Apostle of the Crucified Lord: A Theological Introduction to Paul and His Letters

by Michael J. Gorman

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 2004

Overview

Unlike the many books that treat the Apostle Paul merely as a historical figure and his letters as literary relics, this new study by Michael Gorman focuses on the theological message of Paul’s writings, particularly what they have to say to the contemporary church. An innovative and comprehensive treatment of Paul, including commentary on all of the Pauline letters, Gorman’s Apostle of the Crucified Lord unpacks the many dimensions of Paul’s thought carefully and holistically. Six introductory chapters provide background discussion on Paul’s world, his resume, his letters, his gospel, his spirituality, and his theology, while the main body of the book covers each of the Pauline epistles. Gorman gives the context of each letter, offers a careful reading of the text, and colors his words with insightful quotations from earlier interpreters of Paul.

Key Features

• Unpacks the many dimensions of Paul’s thought
• Provides the context of each of Paul’s letters
• Focuses on the theological message of Paul’s writings

Table of Contents

• Paul’s Worlds: The Greco-Roman Context of His Mission
• Paul’s Résumé: The Mission of the Former Persecutor
• Paul’s Letters
• Paul’s Gospel
• Paul’s Spirituality
• Paul’s Theology
• 1 Thessalonians
• 2 Thessalonians
• Galatians
• 1 Corinthians
• 2 Corinthians
• Romans
• Philippians
• Philemon
• Colossians
• Ephesians
• 2 Timothy
• 1 Timothy
• Titus

Top Highlights

“It is crucial to note that these four articles, like the majority of the bulleted points collected from the shorter statements of the gospel, are not speculative theological or philosophical assertions but narrative statements. Paul’s gospel is a story, a narrative about what God and Christ have done ‘for us.’ His good news has, therefore, a twofold character. It is good news about God and his Messiah and, therefore, good news for ‘us.’” (Page 102)

“For Paul the gospel is not, however, just words; it is power—‘the power of God for salvation’ (Rom. 1:16; cf. 1 Thess. 2:13).” (Page 98)

“Ritual boundary markers would include circumcision, calendar, and food laws” (Page 20)

“Once again, no, because as a covenant theologian, Paul believes the covenant must be and can be fulfilled. His solution will not be to reject the necessity of covenant keeping but to offer a new means—Christ and the Spirit.” (Page 355)

“Covenantal nomism means the keeping of the Law (Gk. nomos) not as a way of getting in but of staying in the covenant: doing the Law is what those chosen by a gracious God do after they are in covenant relationship.” (Page 20)

Endorsements

This book is written in a very accessible style to students of different levels, and at the same time it is a deep exploration of what lies at the heart of Paul’s theological vision. Michael Gorman provides a sure and steady guide to Paul, contextualizing his life, letters, and theology every step of the way. Gorman’s ability to emphasize the stories of the churches underlying Paul’s letters—the story within each letter—is a particularly welcome feature of the book. This is the best textbook on Paul I have found.

—Jeffrey S. Siker, chair of the department of theological studies, Loyola Marymount University

This fine book is accessible and informed, insightful and engaging. With well-chosen emphases, Michael Gorman provides a comprehensive, clearly arranged discussion of Paul as apostle, pastoral theologian, and writer of very important letters.

—Warren Carter, professor, Brite Divinity School

Product Details

• Title: Apostle of the Crucified Lord: A Theological Introduction to Paul and His Letters
• Author: Michael J. Gorman
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Print Publication Date: 2004
• Logos Release Date: 2014
• Pages: 624
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. N.T. Epistles of Paul › Theology
• ISBNs: 9780802839343, 0802839347
• Resource ID: LLS:PSTLCRCFDHLTTRS
• Resource Type: text.monograph.biblical-theology
• Metadata Last Updated: 2025-01-16T19:24:07Z

About Michael J. Gorman

Michael J. Gorman holds the Raymond E. Brown Chair in Biblical Studies and Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary and University, Baltimore, Maryland. A highly regarded New Testament scholar, he has also written Reading Revelation Responsibly: Uncivil Worship and Witness and Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers.