Aside from the figure of Jesus, the Apostle Paul had perhaps the greatest formative influence on the early Christian movement. Yet who was this passionate missionary who carried the message of Christ throughout the Mediterranean world? Surprisingly, the New Testament gives us not just a single portrait of Paul, but two. Not only do we read numerous details of the Apostle's life and relationships in the Book of Acts, but we find an additional set of details in his own writings. Given the fact that neither of these sources is to be considered a biography of Paul--Acts is a record of the broad early expansion of the church, and the epistles are meant to address specific needs of Christian communities--significant questions arise. How consistent are these two portraits? And which gives us a more accurate picture of the historical Paul?

In this latest addition to Hendrickson's Library of Paul Studies series, Thomas Phillips examines recent biblical scholarship related to information drawn both from Acts and Paul's letters, contrasting and comparing the details. He considers Paul's position in the Greco-Roman world; discusses his associates, his converts, and Apollos; and evaluates the apostolic conference at Jerusalem and its role in finding a place for Paul in the New Testament church. Phillips draws conclusions that will help contemporary readers see the apostle more clearly and accurately. Includes indexes of authors, subjects, and ancient sources.