The Apostle Paul: His Life, Thought, and Letters

by Stanley E. Porter

In this comprehensive introduction to the apostle Paul, Stanley Porter devotes serious consideration both to the background and major contours of Paul’s thought and to the unique contributions of each of his letters.
 
Porter begins by introducing the Pauline tradition and outlining the basics of Paul’s life, the chronology of his ministry, and his several imprisonments. Porter then discusses the background to Paul’s thought, examines some of the major themes of his writings, and treats issues concerning the Pauline epistles, such as pseudonymity and canon.
 
Finally, Porter delves into all thirteen of Paul’s letters individually, placing them within their historical contexts and examining critical issues relating to the content and interpretation of each letter. The result is a thorough, balanced treatment of one of the most important figures in Christianity.

Genres: Theology

487 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 2016

About the author

Stanley E. Porter (PhD, University of Sheffield) is president, dean, and professor of New Testament, and Roy A. Hope Chair in Christian Wolrdview at McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ontario. He has authored or edited dozens of books, including How We Got the New Testament and Fundamentals of New Testament Greek.

Reviews

[Steve Stanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5–5 stars. This quote basically sums up my thoughts on Porter's book: "Stan Porter's work on Paul and his letters represents scholarship at its best. Porter assesses the evidence independently and from a fresh perspective. . . . A tremendous resource for scholars, teachers, pastors, and students" (Thomas R. Schreiner).

[Timothy Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could have been better on the theology of Paul, but props for his willingness to hold and argue for views that are conservative and in the minority.