A Man in Christ: The Vital Elements of St. Paul’s Religion

by James S. Stewart

A Man in Christ is one of the many books in so-called Pauline studies. The primary difference in this volume is that Stewart sets out by seeking to undo the notion that Paul can be systematized or that he was a theologian of that type. He didn’t write doctrine for doctrine’s sake or theologize to pass the time—rather he wrote personal letters to real people within certain contexts. And any study of Paul must be conducted with that in mind. Perhaps this is why A Man in Christ has endured more than countless other volumes that have come and gone with the various trends in Pauline studies.

After discounting ‘Paulinism,’ Stewart turns to Paul’s early life and discusses in some detail his history and heritage. After laying this foundation, he turns to many of the recurring themes in Paul’s writing and discusses each of them in detail: the failure of Judaism and works of the law; grace; faith; reconciliation; justification; etc. Ultimately, the thought that pervades the book is that union with Christ is at the heart of what Paul taught about Christianity: Christ is the source, center, and goal of the whole creation. To be a man in Christ is to finally be what we were created to be.

While I don’t agree with all of the individual conclusions that Stewart reaches, the thesis of the book is sound, which naturally leads to many excellent points being made. I probably wouldn’t recommend this book across the board, but if you’re interested in scholarly study, or in Pauline studies, you should pick this one up.