Paul's letters were written before any other Christian texts, even the gospels. And the earliest text of all is '1 Thessalonians'. This new English translation is both intelligible and true to the meaning of the original Greek text. In the accompanying commentary, Ludemann engages critically with the theology of the early Paul, including Paul's virulent attacks on circumcision and other Jewish practices. Readers desiring a more in-depth study will find detailed appendices on Pauline chronology and later letters.