" I have used a few of N T Wright's commentaries in his "Paul for Everyone" series and, as a result, wanted to know more about Wright's understanding of Paul. This short volume is a very useful introduction to his contribution to the New Perspective of Paul. As a layman I found the non-technical presentation helpful. Wright's prose is lucid and explanations clear leading to clarity in understand the biblical texts underpinning his discussion. After reading his brief explanations of crucial passages in Romans it motivated me to reread the epistle critically as a whole; something I have avoided doing for many years. There is very little Greek here, which helps because I can not read that language. (The Bible translations are Wright's own. A style familiar to anyone who has read his "... for Everyone" commentaries.) The opening chapter reviews Pauline studies in the twentieth century and for closure the final chapter addresses A N Wilson's recent "biography" of Paul. But the meat of the sandwich is Wright's own understanding of Paul and particularly the phrase "the righteousness of God". There is a powerful argument for Paul retaining his Jewishness after conversion rather than support for the conventional understanding that Paul effectively left Judaism behind on the Damascus road. An annoted bibliography of more technical texts both supportive and critical of his method is included at the end. My one real but small criticism of the book is Wright does not reference his other works; leaving it to a statement of "as I have written elsewhere". This makes it difficult to extend one's reading of the issues he has raised."

Suggested by Trevor Jenkins

" Very practical and inspiring, in volume 7 of his complete works, but there's an abridged and made-easy-to-read version. John Owen was the preeminant English theologian of the 17th century."

Suggested by Paul Dean

" Celsus, a pagan philosopher of about 185 AD, wrote a swingeing critique of Christianity, mocking its doctrines by the light of contemporary philosophy, giving scathing comments about Christian preachers he has met, and retailing scurrilous stories he has heard about the origins of both Christ and Christianity. Unfortunately Celsus' work does not survive, but extensive quotes are given by various Christian writers who referred to him or wrote to defend the faith against his charges. Hoffman has taken these quotes and, in a remarkable piece of scholarship, reassembled them into a continuous work. No doubt there are gaps, but the book gives a fascinating and valuable insight into the arguments that were used against Christianity in its early days."

Suggested by Kendall K. Down