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.
