Paul

The Pagans' Apostle

By: Paula Fredriksen

Narrated by: Pam Ward

Often seen as the author of timeless Christian theology, Paul himself heatedly maintained that he lived and worked in history's closing hours. His letters propel his listeners into two ancient worlds, one Jewish, one pagan. The first was incandescent with apocalyptic hopes, expecting God through his messiah to fulfill his ancient promises of redemption to Israel. The second teemed with ancient actors, not only human but also divine: angry superhuman forces, jealous demons, and hostile cosmic gods. Both worlds are Paul's, and his convictions about the first shaped his actions in the second.

Only by situating Paul within this charged social context of gods and humans, pagans and Jews, cities, synagogues, and competing Christ-following assemblies can we begin to understand his mission and message. This original and provocative book offers a dramatically new perspective on one of history's seminal figures.

©2017 Paula Fredriksen (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Brilliant, elegant, and important - this volume reshapes an entire field of study. Here stands the finest history of the Apostle Paul to appear in generations." (J. Albert Harrill, The Ohio State University)

Good objective coverage of material

Excellent present on a difficult subject. Objectively presented and I didn’t detect any doctrinai bias

acholarship and superb writing style ofthe author.

Author's statement about Paul's letters not being systematic theology was demonstrated by a rather thorough analysis of the various letters.
not pejorative, just undeniably obvious.
another illustrations of nevesity of ANY holy book being interpreted and a myriad of different contradictory manners!
I deconverted from Christianity on an intellectual basis.

I really liked this one. Good. Wasn't haughty.

I really enjoyed this one. She seemed ro stick to the subject matter, was unpretentious and unbiased. (I can't say the same about her newest work that came out 2 weeks ago about the Jewish church.) Bravo. Keep this up and I'll buy every book you write.

Excellent insight into Paul

Paula Fredriksen does not disappoint. She has excellent scholarship and an easy style of comprehension. If you want a better understanding of Paul, this is the book!

unabridged bias.

Fredrickson uses trivial grammatical nuances to discredit the truth of the ages. The tenor of her commentary is consistently mocking.