Title: Letters of St. Paul  The most unlikely witness to Christ  Translator: Mark A. Wauck  ISBN 10: 0-8189-1272-3  ISBN 13: 978-0-8189-1272-6  Paperback: x + 294 pp.  Price: $7.95 + shipping  To Order call:  1 800-343-ALBA (2522)  Please have your Master, Visa  or American Express card ready To order online click here.

Saint Paul is one of the most influential figures in human history. His written words have been reflected on, studied, and most importantly, acted on by millions of believers. This translation of his letters, with its fresh and lively style, is meant to stimulate in new ways the people already familiar and in love with the writings of Paul, as well as to launch those unfamiliar with them into a first-time reading of his works. Foreword by Rev. Jeffrey Mickler, S.S.P., Ph.D. About the Translation. Mark Wauck's rendition of the Letters of St. Paul was translated directly from the Greek and generally follows the texts of the third edition of the United Bible Society's The Greek New Testament and the 26th edition of Nestle-Aland's Novum Testamentum Graece, although, in places, variant readings have been preferred. The text followed is intended to reflect the current consensus of Catholic scholarship. The Nihil Obstat was given to the translation by Msgr. Daniel Murray and Rev. Robert Hayden, the Imprimi Potest by Bishop Emil A. Wcela, and the Imprimatur by Bishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk (March 22, 1991). A special rescript in accord with Canon 825 #1 of the Code of Canon Law was awarded on behalf of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops by Bishop William H. Keeler on May 6, 1994. The overriding concern throughout was, of course, to render the sacred text as faithfully as possible and in a style that will readily be grasped. While slang was in all instances avoided, a conscious effort was made to model the text after the spoken language, since the Greek of the New Testament, generally speaking, reflects the spoken Koine Greek of the first century A.D.

 

About the Translator: Mark A. Wauck graduated from Loyola University with a BA degree in Philosophy and a Minor in Classics and received a JD degree from the Loyola University School of Law. He is the translator of Thomist Realism and the Critique of Knowledge by Etienne Gilson (Ignatius Press) and the author of a related article which appeared in the American Catholic Philosophical Quarterly. His very readable translation of the entire New Testament with its full-color layout and printing has received rave reviews from all who have seen and used it for study and meditation. Reviews           Saint Paul is one of the most influential figures in human history. His written words have been reflected on, studied, and most importantly, acted upon by millions of believers. This little gem of a book, of a size that will easily fit in a purse, briefcase, or pocket, has plenty of features to satisfy a student of scripture. For example, there is an introduction to each book, a topical index, and two appendices. The first appendix consists of prayers of St. Paul from the epistles, and the second is a reader's guide, titled, "The Heart of St. Paul: Living 'In Christ'."           The Preface has this compelling portrait of Paul: "Although John is called the 'beloved disciple,' Paul can rightly be called the 'apostle of love.' His reflection on love in 1 Corinthians 13 is both exalted and down to earth, challenging yet inspiring. It is a reminder of what it means to be a servant of God. However, every letter Paul wrote is filled with a sense of love, and the actions of his life show the sincerity of his belief."           This translation of his letters, with its fresh and lively style, is meant to stimulate in new ways the people already familiar and in love with the writings of Paul, as well as to launch those unfamiliar with them into a first-time reading of his works. The complete New Testament translation by Mr. Wauck was reviewed in this journal in the July-September, 2001, issue.           Mark A. Wauck, a Roman Catholic layman born in Chicago, graduated from Loyola University (Chicago), receiving a degree in Classics (1973). He then went on to receive a law degree from Loyola's School of Law. Following graduation Wauck entered law enforcement and has worked for the FBI from 1978 to the present. --Daniel W. Decker, Book Reviews in the July-September 2010 issue of Bible Editions & Versions published by the International Society of Bible Collectors This book contains Wauck's introductions, translations, and footnotes for the Pauline letters (including Hebrews) in their canonical order: Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and so on. His translation of the four Gosepls was described in NTA 37, p.123. His goal is to render the NT texts into contemporary American English whicle reflecting the spoken Koine Greek of the 1st century and where possible the underlying poetic structures. He renders Rom 1:17 as follows: "In this good news God revelas His saving righteousness, from faith to faith, as it is written. Whoever is righteous by faith shall live." Also included are a three-page foreword by J. Mickler and three appendixes: prayers; the heart of St. Paul -- living "in Christ"; and a topical index. --New Testament Abstracts, Vol. 53, no. 1, p. 189, January, 2009. From the original Greek, this translation of St. Paul's letters, approved by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, seeks to render the sacred text as faithfully as possible. Brief introductions to each of the letters establish the historical background and engage readers in a spiritual journey with St. Paul. Includes a reflection guide and a prayer section. Perfect for individual use or for parish study groups or in the classroom. --Crux of the News, December 8, 2008   Top of Page