I received from Thomas Nelson publishing a most beautiful book called In the Footsteps of Paul: Experience the Journey that Changed the World by Ken Duncan. Before receiving the book, the description of it had me very intrigued:

[Paul's] travels changed the world, and when you, too, follow In the Footsteps of Paul, you’ll experience those amazing journeys more powerfully than ever. The lens of renowned photographer Ken Duncan traces everywhere Paul is known to have traveled. Ken’s stunning photos, combined with Scripture and writings from noted authors, creates an exciting platform for experiencing the life and times of one of the apostles who introduced Jesus to the Roman world and beyond.

Paul is the most visible Christian in the New Testament – we see more of him through his letters than we do of any other apostle. I’ve always enjoyed looking at the maps in the back of the Bible with their lines showing where Paul traveled. The chance to see photos of those places was something I couldn’t pass up.

In the Footsteps of Paul has exceeded all of my expectations. Every page contains full color, vivid photographs of places like Straight Street in Bousra, a flower-covered tell at Lystra, the ancient harbor of Attalia, and the Roman agora where Paul and Silas were flogged.

Turning the pages of this book is like stepping into a mysterious, shrouded history that is revealing itself in bits and pieces. I was amazed to see so many photos of places where Paul is known to have traveled. I never realized that such a large number of buildings, roads, and other landmarks that Paul visited are still in existence today.

One of the most remarkable photos – from an architectural standpoint – is that of the Treasury Building in Petra, Jordan, where Paul is believed to have stayed while in Arabia. It is a beautifully ornate building carved into the rock face of a cliff. I don’t think I could make you understand it without showing you the picture – even with the picture, I have trouble believing it’s real.

Aside from the amazing glimpse into Paul’s life, Ken Duncan’s photos are stunning. He is a highly talented photographer, capturing landscapes that look like you can fall right into them.

The accompanying text contains Scripture telling about Paul’s journeys, quotes from historical and modern Christians, and explanations of some of the locations. Interesting and a nice accompaniment, but no comparison to the photos.

In the Footsteps of Paul is available from Thomas Nelson Publishers for a suggested retail price of $24.99. Christian Book Distributors carries it for $17.99.