What Saint Paul Really Said: Was Paul of Tarsus the Real Founder of Christianity?

N.T. Wright, a distinguished New Testament scholar, presents a comprehensive study of the Apostle Paul in this compelling work. "What Saint Paul Really Said" seeks to address the persistent question of whether Paul significantly altered the teachings of Jesus to establish a new religion. Wright takes readers through a systematic analysis of Paul's epistles and other historical documents, shedding light on how Paul understood his mission and message.

The book challenges the commonly held perception of Paul as an innovator who diverged from Jesus' original teachings. Instead, Wright argues that Paul was a faithful interpreter and a pivotal figure in communicating the message of Jesus to both Jewish and Gentile audiences. By situating Paul within the Jewish thought and Roman world of the first century, Wright provides a richer understanding of how Paul addressed the critical issues of his time.

• Paul's teachings were deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and should be understood within that context.
• Paul was not the "founder" of Christianity but rather its most influential early theologian and communicator.
• Understanding Paul's epistles and thoughts is crucial for interpreting the New Testament and Christian doctrine.
• The relationship between Jesus' teachings and Paul's message is one of continuity rather than divergence.

"Paul saw himself as part of a new movement that remained deeply tied to its Jewish roots, but was now also reaching out to the wider world."

"To read Paul properly, we must understand the world in which he lived and the message he proclaimed as a continuation of Jesus' own mission and message."