Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Meeks, professor of religious studies at Yale University, furnished new insights into the social world of the Apostle Paul with his study titled The First Urban Christians. With the aid of historical and sociological tools Meeks offered a fresh appreciation for the mission strategy of Paul. Paul directed his approaches to seats of power and to the major cities of the Mediterranean world. Paul's style was richly contrasted with that of Jesus, who was a rural prophet. Jesus' parables were countrified. Paul, on the other hand, was urbane.