by: Frank J. Matera

• Format

  Paperback

  ISBN

  9781540968197

  Dimensions

  5.5 x 8.5

  Pub. Date

  Feb 2025

  SRP

  $22.99

  Carton Quantity

  40

  Number of pages

  144

  Buy

About

Much has been written about the life, ministry, and theology of the apostle Paul. But what about Paul specifically as a preacher? How did he understand his commission from the risen Lord Jesus to preach the gospel, and how did he put it into practice? Further, what lessons can contemporary preachers learn from Paul about the theology and practice of preaching to help them be more faithful messengers of God's Word?

As a leading Pauline scholar and practicing pastor, Frank Matera has considered these questions, and he offers this short, accessible book to pastors and students as wise and helpful guidance. Matera explores a Pauline theology of preaching, focusing on three main questions: Why did Paul preach? What did he preach? And how did he preach? He also explores Paul's preaching as the ministry of the new covenant. Then he identifies and explores seven themes of Paul's preaching, which in turn offer key practical insights for preaching in a Pauline way. Readers are encouraged to "preach from the cross," making the crucified Christ their focus and their model, demonstrating what they preach by their own cruciform lives.

Endorsements

"Frank Matera has brought a lifelong passion for Paul to this powerful book, directed to all Christian preachers and readers. It is easier to preach on the Gospel stories than on the Pauline gospel. But our preaching will be enriched if we consider carefully why Paul preached, what he preached, and how he preached. The book contains a carefully nuanced presentation of Paul the preacher and the message he preached: the new creation made universally available in and through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Not only does Matera guide all who exercise the ministry of preaching in the Christian church. He also reminds us that we must practice what we preach. Preaching 'is a ministry of living the gospel one proclaims.' This sentiment has long been credited to Francis of Assisi: Preach the gospel at all times. Occasionally you may have to say something."

Francis J. Moloney, SDB, Catholic Theological College, University of Divinity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia