Paul: A Novel

This book met all my expectations: in good condition, clean, very readable. The life of this giant is precious to me. This book fills in many life gaps of Paul.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Very easy read and brought a humanity to the biblical characters. Obviously this is a work of fiction, so the author takes liberties, but I felt he tried to stay as close to the bible as possible, so you really don't feel like you're reading fiction. Have recommended this to many people.

Insight that Paul was both exceptional and human. Paul accepted his vocation, and let Christ take him to the ends of his world, his abilities, his talent

If one wants to read a story about St Paul... this is it! Using research and imagination Dr. Wangerin has masterfully written Paul's struggling story. Persecution of the Christians was his way of life and then he is their strongest advocate. May people have an eye opening turn of events that wake them to the faith life shared by Christians. And surely Paul had just that. Paul's humanity, love and care for the churches he founded broke his heart and his body. He did more than others to bring Christ's story to the people of the time. He was a great man and we Christians have much to be thankful for with him.

Rarely have I encountered a book with such brilliant wordsmithing as this one. Wangerin, a Lutheran pastor and professor at Valparaiso University, is possibly the best storyteller I've ever read. Many times I re-read passages just to marvel at how beautifully written they were! "Paul" is a novelized version of the life of the apostle Paul, narrated by those who knew him, including Prisca, Luke, Timothy, James, Titus, and Barnabas. While obviously a work of fiction, Wangerin has done a lot of research into the geography, lifestyle, and political landscape of Paul's time. While he has taken some artistic liberties in describing things left unsaid in Scripture (such as what specifically was the thorn in Paul's flesh mentioned in 2 Corinthians 12:7), most of the "story" is taken directly from the Bible and historically reliable extra-Biblical accounts. Under most circumstances, I would frown on an attempt to write this sort of novel, but I believe Wangerin has done a masterful job. It's important to realize that this book is NOT written by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, but it has greatly helped my understanding of the New Testament and the early Church seem much more "real".

Amen

This book brought the life and ministry of Paul to life. Very enjoyable. I've read it twice and bought a copy for a friend. I've recommended it to hundreds of people. I am a minister. Job well done, to the author. Look forward to reading "The Book of God"

Walter Wangerin Jr. once again weaves his spell as he brings the Bible to life. His knowledge enables him to successfully entwine information from different Books of the Bible which helps improve one's understanding of Paul's journeys. The reader gains greater insight into his letters to the Galatians, etc. The rich details bring this period of time into perspective and often you remark to yourself ...."So that is why that happened". This has, as with his other books, added to my appreciation and understanding of the Bible.

このシリーズは全巻通読しておりますが、この使徒行伝が一番、小説として完成度が高いと昔読んだ時に思いました。 ストーリーテリングも巧くて引きこまれるし、パウロがね、カッコいいヤツなんですよ(*'▽`*) 新約篇とイエスが完全に喰われちゃっててまずいです(-.-；) 余談ですが、「新約篇」じゃなく「福音書篇」というタイトルの方がよかった気がします。 個人的には、この小説に描かれているパウロとプリスキラとの決して一線を超えぬプラトニックな情愛が一つの理想形としてあります。 不屈の男・パウロが拷問された傷の痛みに苦しんでいて、プリスキラが介抱するシーンは見所の一つです。 未明の頃で、アキラは寝てて、パウロは手当てをしてもらいながら、誰にも話したことのない、しかし彼にとって一番大切な心の秘密を彼女だけに明かすのです。 パウロがアキラとプリスキラ夫婦の家に居候してたのも、しょっちゅうボコボコにリンチされてたのも聖書の記述通りですが、小説家の妄想力ってすごいですよね(￣＾￣；) まだまだ、この小説にはプリスキラ大活躍のオリジナル展開があります。 日本聖書協会の「みんなの聖書 マンガシリーズ」だと、パウロがまたチャーミングなイケメンで、プリスキラがまたかわいくて、「この絵でワンゲリンのシナリオをカバーしてほしい」と思いました。ややこしいな。

I was asked to read a biography of Paul. I had already studied him in the Scriptures, of course, and had commentaries on his books. This, although classed as a novel, was recommended to me. It brought Paul to life - a living, breathing human being, confronting the human nature of his own and of others. This book does not water down an extraordinary life; it gives flesh to the outline and brings St Paul wonderfully to life. After reading this, it left me feeling so humble at what he endured so that I can understand the relationship we have, or should be enjoying, with our Creator.

I read it a long time ago, but it has not lost anything since. It brings the period alive, and teaches so much about Paul - even if it is a novel -

There are better books around but none that wrap it all into a novel, like this does. Language style can be off putting for some but I liked it.

クリスチャンの洗礼を受けたばかりの私にとって大変に勉強になります。使徒パウロの改心の様子、様々な迫害が手に取るように学べました。もう一度聖書を勉強されたい方にも是非奨めます。