Review: Paul: Apostle to the nations

Paperback: 392 pages
Publisher: Fortress Press (September 15, 2012)
ISBN-10: 0800632591
ISBN-13: 978-0800632595

One of the most basic books to meet the apostle Paul. Possibly this is the book that serves as a springboard to deepen theology of apostle Paul.
 

"Paul: Apostle to the nations" It is a book that addresses two very important and profound questions (which are the two parts of it):

 

1. Who was Paul and what did he do?
An analysis of sources to study Paul and an approach to Paul as an individual, citizen, his interests, etc. In this part the author show us:

1. How Can We Study Paul?
2. What Sources Can We Use to Study Paul?
3. Who Was Paul? (a highly recommended chapter)
4. What Did Paul Do?

2. What did Paul write?
The letters written by Paul (omit the deuteropaulines letters, an issue in which I disagree with the author) are addressed in their context:

5. First Thessalonians: The End is Near
6. Galatians: Free To Be Children of God
7. First Corinthians: Life in the Body
8. Second Corinthians: Treasure in Clay Jars
9. Romans: God Justifies the Ungodly
10. Philippians: Citizenship in Heaven
11. Philemon: Life in the Christian Family
12. How Did People Develop What Paul Wrote?

Who is the author?

Walter F. Taylor, Jr., is the Ernest W. and Edith S. Ogram Professor of New Testament Studies and Director of Graduate Studies at Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, Ohio. He has written various articles on Revelation, including a twelve-part series in The Lutheran. The apostle Paul is his major area of research and teaching. He is a member of The Context Group, which uses the social sciences as a tool for studying the Bible. 

Thanks to Fortress Press for the virtual copy of this book to review.