The Story Behind “Paul Found in His Letters”

Greetings to this Website and the book I am writing about St.Paul. Be ready to be amazed with some of the things you are going to discover about St. Paul.

I’ve been immersed in Pauline Studies for over twelve years, and have discovered there is story to be told about St. Paul. It is the story of Paul seemingly lost in the second and third centuries of the early church. As you read this book I make frequent references to the way Paul emerged in the story of Christianity as “the apostle” and eventually as a “dogmatic theologian“—especially in the context of the Protestant Reformation. There are some excellent books on the controversies in the early church and how Paul emerged as a heroic figure who represented a more hierarchical establishing church. I am suggesting that Paul would be most surprised to discover what happened to him after he died.

This book has as it major premise that there are many autobiographical details in the seven major letters of Paul. (Nearly all scholars can agree about which seven letters were actually from Paul.) There are arguments about six other letters and that is explained in the Introduction. Looking closely at Paul’s letters, and knowing the kind of cultural background for Paul and his communities, we can discover some amazing things about Paul that have often been overlooked. The Paul you think you know may not be the Paul found when the focus is on his letters. And if, by chance, you haven’t always liked Paul (or maybe never did) plan to be surprised!

About the author: The Rev. Dr. George H. Martin

I am a retired Episcopal priest living in Minnesota. After a long ministry of settled pastorates and eight interims, my wife Caroline and I are enjoying our mutual retirement. I must admit, however, that the topic of this book is a kind of work, but one I gladly and enthusiastically choose to do. It is joy to share this work with others. Please make comments and let me know your questions. Blessings! George