Paul Behaving Badly

Was the Apostle a Racist, Chauvinist Jerk?

The apostle Paul was kind of a jerk.

He was arrogant and stubborn. He called his opponents derogatory, racist names. He legitimized slavery and silenced women. He was a moralistic, homophobic killjoy who imposed his narrow religious views on others. Or was he ?Randolph Richards and Brandon O’Brien explore the complicated persona and teachings of the apostle Paul. Unpacking his personal history and cultural context, they show how Paul both offended Roman perspectives and scandalized Jewish sensibilities. His vision of Christian faith was deeply disturbing to those in his day and remains so in ours.Paul behaved badly, but not just in the ways we might think. Take another look at Paul and see why this « worst of sinners » dares to say, « Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."

"Richards and O’Brien offer the latest installment in IVP’s Behaving Badly books. Unlike when God or Jesus seems to behave badly, we need not exonerate Paul of everything he did, even when it is narrated in Scripture. The stakes are higher with what he taught, however. Our authors show that Paul’s teaching surpassed the quality of his peers, even if he didn’t go all the way toward certain positions we might wish he held. This is an easy-to-read, judicious guide to responding to Paul’s apparent misogyny, homophobia, Scripture-twisting, hypocrisy, and more. In some instances there are other credible options as well, but Richards and O’Brien always give us defensible options. Highly recommended for all who are troubled about these issues or who want to help those who are troubled about them. » Craig L. Blomberg, distinguished professor of New Testament, Denver Seminary

"Like Jesus Behaving Badly, this book helpfully responds to many of the misconceptions people have about a key figure in the forming of our faith. In easy-to-understand and engaging language, it explores how Paul related to the setting in which he lived and wrote. » Craig S. Keener, F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies, Asbury Seminary