"This book is a controversial new biography of the apostle Paul that argues for his inclusion in the pantheon of key figures of classical antiquity, along with the likes of Socrates, Alexander the Great, Cleopatra, and Augustus"-- Provided by publisher.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 181-191) and index.

The life. From Pharisee to Apostle -- Communities in the making -- Paul's life in its Roman context -- The legend. Competing stories about Paul in late antiquity -- Paul the scriptural authority: contradictory discourses -- How the West got Paul wrong -- Conclusion: going beyond the epitaph -- Appendix 1. Extant writings attributed to Saint Paul in rough chronological order -- Appendix 2. Reconstructing Paul's Corinthian correspondence: a puzzle -- Appendix 3. Ancient Christian works containing Pauline traditions and legends.