The inaugural volume in the Handbooks for New Testament Exegesis series, Interpreting the Pauline Letters begins by exploring the components of narrative — setting, characterization, and plot — and then develops the foremost theological themes in each of the books traditionally ascribed to Paul.

The method sets the task of exegesis within the literary context of first-century letters as well as the theological context of major themes present in Paul's letters. The book goes beyond exegesis to discuss strategies for communicating the central truths of Paul's first-century messages to a twenty-first-century audience.

Each chapter includes a list of helpful resources for the interpretation discussed. A glossary defining technical words and samples of moving from exegesis to proclamation make this guide practical and user-friendly. Designed as a handbook for seminary and graduate students, the book provides a go-to guide that will also serve seminary-trained pastors, upper-level college students, and well-motivated lay people. As readers work through this handbook, they will begin to see and interpret the narrative writings as Paul intended them to be understood.

The Handbooks for New Testament Exegesis (HNTE) series provides readers with an enhanced understanding of different New Testament genres and strategies for interpretation, following in the footsteps of the well-received Handooks for Old Testament Exegesis series.

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Reviews

"An admirable exegetical primer. . . It deals with the literary genre of Paul's canonical letters, the oral and historical backgrounds of each of them, together with such important critical issues as their rhetorical features, their epistolary conventions, and how to 'establish' the text by means of the principles of text criticism. . . . His treatment of these important matters is perceptive, his overall presentation is helpful, and the materials that he presents will be 'a good read' for many beginning theological students." — Richard N Longenecker, Emeritus Professor of New Testament Wycliffe College, University of Toronto

"It is rare to find in one book the full complement of skills needed to do exegesis, in this case exegesis of Pauline literature. As such, this work provides an invaluable resource for anyone committed to understanding the apostle Paul in his own words. I highly recommend it to Christian colleges and seminaries alike." — C. Marvin Pate, Chair of Christian Theology Pruet School of Christian Studies, Ouachita Baptist Universtiy

"John Harvey's teaching and writing consistently display two highly laudable characteristics: analytical skill and accessible scholarship. Harvey demonstrates that true biblical scholarship is not an end, but a means by which to further the purposes for which Scripture has been given: teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. This book will serve as a significant resource to all who wish to understand the New Testament more fully and expound it more effectively." — Ralph E. Enlow, Jr., President Association for Biblical Higher Education

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Dr. John D. Harvey is Dean and Professor of New Testament at Columbia International University Seminary & School of Ministry in Columbia, SC. He earned his Doctor of Theology degree from Wycliffe College at the University of Toronto. His previous books include Listening to the Text: Oral Patterning in Paul's Letters, Greek is Good Grief: Laying the Foundation for Exegesis and Exposition, and Anointed with the Spirit and Power: A biblical theology of Holy Spirit Empowerment.