My Review: In the Footsteps of Paul

In the Footsteps of Paul is a beautiful coffee table (or as the publisher refers to it, “gift book”) which combines photography and scripture. The author follows the journeys of St. Paul using the Act of the Apostles as his source material. The two page spreads generally begin with a quotation from Acts and have two (but sometimes one, or more) photographs showing the area referenced. There is also usually some narration by the author or a quote from someone famous.

The photography is absolutely gorgeous. Either Photoshop did a great job or the blue of the Mediterranean is like no water I’ve ever seen. It matches the sky in places. Of course the photos were recently taken so they can’t completely illustrate the world as St. Paul knew it, but many of the pictures are of ancient ruins. Being from someplace as new as the United States, it is interesting to see those ancient aqueducts going through modern cities.

One thing I found helpful in the book was the maps showing Paul’s journeys and naming the towns discussed in Acts. I’ve seen the maps in Bibles, but these maps were followed by pictures of the places, making it easier to get a mental picture of what they must have been like at that time.

If you are trying to learn more about St. Paul during this Pauline year, but aren’t looking for heavy-duty reading, this book may be for you. I enjoyed it and it is landing on my keeper shelf, not in the giveaway box. Thanks to the Thomas Nelson Book Blogger program for sending me the book. Their product page, which will allow you to look into the book, is here.