"Paul is the most powerful human personality in the history of the Church. A missionary, theologian, and religious genius, he laid down in his epistles the foundations on which later Christian theology was built. In this highly original introduction to Paul's life and thought, E.P. Sanders, whose research on Paul has substantially influenced recent scholarship, pays equal attention to Paul's fundamental convictions and the sometimes convoluted ways in which they were worked out."--Jacket.

Paul's mission -- Paul's life -- Missionary strategy and message -- The return of the Lord and the resurrection of the dead -- Theological presuppositions: monotheism and providence -- Righteous by faith and being in Christ: Galatians -- Righteous by faith and being in Christ: Romans -- Christology -- The law -- Behaviour -- The salvation of Israel and of the world: Romans 9-11.