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Paul, Apostle of God's Glory in Christ: A Pauline Theology
Every serious student of the New Testament and of Christian theology must come to grips with the apostle Paul. In Paul, Apostle of God's Glory in Christ, Thomas R. Schreiner gives us a sound and insightful exposition and assessment of Paul's theology that is well-geared to the needs of seminary students and working pastors. While thoroughly informed by the issues of contemporary Pauline studies, he offers an account of Paul's theology that is relatively unburdened by scholarly trappings but deals directly with the matter. "The goal of writing a Pauline theology," he writes, "is to unearth Paul's worldview and to present it to contemporaries. Our task is not merely to reproduce Paul's thinking on various topics but to rightly estimate what is most important in his thinking and to set forth the inner connections between the various themes." Like most writers of a Pauline theology, Schreiner discerns something at the heart and soul of Paul's theology. As Schreiner puts it, "The passion of Paul's life, the center and foundation and capstone of his vision, and the animating motive of his mission was the supremacy of God in and through the Lord Jesus Christ." Schreiner has stitched this theme into the fabric of his book, and the result is a Pauline theology that is not only informative, but spiritually uplifting, as well. Here is a Pauline theology eminently suited to the needs of theological students and preachers.
504 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
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337 people want to read
About the author
Thomas R. Schreiner
113 books208 followersThomas R. Schreiner (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He is the author or editor of numerous books, including New Testament Theology; Magnifying God in Christ; Apostle of God's Glory in Christ; and Romans in the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 27, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, gives a pretty in depth overview of Paul’s theology and how it focuses on God’s glory revealed in Christ. It was quite accessible and clear.
The only thing I didn’t love was there were a few times where Schreiner gets into more technical arguments on different meanings of passages, I felt that they were distracting and if one was to want to get into that they should go to a commentary.
The only thing I didn’t love was there were a few times where Schreiner gets into more technical arguments on different meanings of passages, I felt that they were distracting and if one was to want to get into that they should go to a commentary.
March 25, 2020
I am submitting this review with a bit of fear and trembling - Schreiner is clearly a brilliant Pauline scholar, and even manages to make academic ideas on Paul's theology accessible in his writing. That said, I found this to be a very narrow perspective, frustratingly-dismissive in key areas of theological dispute, and way, way, way too long and repetitive.
First, the good, and there is indeed good to be had here! Schreiner works hard to center "God's glory" as the heartbeat of Pauline though, and I appreciated the attempt to "de-center" other Reformed talking points (justification, predestination, ordo salutis, etc.). The first few chapters are also great reading; I especially loved the chapter on Paul's suffering, and how this is integral to any attempt to systematize his thought. Schreiner also foregrounds Paul's idea of "mission," something else that is frequently overlooked in academic works like this. Overall, the book gets off to a great and exciting start.
Eventually, though, it grinds down under Schreiner's theological presuppositions regarding God's foreknowledge, individualized soteriological readings of letters like Romans and Galatians, and a very hard rebuff of anything that smacks of the so-called "New Perspective." As he builds a more cumulative reading of Paul's letters on top of these unexamined preconceptions, these themes continue to layer (and repeat) on top of each other in such a way that gave me a crystal-clear view of the Neo-Reformed, hard-Calvinist take on Paul, but also left a pit in my stomach. For example, discussions of 'grace' and the work of the Spirit in animating faith lapse into the very-tired "we all deserve damnation, so the fact that ANY of us get saved should inspire gratitude and worship" view. The words "supralapsarian" and "infralapsarian" are never explicitly used, but Schreiner seems to come from the "supra" viewpoint, which is perhaps why I experienced so much tension in this reading. It's fine to clamp down on one's understanding of these matters, and to vocalize them clearly, but there is no meaningful discussion of the various views of God's "plan before the foundations of the world" (Ephesians!) that complicate this perspective. The book reads as if it's so simple after all, and when disagreements are noted, they are casually dismissed, which leads to my other major complaint.
Judging from the footnotes and citations, Schreiner is operating from a very narrow theological stream. This is not a problem in itself (we all have no choice but to operate out of our culture/viewpoint) but the problem is in his dismissiveness of those outside the "stream". For example, there's an extremely frustrating excursus on the idea of "universalism" that gets barely three pages in a 500-page tome. Whatever one's views on universal salvation, there are many texts from Paul that absolutely can be read in a universalist direction, and in a book that purports to consider all the vectors of Paul's writing and thinking, that topic deserves much more balanced and serious consideration than it gets here. Instead, Schreiner simplistically argues that "Paul wouldn't have labored so hard in the mission if he believed in universal salvation," which is a baffling argument to anyone who is actually conversant in the philosophical-theological ideas at play here. Similarly, the complicated discussion around women's roles in ministry leadership gets short shrift, but for some reason, his idiosyncratic interpretation of 1 Timothy 2 (that childbearing is women's "role" and so women should always seek to embody their "role") gets repeated in multiple chapters. It's very frustrating.
Overall, this book is very much a systematized presentation of the Neo-Reformed, Calvinistic, Double-Predestinitarian take on the writings of the great apostle of Christianity. In one sense, it's valuable as a one-stop presentation of that perspective, and if the reader resonates deeply with it, then you know which theological tradition you are at home in. For this reader, it left me looking for a more expansive, balanced interpretation. For someone looking for a presentation of the "old perspective" that Schreiner is a stalwart defender of, I recommend Stephen Westerholm instead. He is much more conversant in other streams of interpretation. For someone who is already a convinced, TULIP-Calvinist, looking for an informed and clear articulation of Paul's thought with that interpretive lens, Schreiner might be your guy.
First, the good, and there is indeed good to be had here! Schreiner works hard to center "God's glory" as the heartbeat of Pauline though, and I appreciated the attempt to "de-center" other Reformed talking points (justification, predestination, ordo salutis, etc.). The first few chapters are also great reading; I especially loved the chapter on Paul's suffering, and how this is integral to any attempt to systematize his thought. Schreiner also foregrounds Paul's idea of "mission," something else that is frequently overlooked in academic works like this. Overall, the book gets off to a great and exciting start.
Eventually, though, it grinds down under Schreiner's theological presuppositions regarding God's foreknowledge, individualized soteriological readings of letters like Romans and Galatians, and a very hard rebuff of anything that smacks of the so-called "New Perspective." As he builds a more cumulative reading of Paul's letters on top of these unexamined preconceptions, these themes continue to layer (and repeat) on top of each other in such a way that gave me a crystal-clear view of the Neo-Reformed, hard-Calvinist take on Paul, but also left a pit in my stomach. For example, discussions of 'grace' and the work of the Spirit in animating faith lapse into the very-tired "we all deserve damnation, so the fact that ANY of us get saved should inspire gratitude and worship" view. The words "supralapsarian" and "infralapsarian" are never explicitly used, but Schreiner seems to come from the "supra" viewpoint, which is perhaps why I experienced so much tension in this reading. It's fine to clamp down on one's understanding of these matters, and to vocalize them clearly, but there is no meaningful discussion of the various views of God's "plan before the foundations of the world" (Ephesians!) that complicate this perspective. The book reads as if it's so simple after all, and when disagreements are noted, they are casually dismissed, which leads to my other major complaint.
Judging from the footnotes and citations, Schreiner is operating from a very narrow theological stream. This is not a problem in itself (we all have no choice but to operate out of our culture/viewpoint) but the problem is in his dismissiveness of those outside the "stream". For example, there's an extremely frustrating excursus on the idea of "universalism" that gets barely three pages in a 500-page tome. Whatever one's views on universal salvation, there are many texts from Paul that absolutely can be read in a universalist direction, and in a book that purports to consider all the vectors of Paul's writing and thinking, that topic deserves much more balanced and serious consideration than it gets here. Instead, Schreiner simplistically argues that "Paul wouldn't have labored so hard in the mission if he believed in universal salvation," which is a baffling argument to anyone who is actually conversant in the philosophical-theological ideas at play here. Similarly, the complicated discussion around women's roles in ministry leadership gets short shrift, but for some reason, his idiosyncratic interpretation of 1 Timothy 2 (that childbearing is women's "role" and so women should always seek to embody their "role") gets repeated in multiple chapters. It's very frustrating.
Overall, this book is very much a systematized presentation of the Neo-Reformed, Calvinistic, Double-Predestinitarian take on the writings of the great apostle of Christianity. In one sense, it's valuable as a one-stop presentation of that perspective, and if the reader resonates deeply with it, then you know which theological tradition you are at home in. For this reader, it left me looking for a more expansive, balanced interpretation. For someone looking for a presentation of the "old perspective" that Schreiner is a stalwart defender of, I recommend Stephen Westerholm instead. He is much more conversant in other streams of interpretation. For someone who is already a convinced, TULIP-Calvinist, looking for an informed and clear articulation of Paul's thought with that interpretive lens, Schreiner might be your guy.
September 2, 2013
Dr. Schreiner is a level-headed, clear, and faithful scholar. He believes that all 13 of Paul's letters were actually written by Paul and that Paul's theology is coherent and consistent.
Despite the length of the book, Schreiner is amazingly adept at covering a wide breadth of information in a short amount of space. An excellent example is his discussion of tongues. He covers whether all believers should speak in tongues, tongues as a sign of judgment on unbelievers, baptism in the Spirit, tongues as an earthly or heavenly language, and the practice of tongues speaking today all in under 5 pages! The wonder of this book is not that it is almost 500 pages long, but that with all it covers it is not 900 pages long!
He doesn't shrink back from 'hot button' issues like women in ministry, spiritual gifts, roles in marriage, and slavery in Paul's writings. In fact I wish I had read his thorough and level headed treatment of spiritual gifts about 10 or 12 years ago when they were a significant point of controversy.
But these are not the main issues Schreiner addresses. Much more of his attention is focuses on God, Christ, sin, salvation, Paul's mission and suffering, justification, sanctification, the church, and the fulfillment of God's promises.
If you want a comprehensive understanding of Paul's letters, Schreiner is an excellent teacher and guide.
Despite the length of the book, Schreiner is amazingly adept at covering a wide breadth of information in a short amount of space. An excellent example is his discussion of tongues. He covers whether all believers should speak in tongues, tongues as a sign of judgment on unbelievers, baptism in the Spirit, tongues as an earthly or heavenly language, and the practice of tongues speaking today all in under 5 pages! The wonder of this book is not that it is almost 500 pages long, but that with all it covers it is not 900 pages long!
He doesn't shrink back from 'hot button' issues like women in ministry, spiritual gifts, roles in marriage, and slavery in Paul's writings. In fact I wish I had read his thorough and level headed treatment of spiritual gifts about 10 or 12 years ago when they were a significant point of controversy.
But these are not the main issues Schreiner addresses. Much more of his attention is focuses on God, Christ, sin, salvation, Paul's mission and suffering, justification, sanctification, the church, and the fulfillment of God's promises.
If you want a comprehensive understanding of Paul's letters, Schreiner is an excellent teacher and guide.
May 29, 2013
Classic Schreiner: clear, cogent, and incredibly helpful. Looking forward to his whole Bible biblical theology coming out this year!
September 12, 2023
This book gave me a greater understanding of the apostle Paul. It also equipped me with tools for understanding his epistles.
May 13, 2013
Having read a few books on Paul, and his theology, I was pleasantly surprised that Schreiner really expanded the conversation beyond the usual topic of choice: Justification.
Schreiner presents a Pauline theology whose center is Jesus Christ himself. He has a very interesting chapter on suffering and how central it was to Paul's thinking. He does interact with other Pauline scholars, and their conclusions, though usually not to any great depth unlike Westerholm and his book on the New Perspectives on Paul.
I really enjoyed how it utilizes the Greek language, I learned some Greek! and takes conservative outcomes on Paul's usage in his other writings (And also non-biblical writings).
I thought the book could've been shorter. For example, there are two chapters that, I thought, should've been conflated: The Violation of God's Law and the Power of sin. Don't they go hand in hand?
Also, in the Chapter on "Living as Christians in the Culture", he addresses Paul's views on Marriage, amongst other topics. He references 1 Corinthians 7:8-9 and as far as Paul's writings are concerned, Paul never marries. But it would've been interesting if he used the reference of St. Ignatius of Antioch letter to Philadelphians (chapter 4) which states that Paul was married.
Overall, it's a good resource in the Pauline scholarship field. It's an easier read then most theological books. It's just refreshing to read scholarship work that credits all 13 epistles to Paul instead of the usual liberal answer of just six or seven.
Schreiner presents a Pauline theology whose center is Jesus Christ himself. He has a very interesting chapter on suffering and how central it was to Paul's thinking. He does interact with other Pauline scholars, and their conclusions, though usually not to any great depth unlike Westerholm and his book on the New Perspectives on Paul.
I really enjoyed how it utilizes the Greek language, I learned some Greek! and takes conservative outcomes on Paul's usage in his other writings (And also non-biblical writings).
I thought the book could've been shorter. For example, there are two chapters that, I thought, should've been conflated: The Violation of God's Law and the Power of sin. Don't they go hand in hand?
Also, in the Chapter on "Living as Christians in the Culture", he addresses Paul's views on Marriage, amongst other topics. He references 1 Corinthians 7:8-9 and as far as Paul's writings are concerned, Paul never marries. But it would've been interesting if he used the reference of St. Ignatius of Antioch letter to Philadelphians (chapter 4) which states that Paul was married.
Overall, it's a good resource in the Pauline scholarship field. It's an easier read then most theological books. It's just refreshing to read scholarship work that credits all 13 epistles to Paul instead of the usual liberal answer of just six or seven.
October 20, 2020
No scholar has impacted me and shaped my reading of the Bible as much as Tom Schreiner. This second edition did not disappoint. We need more clear writing like this—writing that presents and values different views while also humbly and respectfully offering one's views. This book is not merely an academic book that navigates all the contours of Pauline theology for the sake of knowledge; no, Schreiner shows that, for Paul, "New life in Christ embraces and touches every dimension of the life of believers" (502).
Interview related to Pauline Theology:
https://wyattgraham.com/episode-20-th...
Interview related to Pauline Theology:
https://wyattgraham.com/episode-20-th...
May 23, 2025
At times, titles do actually convey the main ideas of a book. Schreiner attempts in this work to develop a Pauline theology that displays Paul’s focus on the glory of God in all things—including his own call and mission. He wants to demonstrate that the cross of Christ and the centrality of God in all things are the foundational themes of Paul’s teaching (13). Schreiner believes these themes arise from an inductive study of the texts at hand, and they do not need to be imposed on Paul’s work (5). In short, “we can say that God in Christ is the foundation of Pauline theology” (9). Schreiner’s thesis is clearly evident along the way in each chapter of the book:
• Paul’s mission was to magnify God in Christ (26).
• The promises made to Abraham come to fulfillment in Christ, so Paul’s mission to the Gentiles involves proclaiming those promises to the nations (67).
• Suffering advances the mission because through it God receives glory and not Paul’s own strength (94).
• Sin, at root, is a rejection of God and a dishonoring of his lordship (101). This is a result of slavery to sin (155).
• Christ comes in the flesh as a magnifying of the glory of God in both suffering and triumph (192).
• The basis for relationship (righteousness) comes only as God’s gift (234). This proves true for all aspects of divine transforming grace—benefits received through the humility of faith (269).
• The work of God (indicative) is the basis for a new life of obedience that honors God (imperative) (293). Perseverance in this comes only as a result of God’s grace—to his glory (334). The inability in this present age to obey well pushes believers back, in their inability, to the power of the Spirit by faith (361).
• The unity of the church displays the glory of God by showing how all people inherit the promises of Abraham by faith (408). Church life, especially the ordinances, remind believers and point believers to the saving work of Christ (454).
• Social behavior in realms such as marriage, divorce, slaves and masters, and helping the needy always receives theological grounding as a means of glorifying and honoring God in everything (486).
• When looking at the future, God’s purposes will be realized—ultimately to his glory—thus filling his people with hope (503).
In sum, Schreiner argues that in every major area of Pauline theology, the centrality of God in Christ comes to the forefront as the foundation, means, and purpose of all things.
Just as a personal comment, I enjoy Schreiner’s approach. While at times wishing the book came to print with 200 fewer pages, I found the biblical-theological approach to a systematic view of Paul’s theology refreshing and worth imitating. I do not think that I have thought enough on the reality of the Spirit’s application of a new power for obedience. Schreiner writes, “Paul does not command believers to walk in the Spirit in Romans 8:5–8. He affirms that those who have the Spirit thing on spiritual things. Thos who have the Spirit enjoy peace with God, please God, and do what the law commands!” (286). Life in the Spirit makes the new covenant parenesis superior to the old covenant. After reading the previous books for this course, I also appreciated Schreiner’s adept use of the “both-and” in relation to Apocalyptic Paul and the New Perspective on Paul. He does not agree with their conclusions, but where there is good exegesis, he follows and then incorporates into his (better) system.
In terms of general reaction, I am largely in agreement with Schreiner in most things. He takes a traditional approach to authorship, exegesis, and theology in Paul, and I find his approach refreshing and compelling. Though not mentioning John Piper, this book could potentially be described as “Christian Hedonism in Paul”—meaning that for Paul, our satisfaction in Christ comes insofar as we live for and into the glory of God. My “disagreements” mostly come in the form of either (a) wanting more; or (b) slight nuances. For example, in the chapter on church life, Schreiner spends significant time defending male eldership. Yet, he doesn’t tie this discussion back to the thesis. I would argue that male eldership ties directly into the thesis—namely, honoring creation order and design in church leadership honors God as the supreme creator of all. As an example of nuance, I am not afraid of using the word “mystical” to describe the phrase “in Christ” (163). If we mean by “mystical” a direct experience of communion with God, then I think we should use the great work Schreiner does on the Spirit to say that the Spirit’s indwelling of believers effectuates union with Christ in a direct way.
• Paul’s mission was to magnify God in Christ (26).
• The promises made to Abraham come to fulfillment in Christ, so Paul’s mission to the Gentiles involves proclaiming those promises to the nations (67).
• Suffering advances the mission because through it God receives glory and not Paul’s own strength (94).
• Sin, at root, is a rejection of God and a dishonoring of his lordship (101). This is a result of slavery to sin (155).
• Christ comes in the flesh as a magnifying of the glory of God in both suffering and triumph (192).
• The basis for relationship (righteousness) comes only as God’s gift (234). This proves true for all aspects of divine transforming grace—benefits received through the humility of faith (269).
• The work of God (indicative) is the basis for a new life of obedience that honors God (imperative) (293). Perseverance in this comes only as a result of God’s grace—to his glory (334). The inability in this present age to obey well pushes believers back, in their inability, to the power of the Spirit by faith (361).
• The unity of the church displays the glory of God by showing how all people inherit the promises of Abraham by faith (408). Church life, especially the ordinances, remind believers and point believers to the saving work of Christ (454).
• Social behavior in realms such as marriage, divorce, slaves and masters, and helping the needy always receives theological grounding as a means of glorifying and honoring God in everything (486).
• When looking at the future, God’s purposes will be realized—ultimately to his glory—thus filling his people with hope (503).
In sum, Schreiner argues that in every major area of Pauline theology, the centrality of God in Christ comes to the forefront as the foundation, means, and purpose of all things.
Just as a personal comment, I enjoy Schreiner’s approach. While at times wishing the book came to print with 200 fewer pages, I found the biblical-theological approach to a systematic view of Paul’s theology refreshing and worth imitating. I do not think that I have thought enough on the reality of the Spirit’s application of a new power for obedience. Schreiner writes, “Paul does not command believers to walk in the Spirit in Romans 8:5–8. He affirms that those who have the Spirit thing on spiritual things. Thos who have the Spirit enjoy peace with God, please God, and do what the law commands!” (286). Life in the Spirit makes the new covenant parenesis superior to the old covenant. After reading the previous books for this course, I also appreciated Schreiner’s adept use of the “both-and” in relation to Apocalyptic Paul and the New Perspective on Paul. He does not agree with their conclusions, but where there is good exegesis, he follows and then incorporates into his (better) system.
In terms of general reaction, I am largely in agreement with Schreiner in most things. He takes a traditional approach to authorship, exegesis, and theology in Paul, and I find his approach refreshing and compelling. Though not mentioning John Piper, this book could potentially be described as “Christian Hedonism in Paul”—meaning that for Paul, our satisfaction in Christ comes insofar as we live for and into the glory of God. My “disagreements” mostly come in the form of either (a) wanting more; or (b) slight nuances. For example, in the chapter on church life, Schreiner spends significant time defending male eldership. Yet, he doesn’t tie this discussion back to the thesis. I would argue that male eldership ties directly into the thesis—namely, honoring creation order and design in church leadership honors God as the supreme creator of all. As an example of nuance, I am not afraid of using the word “mystical” to describe the phrase “in Christ” (163). If we mean by “mystical” a direct experience of communion with God, then I think we should use the great work Schreiner does on the Spirit to say that the Spirit’s indwelling of believers effectuates union with Christ in a direct way.
March 17, 2020
What did Paul really believe about God and the Gospel? Was there a central message behind all of his letters? In the second edition of Thomas R. Schreiner’s Paul, Apostle of God’s Glory in Christ, we look at the scope of Paul’s worldview and writings to see the powerful themes of his theology.
About the Author
Schreiner is uniquely qualified to write this book. He is associate dean and James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has written commentaries on Romans and Galatians, as well as the books New Testament Theology: Magnifying God in Christ, and The King in His Beauty: A Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments.
The first edition was published back in 2001. Since then, more recent works have engaged with Paul, and Schreiner uses this second edition with nearly 600 pages in a beautiful hardback book to interact with them. From the first chapter, Schreiner states that the passion of Paul’s life, the foundation and capstone of his vision, and the animating motive of his mission is the supremacy of God in and through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Missions and Suffering
If Schreiner’s assessment of Paul’s main thrust in his writing sounds familiar, it may be because John Piper has crafted a similar mission statement for his ministry. Schreiner notes that he is indebted to Piper, as he was his pastor for eleven years and helped him understand Paul and biblical theology. Actually, those familiar with Piper’s work will find Schreiner concisely package Paul’s themes in similar categories.
The basis of mission is highlighted in Chapter 3, and the ultimate goal of Paul’s mission was not Jew and Gentile reconciliation or to see God’s saving promises for Jews and Gentiles come to fruition. Rather, Paul’s mission was to see God glorified, and one outpouring of this was in Jew and Gentile worship. Chapter 4 is all about suffering as a means to proclaim the Gospel. In imprisonment and affliction, the weakness of the messenger showcases the power and strength of God.
Universalism and Spiritual Gifts
I was intrigued by an excursion at the end of Chapter 7 on Universalism and the inclusion of the Gentiles. Schreiner makes it a point to say that repentance and faith are necessary for salvation.
Spiritual gifts are the topic of Chapter 13. He addresses Wayne Grudem’s interpretation on the gift of prophecy, concluding that there is no evidence that the New Testament prophets spoke both truth and error. Like the Old Testament prophets, they spoke the truth accurately. In regards to tongues, they are a language with a discernible code and can be interpreted.
For the Glory of God
This book is scholarly yet nontechnical. It is proofed with Scripture and the Hebrew/Greek languages yet approachable. It will cause you to better understand Paul and Scripture. But more importantly, it will cause you to better understand the God whom Paul and Scripture speak of – and it will lead you to worship.
I was provided a free copy of Paul, Apostle of God’s Glory in Christ but was not required to write a positive review.
About the Author
Schreiner is uniquely qualified to write this book. He is associate dean and James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has written commentaries on Romans and Galatians, as well as the books New Testament Theology: Magnifying God in Christ, and The King in His Beauty: A Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments.
The first edition was published back in 2001. Since then, more recent works have engaged with Paul, and Schreiner uses this second edition with nearly 600 pages in a beautiful hardback book to interact with them. From the first chapter, Schreiner states that the passion of Paul’s life, the foundation and capstone of his vision, and the animating motive of his mission is the supremacy of God in and through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Missions and Suffering
If Schreiner’s assessment of Paul’s main thrust in his writing sounds familiar, it may be because John Piper has crafted a similar mission statement for his ministry. Schreiner notes that he is indebted to Piper, as he was his pastor for eleven years and helped him understand Paul and biblical theology. Actually, those familiar with Piper’s work will find Schreiner concisely package Paul’s themes in similar categories.
The basis of mission is highlighted in Chapter 3, and the ultimate goal of Paul’s mission was not Jew and Gentile reconciliation or to see God’s saving promises for Jews and Gentiles come to fruition. Rather, Paul’s mission was to see God glorified, and one outpouring of this was in Jew and Gentile worship. Chapter 4 is all about suffering as a means to proclaim the Gospel. In imprisonment and affliction, the weakness of the messenger showcases the power and strength of God.
Universalism and Spiritual Gifts
I was intrigued by an excursion at the end of Chapter 7 on Universalism and the inclusion of the Gentiles. Schreiner makes it a point to say that repentance and faith are necessary for salvation.
Spiritual gifts are the topic of Chapter 13. He addresses Wayne Grudem’s interpretation on the gift of prophecy, concluding that there is no evidence that the New Testament prophets spoke both truth and error. Like the Old Testament prophets, they spoke the truth accurately. In regards to tongues, they are a language with a discernible code and can be interpreted.
For the Glory of God
This book is scholarly yet nontechnical. It is proofed with Scripture and the Hebrew/Greek languages yet approachable. It will cause you to better understand Paul and Scripture. But more importantly, it will cause you to better understand the God whom Paul and Scripture speak of – and it will lead you to worship.
I was provided a free copy of Paul, Apostle of God’s Glory in Christ but was not required to write a positive review.
May 17, 2020
Really appreciated Schreiner’s thorough catalogue of Paul’s theology. His thesis is that Paul’s central theme is the mission of God, as accomplished by Christ’s work, and he does an impressive job of making his argument while crafting a deeply encouraging and enlightening book. Planning on keeping this one for my shelf as a reference.
March 28, 2018
This was a very good book that I read for a seminary class with online lectures from Schreiner. It was an in depth yet accessible overview of Paul's theology in all of his Epistles. I think I will refer to it often when preparing sermons from the Pauline Epistles.
September 30, 2019
An excellent treatise on Pauline theology. Schreiner explores many of the apostle's subjects and distills various opinions into what he deems as the most exegetically faithful interpretations. An excellent study with no fluff.
August 23, 2025
4.5 Stars. So thankful for Schreiner’s theological impact on me. So clear and so concise and so brilliant. I’d prefer him to be stronger on certain cultural matters and more strongly refute certain theological views, but he certainly hasn’t capitulated to the doctrines of the day, unlike others!
September 17, 2019
Deep read. Not sure that Paul's theology was explained or is even explainable. But still very insightful. Recommend reading, especially if you really want to dig down into Paul's Epistles.
November 2, 2021
4.5 stars. Excellent--quintessential Schreiner. Need to re-read in a few years--much to chew on here.
March 24, 2022
5 stars if nothing else than theologizing all 13 of Paul's letters!
April 1, 2025
I thoroughly loved this book! It gave me a clearer understanding of Pauline theology, and has helped with my overall biblical interpretation.
November 8, 2013
A well organised, dense, scripturally saturated, 500 page study of the theology of Paul in his 13 epistles. Organised by topic, not by letter. He attempts to make 'magnifying God's glory in Christ' a unifying theme to hold the book together, but its not really a book to read cover to cover (unless like me its your textbook and you do foolish things like read all your textbooks cover to cover). A reliable reference for a conservative reformed perspective on Pauline theology. Focusing purely on Paul's teaching on any given topic is helpful in bringing clarity and keeping context on view, especially on some of the controversial topics.
March 28, 2016
Without getting into the nitty gritty of perspectives on Paul, Mr. Schreiner does his best to analyze Paul's writings and construct a viable systematic theology of Paul. Of this he does a good job. Reading partly as a theology book and partly as a commentary, the writing is clear and moves quickly. While not a marvelous book for its insights, it is a solid book with well-presented ideas and a fair construction of Pauline theology.
Read
July 30, 2016I will not rate this work. Agonizingly painful to read with an incessant repeating of one thought stated differently with each sentence. Schreiner never expounds on any thought and has no original thought at that. He is blinded by his own importance as if his lack of thought was the gospel itself. I honestly felt I was in the mind of a narcissistic windbag or an Alzheimer's victim. I would not recommend this book.
November 3, 2008
Good presentation of Paul´s theology taken from the epistles and Acts. I liked his analysis of the different epistles in presenting Paul´s theology. Even though he is not dispensational, he believes in the salvation of the nation Israel in the future, though the church has presently taken its place. I didn´t care for his interpretation regarding the role of women. It was a good read.
November 20, 2014
I thought this book was good content-wise, with some excellent exegesis of Scripture and defense of traditional doctrines. However, there are some inconsistencies and some rather questionable arguments in regards to the defense of anti-paedobaptism and for the abrogation of the Sabbath. For this and the occasional repetitiveness and lack of flow in his writing style, I give the book 4/5 stars.
April 16, 2008
I read this book for my "Life and Teachings of Paul" class at Belhaven College. Many parts I just couldn't put down. This a great book for people who want to learn deep thoughts behind Paul's teachings.
December 31, 2008
While I don't agree with every aspect of Schreiner's interpretation of Paul (particularly on his view of women, as my friends might suspect!), I found this book to be both intellectually stimulating as well as spiritually nourishing. Don't be fooled by the length; it's actually very readable!
January 16, 2008
I didn't really finish this book. Very unimpressive, given the many other contributions to Pauline studies of late.
May 29, 2009
really great
February 11, 2015
I've read half a dozen books on Paul's life and letters in recent months in preparation for a class and this is by far the best of the bunch.
September 11, 2015
Great Pauline Theology! His thesis is that the foundation of Paul's theology is the supremacy of God in Christ.
May 24, 2016
An excellent overview of Pauline theology. Clear, engaging, and well-organized. I especially liked the chapter on suffering, an oft-neglected aspect of Paul's theology.
March 31, 2017
Lido na versão publicada em português pela editora Vida Nova.
Bom, bem resumidamente, pontuo dizendo que o livro tem momentos de ascensão teológica que te levam a pensar e te ensinam bastante, porém, peca por ser exaustivo (desnecessariamente) em várias partes. Em alguns pontos, penso que o autor deveria ter discorrido mais sobre o assunto, em quanto que, em outros, ele foi infeliz em refrisá-lo, tornando o livro bem cansativo e chato em parte da leitura - como, por exemplo, no capítulo final em que, no último subtema, Schreiner aborda sobre Romanos.
Por fim, quero destacar que, caso você esteja procurando um livro que verse sobre os pensamentos paulinos, nas mais diversas áreas da teologia do apóstolo, eu recomendaria a obra, porém, prepare-se para passar por alguns momentos em que lê-la será um teste de paciência.
Bom, bem resumidamente, pontuo dizendo que o livro tem momentos de ascensão teológica que te levam a pensar e te ensinam bastante, porém, peca por ser exaustivo (desnecessariamente) em várias partes. Em alguns pontos, penso que o autor deveria ter discorrido mais sobre o assunto, em quanto que, em outros, ele foi infeliz em refrisá-lo, tornando o livro bem cansativo e chato em parte da leitura - como, por exemplo, no capítulo final em que, no último subtema, Schreiner aborda sobre Romanos.
Por fim, quero destacar que, caso você esteja procurando um livro que verse sobre os pensamentos paulinos, nas mais diversas áreas da teologia do apóstolo, eu recomendaria a obra, porém, prepare-se para passar por alguns momentos em que lê-la será um teste de paciência.
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