Paul: A Biography

‘A biography of St Paul by his greatest living interpreter: it is a dream come true. This is the book that I had always hoped Tom Wright might write, while doubting that he ever would. And now here it is – and, my goodness, it does not disappoint!’Tom Holland, author of Rubicon: The Triumph and Tragedy of the Roman Republic ‘In eloquent and inviting prose, one of the world’s leading New Testament scholars retells the story behind the story, the story of the Apostle Paul whose letters have shaped so much of subsequent history. Drawing on his decades of acquaintance with Paul, both informed on other Pauline scholarship and ready to reread Paul independently where needed, Wright brings forth treasures both old and new. A master teacher here communicates Paul in language every reader can understand.’Craig S. Keener, Professor of New Testament, Asbury Theological Seminary, Kentucky ‘Wright’s excellent book not only brings Paul to life but places that life in the complex and overlapping array of Jewish and non-Jewish communities, all set within the Roman empire. The result provides much to think about both for students of Paul and the early Christian communities of which he was so significant a founder and shaper, but also for anyone interested in the history of the first century of the Christian era.’John Richardson, Emeritus Professor of Classics, University of Edinburgh ‘An enthralling journey into the mind of Paul by one of the great theologians of our time, a work full of insight, depth and generosity of understanding.’Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks ‘Tom Wright is, as always, brilliant at distilling immense scholarship into vivid, clear and accessible form.’Rowan Williams, Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge