Paul the Convert: The Apostolate and Apostasy of Saul the Pharisee

Although Paul's writings have been intensively studied by Christian theologians they have been dismissed by Jewish scholars as the meditations of an antagonistic apostate who broke completely with his Jewish past. In this revisionist account of Paul's work Alan Segal argues that Paul's life can be better understood by taking his Jewishness seriously and that Jewish history can be illuminated greatly by examining Paul's writings. By reading Paul from the viewpoint of the religion he left behind Segal sheds new light on the man who played a critical role in both Judaism and Christianity. "Segal's new book challenges Jewish and Christian scholars alike to take a fresh look at this well-educated man."--The Washington Post Book World

"Segal has written a blockbuster of a book about Paul that blazes a new trail. It not only gives new insights into Paul and his thought but it establishes the writings of Paul as significant primary source material for the study of first-century Judaism.."--Hayim Goren Perelmuter New Theology Review

"A brilliantly argued book. . . . Paul is neither hero nor villain for Segal but a fascinating historical and religious character from whom we can learn much about both Judaism and Christianity. . . . I found myself thoroughly sympathetic to Segal's portrayal of Paul. More than that I found myself convinced."--J. Christian Wilson The Christian Century

"Paul the Convert is a stunning achievement. Segal brilliantly weaves together Jewish studies New Testament scholarship and contemporary social scientific theories of conversion into a richly textured and provocative book."--Lewis R. Rambo Professor of Psychology and Religion San Francisco Theological Seminary "This is by far the best book about Paul I have ever read: it revolutionizes Pauline studies. . . . Segal has made Paul and early Christianity more understandable and therefore deserves the heartfelt thanks of all believers and unbelievers."--Giles Quispel Vigiliae Christianae

Segal's Saul of Tarsus is a man consumed with uniting Jews and gentiles in a community focused on the resurrected Messiah. Although his efforts largely failed, Paul left behind several thriving gentile congregations and a wealth of primary source material for the study of first-century Judaism. Segal combines New Testament scholarship, modern psychological studies of conversion, and a thorough knowledge of the rabbinic literature to provide the reader with some remarkable insights into Paul's life and writings. Segal's dispassionate treatment of Paul is much preferred to the polemical speculation of Hyam Maccoby's The Mythmaker ( LJ 6/15/86). Highly recommended for academic and seminary libraries.
- Mark Stover, Calvin Coll. & Seminary Lib., Grand Rapids, Mich.
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