A review by ineffablebob
Paul: A Biography by N.T. Wright

informative slow-paced

5.0

This book is considered by many to be the definitive work on the life of the Apostle Paul and with good reason. Wright analyzes the Jewish beliefs that formed Saul of Tarsus, describes how this Galilean teacher Jesus was a threat to that worldview, then walks through how his conversion experience led the man to change not just his name but the focus of his entire belief structure. Those beliefs continued to evolve as Paul undertook his journeys to bring the gospel to Jews and Gentiles alike. Wright works through the politics, social systems, and even economics of the times as he analyzes how Paul's beliefs developed, as well as speculating on the personality and motivations of the apostle. There's no more comprehensive and insightful work on this pillar of Christianity.