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Paul: An Apostle's Journey
A dramatic journey through the life and thought of the apostle Paul
Douglas Campbell has made a name for himself as one of Paul’s most insightful and provocative interpreters. In this short and spirited book Campbell introduces readers to the apostle he has studied in depth over his scholarly career.
Enter with Campbell into Paul’s world, relive the story of Paul’s action-packed ministry, and follow the development of Paul’s thought as he travels both physically and spiritually from his conversion on the road to Damascus to his arrest and eventual execution by agents of the Roman Empire.
Ideal for students, study groups, and individual readers, Paul: An Apostle’s Journey dramatically recounts the life of one of early Christianity’s most fascinating figures—and offers powerful insights into his mind and his influential message.
Douglas Campbell has made a name for himself as one of Paul’s most insightful and provocative interpreters. In this short and spirited book Campbell introduces readers to the apostle he has studied in depth over his scholarly career.
Enter with Campbell into Paul’s world, relive the story of Paul’s action-packed ministry, and follow the development of Paul’s thought as he travels both physically and spiritually from his conversion on the road to Damascus to his arrest and eventual execution by agents of the Roman Empire.
Ideal for students, study groups, and individual readers, Paul: An Apostle’s Journey dramatically recounts the life of one of early Christianity’s most fascinating figures—and offers powerful insights into his mind and his influential message.
219 pages, Paperback
First published January 18, 2018
58 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
Douglas A. Campbell
21 books27 followersDouglas A. Campbell is a professor of New Testament at Duke Divinity School. His main research interest is the life and theology of the apostle Paul, with particular reference to an understanding of salvation informed by apocalyptic as against justification or salvation-history. However, he is interested in methodological contributions to Paul's analysis from any disciplinary angle, ancient or modern, whether Greco-Roman epistolary and rhetorical theory, or insights into human networking and conflict-resolution discovered by sociologists.
His writings command the respect of scholars worldwide, including Framing Paul: An Epistolary Biography and The Deliverance of God: An Apocalyptic Rereading of Justification in Paul.
His writings command the respect of scholars worldwide, including Framing Paul: An Epistolary Biography and The Deliverance of God: An Apocalyptic Rereading of Justification in Paul.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 23, 2018
Up until page 166, this was me.
"PREACH!"
"TESTIFY!!"
"AAAAMEN MY BRUTHA!!!"
"TELL IT MY BRU...WHUT?!?"
I really REALLY needed this book. I had read one about Paul previously that was saying Paul didn't really write everything that was attributed to him, yadda yadda yadda. This book really explained how it was all by Paul, who it was going to, why it was written, around when it was written, etc. SO GOOD.
And then he goes all sideways, extrapolating what Paul WOULD have said about something, even though he clearly did NOT. That was page 168 however.
Page 166 said since God is love and love wins, that we ALL go to Heaven, cuz God don't lose Hommie.
Et hem. Excuse me. What about "free will"? We have the choice to choose Him or choose other. ALL choices have consequences and He is pretty open about what the results are if you choose the other over Him. God doesn't WANT that, but there are rules.
Example, Hitler chose to slaughter God's Chosen People. Is this author REALLY telling me that if Hitler didn't repent and was glad that he did it, that he still gets into Heaven? Seriously? I think Hitler CAN be in Heaven, if he truly repented and believed Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior of the World, though if Hitler's past behavior was any indication, he probably isn't. But I'm not the judge of that, thank goodness.
So no. Just NO.
That turned a five star, ohmygoshthisbookisthebestthingIhaveeverread, into 3, it was really good, UNTIL stars.
Recommended if you want to learn more about Paul and his writing explained in a clear way. Just don't go past page 165. Not bad, just....it went someplace I completely wasn't expecting and did not agree with.
My thanks to NetGalley and Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
"PREACH!"
"TESTIFY!!"
"AAAAMEN MY BRUTHA!!!"
"TELL IT MY BRU...WHUT?!?"
I really REALLY needed this book. I had read one about Paul previously that was saying Paul didn't really write everything that was attributed to him, yadda yadda yadda. This book really explained how it was all by Paul, who it was going to, why it was written, around when it was written, etc. SO GOOD.
And then he goes all sideways, extrapolating what Paul WOULD have said about something, even though he clearly did NOT. That was page 168 however.
Page 166 said since God is love and love wins, that we ALL go to Heaven, cuz God don't lose Hommie.
Et hem. Excuse me. What about "free will"? We have the choice to choose Him or choose other. ALL choices have consequences and He is pretty open about what the results are if you choose the other over Him. God doesn't WANT that, but there are rules.
Example, Hitler chose to slaughter God's Chosen People. Is this author REALLY telling me that if Hitler didn't repent and was glad that he did it, that he still gets into Heaven? Seriously? I think Hitler CAN be in Heaven, if he truly repented and believed Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior of the World, though if Hitler's past behavior was any indication, he probably isn't. But I'm not the judge of that, thank goodness.
So no. Just NO.
That turned a five star, ohmygoshthisbookisthebestthingIhaveeverread, into 3, it was really good, UNTIL stars.
Recommended if you want to learn more about Paul and his writing explained in a clear way. Just don't go past page 165. Not bad, just....it went someplace I completely wasn't expecting and did not agree with.
My thanks to NetGalley and Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
February 2, 2022
This book was recommend to me by a fellow Goodreads reader (thanks Paul!).
In this book, Doug Campbell tells the story of the apostle Paul. It is short and succinct, providing a brief introduction to Paul’s life and theology. Since I am leading a Bible study on Romans this semester, it seemed a book worth reading.
My personal interest was on Campbell’s argument that Paul was a proto-universalist. This comes up in the last two chapters, where Campbell strongly argues for a covenantal understanding of Paul’s theology rather than a contractual one. Too many of us Christians see salvation, and God’s love, as based on a contract where the primary onus is on what we do in either accepting or rejecting it. Campbell reminds us God is all about covenants - God has entered into an unbreakable covenant with humanity through Jesus. We are loved by God because God is love.
Campbell shows how this provides a coherent picture of God. In Romans 9-11 we see the faithful remnant of Israel is a firstfruits towards which all of Israel will be saved. I never felt I understood Romans 9-11 until I accepted it meant what it said - all Israel will be saved because God is faithful. From this, Israel is the firstfruits to all of humanity. In Adam all die, in Christ all are made alive. Campbell argues that, and its so simple and obvious, for Christ’s work to be greater than Adam’s means all will be saved. If Adam’s sin condemns all but Christ’s work only saves a few, how is Christ’s work greater?
Of course, Campbell notes we have to then interpret other Pauline passages to fit into this framework. This reminds us that we all interpret scripture with some framework. I often see questions, “how does a Christian universalist interpret such and such passage?” This is fair. But the other question must be asked - “how does eternal conscious torment deal with the blunt statement that in Christ, all are saved?”
Overall, this is a well done book on Paul. I do wish there was a basic timeline included, or even if Campbell had noted where his views on Paul differ from others. He does offer some unique dating of some of Paul’s life. Even though this is a brief introduction to Paul, those with some knowledge of Paul may be curious how/why he comes to some of his conclusions. That aside, it is a great book.
In this book, Doug Campbell tells the story of the apostle Paul. It is short and succinct, providing a brief introduction to Paul’s life and theology. Since I am leading a Bible study on Romans this semester, it seemed a book worth reading.
My personal interest was on Campbell’s argument that Paul was a proto-universalist. This comes up in the last two chapters, where Campbell strongly argues for a covenantal understanding of Paul’s theology rather than a contractual one. Too many of us Christians see salvation, and God’s love, as based on a contract where the primary onus is on what we do in either accepting or rejecting it. Campbell reminds us God is all about covenants - God has entered into an unbreakable covenant with humanity through Jesus. We are loved by God because God is love.
Campbell shows how this provides a coherent picture of God. In Romans 9-11 we see the faithful remnant of Israel is a firstfruits towards which all of Israel will be saved. I never felt I understood Romans 9-11 until I accepted it meant what it said - all Israel will be saved because God is faithful. From this, Israel is the firstfruits to all of humanity. In Adam all die, in Christ all are made alive. Campbell argues that, and its so simple and obvious, for Christ’s work to be greater than Adam’s means all will be saved. If Adam’s sin condemns all but Christ’s work only saves a few, how is Christ’s work greater?
Of course, Campbell notes we have to then interpret other Pauline passages to fit into this framework. This reminds us that we all interpret scripture with some framework. I often see questions, “how does a Christian universalist interpret such and such passage?” This is fair. But the other question must be asked - “how does eternal conscious torment deal with the blunt statement that in Christ, all are saved?”
Overall, this is a well done book on Paul. I do wish there was a basic timeline included, or even if Campbell had noted where his views on Paul differ from others. He does offer some unique dating of some of Paul’s life. Even though this is a brief introduction to Paul, those with some knowledge of Paul may be curious how/why he comes to some of his conclusions. That aside, it is a great book.
January 21, 2018
This was an enjoyable read. Campbell is very passionate about Paul, and it shows, it's a great telling of how he believes Paul's life went down.
If you're interested in Campbell's perspective on things, this might be a good book to start with. Likewise, if you're say, slightly above average in terms of theological well-readness, this is a great book about Paul. However, the test I put all books aimed at the popular-level up to: I don't think this is a book I'd give my mom on her own. This could be good in a bible study led by someone more familiar with the material, because I think, sometimes, his points aren't made as clearly as they could be. Something that happened a couple times when I was reading, for instance, he says in an endnote to chapter eleven that we had already discussed elsewhere what Paul saw as the steps one took to become a Christian, and I thought, have we? When did we discuss this? It's a short book, so I don't think I already forgot something (not like his 1,000+ page The Deliverance of God, which one could definitely be forgiven for forgetting if we had covered something that was 400pgs ago). In many of these instances it had been mentioned, just in between (or even a part of) discussions of other things going on as well, easily missed.
I think some maps with routes and simple timelines of what is being proposed would be helpful, because it's easy to get lost in the, okay we're in Corinth, flash back to Galatia, and something about Illyricum, and Paul's on the road! From where again? What letter's have been written so far? And we're moving on!
That's not to say the whole book is like that, because he makes a lot of his points really well, and they're great ones! But it stood out on a couple issues.
Another huge drawback for me is the fact that he knew sex and gender issues obviously is important and contested enough in Paul that it deserved it's own chapter. Good start, I was very excited to get to it. At 8 pages, it's second only to the last chapter for being the shortest. No matter, you can say a lot in 8 pages, truly. But, he didn't. He sets up a bit of the frame, he deals with some more uncontroversial things, Paul's thoughts on marriage, and then he goes on to mention but not touch the question of household codes, equality of women, and LGBTQ people. He notes what is said, and then says (in an endnote no less!) "The question whether this is compatible with the broader thrust of his theology as a whole does need to be addressed, but it is a complex one. See my more extensive discussions in Pauline Dogmatics in Outline." This is by no means the first time he pushes a question to his next book, but it is one of the most irritating. He quite clearly believes women are suited for ministry in other statements he makes in the book, but doesn't quite explain how he gets there. (Similarly, he call slavery an abomination without dealing with what Paul says about slavery, again deferring to his next book.)
Finally, in driving home one of his major points, he labels Paul a fighter for the gospel as covenantal and unconditional, and Paul's opponents, fighters for....religion, with all its contracts and conditions. He drags the tired Religion v Relationship terminology out quite a bit. I really thought we were over that by now.
I'm so critical only because I think Campbell's points are so important, and I want them to be as accessible as possible. Despite things that definitely could've been handled better, it has many many great qualities, and is well worth reading.
If you're interested in Campbell's perspective on things, this might be a good book to start with. Likewise, if you're say, slightly above average in terms of theological well-readness, this is a great book about Paul. However, the test I put all books aimed at the popular-level up to: I don't think this is a book I'd give my mom on her own. This could be good in a bible study led by someone more familiar with the material, because I think, sometimes, his points aren't made as clearly as they could be. Something that happened a couple times when I was reading, for instance, he says in an endnote to chapter eleven that we had already discussed elsewhere what Paul saw as the steps one took to become a Christian, and I thought, have we? When did we discuss this? It's a short book, so I don't think I already forgot something (not like his 1,000+ page The Deliverance of God, which one could definitely be forgiven for forgetting if we had covered something that was 400pgs ago). In many of these instances it had been mentioned, just in between (or even a part of) discussions of other things going on as well, easily missed.
I think some maps with routes and simple timelines of what is being proposed would be helpful, because it's easy to get lost in the, okay we're in Corinth, flash back to Galatia, and something about Illyricum, and Paul's on the road! From where again? What letter's have been written so far? And we're moving on!
That's not to say the whole book is like that, because he makes a lot of his points really well, and they're great ones! But it stood out on a couple issues.
Another huge drawback for me is the fact that he knew sex and gender issues obviously is important and contested enough in Paul that it deserved it's own chapter. Good start, I was very excited to get to it. At 8 pages, it's second only to the last chapter for being the shortest. No matter, you can say a lot in 8 pages, truly. But, he didn't. He sets up a bit of the frame, he deals with some more uncontroversial things, Paul's thoughts on marriage, and then he goes on to mention but not touch the question of household codes, equality of women, and LGBTQ people. He notes what is said, and then says (in an endnote no less!) "The question whether this is compatible with the broader thrust of his theology as a whole does need to be addressed, but it is a complex one. See my more extensive discussions in Pauline Dogmatics in Outline." This is by no means the first time he pushes a question to his next book, but it is one of the most irritating. He quite clearly believes women are suited for ministry in other statements he makes in the book, but doesn't quite explain how he gets there. (Similarly, he call slavery an abomination without dealing with what Paul says about slavery, again deferring to his next book.)
Finally, in driving home one of his major points, he labels Paul a fighter for the gospel as covenantal and unconditional, and Paul's opponents, fighters for....religion, with all its contracts and conditions. He drags the tired Religion v Relationship terminology out quite a bit. I really thought we were over that by now.
I'm so critical only because I think Campbell's points are so important, and I want them to be as accessible as possible. Despite things that definitely could've been handled better, it has many many great qualities, and is well worth reading.
July 23, 2021
Fascinating and yet frustrating book. It is great on giving the reader a sense of the timeline and narrative of Paul's life and work. Also, excellent on helping the reader work through the practical effects of what Paul was doing on the churches he was communicating with. But it is also pastoral and doctrinally driven so the historical and exegetical aspects can get muddied. From the very start Campbell situates Paul in a Trinitarian perspective, and thus relational. Some very tricky aspects aren't given the depth I would prefer. I don't think it offers a particularly compelling explanation why Jews should keep being Jews and "Christians" or pagans should not become Jews. He discuss these issues but the narrative continuity wasn't smooth in my opinion.
Biggest takeaway is the concept of the Christian city, the covenantal versus contractual argument and Campbell's surprising argument for univesalism.
Biggest takeaway is the concept of the Christian city, the covenantal versus contractual argument and Campbell's surprising argument for univesalism.
July 2, 2022
The most accessible and shortest of Campbell's works. Gives the reader a good grasp of the architectonics of Campbell's theological thinking on contract vs. covenant, Paul's understanding of networks and missions, Paul's positions on sex and gender, and Paul's eschatological vision of God's love. As always, Campbell gives a reading of Paul that is fundamentally relational, covenantal, participatory, and liberative. One of the best intro's to Paul's life and thought (it is particularly great at incorporating Paul's life *into* his thinking...something unique in a field that seeks to turn Paul's thought into dogmatic universals!).
August 29, 2018
This is an impressively thorough examination of the career and teachings of the most famous exponent of Christian theology, the Apostle Paul. Based on the blurb, I expected it to be a little heavier on the biography, but this was definitely focused more on the system Paul set up over the course of his career as a missionary and writer.
Overall, Campbell takes a fairly orthodox approach, and his arguments vary in clarity and density, typically in inverse proportionality. At times, it was hard to stay with him, especially via audiobook, while at other times – presumably in areas where Campbell was especially knowledgeable or passionate – he proves an excellent translator of Paul's first-century Jewish notions into 21st century English.
Campbell especially takes pains to liberate Paul from modern notions of him as legalistic, anti-Semitic or otherwise generally unpleasant. The Paul that emerges from his portrait is one who is unrelentingly focused on love – Christians' love for each other and God's love for all people. Nowhere is this more clear than in the chapter expounding on Paul as a proto-universalist. Campbell strongly and unapologetically makes the case that Paul's comments on Adam, Jesus and the restoration of Israel should be read as implying the eventual salvation of all people. This is an argument that is quite old – at least as old as Clement, Origin and Gregory in the early church – but which has been gaining currency of late in Christian eschatology. To have an otherwise fairly conservative commentator like Campbell (he advocates for the authenticity of 2 Thessalonians, Ephesians and Colossians, as a relatively minor example where he comes out to the "right" of most scholars while apparently agreeing with the consensus pseudonymity of the three Pastoral Epistles, which he barely mentions) arrive at this conclusion is notable.
I gave this four stars, but it probably deserves more like 3.5. I wouldn't recommend it to lay readers unless they're Paulophiles and/or at an advanced reading level, but Campbell has a lot of great insights that I wish were more accessible because they need to be heard by more people than this book is written to reach.
I'll close this review with an extended quote of his argument for universalism based on Paul's writings because 1) it provides a good sense of Campbell's writing, and 2) is something as many people as possible should read and grapple with:
Disclosure: I received a free copy of the audiobook from its reader, who is a friend of mine.
Overall, Campbell takes a fairly orthodox approach, and his arguments vary in clarity and density, typically in inverse proportionality. At times, it was hard to stay with him, especially via audiobook, while at other times – presumably in areas where Campbell was especially knowledgeable or passionate – he proves an excellent translator of Paul's first-century Jewish notions into 21st century English.
Campbell especially takes pains to liberate Paul from modern notions of him as legalistic, anti-Semitic or otherwise generally unpleasant. The Paul that emerges from his portrait is one who is unrelentingly focused on love – Christians' love for each other and God's love for all people. Nowhere is this more clear than in the chapter expounding on Paul as a proto-universalist. Campbell strongly and unapologetically makes the case that Paul's comments on Adam, Jesus and the restoration of Israel should be read as implying the eventual salvation of all people. This is an argument that is quite old – at least as old as Clement, Origin and Gregory in the early church – but which has been gaining currency of late in Christian eschatology. To have an otherwise fairly conservative commentator like Campbell (he advocates for the authenticity of 2 Thessalonians, Ephesians and Colossians, as a relatively minor example where he comes out to the "right" of most scholars while apparently agreeing with the consensus pseudonymity of the three Pastoral Epistles, which he barely mentions) arrive at this conclusion is notable.
I gave this four stars, but it probably deserves more like 3.5. I wouldn't recommend it to lay readers unless they're Paulophiles and/or at an advanced reading level, but Campbell has a lot of great insights that I wish were more accessible because they need to be heard by more people than this book is written to reach.
I'll close this review with an extended quote of his argument for universalism based on Paul's writings because 1) it provides a good sense of Campbell's writing, and 2) is something as many people as possible should read and grapple with:
We still need to ask if God can really be covenantal and loving all the way down if he lets people perish in a final fiery cataclysm, even if that’s what they apparently want. If this is the case, won’t God’s love have limits? Won’t the unbreakable covenant break? Or can God’s covenantal commitments and relentless love overcome the human rejection of that commitment and love? I think Paul provides an indirect but clear answer to this important question. Who wins? ...
Paul gives an account of the problem facing everyone in terms of Adam, in counterpoint to an account of the solution in Christ. In doing so, he claims that Christ’s solution is humanity-wide. It corresponds to Adam, the original image of all humanity. Paul goes out of his way to affirm this in 1 Corinthians: “In Adam, all of us die. In the same way, in Christ all of us will be made alive again.” ...
It stands to reason that God, acting in Jesus, must be vastly superior to the created but corrupt situation that he is engaging with. After all, he runs creation.
When it comes to God getting involved with creation as a person, as against a person dictating the future of humanity, God’s person is going to be bigger, better and more important. The formula is Christ > Adam. Although it is more like CHRIST > Adam.
This all suggests that God’s plan being effected in Jesus is going to work better than anything that might happen to us in Adam. And God’s plan for us in Jesus is saving.
Moreover, to leave any loose ends unresolved would imply that God’s solution was to this degree ineffective. We would be faced with the awkward conclusion that God’s plan centered in Jesus, having been disrupted by evil, is never completely executed, and this despite God’s personal involvement. This will happen, however, if any people who are created good are eternally lost, ultimately to the nothingness of death. Evil would be victorious to this degree. The extinction of the personal would have succeeded. God’s plan for fellowship, reestablished in the face of evil by a personal intervention in salvation, would have failed in relation to these particular people. The rescue mission didn’t work here.
Imagine a hostage rescue attempt, in which the commandos saved two out of 200 captives. Would we view this as a success?
If we place this problem to Paul in this exact form, one wonders how he would have reacted.
“Paul, did God’s plan to rescue the world through his own son come up short? Did it fail to some degree? Was it perhaps as much as 40% ineffective, or more? Was it, if we are deeply committed Calvinists, perhaps 95% ineffective? Are God’s created acts ultimately more extensive and effective and important than his redeeming acts?” I imagine his answer would have been, “Hell no!”
If God is going to win, and his plan be brought back on track, we must expect everyone to be drawn back into fellowship with him through the work of Jesus. Jesus’s mission was perfect. It was complete. No one gets left behind. ...
God will not let humanity go. In the contest between divine benevolence and human recalcitrance fought out in the space that is the human race, God will win. All humanity will be saved. And we can be confident in view of this that God really is a covenantal God, committed to us all permanently and irrevocably. ...
God really is love all the way across and all the way down. The covenant is unbreakable and ultimately enwraps us all in the gracious purpose of God that was established with us through his son before the foundation of the world. ...
Universalism ... is a defense of God’s integrity. We shouldn’t want God’s plan to fail. God is God. God gets what he wants, eventually. And God’s work is compassionate and perfect. It follows that we should resist reducing Christ in size, making him smaller and less significant than Adam and his work. This is to get things the wrong way around. The plan in Christ is far bigger, better and more glorious than anything that happens foolishly because of Adam and Eve. ...
I know as yet of no good theological arguments that lead me to expect another outcome regarding the scope of the future resurrection besides universalism. No other scenario seems to be grounded in Jesus so strongly. I expect everyone to be raised in glory, although some rather more shame-facedly than others.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of the audiobook from its reader, who is a friend of mine.
May 4, 2021
Campbell, in short
Great intro to Campbell's work, and highly readable to boot. I was surprised at how quickly I reached the end. Onward to Pauline Dogmatics!
Great intro to Campbell's work, and highly readable to boot. I was surprised at how quickly I reached the end. Onward to Pauline Dogmatics!
June 2, 2025
Probably more like 3.5. A good biography of Paul, but at times it felt like the author couldn’t decide if it was a theology or biography.
August 27, 2018
This is an accessible, relevant, and deeply moving account of the life of the key figure in the spread of the Christian faith. I can’t recommend it more highly! Who would have expected a page-turner on the Apostle Paul?
January 23, 2018
Author: Douglas A. Campbell
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: Eerdmans (January 18, 2018)
ISBN-10: 0802873472
ISBN-13: 978-0802873477
As you already know, I have several posts talking about the apostle Paul and literature related to him. This time I want to talk about one of the most practical books about the apostle Paul, published by Eeerdmans. What is it that makes this book different from the others? His style, the author writes in a very pleasant and clear manner.
There are 200 pages that will introduce us to the life of Paul and his theological thought. Those who have never read a book about Paul, would do well to start their journey with this work.
Each chapter ends with a series of questions that help us to deepen what we have read or could be useful for a study group.
The book is divided into two parts: The first presents the background of Paul, his travels and his thoughts. The second part shows us the struggles of Paul and his hope.
If this year you think about studying more about the apostle Paul, this is one of the books that will help you get introduced to the story of the Pharisee who was transformed by the grace of God.
Other data:
It does not use footnotes but is at the end of the book
The cover was very interesting to me, although the design could have been more striking.
You can buy it at Eerdmans or Amazon
Thanks to Eerdmans for an digital uncorrected advanced copy. I hope this book will be very helpful for those who want to know Pablo.
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: Eerdmans (January 18, 2018)
ISBN-10: 0802873472
ISBN-13: 978-0802873477
As you already know, I have several posts talking about the apostle Paul and literature related to him. This time I want to talk about one of the most practical books about the apostle Paul, published by Eeerdmans. What is it that makes this book different from the others? His style, the author writes in a very pleasant and clear manner.
There are 200 pages that will introduce us to the life of Paul and his theological thought. Those who have never read a book about Paul, would do well to start their journey with this work.
Each chapter ends with a series of questions that help us to deepen what we have read or could be useful for a study group.
The book is divided into two parts: The first presents the background of Paul, his travels and his thoughts. The second part shows us the struggles of Paul and his hope.
If this year you think about studying more about the apostle Paul, this is one of the books that will help you get introduced to the story of the Pharisee who was transformed by the grace of God.
Other data:
It does not use footnotes but is at the end of the book
The cover was very interesting to me, although the design could have been more striking.
You can buy it at Eerdmans or Amazon
Thanks to Eerdmans for an digital uncorrected advanced copy. I hope this book will be very helpful for those who want to know Pablo.
June 26, 2023
Great introduction to Paul’s philosophy and theology. Paul is probably one of the most influential literary figures to ever live. His 7 letters (13 total letters if you count the “forged” letters) to his churches have pretty much impacted all of human thinking, which is an amazing accomplishment. For that fact alone, people should be familiar with Paul, even if they don’t share the beliefs of the Christian faith. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a short and interesting introduction into Pauline theology.
I think Douglas makes a strong case that Paul was an implicit universalist. Paul was definitely an explicit universalist for Israel, but I personally do believe Paul thinks that all humanity will be saved eventually. But for me this is important theologically. If universalism is false, there’s literally no way I could believe in the Christian conception of God revealed by Jesus. In fact, I literally cannot step foot in any church that doesn’t affirm at least some form of universalism, because the opposite pushes me towards atheism. And living in the American south, where most churches are evangelical fundamentalists mega-churches, this is hard to find. Personal rant over.
Bottom line, buy the book. Douglass Campbell is an excellent Pauline scholar and provides a nice introduction to Paul’s thinking. Highly recommended.
I think Douglas makes a strong case that Paul was an implicit universalist. Paul was definitely an explicit universalist for Israel, but I personally do believe Paul thinks that all humanity will be saved eventually. But for me this is important theologically. If universalism is false, there’s literally no way I could believe in the Christian conception of God revealed by Jesus. In fact, I literally cannot step foot in any church that doesn’t affirm at least some form of universalism, because the opposite pushes me towards atheism. And living in the American south, where most churches are evangelical fundamentalists mega-churches, this is hard to find. Personal rant over.
Bottom line, buy the book. Douglass Campbell is an excellent Pauline scholar and provides a nice introduction to Paul’s thinking. Highly recommended.
March 9, 2020
Out of nowhere, I discovered my favorite book on Paul. It's that fun to read, and incredibly thoughtful.
Campbell, it should be noted, is definitely a provocative Pauline scholar, and a lot of what he says is deeply contested in scholarly/biblical studies circles. However, if you want a brilliant tour through Paul's life and ministry, and a plausible framework for all his famous letters, then this is one of the best books you can grab. And at under 200 pages, it isn't a doorstop!
Campbell defies categorization - he has a higher view of the historicity of Acts than many scholars would, he also affirms Paul's authorship of both Ephesians and Colossians, but is deeply critical of the conservative view on "justification," and gives a *nearly* full-throated endorsement of Christian Universalism, based on Paul's writings.
I loved this book a lot, and walked away with a revitalized appreciation for Paul's life and ministry, and Campbell does a wonderful job applying it to the work of the church in our context today. The book is replete with analogies and personal stories, and it makes Paul's entire life and work utterly compelling. Highly recommended for those who can thoughtfully parse out some potentially controversial assertions about a controversial figure.
Campbell, it should be noted, is definitely a provocative Pauline scholar, and a lot of what he says is deeply contested in scholarly/biblical studies circles. However, if you want a brilliant tour through Paul's life and ministry, and a plausible framework for all his famous letters, then this is one of the best books you can grab. And at under 200 pages, it isn't a doorstop!
Campbell defies categorization - he has a higher view of the historicity of Acts than many scholars would, he also affirms Paul's authorship of both Ephesians and Colossians, but is deeply critical of the conservative view on "justification," and gives a *nearly* full-throated endorsement of Christian Universalism, based on Paul's writings.
I loved this book a lot, and walked away with a revitalized appreciation for Paul's life and ministry, and Campbell does a wonderful job applying it to the work of the church in our context today. The book is replete with analogies and personal stories, and it makes Paul's entire life and work utterly compelling. Highly recommended for those who can thoughtfully parse out some potentially controversial assertions about a controversial figure.
May 15, 2022
As a huge fan of Douglas Campbell and Pauline theology in general, I certainly found Paul: An Apostle’s Journey worth my time to listen to in the car. However, I found it to be more or less an abridged and less scholarly version of Pauline Dogmatics (except with more of a biographical portrayal of Paul’s life), with certain portions being almost word-for-word the same. Since I had already read Pauline Dogmatics, I cannot say that I learned much entirely new and struggle to give the work more than three stars. Nevertheless, I would highly recommend Paul: An Apostle’s Journey to anyone who wants to start studying the apostle Paul but is overwhelmed by some of the more scholarly material on him out there (a great deal of it having been written by Campbell himself). As always, Douglass Campbell is not afraid to make bold claims in this work and defend the gospel as he sees it.
July 17, 2022
Absolutely a joy to read. Campbell’s knowledge and understanding of the Roman Empire’s geography and his incredible insights into Paul and his mindset made this one very difficult to put down. It moves very fast but is loaded with deep truths as well as helpful explanations of troubling texts based off of Douglas’s rich understanding of the culture of that day. His soteriology at the end was the ultimate cherry on top and I can’t recommend this book enough. Definitely one of my favorites I’ve read this year. Thank you Mr. Campbell for this work and I believe it will be a blessing to the Church for years to come!
March 23, 2023
Excellent theological work done here by the wonderful Mr. Douglas Campbell. The scholar, in quite a captivating way, depicts the apostle Paul’s journey not only physically (his very much dangerous and fascinating missionary work), but his theological and philosophical journey as well. We see a deep dive into the truly transformative work that Paul did to the structure and inner working of the church, and his grievances in doing so. After completing this book I, and the others who’ve read it I imagine, feel as though I’ve received a personal lecture from the professor himself. An easy but intriguing read and one I’d recommend to all without a doubt.
July 11, 2025
This book is a mixed bag. On the one hand, much is fascinating. The timeline Campbell presents is very unique in being very early. He is clearly passionate about the subject. And he is far more trinitarian than most (academic) interpreters of Paul. On top of it all, Campbell writes extremely well.
On the other hand, Campbell's understanding of covenant is problematic. There is little room for a response to the gospel (faith), for example. His understanding of justification (and his reading of particular passages related to justification) are puzzling. He presents a sort of universalism that should ultimately be rejected.
On the other hand, Campbell's understanding of covenant is problematic. There is little room for a response to the gospel (faith), for example. His understanding of justification (and his reading of particular passages related to justification) are puzzling. He presents a sort of universalism that should ultimately be rejected.
May 4, 2024
I was actually in his Pauline theology class while he was writing this book and we were kind of his test readers for this book, and I truly enjoyed it. First, he writes in language that is understandable to normal people. You don't have to have a doctorate to understand him.
Now, this book definitely leans towards Christian universalism, and if you don't think that Christ saved ALL people, it will come as a bit of a shock. But it definitely helped me to A) like and understand Paul a bit better and B) help me fill in some holes regarding my faith and rebuild.
Now, this book definitely leans towards Christian universalism, and if you don't think that Christ saved ALL people, it will come as a bit of a shock. But it definitely helped me to A) like and understand Paul a bit better and B) help me fill in some holes regarding my faith and rebuild.
July 15, 2020
I didn't know Paul was a tent maker and also didn't know that he faced so many challenges trying to set up new churches. This account of his life and journey gives us more context on where he has been, what he was thinking and the political climate during his ministries. It also elaborate why he wrote those letters and what he was thinking. Most importantly it gives more context on the message he is trying to convey.
February 27, 2024
Douglas Campbell is one of my favorite Pauline scholars. Admittedly because he was one of my professors, but also his book Pauline Dogmatics helped with my ordination paperwork.
I really appreciated this 'quick' overview of Paul's life and journey! This book is a great resource not only for scholars but for clergy who are sermon prepping and for laity who are looking for more background on Paul and the letters he wrote.
I really appreciated this 'quick' overview of Paul's life and journey! This book is a great resource not only for scholars but for clergy who are sermon prepping and for laity who are looking for more background on Paul and the letters he wrote.
February 9, 2024
A lucid introduction to the historical Paul and his theology—in an idiosyncratically Douglas Campbell way. One might have methodical, exegetical, or theological qualms with the book, but it’s certainly thought provoking, and it’s an excellent introduction to Campbell’s unique and voluminous work on Paul.
June 25, 2020
Good look at the career and the teachings of Apostle Paul, his life asa missionary and a writer. The translation in most part the enthusiasm and translation by the author add to this story. And enjoyed his views on the life of this Apostle. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
April 9, 2023
Would hand this book to anyone trying to understand how Paul and his letters fit into the scope of the Bible and God’s story. It feels both accessible as well as rooted theologically. I enjoy Campbell’s style and humility.
August 13, 2019
Unconventional look into Paul’s life and theology. Highly recommend
September 9, 2022
Campbell was one of my favorite professors and reading this reminded me of why I enjoyed him, and how he taught me to appreciate Paul.
April 19, 2023
A bait and switch. Invites you to join a fresh retelling of Paul's life but ends up as 60/40 questionable doctrinal advocacy/ biography. Early on the author reveals his unwillingness to get off the fence about the historical reliability of the Book of Acts. This book also poorly serves the reader by ignoring the Pastoral Epistles. This is most likely in quiet deference to established critical theories.
I can't say that there aren't insights here and there. The book is even enjoyable at points. It is the problems already mentioned along with much strained doctrinal speculation that make this book disappointing.
What good does it do for the author to strenuously demand that people avoid colonizing people in evangelism (an example of the author's penchant for political correctness) when he later pulls the rug out from underneath all evangelism by presenting a weak, emotive case for universalism? The author also revels in absurd analogies to explain the Jew/Gentile, Law/Gospel, and Grace/Works problems in Paul's thought. The reader's time will be better spent with a Pauline biography where the author actually roles up his or her sleeves for the necessary work. Paul's thought is rich and deserves serious treatment.This book instead frequently trivializes its subject matter. That isn't good.
I can't say that there aren't insights here and there. The book is even enjoyable at points. It is the problems already mentioned along with much strained doctrinal speculation that make this book disappointing.
What good does it do for the author to strenuously demand that people avoid colonizing people in evangelism (an example of the author's penchant for political correctness) when he later pulls the rug out from underneath all evangelism by presenting a weak, emotive case for universalism? The author also revels in absurd analogies to explain the Jew/Gentile, Law/Gospel, and Grace/Works problems in Paul's thought. The reader's time will be better spent with a Pauline biography where the author actually roles up his or her sleeves for the necessary work. Paul's thought is rich and deserves serious treatment.This book instead frequently trivializes its subject matter. That isn't good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2023
A very interesting and informative study and retelling of the life of Paul and his missionary journeys. Unfortunately, the book slowly starts to leak Dr.Campbell's personal theology and in chapter ten (of fourteen) he tales a hard right turn into universalism and mysticism. What a shame.
October 7, 2017
This book is a great introduction to Paul. It must be difficult to pitch a book that provides a basic overview of Paul and his writings, without wandering into being too patronising or bamboozling. On the whole, I think Douglas Campbell navigated this difficult path well.
Matching the journey of Paul’s life with the development of his thoughts made for a good read. While I wasn’t always clear how Campbell reached some of his more provocative conclusions, this book is thought-provoking and challenges me to read his more in-depth work “Framing Paul.” Paul: An Apostle’s Journey inspired me to investigate Paul’s life and writings further, to revisit some of my long-held assumptions.
(This book was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
Matching the journey of Paul’s life with the development of his thoughts made for a good read. While I wasn’t always clear how Campbell reached some of his more provocative conclusions, this book is thought-provoking and challenges me to read his more in-depth work “Framing Paul.” Paul: An Apostle’s Journey inspired me to investigate Paul’s life and writings further, to revisit some of my long-held assumptions.
(This book was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
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