A description of the first thirty years of the primitive church is largely a description of the course of Paul's life and ministry. A full understanding of Paul's activities and thought is therefore essential for any study of the church or of New Testament theology in general. This thoroughgoing work by Rainer Riesner addresses many of the scholarly questions relating to early Pauline chronology and theology. Conversant with nearly everything of significance written on the subject, this volume will be a valuable aid to the study of Paul and his importance to the early church.