The "Dictionary of Paul and His Letters: A Compendium of Contemporary Biblical Scholarship," edited by Scot McKnight, Lynn H. Cohick, and Nijay K. Gupta, is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the life, teachings, and writings of the apostle Paul. This non-fiction novel, composed by a team of esteemed biblical scholars, offers a comprehensive and accessible guide to the vast body of knowledge surrounding Pauline studies.

The dictionary is structured in an organized and user-friendly manner, allowing readers to navigate through the wealth of information with ease. Each entry is meticulously researched and written by experts in the field, ensuring accuracy and scholarly rigor. From key concepts and theological themes to historical context and interpretive challenges, this compendium covers a wide range of topics related to Paul and his letters.

One of the strengths of this volume is its balance between accessibility and academic depth. While the content is rooted in meticulous research, the editors have taken great care to present the material in a clear and understandable manner, making it suitable for both scholars and general readers interested in delving into Pauline scholarship. The dictionary serves as an entry point for beginners, providing concise explanations and introductory overviews, while also offering valuable insights and analysis for seasoned scholars.

Another notable aspect of this work is its inclusivity. With contributions from a diverse group of scholars, the dictionary incorporates a wide range of perspectives and approaches, enriching the reader's understanding of Paul's writings. The collaborative nature of this project ensures a well-rounded exploration of the subject matter, avoiding narrow interpretations and presenting a more comprehensive view of Paul's thought.

The Dictionary of Paul and His Letters is an essential addition to any biblical scholar's library, offering a wealth of information and a nuanced understanding of Pauline studies. The clarity of writing, breadth of coverage, and inclusivity of perspectives make this compendium a standout resource in the field. Whether you are a student, pastor, or simply an avid reader interested in deepening your knowledge of the New Testament, this volume provides a solid foundation and serves as a reliable guide to the complex world of Paul's letters.

In conclusion, the "Dictionary of Paul and His Letters" is an impressive work of scholarship that brings together contemporary biblical research on Paul's life and writings. Edited by a team of renowned experts, this compendium provides readers with a comprehensive, accessible, and enlightening exploration of Pauline studies. It is an indispensable resource that will undoubtedly enhance the understanding and appreciation of one of Christianity's most influential figures.

This is an outstanding resource. The depth and breadth of scholarship on display here is remarkable. This will serve as a go-to resource for students, teachers, and pastors for generations to come. This is another excellent addition to IVP’s unmatched catalog of scholarly resources and dictionaries.

Paul wrote a large chunk of the New Testament and his letters are frequently used for Bible studies. Though this is a revision of a previously released book, I did not know that this book existed. A collection of information about Paul's letters would be handy to have for anyone that leads any type of Bible study or someone that is just interested in going deeper in personal study. This is much more than I expected.

Any topic that Paul writes about, whether a person, place, or concept, is listed alphabetically. It is then defined and where you can read it in the Bible is listed. Each definition is more than just a few words; they go in depth and everything you need to know about how the word fits into Paul's letters and the Bible as a whole. Even though it is very thorough, the book is easy to read and understand.

I received a free copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

So, first things first, this book is a compilation of articles written on a multitude of topics regarding Paul and the letters he wrote. They are academic level articles with full bibliographies at the end of each article. The articles’ topics range from Abraham to cosmology to different eras’ interpretations, to worship.
My first thought 💭 is that I’ve landed on a gold mine. I can wade through a ton of different perspectives on Pauline theology and the gamut to topics in one ☝🏽 book. I am looking forward to using this in my teachings and writing next year.