Best Selling Books by Tom Wright

Paul has provoked people as much in recent times as he did when he was alive. Some regard him as a pestilent and dangerous fellow. Others think of him as the greatest teacher of Christianity after Jesus himself. In this book, leading theologian Tom Wright focuses on key areas of Paul''s teaching, helping us to understand what he was doing and saying. He sweeps away the confusion of much modern theology to uncover the real man and his message. What St Paul Really Said is a book for all who want to weigh the evidence before making up their minds on the vital questions surrounding Paul. Equally it is for those who want to know what his message might mean for us today.

Named a Best Book of 2018 by the Financial Times and Fortune, this "thrilling" (Bill Gates) New York Times bestseller exposes how a "modern Gatsby" swindled over $5 billion with the aid of Goldman Sachs in "the heist of the century" (Axios). Now a #1 international bestseller, Billion Dollar Whale is "an epic tale of white-collar crime on a global scale" (Publishers Weekly), revealing how a young social climber from Malaysia pulled off one of the biggest heists in history. In 2009, a chubby, mild-mannered graduate of the University of Pennsylvania''s Wharton School of Business named Jho Low set in motion a fraud of unprecedented gall and magnitude--one that would come to symbolize the next great threat to the global financial system. Over a decade, Low, with the aid of Goldman Sachs and others, siphoned billions of dollars from an investment fund--right under the nose of global financial industry watchdogs. Low used the money to finance elections, purchase luxury real estate, throw champagne-drenched parties, and even to finance Hollywood films like The Wolf of Wall Street. By early 2019, with his yacht and private jet reportedly seized by authorities and facing criminal charges in Malaysia and in the United States, Low had become an international fugitive, even as the U.S. Department of Justice continued its investigation. Billion Dollar Whale has joined the ranks of Liar''s Poker, Den of Thieves, and Bad Blood as a classic harrowing parable of hubris and greed in the financial world.

First paperback edition of Tom Wright''s hugely popular translation of the New Testament, now with fresh introductions to each book plus a helpful glossary of key words and phrases.

Tom Wright has completed a tremendous task: to provide comprehensive guides to all the books of the New Testament, and to furnish them with his own fresh translation of the entire text. Each short passage is followed by a highly readable commentary with helpful background information. The format makes it appropriate also for daily study. Tom Wright''s eye-opening comments on the gospel and what it might mean for us are combined, passage by passage, with his own fresh and involving translation. Making use of his true scholar''s understanding, yet writing in an approachable and anecdotal style, Wright captures the urgency and excitement of Mark''s gospel in a way few writers have.

Making use of his true scholar''s understanding, yet writing in an approachable and anecdotal style, Tom Wright manages to unravel the great complexity of this extraordinary gospel. He describes it as ''one of the great books in the literature of the world; and part of its greatness is the way it reveals its secrets not just to high-flown learning, but to those who come to it with humility and hope''. Wright''s stimulating comments are combined with his own translation of the Bible text. Tom Wright has undertaken a tremendous task: to provide guides to all the books of the New Testament, and to furnish them with his own fresh translation of the entire text. Each short passage is followed by a highly readable discussion with background information. The series is suitable for personal or group use. The format makes it appropriate also for daily study.

''It has been slowly dawning on me over many years that there is a fundamental problem deep at the heart of Christian faith and practice as I have known them . . . we have all forgotten what the four Gospels are about.'' With that surprising assertion, Tom Wright launches this ground-breaking work in which he helps us to see the gospel story in radically a new light, and to acknowledge that, for many generations, the Church has been avoiding its full impact and holding back from proclaiming its full meaning. ''Classic Wright: clear, accessible, robust, engaging and challenging.'' Paula Gooder in Third Way ''Scholarly, accessible, insightful and provocative.'' Christianity ''Wright argues compellingly that the twin themes of kingdom and cross are inseparably linked. . . This is a much-needed reorientation. The book makes its case for ''rethinking'' cogently and deserves widespread attention.'' Theology

Join Tom Wright on a journey into the heart of Matthew, exploring the key themes of watching, repenting, healing and loving. Sparkling reflections by our most popular Christian author, from Advent to Christmas. Within each of these themes, Wright offers daily readings and meditations for a week, beginning with the Sunday reading in the Revised Common Lectionary, and ending with stimulating questions for personal reflection or group discussion. Distilled from selected passages in his popular For Everyone commentaries, these sparkling reflections take you on a journey of spiritual enlightenment, guiding you towards the wonder and joy of Christmas.

"A biography of St Paul by his greatest living interpreter: it is a dream come true." Tom Holland This compelling reconstruction of the life and thought of St Paul paints a vivid picture of the Roman world in which he preached his revolutionary message. It explains the significance of Paul''s lasting impact on both the Church and the world. Elegantly written by arguably the most influential Pauline scholar in the world today - Paul a Biography is Tom Wright at his very best. This gripping historical life story will appeal to both believers and historians, painting a picture that provides insight and new understanding of both the man Paul and the world in which he lived.

Let Tom Wright help you make sense of the changes in social, economic and political culture that challenge Christians today. In a debate where even the language can be confusing (neo-gnosticism, neo-imperialism and postmodernity - and even faith terms like Trinitarian) Tom Wright helps ordinary Christians understand and respond to searching questions about key aspects of faith in our 21st century culture. Trying to make the gospel heard and understood in the modern world, he helps you to reconsider key aspects of the biblical story that reveal unexpected connections between ancient and contemporary world-views. The outcome of Tom’s criticism of common secular assumptions and their attempt to control the story of creation, power and truth - past and present, is a call for Christians to give fresh voice to God''s truth in today''s intellectual, social, economic and political arenas on a global and local community level. Tom Wright is the widely respected former bishop of Durham and current Research Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at St Andrews University. His many influential and readable examinations of applying faith to the world today include Simply Jesus, Simply Christian and How God Became King. Tom is also the editor of the ''For Everyone'' New Testament guides and commentary series. This book will become an essential guide for anyone looking to understand how they can make it known that the gospel is not only still relevant, but vital to the future of the modern world.

Most Christians obey Jesus'' command to "do this in remembrance of me": breaking bread and drinking wine as he did at the Last Supper. Tom White explains the background to the Last Supper, the ways in which Christians have interpreted Jesus'' actions over the centuries and what it means for us today.

By looking in detail at the Lord''s Prayer and its background, Tom Wright offers a really fresh and helpful way of looking at Jesus. Phrase by phrase, he demonstrates how understanding the prayer in its original setting can be the starting point for a rekindling of Christian spirituality and the life of prayer. This small masterpiece of a book contains a great deal to stimulate and refresh both the mind and the heart - and to show that, properly understood, they belong together.

‘Superbly written, utterly Bible based. . . Do not hesitate!’ Archbishop Justin Welby What are we supposed to think about the coronavirus crisis? Some people think they know: ‘This is a sign of the End,’ they say. ‘It’s all predicted in the book of Revelation.’ Others disagree but are equally clear: ‘This is a call to repent. God is judging the world and through this disease he’s telling us to change.’ Some join in the chorus of blame and condemnation: ‘It’s the fault of the Chinese, the government, the World Health Organization...'' Tom Wright examines these reactions to the virus and finds them wanting. Instead, he invites you to consider a different way of seeing and responding – a way that draws on the teachings and examples of scripture, and above all on the way of living, thinking and praying revealed to us by Jesus.

Hospital For Sinners is the culmination of nearly thirty years of planning and preparation. The idea was first conceived in the late 1970''s; thus, we have a storied history of the religious right and its components from 1979 to 2006. During this time period the supposedly light of the world has become darkened by sex-scandals, misappropriation of funds, and sundry other lewd behaviors. Our church leadership is in pursuit of money and power, while hiding behind a mask of self-righteousness and political associations. Does God want Christians to clothe themselves in sackcloth and ashes? No! Nor does He desire one to ride around in a Rolls-Royce either.

''As one expects from this world-famous theologian, massive amounts of information and complex arguments are condensed into simple, clear and concise expression.'' The Reader ''Written with verve and scholarly confidence. . . an impressive read.'' Church Times In Simply Jesus, renowned New Testament scholar Tom Wright sets out to answer three simple but vital questions about Jesus: who was he, what did he do and why does it matter? Perfect for those wanting a popular level entry point into Tom Wright''s views on Scripture, Simply Jesus places Jesus firmly within his own context and shows how startlingly relevant he is to our own day as well. The book starts with Tom explaining the key questions, why they matter, and why we today find them difficult to answer. He then goes on to say what he thinks Jesus'' public career was all about, what he was trying to accomplish, and how he went about it. At the end of the book he sketches four ways in which people today have tried to understand the contemporary relevance of Jesus'' inauguration of God''s kingdom. After reading Simply Jesus, readers will have a firmer biblical and theological grounding in exploring Who Jesus Was, What He Did, and Why it Matters. ''Invigorating and challenging. . . Wright shows how much of Jesus’ message we have failed to take seriously.'' Christianity ''His engaging writing style grips the reader from the opening pages. . . readers will find this work difficult to put down.'' Life and Work

The State is the complete collection of all three books in the trilogy, action-packed sci-fi dystopian novellas. The resistance fights the state on every hand, trying to gain a foothold against their military might. Kara, a young soldier, reunites with Matt, her childhood friend. For several years, he’s been indoctrinated by the state. Kara must work to turn him back while fighting to stop the force that captured him so long ago. Orem, the leader of the resistance, seeks to atone for his past by saving the future. But the more he tries to avoid violence, the more deaths pile up. He and Kara race against time to bring peace to the warring factions before it''s too late.

Christians of all traditions have long regarded the writings of Tom Wright as a rich source of guidance for living faithfully in today''s world. His bestselling books, including Simply Christian, Simply Jesus, and Surprised by Hope, have inspired and encouraged millions all over the world. Now, whether you are new to Wright’s books or already a fan, you can draw on their wisdom each day with On Earth as In Heaven. A devotional book to take you through the entire year, it offers a thoughtful selection of 365 daily meditations that feature short passages from his classic works. The devotions begin on Easter Day, the first day of new creation, and then follow the seasons of the Christian year to end with a second Easter and the invitation to begin again. Reflecting on the biblical themes of beauty, power, spirituality, justice, truth, freedom and love, these daily meditations will invigorate and sustain you as you cultivate a Christ-like life ‘on earth as in heaven’. Presented in a beautiful hardback, this 365 devotional is a book to cherish and return to time and again for anyone looking for daily encouragement and inspiration. It is an ideal gift for any fan of Tom Wright’s books, and also makes a perfect introduction to his writers for new readers. Drawing on the very best of Tom Wright’s wisdom and guidance, On Earth as in Heaven is a devotional that will equip you to live faithfully and joyfully, growing closer to Jesus every single day.

A renowned Bible scholar, Tom Wright, opens up the message and meaning of the gospel of Matthew for today''s readers. He guides the reader through the world of the New Testament. Breaking down the gospel of Matthew into brief, easy-to-study segments, Wright shows how the message of this ancient book speaks powerfully to the spiritual longings of contemporary readers. New Christians and longtime followers of Jesus alike will find inspiration and practical wisdom for their journey within these pages. Making use of his true scholar''s understanding, yet writing in an approachable and anecdotal style, Wright captures the immediacy of Matthew''s gospel in a way few writers have. Tom Wright''s own translation of the Gospel of Matthew is combined, section by section, with useful explanation and interpretation of the passage, as well as thoughts as to how it can be relevant to our lives today.The format makes it appropriate also for daily study.

Seriously William, you''re eighteen and you''re gay, for Christ''s sake. You''re meant to swim against the tide. A proper gap year is all about traveling. Seeing the world. Popping your cherry. This is our chance to start living. Me and you. This is the story of Dave; a dad in mid-life freefall who takes his repressed, gay, teenage son William on a wild adventure to Thailand. Gay love, straight love, trans love, buddy-love, drinking games and beer bellies. Fasten your seat belts, it''s gonna be a mad one!

The Gospel means good news, but what makes it news? If the message has been around for 2,000 years, what could possibly be newsworthy about it? And what makes it good? Surely not the stories we hear of damnation, violence, and an angry God. Tom Wright believes many Christians have lost sight of what the ‘good news’ of the gospel really is. In Simply Good News, he shows how a first-century audience would have received the gospel message, what the ‘good news’ means for us today and how it can transform our lives.

What does Christianity stand for in the 21st century? How can we believe it? Why do we need it? In this modern classic, bestselling author Tom Wright invites you on a journey into the heart of Christianity and shows you how it can be lived authentically today. Taking the reader through the Christian faith step by step and question by question, Simply Christian offers compelling explanations for even the most hardened sceptics, while leaving believers spiritually refreshed and exhilarated. ''How can one find the words to describe a book so beautifully and skilfully written, so inspired, so full of generosity and genius?'' Anne Rice ''Absolutely wonderful, radical and very powerful.'' Antony Flew ''An invaluable guide for seekers and doubters as well as believers.'' Os Guinness ''Exceptional. . . it is hard to think of a parallel since Lewis.'' Church Times

In this challenging collection of his best recent sermons and speeches, Tom Wright provides a series of case studies that show how the Bible can be applied to pressing contemporary issues, including: • How it is possible to love the Bible and affirm evolution • Why belief in heaven means we should be at the forefront of the environmental movement • Where Christians today have lost focus, and why it is important for them to engage in politics Helpful, practical, and wise, Surprised by Scripture demonstrates how to affirm the Bible in today''s world—as well as mapping out new ways of applying its principles and engaging effectively with the world around us.

N.T. Wright takes us on a fascinating journey through ancient beliefs about life after death, from the shadowy figures who inhabit Homer''s Hades, through Plato''s hope for a blessed immortality, to the first century, where the Greek and Roman world (apart from the Jews) consistently denied any possibility of resurrection. We then examine ancient Jewish beliefs on the same subject, from the Bible to the Dead Sea Scrolls and beyond. This sets the scene for a full-scale examination of early Christian beliefs about resurrection in general and that of Jesus in particular, beginning with Paul and working through to the start of the third century. Wright looks at all the evidence, and asks: Why did the Christians agree with Jewish resurrection belief while introducing into it - across the board - significant modifications? To answer this question we come to the strange and evocative Easter stories in the gospels and asks whether they can have been late inventions. Wright seeks the best historical conclusions about the empty tomb and the belief that Jesus really did rise bodily from the dead, recognizing that it was this belief that caused early Christians to call Jesus ''Son of God''. In doing so, they posed a political challenge as well as a theological one. These challenges retain their power in the twenty-first century.

Instead of the seven words that Jesus spoke from the cross, Tom Wright invites you to consider seven words that people spoke to the cross -- people like Mary and the Roman centurion who witnessed the crucifixion, and Pontius Pilate, who helped to instigate it. The result is a powerful sequence of meditations that will move you to reassess your own response to Jesus'' death, his resurrection, and the continuing influence of his Spirit on those who follow him today.

Sex is easy. Intimacy is hard. A tender, funny and uplifting love story for the post-chemsex generation. Hunky dream boy Lex and bright spark Bradley are falling for each other. Big time. After three months, Lex has decided that tonight''s the night... but Bradley''s not so sure he wants to go all the way. With wisdom, wit and honesty, Tom Wright''s bold new play explores the delicate emotions, moral dilemmas and personal demons we all take to bed with us.

This is the follow-up to the massively successful Lent for Everyone: Luke Year C, bringing Lent reading to a new audience. The book gently takes the reader through the designated Lectionary readings for every day of Lent and Easter. The Bible readings are Tom Wright''s own clear and accessible translations from Matthew for Everyone (SPCK, 2002). Each passage is followed by a freshly written reflection and a prayer that will help readers to ponder the relevance of Matthew''s Gospel for their own lives. Suitable for both individual and group study and reflection, Tom Wright''s Lent book will allow readers to make Matthew their own, thoughtfully and prayerfully. It will help to make the journey through Lent a period of rich discovery and growth.

A tough inner-city school, proud of its inclusivity, suddenly explodes in a rapidly escalating culture war. Sex secrets, hip-hop and hope fight for centre stage in a vibrant, loud and proud, real talk rollercoaster. Tom Wright''s hard-hitting new play tackles contemporary issues in a school setting, published to coincide with Coventry''s year as City of Culture.

When one summer afternoon Biscuit and his cousin L.A. discover the body of a teenage girl in the Texas wilderness, an investigation begins that will put both of their lives in grave danger.

Alliances shift as Kara teams up with Andrew, the leader of the Academics. Each are motivated by the death of a close friend, and each must face their own personal demons before they can work together effectively. Matt, now separated from Kara, has to make a decision: Does he trust Kara''s judgment about the state''s atrocities, or does he return to the life he''s known for so long as a soldier of the state? Friends fight against friends as a cobalt-bomber is assigned to destroy the heart of the state''s leadership. Matt, Kara, and Andrew have to decide what they stand for, what side they''re on, and they have to do it before a cobalt-bomb kills the people closest to them.

"Dr. Deborah Serach Gold died on the cross sometime during a night of freezing rain in late October of my last year at Three. It probably wasn''t the worst thing that happened to her that day, but it had been over two decades in the making . . ." The day after a terrible storm, electricity still crackling in the air, a woman is found dead on the outskirts of a Texan town. She has been brutally attacked and nailed to a cross. The victim is Dr Deborah Gold, a psychologist who has taken a lot of people''s secrets to her grave. Which means a lot of suspects for Detective Jim Beaudry Bonham to investigate. And lately he could use some psychological help himself . . .

What do Christians hope for? To leave this wicked world and go to ''heaven''? For the ''kingdom of God'' to grow gradually on earth? What do we mean by the ''resurrection of the body''? And how does all this affect the way we live in the here and now? Tom Wright addresses these questions in this lively and thoroughly biblical book. He describes the persistent confusion about ''the last things'' in both Church and world. Then, having explained why Christians believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus himself, he explores the biblical hope for ''new heavens and new earth'', and shows how the second coming of Jesus, and the eventual resurrection of the dead, belong within that larger picture. ''Strips away popular sentimentality and medieval imagery, allowing the original biblical writers to speak to us afresh. . . It gives substance to our hope and deserves widespread and careful reading.'' Reform ''Builds on C.S. Lewis'' succinct defence of the faith and takes it to a new level.'' World Magazine ''This book is Tom Wright at his finest.'' Rob Bell ''Unmissable.'' Krish Kandiah

Tom Wright''s guide to Luke, which includes a wealth of information and background detail, provides real insights for our understanding of the story of Jesus and its implications for the reader. His clear style is accessible to new readers of the Bible, as well as to those who are further on. His exciting new translation brings to life, passage by passage, the immediacy and drama of Luke''s gospel. Tom Wright has undertaken a tremendous task: to provide guides to all the books of the New Testament, and to include in them his own translation of the entire text. Each short passage is followed by a highly readable discussion with background information, useful explanations and suggestions, and thoughts as to how the text can be relevant to our lives today. A glossary is included at the back of the book. The series is suitable for group study, personal study, or daily devotions.

To bring this widely acclaimed book completely up to date, the late Bishop Neill''s colleague N.T. Wright has revised and expanded the entire contents and added a new chapter covering New Testament scholarship of the last twenty-five years. This masterful survey describes the historical development of New Testament criticism, the contrasting personalities of scholars, and the permanent contributions made by various schools, ending with an assessment of the current status of the field.

Put Jesus, the risen Jesus, in the middle of your life, your thinking, your living, your work, your pains, your griefs, your anxieties, your hopes, and your fears -- put this Jesus in the middle, and work them all around him. Learn to worship him; learn to love him; and learn to live with a new life in his new world.'' So ends this exhilarating sequence of meditations on the biblical Jesus, and what it means to follow him today. In Part One, ''Looking to Jesus'', NT Wright outlines the essential message of six major New Testament books, looking in particular at their portrayal of Jesus -- ''the pioneer and perfecter of our faith''- and what he accomplished in his sacrificial death. In Part Two, ''A Living Sacrifice'', he takes six key New Testament themes -- resurrection, re-birth, temptation, hell, heaven, and new life -- and explores their significance for the lives of present-day disciples.

What am I here for? How should I behave? Most Christians, faced with those questions, think in terms either of ''rules'' or of ''living authentically''. Both lead to problems. In this book, full of fresh biblical exploration, Bishop Tom Wright proposes instead that we inhabit the ancient tradition of virtue once again -- but from a thoroughly Christian, not just a philosophical, perspective. The virtues are the strengths we need to get to our goal. Following on from his popular best-selling books Simply Christian and Surprised by Hope, he sees the goal in terms of the whole new creation, with humans renewed to look after it.

The world''s most influential interpreter of Paul delves deeply into the letter to the Romans and draws out its vital, enduring and Spirit-filled importance for Christians today.