Picture St. Paul not as the abstract theologian of later centuries, but as a flesh-and-blood Pharisee deeply embedded in first-century Judaism under Roman rule. That's the vivid portrait Fr. Stephen De Young paints in Saint Paul the Pharisee: Jewish Apostle to All Nations. Drawing from Orthodox Church tradition, this paperback unpacks Paul's life and epistles with historical precision, stripping away post-Reformation reinterpretations that drifted from their roots.
After the Protestant Reformation, Paul's letters often got reshaped to fit new theological battles, losing touch with the gritty reality of his era. He wasn't preaching in a vacuum—he lived as a faithful observer of Jewish law, debating in synagogues and engaging Gentiles within that framework. This book bridges that gap, helping you see why Paul's words carried such weight in their original setting.
De Young starts with a clear survey of Paul's biography and key writings, interpreted through the lens of Holy Tradition. What follows is his own interpretive translation of the epistles, swapping out overly familiar phrases for terms rooted in ancient Judaism. Think 'covenant people' instead of vague spiritual jargon—words that jolt you into rethinking passages you've read a hundred times.
Whether you're leading a Bible study, diving into personal devotion, or just curious about early Christianity, this book makes Paul's epistles come alive. Imagine discussing Romans with friends, armed with context that explains his logic from a Jewish standpoint—suddenly, those dense arguments click. It's not about upending faith, but enriching it with history.
In around 400 pages of thoughtful prose (release date: October 1, 2024), De Young invites you to reassess the apostle who brought the message to all nations. Grab this if you're tired of surface-level takes on Scripture and ready for a deeper, more authentic encounter.
