The Apostle Paul: His Life, Thought, and Letters

by Stanley E. Porter

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780802841148
Publisher:	Eerdmans, William B. Publishing Company
Publication date:	09/17/2016
Pages:	487
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Stanley E. Porter is president, dean, professor of New Testament, and holder of the Roy A. Hope Chair in Christian Worldview at McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton, Ontario. His many previous books include John, His Gospel, and Jesus and Fundamentals ofNew Testament Textual Criticism.

Table of Contents

Abbreviations vii

Preface ix

Part 1 The Pauline Tradition

1 Pad the Person 3

2 The Chronology of Paul's Ministry and His Imprisonments 47

3 Background to Paul's Thought 70

4 Major Themes of Paul's Thought and Writings 95

5 The Pauline Letter Form 136

6 Pseudonymity and Formation of the Pauline Canon 156

Part 2 The Pauline Letters 181

7 Galatians 185

8 1-2 Thessalonians 209

9 1-2 Corinthians 244

10 Romans 291

11 Prison Epistles: Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians 329

12 Pastoral Epistles: 1-2 Timothy, Titus 409

Conclusion 443

Index of Modern Authors 448

Index of Ancient Sources 458

Editorial Reviews

Mark A. Seifrid
--Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
"This volume is a remarkable synthesis of Stanley Porter's extensive work on the background, setting, and content of Paul's letters. Making it clear that historical investigation still counts, Porter addresses a whole array of debates on Paul and his letters with careful and measured judgments. Here is an in-depth introduction to Paul from which both a beginning student and an advanced scholar can profit."

Craig S. Keener
--Asbury Theological Seminary
"In this well-organized and accessibly written book, noted Pauline scholar Stanley Porter surveys both Paul's letters and traditional introductory questions surrounding them. Although Porter is as brilliantly independent as usual and many of his own conclusions are traditional, he presents fairly the arguments for various positions, enabling critical readers to reach their own conclusions."

Thomas R. Schreiner
--Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
"Stan Porter's work on Paul and his letters represents scholarship at its best. Porter assesses the evidence independently and from a fresh perspective. . . . A tremendous resource for scholars, teachers, pastors, and students."

Craig A. Evans
--Houston Baptist University
"This book showcases Porter's ability to integrate history and interpretation. A very satisfying study of Paul's ministry and letters, this learned work will become a standard in the field of Pauline studies."

From the Publisher