A Book Review from Books At a Glance
by Michael Mock
The Apostle Paul is one of the greatest men who’s ever walked on God’s green Earth. For Christians this is hardly controversial, even if we grant that some Christians say some rather outlandish things about the Apostle Paul. The man is not loved by all, and this reality is due to the controversies Paul carried with him in his letters to early churches. Love him or hate him, the man is a figure to be reckoned with. This is what Paul Barnett accomplishes with brevity and insight: dealing with the Apostle. We’ll consider Barnett’s book under five sections: Biographical, Chronological, Polemical, Theological, and Devotional.
Biographical
A book on the Apostle Paul would under-deliver if there were no section on the man’s life. Barnett does not intend to offer us a one-stop-shop biography of the Apostle. Indeed, towards the end of his book, he reminds the reader of his intention all along, “This small book is not a ‘life of Paul,’ nor is it a ‘theology of Paul,’ nor again is it a combination of both” (135). Instead, it is the telling of “Paul’s story and [the opening up of] windows that reveal Paul’s true character, based on his letters” (135). His aim does not exclude biographical details but must incorporate them. The biographical bulk finds itself in chapters 3-4. Barnett marks out the Apostle’s life-story in two 30-year periods: the first 30 years (AD 4-34), and the second 30 years (AD 34-65). These chapters show us the Apostle as child, disciple of Gamaliel, persecutor of the church, Pharisee, unmarried (or widower?), converted, assimilated in the church, accepted in the church, persecuted for the church, and servant of Christ for the church. Barnett acknowledges the unknown years/decade of the Apostle but comments helpfully about what the man likely did during the time. Thankfully, even though Barnett will speculate situations and draw reasonable conclusions from the available pieces of the Apostle’s biographical puzzle, Barnett is careful to keep closely to the biblical text. Personally, I found the biographical chapters most enjoyable. They were what drew me in to read the book.
Chronological
Sticking to the Scripture and reasoning from the biographical data available, Barnett puts forward a chronology of Paul’s life and letters. While understanding that some chronological details are uncertain, Barnett does lay out a strong case for when Paul (the Apostle, not Barnett!) lived, where Paul went, what he wrote and when, and when he died (chapter 2). Joined with his two chapters on Paul’s Story, Barnett uses 25% of his book to give us the biographical bearings of this great Apostle. These chapters are worth the price of the book. They would help anyone who wants to learn more about the life and times of the Apostle. This section serves now as a reference for me. Barnett avoids much of the complexity and consequent confusion in conversations related to the Apostle’s life. For the seminarian, church study, personal study—for these and more, the chapters on dating Paul and detailing Paul’s story frame the Apostle’s life well for the reader.
Polemical
Barnett is not averse to polemics, taking after his apostolic namesake. By polemics is meant that task of controversial engagement, reasoned argumentation over disputed passages and doctrines. The Apostle Paul was polemical in his writings. Faithful to paint the picture of the Apostle, Barnett highlights this apostolic ardor in the man’s letters. Three examples suffice for this review. First, some have claimed that the Apostle Paul “was the real founder of Christianity” (57). Some argue that the Apostle parted ways from Jesus Christ, or at least that he advanced views on which Jesus was silent, thereby creating a new brand of Christianity. Barnett shows the baselessness of these claims and argues convincingly that the Apostle learned from the Apostle John, as it were, who leaned on the Lord Jesus for both life and learning. Second, for years there has been an ongoing debate around the New Perspective(s) on Paul. The subject is worth an entire course in seminary, but Barnett spends some space raising the concerns of NPP and showing how they’re mistaken. It would have been welcomed if he had written more on this matter, but his brevity at least sets the table for dinner conversation. Third, near the end of the book, Barnett showcases four problems with Paul (chapter 15). To clarify, these problems are not problems that Barnett himself has with the Apostle, but that many will cite in objection to apostolic teaching. These “problems” are Paul’s language of self-praise, his remarks against homosexual activity, his words for wives to submit to their own husbands, and his supposed hijacking of Jesus’ teachings and use of them in a way our Lord never intended. Succinctly and skillfully, Barnett gives answers to these “problems.”
Theological
Connected to polemics is theology, to be sure. For many, the Apostle Paul is the greatest theologian, and Barnett demonstrates the theological mind of the Apostle throughout most of his chapters. Key to the Apostle’s understanding and writing was Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Barnett focuses on this theological theme in chapter 5. Fundamental to Paul’s theology is Jesus’ teaching, which is why Barnett labors to connect the two men’s doctrinal instruction in chapter 6. The Apostle’s worldview was shaped by divine revelation, and this revelation affected all of life. Barnett explores the Apostle’s vision of unity with Jew and Gentile, the mind held captive by Christ, and treasured traditions from God’s Word passed down to the church. In chapter 14, for instance, Barnett summarizes some essential theological-practical concerns: legalism, libertinism, elitism, and triumphalism. Barnett shares apostolic teaching in application. From Barnett’s interpretive remarks concerning the Apostle’s teaching, I did not find myself always in agreement. Nevertheless, Barnett gives us food for thought.
Devotional
Barnett clearly believes that the Apostle was a great man. Chapter 1, for example, is titled, “The Greatness of Paul.” His entire book is a witness to the warm affections and hearty approval he has of the Apostle. In many ways he commends to us a lifestyle in imitation of the Apostle. At times, this commendation is direct, whereas it is subtle elsewhere. In either case, however, the effect is devotional. Three examples are enough. First, chapter 9 was a joy to read. It wasn’t about the Apostle so much as it was about all the people with whom he co-labored. We learn a lot about some of the better-known and lesser-known co-servants of Christ. It is clear that Barnett shows us the importance of co-laboring, of availing ourselves of one another for godly service. Second and connected to the first, I was pleasantly surprised to see an exhortation of sorts on the importance of church membership (chapter 11). Barnett gives us five reasons that both Pauls believe we should attend church meetings. We live in a time when many Christians have decided to neglect the assembly of the saints (Hebrews 10:25). This chapter is a reminder to be part of the Body of Christ. Third, in his final chapter, Barnett summarizes the legacy of the Apostle. It read like good biographies are supposed to read: like an encouragement to the reader to appreciate and apply what is good from the life lived. In fact, it may be fitting here to connect Barnett’s final words with the Apostle’s exhortation in Philippians 4:8-9 (ESV): “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Final Remarks
This is a solid summary of the life and letters of the Apostle Paul. It raises and answers many questions. It offers much to chew on. For its accuracy and its brevity, this book must be read by anyone who seeks to understand the New Testament, especially since under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Paul wrote much of it.
Michael D. Mock