Political Paul: Factual or Fraudulent? “Reading Paul” by Michael J. Gorman is an introductory text to both Paul and his gospel. In the early stages of the novel, it introduces the reader to the character Paul and his mission—to spread a powerful word of good news that would establish “an international network of transformed, peaceable, multicultural communities worshipping and obeying one true God” (pg. 22). Mentioning Paul’s transformation from adversary to apostle of Jesus Christ, the novel explores the missionary trips and letters of Paul—both disputed and undisputed—to the various Christian communities. In addition, hallmarks of the apostle are explained as well such as: inclusion of Gentiles, commitments to non-violence, the value in suffering, and reconciliation. Diverting to the heart of the novel, Gorman creates eight themes, or “Paul’s big ideas”, that are evident throughout Pauline texts. The eight “big ideas” Gorman presents surround God, Christ, us, and the bonds that exist between one another. The first four of these focuses on Paul’s ideology of the imminent end and the role Jesus plays in the transition. The first of these describes the phrase “In the fullness of time”. According to Gorman, “the event of Jesus Christ was God’s perfectly timed means of effecting the transition from this age to the age to come” (pg. 59). This age to come occurs on a timeline that encompasses (i.) the death and resurrection of Jesus, (ii.) the current overlap of the ages, and ends with (iii.) the new age to come in all its glory. The next theme, described as “The Gospel of God” shows how the law could not deliver people from the power of Sin, and so, by means of God’s grace and love, reconciliation is made possible. We are reconciled through the

death and resurrection of Christ, which introduces the next theme: “Even Death on a Cross”. Not only is Christ’s death God’s