Paul (1947 Goodspeed), book

Paul (1947) is a book by Edgar J. Goodspeed.

Abstract

Weaving together the letters of Paul into the narrative of Acts, Goodspeed seeks to both 1) reconstruct a biography of Paul’s life, and 2) demonstrate Paul’s lasting influence on Christianity and Christian theology. Goodspeed does not take a critical approach, but rather strives to tell Paul’s story by drawing upon the biblical texts at his disposal. He begins by placing Paul clearly within his Jewish heritage, but questioning aspects of it. Consequently, Paul’s participation in the stoning of Stephen haunts him for years, paving the way for his conversion. Paul’s conversion, for Goodspeed, is absolute. Indeed, unlike Peter “who still clung half-heartedly to the old Jewish food requirements... Paul boldly abandoned it all” (21). After this conversion, while in Antioch, Paul receives his mission to evangelize to the Gentiles. This mission, however, leads at times to conflicts with the church in Jerusalem and “the Judaizers.” Despite these setbacks, Goodspeed portrays Paul— through his missionary efforts to the Gentiles, his establishment of fledging Christian communities, and the subsequent preservation of his letters intended to encourage them— as the one who transforms what would have been just another struggling Jewish sect into a great world religion. – Deborah Forger, University of Michigan

Editions and translations

Published in Philadelphia, PA: Winston, 1947.

Table of contents

• I. A Boy in Tarsus
• II. Paul Changes Worlds
• III. First Steps in a New World
• IV. Finding His Task
• V. Penetrating the Greek World
• VI. Leadership in Galatia
• VII. An International Religion
• VIII. Christianity Enters Europe
• IX. Thessalonica to Athens
• X. Great Days in Corinth
• XI. Report to Antioch
• XII. The Gospel in Ephesus
• XIII. Controversy with Corinth
• XIV. Reconciliation with Corinth
• XV. Looking Westward
• XVI. Turning Eastward
• XVII. Crisis at Jerusalem
• XIX. The Great Voyage
• XX. From a Roman Prison
• XXI. The Return of Paul
• Chronology
• Notes
• Books About Paul

External links

• [ Google Books]