Apostle of Persuasion: Theology and Rhetoric in the Pauline Letters

by James W. Thompson

This book is the culmination of a career of researching and teaching Paul's letters. Highly respected senior New Testament scholar James Thompson offers a unique approach to Pauline theology, focusing on Paul's attempts to persuade his audience toward moral formation. Thompson recognizes Paul as a pastor who brought together theology and rhetoric to encourage spiritual formation in his communities. Attempts to find total consistency in Paul's writings fail, says Thompson, because Paul's persuasive tactics changed depending on the situation he was addressing.

320 pages, Hardcover

Published May 19, 2020

About the author

Dr. James Thompson is the Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Theology at Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas. In addition, he is also a Professor of New Testament and an Editor for the Restoration Quarterly. After earning his B.A. and M.A. at ACU, he went on to earn his Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University. He has also earned a B.D. from the Union Theological Seminary in New York. Dr. Thompson has been at ACU since 1992 and has served as chair of the Graduate Department of Bible and Ministry since 1997. Prior to his coming to ACU, he served as professor and President of the Austin Graduate School of Theology in Austin, Texas. He is the author of several books, including Our Life Together, The Mark of a Christian, Strategy for Survival, The Church in Exile, Equipped for Change and commentaries on 2 Corinthians and Hebrews. He was a translator of the Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament. His research interests include the relationship between biblical interpretation and preaching.

Reviews

[Lucas Hagen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is clear in this book that Thompson has spent countless hours exploring the letters of Paul. I would classify Apostle of Persuasion both as an academic piece as well as a labor of love. In this book, Thompson addresses the assumption that people may have concerning the epistles of Paul that he was not intending to persuade people and change their actual ways of living and thinking. As Thompson clearly demonstrates over a few hundred pages, Paul goes out of his way to persuade and influence his audience towards a Christ-centered, transformational end. Paul writes not only to teach theology, but to influence the lives of his readers and push them towards Christ.
Thompson's work here is well-done and thoroughly researched, yet remains accessible for the lay reader. In my opinion, he makes a good argument and presents his case. It seems clear to me after reading that Paul truly does approach his letters with a pastoral heart and mind, seeking not only to teach, but to transform. If you have any interest in exploring the letters of Paul in a deeper way, Apostle of Persuasion is a great book to read.
Thank you to Baker for sending me a copy of this book to review.

[Anne Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I had to read this book when I saw it’s about Paul. This is a great book and I will be adding it to my home library. I think this will be my number 1 favorite non-fiction of 2020.

[Bryn Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good reference book, but not for reading straight through. He writes as though it is a dissertation and uses citations appropriately, but it is a very dull read.