This book provides an accessible short biography of the apostle Paul, and uses his background as a Pharisee to help explain Paul's theology as a Christian. This book uses non-scholarly language to delve into Paul's thoughts on sin, justification, sanctification, ecclesiology and eschatology. An excellent primer on the theological thinking behind this major writer of the New Testament. Recommended!

In the first chapter , Guy Prentiss Waters poses the question "Where would the church be without the apostle Paul?" Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote roughly half of the New Testament. His letters played indispensable roles in the lives of such men as Augustine, Martin Luther, and John Wesley. After reading Waters' book, one would be hard-pressed to argue that anyone--with the exception of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself--has been more important to the development of the Christian faith.

Waters takes the reader through Paul's conversion story as well as the main points of his theology on the topics of sin, justification, and sanctification. This is not, however, merely a theological treatise. At the end of each chapter, the author gives the reader "Lessons for Today." So, for instance, after explaining how Paul wrote about the Gospel, he emphasizes that "Understanding who we once were as sinners and our new relationship with sin as believers is crucial to our effectively engaging the enemy--sin." Likewise, the doctrine of justification is not the stuff of dusty old tomes in the back of the seminary library. Rather, "no Christian can afford to forget . . . that Christian living finds an unparalleled motive in the work of Christ for our justification. To live the Christian life well, then, we must be growing in our sense of the love of Christ for us, especially His self-giving love for us at the cross."

In The Life and Theology of Paul Waters has given the church a work that is both theologically rich as well as eminently practical for daily Christian living. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

I've enjoyed the authors insights into Paul and his writings. Sometimes books like this become too theological and difficult to follow. This author is very readable but also thorough in his writings.
I received this book from the publisher for the purpose of review.

It was one of the most dramatic conversion experiences in redemptive history. The apostle Paul, formerly Saul of Tarsus was miraculously transformed into a man who found his delight in God. Guy Prentiss Waters tells the story of Paul’s conversion in his latest book. The Life and Theology of Paul not only unpacks some basic biographical details about the apostle Paul – it explores the basics of Pauline theology.

In some ways, this work is a mini-systematic theology. While the author does not cover every branch of theology, he does present Paul’s hamartiology, soteriology, and the ecclesiology. Also, included is a brief discussion of personal eschatology.

Each chapter concludes with a section of practical application. Here, the author presents real-life principles that readers should wrestle with and apply to their lives.

The Life and Theology of Paul is accessible to a wide range of readers and is a faithful treatment of Reformed theology that will provide deep encouragement for many people. It is my privilege to commend this new volume and trust that it will receive a wide reading.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.