Christian Cyclopedia

Books on the life of the apostle Paul have been grouped as conservative and critical to middling. Prominent conservative works include those of W. J. Conybeare* and J. S. Howson,* F. W. Farrar,* A. T. Robertson,* C. F. W. Dallmann.* Of critical works (e.g., of W. Wrede*) some say Paul derived his message not from Christ but from Judaism, esp. so-called Jewish apocalyptic writings like the Book of Enoch. Others say Paul derived his distinctive religious teachings from mystery religions. Some say he was strongly influenced by Stoicism. Some try to destroy the divine character of his conversion by holding that lightning struck near him when he approached Damascus or that he suffered a sunstroke. Some say he had an epileptic seizure with hallucinations. Some (e.g., F. C. Baur*) say his conversion must be explained psychologically.