Introducing Paul - by Michael F Bird (Paperback)

About the Book

Michael F. Bird suggests that if the Paul we claim to know looks and sounds a lot like us, it's probably a sign that we don't know him as well as we think. In this book Bird offers an animated and penetrating survey of Paul's life and teaching, including the principal issues and themes in Paul's theology.

Book Synopsis

Many Christians who know and love the Bible think they know the apostle Paul. He's a theological master, a pastoral mentor, a spiritual adviser and a missionary hero. Yet just when we think we have him in our grasp, he slips through our fingers. At the point where we suppose we have finally understood him, Paul again confounds us. But he also beckons us to explore God's ways more deeply.Michael Bird suggests that if the Paul we claim to know looks and sounds a lot like us, it's probably a warning light that we don't know him as well as we think we do. But if we let Paul be Paul, allowing him to speak for himself in his language, on his terms and for his purposes, then we stand a chance of meeting him anew.Introducing Paul is an animated and penetrating survey of Paul's life and teaching. It covers all the basics students need, while offering new insights with a light touch. Blending life and study, Bird aims to get us excited about reading Paul's letters, sharing his gospel and living the Christian life the way he thought it should be lived. For beginning students and laypeople, Introducing Paul is a valuable entrance into the contemporary study of Paul.

Review Quotes

"Introducing Paul is wonderfully written, intermingling scholarly observations and humor throughout. I highly recommend Bird's primer as a resource to assist new readers of Paul in understanding the essential elements of Paul's theology.

Mark A. Jennings, Religious Studies Review, March 2010

"A brief, readable, sensible summary of Pauline studies in a usable format. . . A good overview in a helpful manner, summarizing key aspects of Paul's life and message along with a good dose of humor."

Preaching, January/February 2010

"A valuable and timely contribution. . .a fine introduction to the current shape of Pauline studies. A great way for any student of the Bible to catch up on the current conversation."

Christopher R. Bruno, Themelios, November 2009

"A wonderful introduction to the Apostle Paul that manages to be both brief and substantive. . .A wonderful introduction to Paul's theology."

Trevin Wax, American Theological Inquiry, 2009

"Author Michael Bird offers much that should educate and inspire readers about this vitally important historical figure."

James A. Cox, The Midwest Book Review, June 2009

"Bird has a knack of vividly putting in current context the radical nature of some New Testament claims and the way they were perceived 2,000 years ago."

Marvin Olasky, WORLD, August 1, 2009

"Bird has written a useful entry-level book for undergraduates, informed laypersons, and for ministers seeking to stay current within Pauline studies. Recommended for those seeking to understand the contours of Paul's thought in a way that is engaging, relevant, and highly readable."

J. Brian Tucker, Criswell Theological Review, Spring 2010

"Bird has written a wonderfully helpful introduction to Paul. He is clearly well informed on the issues, and he writes thoughtfully in an engaging style. As a student of Paul, I found the book marvelous, a wonderful summary and reminder of key issues in Pauline studies, presented in a fresh manner."

E. Randolph Richards, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, June 2010

"For anyone who would like to get 'up to date' on issues of Pauline scholarship, in a way that will help student, teacher or preacher, this book is thoroughly recommended."

James Purves, The Pneuma Review, Winter 2011

"The value of the book is in Bird's ability to produce a volume that exhibits both breadth and simplicity in exploring and summarizing areas of Pauline study while also maintaining an appropriate depth for a work of introduction. Bird appears to have achieved his explicit aim to go deeper into Paul without losing his readers in the mire of scholarly debates and complex technicalities, while also hoping to show Paul both relevant and riviting to today's church."

Brian Allred, Mid-America Journal of Theology, 2009

About the Author

Michael F. Bird (PhD University of Queensland) is academic dean and lecturer in New Testament at Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia. Michael is an ordained Anglican priest and author of over thirty books on the Bible, theology, and history. Among them are Introducing Paul, Jesus is the Christ, and with N.T. Wright, The New Testament in its World.