Dr. Campbell presents an interesting biography of Paul the Apostle. Rather than focusing on preparing a physical history of Paul (i.e. his travels, the places he visits, the people he meets), he focuses on preparing a spiritual biography of Paul - where focuses on Paul’s spiritual growth and the development of his theology over time.

Though the physical travels of Paul are discussed, the emphasis is on the development of his spiritual life and theology. For example, the first chapter spends considerable space examining Paul’s growing understanding of God - as Christ, as God who reveals himself, and as a triune God.

Though a theological biography, the book is readable and would be appreciated by both laymen and pastors. Others who may find the book of interest are Bible School or Seminary students. It probably is a bit of an overreach to suggest that this book belongs in a local church library - it is a bit more scholarly than the books found in a church library.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

Up until page 166, this was me.

"PREACH!"

"TESTIFY!!"

"AAAAMEN MY BRUTHA!!!"

"TELL IT MY BRU...WHUT?!?"

I really REALLY needed this book. I had read one about Paul previously that was saying Paul didn't really write everything that was attributed to him, yadda yadda yadda. This book really explained how it was all by Paul, who it was going to, why it was written, around when it was written, etc. SO GOOD.

And then he goes all sideways, extrapolating what Paul WOULD have said about something, even though he clearly did NOT. That was page 168 however.

Page 166 said since God is love and love wins, that we ALL go to Heaven, cuz God don't lose Hommie.

Et hem. Excuse me. What about "free will"? We have the choice to choose Him or choose other. ALL choices have consequences and He is pretty open about what the results are if you choose the other over Him. God doesn't WANT that, but there are rules.

Example, Hitler chose to slaughter God's Chosen People. Is this author REALLY telling me that if Hitler didn't repent and was glad that he did it, that he still gets into Heaven? Seriously? I think Hitler CAN be in Heaven, if he truly repented and believed Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior of the World, though if Hitler's past behavior was any indication, he probably isn't. But I'm not the judge of that, thank goodness.

So no. Just NO.

That turned a five star, ohmygoshthisbookisthebestthingIhaveeverread, into 3, it was really good, UNTIL stars.

Recommended if you want to learn more about Paul and his writing explained in a clear way. Just don't go past page 165. Not bad, just....it went someplace I completely wasn't expecting and did not agree with.

My thanks to NetGalley and Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

Author: Douglas A. Campbell
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: Eerdmans (January 18, 2018)
ISBN-10: 0802873472
ISBN-13: 978-0802873477

As you already know, I have several posts talking about the apostle Paul and literature related to him. This time I want to talk about one of the most practical books about the apostle Paul, published by Eeerdmans. What is it that makes this book different from the others? His style, the author writes in a very pleasant and clear manner.

There are 200 pages that will introduce us to the life of Paul and his theological thought. Those who have never read a book about Paul, would do well to start their journey with this work.

Each chapter ends with a series of questions that help us to deepen what we have read or could be useful for a study group.

The book is divided into two parts: The first presents the background of Paul, his travels and his thoughts. The second part shows us the struggles of Paul and his hope.

If this year you think about studying more about the apostle Paul, this is one of the books that will help you get introduced to the story of the Pharisee who was transformed by the grace of God.

Other data:
It does not use footnotes but is at the end of the book
The cover was very interesting to me, although the design could have been more striking.
You can buy it at Eerdmans or Amazon

Thanks to Eerdmans for an digital uncorrected advanced copy. I hope this book will be very helpful for those who want to know Pablo.

If you love Paul, then get this book. I read anything on the life of Paul and this book did not disappoint at all. Great research and energy went into writing this book so that it was easily readable and easy to engage with. I will definitely buy the hardcover book so that I can have this resource on my shelf. In fact, I am working on a lesson plan this Spring around Paul and those who worked along side him in ministry as a reminder to our church that it is not the pastor alone who carries the weight of ministry, but the body of believers. Thus, this book will be used quite a bit in helping me capture what I am hoping to teach. Douglas made Paul come alive and I fell in love with Paul moreso after reading this great work. Thanks.

This book is a great introduction to Paul. It must be difficult to pitch a book that provides a basic overview of Paul and his writings, without wandering into being too patronising or bamboozling. On the whole, I think Douglas Campbell navigated this difficult path well.

Matching the journey of Paul’s life with the development of his thoughts made for a good read. While I wasn’t always clear how Campbell reached some of his more provocative conclusions, this book is thought-provoking and challenges me to read his more in-depth work “Framing Paul.” Paul: An Apostle’s Journey inspired me to investigate Paul’s life and writings further, to revisit some of my long-held assumptions.

I would like to read this book, but I can't open it on my device.

I was intrigued by the title as I have tried to read extensively on the life of Paul over the last few years. I found the book to be a very enlightening view of the life of the most influential apostle. While I don't agree with the conclusions draw by the author, his reasons are solid and well articulated. I must admit that I began to sense where the author was heading several chapters before we arrived at what most will find the controversial point of the book. And the fact that most will remember that point is the most unfortunate thing about the work. The unfolding of Paul's history and the work of connecting the events in Acts and Paul's letters are fascinating and thoroughly engaging. The book should be read for that part alone. By the way if you want to know the controversial part, then you are going to have to read the book because I'm not going to give you that in the review! The book is simple enough to be read and understood by anyone with a limited background in the New Testament and yet will challenge the deeper thinking scholars with a fresh approach to a common topic. Again, while I might not agree with the critical conclusion, I highly recommend this book for both the common Christian looking for a short treatise on the life of Paul and a fresh look for scholars of the greatest writer of the apostles.

My review is a non-review as I have been unable to read a copy of the downloaded pdf file. It remains a book I am interested in reading. I have read a number of accounts of the life and times of the apostle Paul and I find his journeys and support of the early church very interesting.

PAUL: AN APOSTLE’S JOURNEY is a fascinating look into the life of the man behind the apostle; giving the reader a well thought out vision of the man himself; the struggles and difficulties he faced, both spiritually and physically. This is the human PAUL, who is far more than just the Pharisee who became the most ardent followers of Christ.

Douglas Campbell has done well with this well researched version of the apostle PAUL; creating a vivid portrait of his life and ministry. Although a short read, it is packed with fresh insights into Paul and his lasting impact in the lives of all Christians.