The Life and Epistles of St. Paul

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The Life and Epistles of St. Paul by Conybeare and Howson    
As the title suggests these authors spend a great deal of time explaining the historical surroundings and the environment that were present during the Apostle Paul's lifetime. The 14 Epistles that were written by St. Paul are quoted (KJV) and then some notes given as an explanation of these Scriptures.

If you are one of our readers who is interested in the history, geography and the type of family which influenced St. Paul during his lifetime then this is an excellent resource book for you.

These two authors literally traveled and walked the same paths that were taken by St. Paul in order to give us a "Living Picture" of what life was like for our Apostle. There were illustrations of coins, scenery and maps, and how these helped me to better understand where St. Paul traveled on his missionary journeys.

The other sources that were used to give us an insight into the Apostle Paul's life were by looking at his 14 Epistles and the narrative given in the Acts of the Apostles.

Some facts or examples concerning St. Paul's family as he grew to manhood are:

  1. He is born in Tarsus, and is given Roman citizenship by his father
  2. He has Hebrew parents from the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin and his father was a Pharisee
  3. He receives an education from Hebrew schools "At the feet of Gamaliel."
  4. He learns to become a "Tent Maker" in order to maintain his living
  5. As an adult he becomes an Apostle (commissioned one) unto Gentiles
  6. He was a living example unto us and we are instructed to follow him as he followed after Christ (I Cor. 11:1 and Phil. 3:17)

I want to quote from II Cor. 11:23-25:  "Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep."

I found only one point that I disagreed with and that had to do with the authors understanding of the "Church of One Body" and the "Mystery" truth that was given to the Apostle Paul by God to reveal to us.

However, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would still highly recommend it as a book that has great value to those who have an interest in St. Paul's life.