Offers a radical look at the life of the apostle, focusing on the essence of Paul's life and an understanding of his Jewish heritage.

"This text [v. 4] is printed in two book sections: First book comprises Parts I and II and frontmatter. Second book has Parts III and IV plus bibliography and indices. This highly anticipated two-book fourth volume in N.T. Wrights magisterial series, Christian Origins and the Question of God, is destined to become the standard reference point on the subject for all serious students of the Bible and theology. The mature summation of a lifetimes study, this landmark book pays a rich tribute to the breadth and depth of the apostles vision, and offers an unparalleled wealth of detailed insights into his life, times, and enduring impact. Wright carefully explores the whole context of Paul's thought and activity--Jewish, Greek and Roman, cultural, philosophical, religious, and imperial--and shows how the apostles worldview and theology enabled him to engage with the many-sided complexities of first-century life that his churches were facing. Wright also provides close and illuminating readin

Here in one place Wright now offers a comprehensive account and defense of his perspective on this crucial doctrine. He provides a sweeping overview of the central points in the debate before launching into a thorough explanation of the key texts in Paul's writings. While fully cognizant of tradition and controversy, the final authority for his conclusions is the letters of Paul themselves. Along the way Wright responds to critics, such as John Piper, who have challenged what has come to be called the New Perspective.--From publisher description.

"The world's most influential commentator on Paul delves deeply into the letter to the Romans and draws out its vital, enduring and Spirit-filled importance for Christians today"--

"In this book N.T. Wright provides a concise, authoritative account of the apostle Paul's contribution to the birth of Christianity. In exploring Paul's background and his teaching, Wright refutes the argument made by some scholars that it was Paul and not Jesus who founded Christianity. Rather, as Wright shows, Paul's gospel revolved around Jesus of Nazareth as Israel's Messiah and king, and Paul consistently pointed to the crucified and risen Jesus as the foundation of the church and Lord of all."--Back cover.

This volume includes Tom Wright's two main addresses from the 2010 Wheaton Theology Conference, one on the state of scholarship regarding Jesus and the other on the state of scholarship regarding the apostle Paul. The other nine essays critically interact with these two major themes of Wright's works. --from publisher description.