Rediscovering Paul: An Introduction to His World, Letters, and Theology

For some of us, the apostle Paul is intimidating, like a distant and difficult uncle. We're told he's pretty important. We've even read some of the good parts of his letters. But he can come across as prickly and unpredictable. Not someone you'd like to hang out with at a coffee shop on a rainy day. He'd make a scene, evangelize the barista, and arouse looks across the room. For a mid-morning latte, we'd prefer Jesus over Paul.

But Paul is actually the guy who from Ephesus to Athens was the talk of the marketplace, the raconteur of the Parthenon. He knew everyone, founded emerging churches, and held his own against the intellectuals of his day. Maybe it's time to give Paul a break, let go of some stereotypes, and try to get to know him on his own terms. If you're willing to give Paul a try, Rediscovering Paul is your reliable guide. This is a book that reacquaints us with Paul, as if for the first time arrested by Christ on the Damascus Road, holding forth in the marketplace of Corinth, working with a secretary in framing his letter to the Romans, or dealing with the messiness of emerging churches from Ephesus to Rome.