Fire and vision

Paul and the church from all nations

Book titleFeuer und VisionSubtitlePaul and the church from all nationsAuthorKarsten RisseeuwStarting dateNovember 27, 2025Pages504GenreTheologyLanguageGermanDescriptionThe calling and mission of the Apostle Paul as an example of a development in the New TestamentAvailable asHardcover, Softcover, e-BookISBN HC9789083630014ISBN SC9789083630007ISBN e-Book9789083630021Distributiontredition.de

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Fire and vision

The Apostle Paul challenges us, questions our habits, and opens up new perspectives. He himself says that he received “his” Gospel directly from Jesus Christ. Why does Paul speak of “his” Gospel? Is this something we should take seriously?

Here, you are invited to read the New Testament as a nuanced account of historical development. This nuanced approach recognizes that, for example, the period before the crucifixion is characterized quite differently from the period after the resurrection. Where do the differences lie, and why do they exist? As we follow the narrative, a new apostle suddenly appears. Is this Paul merely an addition to the Twelve Apostles, or does something new begin with him?

Together with Paul, a church from all nations also appears. That was unheard of at the time. However, it has formed the basis for the Christian church ever since. Paul is the key figure for a balanced understanding of this development. More abstractly, it is about the discovery and classification of this “apostle to the nations” and the impact for believers of all nations.

Anyone who understands Paul’s task, calling and vision will gain a sober and clear insight into the history of New Testament development. This sobriety is not only liberating, but also leads out into the vastness in which life and faith flourish together.

Back cover

This is the story of Paul, a forgotten apostle. Almost everyone knows his name, but his unique role remains a mystery. Many find it difficult to place him in the New Testament. He polarizes people because he says things that no one has said before. Even the apostle Peter says that some of what Paul writes is difficult to understand. Paul reveals “secrets” that do not appear in the words of Jesus or in the preaching of the twelve apostles because his mission was different.

Why does Paul remain a mystery? His letters are difficult to understand, yet they are the most influential in the New Testament. Paul speaks repeatedly of “his” gospel, but what does that mean? According to his own account, he did not receive his message from people, but directly from Jesus Christ. He traveled to Jerusalem to present his gospel to the twelve apostles. If he had preached exactly the same thing as the twelve apostles, that would not have been necessary. Why was a thirteenth apostle needed?

Paul seems uncomfortable and difficult to understand. This leads to extreme positions. Did Paul found a new religion on his own initiative? Or did he misunderstand Jesus? Anyone who is curious about Paul will not only gain a new perspective on the New Testament, but also on the church, faith and their own life.

This book is more than a theological journey of discovery. It opens up the message of the “Apostle to the Nations” and accompanies you through questions that move many Christians today: Can I rethink faith? How do I deal with doubts? What does grace really mean and how does it change my life? Paul opens up a new freedom for you and for the church.

Is this book for you?

This book is intended for curious people. It should be particularly valuable for those grappling with questions of faith and processes of deconstruction who do not want to give up either their faith or their intellectual integrity. It is also aimed at church leaders and theologians who are seeking a biblically grounded alternative to performance-based piety. It is for everyone who senses that there must be more than what we have heard so far.

Freedom in faith

This book is not an easy read; rather, it challenges the reader to engage with its ideas. That is precisely where its value lies: growth comes from engaging with ideas, not from simple answers. It encourages conversation and shared learning.

This is what you can expect:

  • A systematic introduction to Paul’s independent gospel, which differs from the preaching of Jesus and the Twelve.
  • A biblically based perspective that places grace above performance and sees the church as a place of freedom.
  • Tools for dealing with doubts and theological questions without giving up faith.
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Karsten Risseeuw

Karsten Risseeuw (Jg. 1961) ist Theologe, Autor und Content Creator mit Schwerpunkt Paulus-Theologie. Seine evangelikale Prägung führte zu kritischen Fragen, die 2014 zur Gründung von kernbeisser.ch und später zum Start seines YouTube-Kanals führten. In einem jahrelangen Dekonstruktions- und Rekonstruktionsprozess entwickelte er eine theologische Position, die akademische Tiefe mit persönlicher Zugänglichkeit verbindet.

Risseeuw bewegt sich bewusst auf der Grenze zwischen evangelikaler Tradition und progressivem Christentum. Seine Arbeit richtet sich an fragende Evangelikale sowie Menschen, die in Dekonstruktionsprozessen stecken und intellektuelle Tiefe suchen, ohne ihren Glauben zu verlieren. Sein Ansatz: Weg vom religiösen Leistungsdenken, hin zur paulinischen Botschaft der Gnade.

Mit Hunderten Artikeln und einem mehrsprachigen Online-Angebot (Deutsch, Englisch, Niederländisch) begleitet er Menschen durch theologische Umbrüche – europäisch-sachlich, akademisch fundiert, aber nie elitär. Es geht ihm nicht primär darum, «was» Menschen glauben, sondern «wie» und «wozu» sie glauben, damit Lebens- und Glaubensentfaltung stattfinden können.

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