A Polite Bribe seamlessly blends cutting‐edge Pauline scholarship with narrative storytelling. It’s a human story that speaks to the broadest possible audience precisely because it doesn’t preach to any choir or address a specific faith tradition, but rather wrestles with the paradoxical story of Paul the man and his famously ambivalent relationship with the Judean Apostles, which was largely obscured by later generations. This portrayal will undoubtedly provoke and inspire dialogue both within Christian churches and across social and religious boundaries.”
–Mark Mattison
Author, independent scholar, and creator of “The Paul Page”
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As someone who knows little about biblical history but a lot about good writing, I found A Polite Bribe offered me double pleasure. First, I was excited to learn a great deal about St. Paul and his mission, and second, I was thrilled to find my history lesson presented in such energetic and entertaining prose. I’d recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the true history of Christianity, but also to anyone who enjoys a good, well‐crafted read.
– Elaine Merrill
Editor (formerly Senior Production Editor with Harper)