The Blackwell Companion to Paul - Paperback

by Stephen Westerholm (Editor)

The Blackwell Companion to Paul presents a distinctive dual focus approach that encompasses both the historical Paul and the history of Paul's influence. In doing so, expert contributors successfully address the interests of students of early Christianity and those of Christian theology.

• Offers a complete overview of the life, writings and legacy of one of the key figures of Christianity
• The essays compass the major themes of Paul's life and work, as well as his impact through the centuries on theology, Church teaching, social beliefs, art, literature, and contemporary intellectual thought
• Edited by one of the leading figures in the field of Pauline Studies
• The contributors include a range of world-renowned academics

Back Jacket

"The contributors are rst rate; the essays are concise, stimulating and informative; this is a very interesting and useful companion volume." Journal for the Study of The New Testament

"This broad and handsome volume is arguably the most comprehensive introduction to Paul ever produced ... A very worthwhile collection of mostly top-notch articles by a group of scholars at the heights of their powers ... These essays could set the agenda for Pauline studies in some areas for many years to come and all will offer every student of Paul - expert and novice alike - much food for thought and further re ection." Regent's Reviews

"The book offers a wealth of material to inform and stimulate the study of Paul's impact on the history of theology ... The editor has assembled an international and high-quality team of expert contributors, whose essays are well written and well informed ... An important reference point for students of Paul - and, equally, students of Paul's impact on the history of Christian theology - for some time to come." Theology

The Blackwell Companion to Paul offers a comprehensive overview of the life, teachings and legacy of one of the founding gures of Christianity. In a series of chapters by internationally recognized academics, the major aspects of Paul's life and work are explored, as well as his in uence on Christian thinkers and Christian belief over the centuries and his impact on less discussed areas such as art and literature. The result is a wonderfully rich and wide-ranging volume.

The rst section approaches the study of Paul and Christian origins, offering clear and skilful accounts of Paul's life and writings, and exploring their social and historical setting. The second part addresses the in uence of Paul on a number of key Christian thinkers, including Origen, Augustine, Aquinas, Luther and Barth, among others, as well as examining Jewish, Orthodox and African readings of Paul. The third part tackles the legacy of Paul on key topics of Christian theology such as ethics and ecclesiology, but also on art and literature. The outstanding group of contributors offer a uniquely comprehensive and impressive account of the major areas of Paul's life and work, as well as providing insights into lesser explored areas.

Author Biography

STEPHEN WESTERHOLM, D. Th., is Professor of Early Christianity in the Department of Religious Studies at McMaster University, Canada, where he has taught since 1984. Specializing in Pauline studies, he has published Israel's Law and the Church's Faith: Paul and His Recent Interpreters (1988), Understanding Paul (2004) and Perspectives Old and New on Paul: The "Lutheran" Paul and His Critics (2004), in addition to studies on the Synoptic Gospels and historical Jesus.