Understanding Paul: The Early Christian Worldview of the Letter to the Romans

by Stephen Westerholm

Two thousand years later, Paul attracts more attention than any other figure from antiquity besides one," writes Stephen Westerholm. Why the fascination with the apostle Paul? Westerholm explains that Paul remains such a compelling figure because he was "a man completely captivated by a particular way of looking at life." Using the themes of the Epistle to the Romans, Westerholm helps readers understand the major components of Paul's vision of life. He delves into the writings of the Old Testament, explores their influence on Paul, and engages contemporary readers in a thought-provoking reconsideration of their own assumptions about faith, theology, and ethics.This insightful introduction gives postmodern readers, especially those with little or no biblical background, a necessary big-picture look at Paul's view of reality.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction, New Testament, Christianity, Christian

166 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1997

Reviews

[Steve Stanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Wasn't what I was expecting but still was a fun read; I enjoyed it. While not exactly similar I would probably point people instead to something like Doug Moo's "Encountering the Book of Romans: A Theological Survey." Or even, Westerholm’s book would be good to read alongside Moo’s.

[Andrew Flick-Shriner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent as both a straight-through read and as a study tool, Westerholm explores the “Jewish-Christian” worldview of Paul, following Romans as a guide while drawing on Paul’s other epistles. He makes clear many of the difficult areas of Paul’s thinking, such as his doctrine of atonement, understanding of the Mosaic Law, and the practice of Christian living. A must-read for all Christian thinkers and teachers. The only knock on this book (resulting in my four-star review) is that his prose is merely adequate rather than excellent.

[Bill Hooten · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I had paid a little more attention to the subtitle of this book, I might not have started it. It is a little more philosophical that I would usually read, but if I had not read it it -- I would have some very interesting material. The key to understanding any NT book, in my opinion, is to understand the time, situation, and circumstances of the audience and the author. Westerholm helped to open my eyes to situation in the Roman world at the time of the letter. in my mind, this is a good book to read in preparation for a study of Romans, or teaching a class on Romans.

[Tim Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's an interesting read.

I'm not sure I've ever read anything like it. It is like a worldview study through Romans with an eye for philosophical concepts but without much jargon and no footnotes.

Some pretty good one-liners.

Very thought provoking.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mediocre overview of Paul’s theology on sin, goodness, and the law from Romans.

[Tori B · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty straightforward summary. I didn't feel like there was much to like or dislike.

[Madeleine Crow · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best academic books I’ve read to date for one of my classes. So much personality, so easy to read especially side by side to Romans. Very helpful learning context.

[Lindsay John Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excerpt from my full review at http://mydigitalseminary.com/understa...

I thoroughly enjoyed and devoured Understanding Paul. Westerholm manages to explain Paul’s worldview, survey the letter of Romans, write with elegant clarity, and do so in under 170 pages! I can’t think of anyone who would not profit from this book. Particularly, I would certainly recommend this to a believer or unbeliever who wants to better understand Paul and his theology and worldview and as a great resource for teachers and university-age students. I may use portions of it in our Romans class next semester. This is far from a tract, but in Understanding Paul we have an objective and yet sympathetic survey of Paul’s theology and worldview that I would happily give to any inquiring and thoughtful believer or unbeliever as a great introduction to Paul, Romans and the beliefs of Christianity itself.

[[Special thanks to SPCK Publishing for providing a free review copy. I was not required to give a favourable review]]