Picture this: you're diving into St. Paul's epistles, but they feel like they're from another planet, twisted by centuries of Reformation debates far from the dusty streets of first-century Jerusalem. That's the hook of Saint Paul the Pharisee: Jewish Apostle to All Nations by Fr. Stephen De Young—a book that pulls Paul back into his real world as a Pharisee navigating Roman-occupied Judaism.
Most of us grew up with Paul as the ultimate Christian convert, but De Young argues he stayed true to his Pharisaic roots his whole life. Post-Reformation views yanked his writings out of historical context, turning them into abstract theology. This paperback surveys Paul's biography and letters through the lens of Orthodox Holy Tradition, making sense of why he wrote what he did amid temple rituals, synagogue debates, and imperial pressures.
What sets this apart? De Young's interpretive translation of the epistles ditches overused King James vibes for terms straight from first-century Judaism. Words like 'Torah-observant' instead of vague 'law' help you hear Paul speaking to his audience—fellow Jews and God-fearers. It's not just academic; it's unsettling in the best way, forcing you to rethink sermons you've heard for years.
Imagine reading Romans and seeing Paul's logic flow from Pharisaic exegesis, or Galatians as a defense of his apostolic mission within Judaism. This book answers nagging questions: Was Paul anti-Jewish? How did his Pharisee training shape grace and faith talks? You'll walk away with a richer grasp of early Christianity's Jewish heartbeat, perfect for Bible study groups, personal devotions, or anyone curious about historical Jesus movements.
Whether you're Orthodox, Protestant, or just history-buffing your faith, this reorients Paul from icon to flesh-and-blood apostle. It's the kind of read that sparks late-night discussions and deeper Scripture dives. Don't just read Paul—meet him where he stood.
