A brilliant reappraisal of Protestant Reformers’ views on Paul
In this incisive book, Stephen Chester challenges misconceptions and provides new insights into how sixteenth-century Protestant Reformers interpreted the writings of Paul. Writing for those who are interpreting Pauline letters in and for today’s world, Chester demonstrates the value of a nuanced and accurate understanding of the Reformers’ views on Paul.
Throughout the book, Chester draws on key ideas from his monumental work Reading Paul with the Reformers, which won Christianity Today’s book of the year award in biblical studies. In Paul through the Eyes of the Reformers, Chester updates the argument and presents the ideas in a shorter and more accessible form designed for a broad readership.
To help readers better understand the Reformers’ historical and theological context, Chester surveys perspectives on Paul prior to the sixteenth century. Against this background, Chester illuminates the paradigm shifts in Pauline interpretation that unfolded during the Reformation, paying special attention to the work of Martin Luther, Philip Melanchthon, and John Calvin. He also discusses the promise and challenge of reading Paul with the Reformers today, highlighting the importance of engaging with the Reformers’ work critically, reaching different conclusions from them where necessary, and taking inspiration from them when appropriate. Paul through the Eyes of the Reformers is a remarkable resource for biblical scholars who care about Paul and his theology.

Stephen J. Chester is the Lord and Lady Coggan Professor of New Testament at Wycliffe College at the University of Toronto.

Stephen J. Chester's profile page