MacArthur - The gospel according to Paul: embracing the good news at the heart of Pauls teachings

Twenty years ago, Dr. John MacArthur sounded an alarm warning that nothing less than the loss of the gospel was at hand. In The Gospel According to Jesus, MacArthur prophetically called the church to the affirmation of the gospel as preached by Christ. Now, facing a new crisis in evangelical Christianity, MacArthur sets the record straight again with The Gospel According to Paul. This is the right book by the right author for the right time. I urge every evangelical Christian to read this book.

R. Albert Mohler, Jr., president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

In this present hour of spiritual darkness, the gospel of Jesus Christ is under attack on every side. John MacArthur, having exegeted and exposited all thirteen epistles by the apostle Paul in his own pulpit with depth and precision, is the right man to document and defend the saving message of Jesus Christ. This theologically rich book, The Gospel According to Paul, is desperately needed and carefully delivered to the church today. Here is a work that needs to be read by every person, Christian or not.

Steven J. Lawson, OnePassion Ministries, Dallas, Texas

In the wake of alarmist voices that we have fundamentally misunderstood Paul, the church desperately needs fresh material on the apostle and his understanding of the gospel. I can think of no one better to provide this material than John MacArthur. Edifying, rich fare indeed on crucial gospel topics that should be known by every Christian. I am thrilled that yet again, Dr. MacArthur has given us a timely and much-needed book.

Derek W. H. Thomas, senior minister, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina; Robert String Professor of Systematic and Pastoral Theology; RTS Atlanta Fellow of Ligonier Ministries

We dont need a new perspective on Paul; we need a biblical perspective. Dr. John MacArthur, as always, delivers.

Todd Friel, radio host

Nothing is more important than our understanding of the gospel. It must be rightly understood and clearly communicated. John MacArthur has made this his lifes passion. Having helped a generation steer clear of a variety of heretical assaults on the gospel, he now provides a clear and vibrant expression of the doctrine of salvation by insightfully unpacking the inspired words of the apostle Paul. The Gospel According to Paul is a welcomed and needed articulation of the timeless truths bound up in the gospel of grace. These insights into the life and teaching of the apostle Paul are sure to enrich your faith and strengthen your grasp on this principal doctrine of the New Testament.

Dr. Mike Fabarez, pastor of Compass Bible Church, Aliso Viejo, California; host of Focal Point Radio

2017 by John MacArthur

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Epub Edition February 2017 ISBN 9781400203512

ISBN 9781400203512 (eBook)

ISBN 9780718092870 (IE)

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: MacArthur, John, 1939-author.

Title: The Gospel according to Paul: embracing the good news at the heart of Pauls teachings / John MacArthur.

Description: Nashville, Tennessee: Nelson Books, 2017. | Includes bibliographical references and index.

Identifiers: LCCN 2016036969 | ISBN 9781400203499

Subjects: LCSH: Bible. Epistles of PaulTheology. | Paul, the Apostle, Saint.

Classification: LCC BS2651 .M23 2017 | DDC 227/.06dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2016036969

Printed in the United States of America

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I am blessed to have the unwavering support of a steadfast crew of volunteers who devote their time and labor every week to the ministry of Grace to You. They work without receiving any earthly wages (and little recognition). But the Lord whom they serve keeps a record of their faithfulness and I know He will reward them abundantly (Colossians 3:2324). Meanwhile, these dear friends bring unflagging energy and enthusiasm to our ministry, and they are a source of perpetual encouragement and profound joy to me personally. Their obvious love for me and the ministry we share is matched by their remarkable productivity. To themincluding many former members of the team who have already gone to gloryI dedicate this book.

If I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!... I have been entrusted with a stewardship.

1 CORINTHIANS 9:1617

P aul was unique among the apostles. Unlike the rest of them, he never spent time with Christ during our Lords earthly ministry. In fact, he would not have been a good fit in the circle of the twelve disciples. They were mostly common, provincial Galileans, lacking any spiritual credentials or academic clout. The best known and most influential of the Twelve included fishermen (Peter, Andrew, James, and John); a tax collector (Matthew); and a former Zealot (Simon)a mix of working men and outcasts.

By contrast, Paul (or more precisely Saul of Tarsus, as he was known in those days) was a well-respected, well-educated, and well-read rabbi, born into a family of Pharisees and thoroughly trained in the Pharisees ultra-orthodox traditions. He was amazingly cosmopolitana Roman citizen, a seasoned traveler, a distinguished legal scholar who was born in Tarsus, educated in Jerusalem at the feet of Gamaliel (Acts 22:3), and full of zeala Hebrew of the Hebrews. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, he wrote, I have more (Phil. 3:4 ESV). His curriculum vitae always outshone everyone elses. Saul of Tarsus would never lose in any contest of intellectual or academic achievements. In that regard, he stands in sharp contrast to all the other apostles.