What you are about to read comes from the heart of the Apostle Paul, that great missionary theologian of the first century AD. It is remarkable that our understanding of the Christian faith rests primarily on thirteen letters written by a convert from rabbinic Judaism. No other set of ancient manuscripts has made such a dramatic impact on civilization over the past two millennia. Written to various churches in what we now call Asia Minor, they reveal the unique way in which God allowed the truth of the cross and the open grave to take root in a hostile environment. Paul wrote in simple Greek and this new and vibrant translation stresses what the apostle intended to communicate rather than the specific words he used to accomplish the goal. Readable and free from ambiguity, it presents the ancient letters in a new and powerful way. You the reader will become, as it were, one of the original recipients, so prepare to listen to the once zealous adherent of Judaism who, by a dramatic encounter with the Christ he was persecuting, became the major figure in the westward expansion of Christianity. ""Robert Mounce's Dear Friends, This Is Paul stands in a noble tradition of explanatory renderings of Scripture along with the J. B. Phillips translation, Eugene Peterson's work, and the original Living Bible. Works like this give us the chance to hear the words of Scripture in a fresh way and often open up deeper appreciation for what was said. As a book that helps make the word come alive, I commend it for your engagement with Scripture."" --Darrell Bock, Executive Director for Cultural Engagement, Howard G. Hendricks Center for Christian Leadership and Cultural Engagement; Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary ""Here is a fresh, contemporary, easy-to-read, free translation of Paul's letters. Written by a veteran evangelical New Testament scholar and experienced Bible translator, this nicely phrased, clear version will be a fine supplement to more literal translations for those wanting to discover what Paul really meant."" --Roger Mohrlang, Professor of Biblical Studies, Whitworth University; author, Paul and His Life-Transforming Theology Robert Mounce is a widely known New Testament scholar whose publications include critical commentaries on Revelation (NICNT), John (EBC), Romans (NAC), Philippians, Peter's letters, and the Pastoral Epistles. After theological work at Fuller Theological Seminary, Dr. Mounce earned his PhD from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. Administrative posts include Academic Dean at Western Kentucky University and President of Whitworth University. During a half-century of biblical translation he served on the translation teams of the NIV, NIrV, ESV, TNIV, and published a number of individual translations such as the Reverse-Interlinear Translation, The Story of Jesus, and Jesus in His Own Words.