Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters (The New Testament for Everyone) Paperback – January 1, 2004

NT Wright's commentaries are some of my favorites - if he has one on a book I'm reading, teaching or preaching, I'll read it. They're short, illustrated well, and loaded with subtle hints at much deeper principles under the surface.I've suggested this book for normal people (I'm a pastor, so I read commentaries weekly for my work) and those that have purchased NT Wright's "Everyone" series, have commented how helpful and encouraging it was in their personal devotional reading.

This commentary is written in a style that is much more like a devotional with depth. Wright uses a brief illustration before getting into the meaning of the passage. He has translated the scriptures himself and uses that version to introduce each section. The translation brings his perspective into play, of course, but that helps to make the points he is emphasizing about each portion of the scripture. Reading it with another translation by the side is helpful. There isn't the deep Greek word exposition and other overwhelming-to-the-layperson that is in other commentaries that I also appreciate, like the New International Commentary on the New Testament by Simpson and Bruce for two of the same epistles. However, Wright's friendly and approachable style is wonderful to read and very uplifting while also holding Christians to the expectations in the Word of God.

Bishop Wright's commentaries, which is really what this series is (i.e., Paul for Everyone, John for Everyone, Luke fr Everyone, etc.) are a superb gift to the Church. Though one of the finest academic New Testament scholars alive, his commentaries are extremely readable and accessible for the layman.Even though his audience is the layman or woman, his work is rooted in serious thought, scholarship and reflection. He doesn't always try to solve or answer every textual or theological problem but he will always give the basic tools or parameters allowing the reader to make one's own decision.He is quite reliable in his underlying exegesis of the text. His tone is pastoral, hortatory and narrative. I use these commentaries for devotional reading.Highly recommend Dr. Wright and this "Everyone" series.

This is sa very good reading especially if you’re trying to understand tjr writtings of Paul. It’s really written for everyone but still gives you great inside into the culture of the time with great application for the 21st century.

Perhaps I have a bias because I have been a fan of Tom Wright for many years now, but I found this book to be incredibly helpful and informing. Dr. Wright had great insight to the meaning of Paul's letters and does a wonderful job of placing the scriptures in their context as well as relating it to the modern world. This commentary can not be pigeonholed as an Anglican work, but it seems to transcend denominational lines and speak to any Christian. I highly recommend this book.

What I wanted

Over the last 2 years I have read N.T. Wright everyday in my devotionals. He has interpreted the scripture that brings integrity of the text and honors God’s holiness and the centrality of the Kingdom and Jesus as King. The “for everyone” series is truly a gift. Take this gift and be blessed!

N. T. Wright is a great writer and thinker. He carefully explains the Prison epistles in their appropriate historical and literary context, but still manages to avoid getting too caught up in secondary issues. He always has the overall story of the Bible in mind. It is truly a wonderful book for Sunday School teachers, youth ministers, pastors, motivated teenagers, parents who want help in order to explain Scripture to their children...i.e. for everyone!