Paul the Ancient Letter Writer

An Introduction to Epistolary Analysis

A Useful Tool for Interpreting Paul’s Letters The apostle Paul’s letters utilize and diverge from the established letter-writing conventions of his day. This clear and concise introduction to the interpretive method called epistolary analysis shows how focusing on the form and function of Paul’s letters yields valuable insights. The author helps readers interpret Paul’s letters properly by paying close attention to Paul’s use of ancient letter-writing conventions. Paul’s deliberate departures from the traditional epistolary form also provide an important key to discovering his meaning and purpose. This is an ideal supplemental textbook for courses on Paul or the New Testament and includes a final chapter analyzing Paul’s Letter to Philemon to demonstrate the benefits of this interpretive approach.