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"Contending with Paul" delves into the complex interactions of the early Christian movement, exploring how figures and events in the early church, but primarily Paul, influenced the writing of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Through a blend of history, biography, theology, and literary criticism, this book sheds light on the debates and influences that shaped the New Testament, offering a compelling perspective on the early Christian era and its enduring relevance.
Paul’s influence on the gospel writers may be underestimated if one only counts the surviving 13 works attributed to him in the New Testament. To ask if a mere 13 letters, sent out to churches and individuals throughout the Graeco-Roman world, would have been enough to influence the later gospel writers is to ask the wrong question. For the benefit of using a round number, it can be estimated that Paul ministered for 30 years. Also, for the sake of a round number, the churches and individuals to whom he corresponded may be estimated to be 20. Supposing he wrote to each of these entities twice a year, Paul’s total ministerial correspondence would rise from his 13 extant works to an output of 1,200. Paul would likely have been a dynamic figure in person as well. He is portrayed as a vigorous traveler and a debater in the marketplaces and synagogues that he came upon. Therefore, not only is it credible that Paul’s influence would have been felt by the gospel writers, it may have been impossible for them to completely isolate themselves from it.
"Contending with Paul" reached "#1 New Release in Biographies of Judaism" in its first days of publications, and was also awarded "#1 New Release in Church History" and "#1 New Release in Christian Bible History and Culture" later in the same month. In its second month it became a "#1 Best Seller" in the United Kingdom.