Paul: A Critical Life - Tapa dura

This book presents a completely new, and much more vivid and dramatic account of the life of Paul than ever previously attempted. From his childhood in Taursus and his years as a student in Jerusalem, to the successes and failures of his ministry, this biography has no peer in terms of its detailed reconstructions of his movements and motives . Traditionally the Acts of the Apostles has provided the framework for lives of Paul. In recent years, however, the historical value of the Acts has been called into question. Despite the accuracy of many details, they have been linked in ways which reflect the interests of Luke rather than objective reality. Critical assessment is called for it they are to be incorporated into a life of Paul. The prime source for a reconstruction of the apostle's life must be his own writings, and recent advances in the study of the letters, notably rhetorical and epistolary criticism, have brought to light new depths which facilitate their exploitation for biographical purposes. This book is intended for scholars and students of religious studies; interested general readers.

Jerome Murphy-O'Connor is Professor of the New Testament at the Ecole Biblique et Archeologique Francaise, Jerusalem. He is a world expert on Paul, and a contributor both to the Oxford Companion to the Bible, and the forthcoming Oxford Bible Commentary. "