How to Read Paul

Paul is a controversial yet crucial apostle who deeply impacted subsequent generations of Christians. While he is often the object of both love and hatred, it is essential to examine him with a fair and reasonable mind. Believing him to be greatly misrepresented, I have spent years digging into his letters—first in my dissertation and later acting almost like a lawyer on his behalf.

This research culminated in my 2021 textbook: How to Read Paul: A Brief Introduction to His Writings, Theology, and World. I hope many will understand him better through this book, which tackles the most pressing questions about his life and theology, such as:

• Is he a systematic theologian paving a way of salvation based on "faith in Christ"?
• Is he a social conservative or a challenger to the Roman Empire?
• How can one be justified by God—by one's faith in Christ, or through Christ's faith?
• What are his views on the law, Israel, and the Abrahamic covenant?
• What does he mean by "the righteousness of God"?
• How do his views on community intersect with gender, class, and ethnicity?
• How did his diaspora experience and his relationship with the Jerusalem church shape his gospel?