13 And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.
Paul’s message was clearly described. “The gospel accounts describe events from the life of Jesus and the Lord’s teachings, whereas Paul’s focus is on the significance of Jesus’ life and message, with a particular focus on the meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection.” However, Rev. Hamilton failed to emphasize that present-day Christian theology came largely from the message of Paul.
Rev. Hamilton describes Paul’s human side.
On several occasions Paul mentions his “physical infirmity”:
Galatians 4: 13 You know that it was because of a physical infirmity that I first announced the gospel to you; 14 though my condition put you to the test, you did not scorn or despise me, but welcomed me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What has become of the goodwill you felt? For I testify that, had it been possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.
Romans 7: 15 I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.
Because he says, “you did not scorn or despise me” and “but I do the very thing I hate”, some scholars have suggested that Paul might have been homosexual, although Rev. Hamilton did not mention this. He did mention the possibility of trachoma, an eye infection, evidenced by the comment, “you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me”. However, it is doubtful that Paul would have been despised for an eye infection.
Rev. Hamilton points out that the phrase “the Jews”, used frequently in Paul’s writings, only referred to Jewish non-believes. Then, as in numerous situations, he turns apologist, “Had Luke and John known that their language would foster anti-Semitism, I believe they would have chosen a different term (paraphrased).” He uses “Luke” and “John” meaning the authors of Luke and John. Paul had a traveling companion named “Luke” and from this writing it might appear that Rev. Hamilton assumes that his traveling companion was the author of The Gospel According to St. Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. While it is commonly accepted that the same person authored both, there is no evidence connecting Paul’s traveling companion with these writings.
Rev. Hamilton’s discussions of Paul’s attitude toward women might leave the reader with a false impression. Rev. Hamilton’s apologetic explanation was that present day people are judging Paul by 21st century standards. In fact, Paul was very positive toward women, especially by 1st century standards. There are numerous incidents in Paul’s actual writings (the Pauline Corpus) of Paul using women in his ministry. According to most scholars, the statement, “… women should be silent in the churches” (from 1 Corinthians 14: 34), does not fit the flow of the text and was likely added by a scribe who thought Paul was too positive about women. Moreover, phrases such as, “I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she is to keep silent” (1 Timothy 2: 12) are from the pastoral epistles (I & II Timothy, Titus) which are outside the Pauline Corpus – Paul did not write either of them. In fact, at several points, Rev. Hamilton makes statements such as, “Paul describes in Colossians” when, in fact, very few scholars feel that Paul wrote Colossians.
In Corinth Paul met Aquila and Priscilla. Rev. Hamilton says, “they recently had been expelled from Rome with the rest of the Jewish population under a decree from Emperor Claudius (this occurred in A.D. 49)”. History tells us that Claudius (r 41 - 54) came down hard on rebellious Jews and many of them left. However, no Jews were expelled from Rome. There were other historical errors, but I will leave those for future readers.
Despite my criticisms, I actually did enjoy reading “The Call”. If one is seeking a series of meaningful and inspirational sermons, this might be your book. If you are expecting Pauline scholarship, this isn’t it.
Adam Hamilton’s "The Call - Life and Message of the Apostle Paul" appears to be more the work of a Christian apologist than that of a Pauline scholar. His list of references does not include citations by established scholars such as James Tabor, Marcus Borg, John Dominic Crossan, and others. Being a graduate of Oral Roberts University might lead the reader to wonder, “Is this just another fundamentalist Bible thumper?” In each section of the book, Rev. Hamilton gives a little information on the Apostle St. Paul, then launches into a sermon. At times one might feel like shouting, “Get back to the topic!”.
Rev. Hamilton describes well Paul’s background and his birthplace, Tarsus, a center of culture and learning. Greek philosopher Strabo (died 24 CE) described Tarsus as surpassing Athens and Alexandria as a center of philosophy. Paul was well educated and probably spoke several languages, giving him a distinct advantage over “The Twelve”, who were uneducated fishermen from Galilee. Further, he studied in Jerusalem, possibly with Gamaliel I, a first century rabbi and leader in the Sanhedrin. Moreover, his Roman citizenship probably saved his life on several occasions. However, Paul never personally met the earthly Jesus.
To his credit, some of Rev. Hamilton’s sideline sermons were meaningful and inspirational. In Athens Paul began with an affirmation of the people: “I see that you are very religious.” This was Paul’s positive way of introducing his message for Christ, rather than attacking the Athenians’ pagan gods. Many clergy members should consider this. In Rev Hamilton’s words, “I think this points to Paul’s genius in sharing Christ”. He mentions the need to take time from a busy life for “solitude, reading, prayer, and reflection”. He points out that, “Our task in worship is to prepare ourselves spiritually to hear the Spirit speak, sometimes despite the music and preaching”. In fact, all too often we are so focused on the quality of some aspect of the service that worship falls by the wayside. Moreover, we often fail in the area of social and political activism. A riot broke out in Bristol, England, when John Wesley preached against slavery. American Civil rights leaders faced threats. A congregation planned to establish a home for special needs adults, but the neighbors were concerned about lowering property values. A pastor welcomed gay and lesbian people to the congregation, only to see some of his parishioners get up and leave.
Rev. Hamilton points out that the Holy Spirit is an aspect that is often missed in today’s sermons. “This lack of attention to the Holy Spirit may be one reason many of us, and many of our churches, have a faith that is a bit anemic. …. When we baptize and confirm in The United Methodist Church, we lay our hands on the head of the one being baptized or confirmed. Often we anoint with oil (a sign, among other things, of the Spirit’s presence and power) and ask the Holy Spirit to fill the one being baptized or confirmed. But I wonder how many, as adults, continue to invite the Holy Spirit to empower, work in, and fill them? In the time since your baptism or confirmation, have you intentionally sought the Spirit to work in your life?”
Paul was a stubborn individual and was known for perseverance in the face of hardship. He continued after numerous setbacks, even at the risk of his life. He emphasized that Jesus taught love (my favorite verse):
1 Corinthians 13: 13 13 And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.
Paul’s message was clearly described. “The gospel accounts describe events from the life of Jesus and the Lord’s teachings, whereas Paul’s focus is on the significance of Jesus’ life and message, with a particular focus on the meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection.” However, Rev. Hamilton failed to emphasize that present-day Christian theology came largely from the message of Paul.
Rev. Hamilton describes Paul’s human side.
On several occasions Paul mentions his “physical infirmity”:
Galatians 4: 13 You know that it was because of a physical infirmity that I first announced the gospel to you; 14 though my condition put you to the test, you did not scorn or despise me, but welcomed me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What has become of the goodwill you felt? For I testify that, had it been possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.
Romans 7: 15 I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.
Because he says, “you did not scorn or despise me” and “but I do the very thing I hate”, some scholars have suggested that Paul might have been homosexual, although Rev. Hamilton did not mention this. He did mention the possibility of trachoma, an eye infection, evidenced by the comment, “you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me”. However, it is doubtful that Paul would have been despised for an eye infection.
Rev. Hamilton points out that the phrase “the Jews”, used frequently in Paul’s writings, only referred to Jewish non-believes. Then, as in numerous situations, he turns apologist, “Had Luke and John known that their language would foster anti-Semitism, I believe they would have chosen a different term (paraphrased).” He uses “Luke” and “John” meaning the authors of Luke and John. Paul had a traveling companion named “Luke” and from this writing it might appear that Rev. Hamilton assumes that his traveling companion was the author of The Gospel According to St. Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. While it is commonly accepted that the same person authored both, there is no evidence connecting Paul’s traveling companion with these writings.
Rev. Hamilton’s discussions of Paul’s attitude toward women might leave the reader with a false impression. Rev. Hamilton’s apologetic explanation was that present day people are judging Paul by 21st century standards. In fact, Paul was very positive toward women, especially by 1st century standards. There are numerous incidents in Paul’s actual writings (the Pauline Corpus) of Paul using women in his ministry. According to most scholars, the statement, “… women should be silent in the churches” (from 1 Corinthians 14: 34), does not fit the flow of the text and was likely added by a scribe who thought Paul was too positive about women. Moreover, phrases such as, “I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she is to keep silent” (1 Timothy 2: 12) are from the pastoral epistles (I & II Timothy, Titus) which are outside the Pauline Corpus – Paul did not write either of them. In fact, at several points, Rev. Hamilton makes statements such as, “Paul describes in Colossians” when, in fact, very few scholars feel that Paul wrote Colossians.
In Corinth Paul met Aquila and Priscilla. Rev. Hamilton says, “they recently had been expelled from Rome with the rest of the Jewish population under a decree from Emperor Claudius (this occurred in A.D. 49)”. History tells us that Claudius (r 41 - 54) came down hard on rebellious Jews and many of them left. However, no Jews were expelled from Rome. There were other historical errors, but I will leave those for future readers.
Despite my criticisms, I actually did enjoy reading “The Call”. If one is seeking a series of meaningful and inspirational sermons, this might be your book. If you are expecting Pauline scholarship, this isn’t it.
March 5, 2020
The Call by Adam Hamilton
Reading this book is like the author taking you on a journey of where the Apostle Paul went and traveled. The descriptions of his travels appear to be accurate. A reader needs to be aware that the story is told from the viewpoint of a Methodist minister. He continually tries to personalize Paul’s stories. His attempts to try to turn the events back toward you as an individual --it often felt like he was trying to lead a spiritual retreat.
Halfway through the book, it is easy to become bored with the details unless you are vested and passionate about the life of the Apostle Paul. For me-it was only a book to enhance my understanding of the men who knew Jesus. It read like a travelogue with pictures. It would be an excellent guidebook for those aspiring to follow Paul’s three missions.
Here are some kernels of awesomeness:
“You can’t lead people where you yourself are not going.”
The description of a leader: “Show hospitality, love strangers, reasonable, wise, sensible, would be just. Godly, striving to be like God. Should have self-control inner strength, the strength to do what is right and to refrain from doing what is wrong. Must not be addicted to alcohol or be (a) bully or greedy or arrogant.”
The analogy of plugging in and charging your phone to that of being recharged by the Holy Spirit with peace, love, and joy which are the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
The author explores the Spirit and states that “This lack of attention to the Holy Spirit may be one reason many of our churches have a faith that is a bit anemic.”
In the end, I am glad that I found this book since I learned a lot of historical information from it. However, and there must be this caution, since the book does not exemplify the Word --it does not clarify that we are reading a snippet of salvation history -we are reading about man’s perspective -secular history. There is a big difference! If you have that understanding, then you can enjoy the book.
Reading this book is like the author taking you on a journey of where the Apostle Paul went and traveled. The descriptions of his travels appear to be accurate. A reader needs to be aware that the story is told from the viewpoint of a Methodist minister. He continually tries to personalize Paul’s stories. His attempts to try to turn the events back toward you as an individual --it often felt like he was trying to lead a spiritual retreat.
Halfway through the book, it is easy to become bored with the details unless you are vested and passionate about the life of the Apostle Paul. For me-it was only a book to enhance my understanding of the men who knew Jesus. It read like a travelogue with pictures. It would be an excellent guidebook for those aspiring to follow Paul’s three missions.
Here are some kernels of awesomeness:
“You can’t lead people where you yourself are not going.”
The description of a leader: “Show hospitality, love strangers, reasonable, wise, sensible, would be just. Godly, striving to be like God. Should have self-control inner strength, the strength to do what is right and to refrain from doing what is wrong. Must not be addicted to alcohol or be (a) bully or greedy or arrogant.”
The analogy of plugging in and charging your phone to that of being recharged by the Holy Spirit with peace, love, and joy which are the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
The author explores the Spirit and states that “This lack of attention to the Holy Spirit may be one reason many of our churches have a faith that is a bit anemic.”
In the end, I am glad that I found this book since I learned a lot of historical information from it. However, and there must be this caution, since the book does not exemplify the Word --it does not clarify that we are reading a snippet of salvation history -we are reading about man’s perspective -secular history. There is a big difference! If you have that understanding, then you can enjoy the book.
December 31, 2020
With Adam Hamilton, we have traced the life of Jesus from his birth The Journey, through his ministry The Way, to his death and resurrection 24 Hours That Changed the World. What happened next?
Follow the journeys of Paul, beginning with his dramatic conversion, as he spread the Gospel through modern-day Greece and Turkey. Travel to the early church sites and explore Paul's conversations with the Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. In this six-week study, you are invited to experience faith through Christ's greatest teacher and missionary.(from Goodreads)
Follow the journeys of Paul, beginning with his dramatic conversion, as he spread the Gospel through modern-day Greece and Turkey. Travel to the early church sites and explore Paul's conversations with the Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. In this six-week study, you are invited to experience faith through Christ's greatest teacher and missionary.(from Goodreads)
February 13, 2023
Our church used The Call: The Life and Message of the Apostle Paul by Methodist pastor Adam Hamilton for a six-week Bible study. Hamilton’s research on the life and missionary journeys of Paul seemed accurate and thorough. He also created a DVD to document his own travels to some of the locations. We liked the study, but felt the book’s flow bogged down a few times with personal anecdotes. In keeping with the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words,” we thought the DVD was worth the extra cost.
August 14, 2025
In preparation for a trip to Greece and Turkey to do the journey of Paul, I was told about this book.
It was well written and easy to understand and had pictures at times also. Paul's life was so interesting and his faith in God was amazing. What an example for us all! He traveled so many places, was beaten many times, shipwrecked many times, in prison, and beheaded but his writings have shaped the lives of us all. He is considered after Jesus to have the most influence on the Christian faith. Looking forward to seeing the places I read about.
It was well written and easy to understand and had pictures at times also. Paul's life was so interesting and his faith in God was amazing. What an example for us all! He traveled so many places, was beaten many times, shipwrecked many times, in prison, and beheaded but his writings have shaped the lives of us all. He is considered after Jesus to have the most influence on the Christian faith. Looking forward to seeing the places I read about.
May 10, 2021
This is a book that is not sure what it wants to be—part general paraphrase of Bible account, part speculation of miles and time of travel (too much), part travel notes of author, and part stories of supposed application (which seem to be either an ad for the author’s church or politically correct.) That would be about a 2. However, the section that ends with the idea that Paul “seem(s) to leave room for alternative answers to the eternal fate of nonbelievers” is sketchy.
January 14, 2020
While at time interesting read Hamilton interjects his own faith experiences a bit too often. It is appreciated as it shows that the stories of the bible and the lessons there in can be applied to our modern day lives, sometimes sticking to the history lesson and leaving more to contemplation is better.
May 25, 2020
I’ve never been a big fan of Adam Hamilton and still not, but this book is a very good description of the life and journeys of Paul, and I believe it’s probably as accurate is any. The name is a good one as he describes how Paul responds to the call Jesus put on his life, and he reminds us that Jesus has called us as well.
March 25, 2018
As usual Adam Hamilton's writing is an easy read. I enjoyed learning about the life and teaching of Paul. There was a lot of detail regarding the cities, runes, and the related geography. Some others in my group found this a bit dry.
October 22, 2018
The life of the apostle Paul is second only to Jesus Christ in the effect his ministry had on the world. Photos from Hamilton's journey to follow Paul's missionary trips make things even more real. What a good book!
March 9, 2020
Probably my least favorite of the Adam Hamilton books. Maybe if we could have seen the videos while reading, it would have been better. But, we were basically reading it independently and I was bored to tears.
May 16, 2020
A scholarly and well written spiritual biography and Bible study on the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul. . . A biblical "travel log," if you will. To grow deeper in the Christian faith, none better than Pastor and author Adam Hamilton.
May 27, 2020
Accessible Introduction to Paul
I used this as a resource to create my own Bible study through the life and ministry of Paul. It pointed me in the right direction. Great for a Bible study on its own or in a small group. Helpfully addressed critical issues with centeredness.
I used this as a resource to create my own Bible study through the life and ministry of Paul. It pointed me in the right direction. Great for a Bible study on its own or in a small group. Helpfully addressed critical issues with centeredness.
November 7, 2023
"The Call" makes the apostle Paul come alive with spirit and truth, following his challenging missionary journeys through Greece and Turkey and Asia Minor. Rev. Adam Hamilton's writing connects with each Christian reader to grow their faith.
August 16, 2024
A comprehensive look at the life of Paul, based on Biblical accounts and details from other sources. Adam does a good job of filling in the blank areas with plausible explanations of events and time periods that are missing from the Bible.
August 29, 2025
An enjoyable read but a bit light. A little too much switching to contemporary preaching which I saw as pointless and came across as filler. Not enough about his letters and teachings. All a bit evangelical.
February 24, 2017
a little too much history and travelogue info for my personal taste but on the positive, this book gave some insight into what drove Paul and the passion that kept him on the path.
October 21, 2017
Highly recommend any and all of Adam Hamilton's books. Also an engaging speaker an careful scholar. Good stuff!
April 1, 2018
The Call is an overall comprehensive look at the life, ministry and writings of Paul. It serves as a solid biography of one of Christianity’s main figures.
August 21, 2018
Hard to say which I liked more—Hamilton’s personal insight, the teaching about Paul or the challenge to listen when God calls.
November 4, 2018
I just really couldn't get into this book. Gave. Good history lesson, but I didn't feel like it really captivate me.
February 20, 2020
Much better than I expected. Biblical sites, Pauline exegesis, and personal testimony intertwined to create a fantastic story of one man’s journey to preach the gospel.
April 23, 2020
Our church's Bible study chose this book as a Lenten study - we really enjoyed learning about Paul, and especially in conjunction with the DVD showing places of Paul's missionary journeys.
June 30, 2020
Great book about Paul and his journeys Studied with church small group
March 29, 2021
Anything by Adam Hamilton is worth reading. Especially as a group.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews