This tried and tested introduction to Paul needs little introduction of its own. After considering Paul's importance and influence, and the important sources for the study of Paul, the volume covers the following key topics: the earliest period of Christianity - from Jesus to Paul; Paul's life before and after his 'conversion'; his individual letters; the major elements of his theology; his attitude to Israel and the Jewish law; perspectives on the Pauline assemblies, including their socio-economic location, meeting places, and attitudes towards women; and Paul's legacy in the New Testament and beyond. The volume has been revised throughout and fully updated with respect to bibliography, and to presenting the latest debates surrounding Paul's thought in a manageable format - including those around 'old' and 'new' perspectives, with a new section on the 'radical' new Jewish perspective, and those related to the socio-economic status and character of the Pauline assemblies. The helpful study questions and reading lists have also been revised.

ContentsPreface to the Third EditionPreface to the Second EditionPrefaceAbbreviationsList of figures1. Introduction: Paul the man-mountain2. From Jesus to Paul: pre-Pauline Christianity3. Paul's life: before and after his encounter with Christ4. Paul the letter-writer5. Paul the theologian: the central elements of Paul's gospel6. Paul, Israel and the Jewish law7. Perspectives on the Pauline assemblies8. Paul's legacy in the New Testament and beyond9. Coming full circle: why study Paul today?BibliographyIndex of biblical referencesIndex of subjects and authors