"I have many favorite biblical figures, Old Testament and New, each for specific reasons. Some are favorites because I can identify with them in one or more characteristics that we seem to share in common. Some are favorites for the opposite reason: they have characteristics that so far eclipse mine that I am in awe of them. Jesus must be far and away the favorite character for any of us who believe and love the Bible, without question. How could this God/man who amazed us and ultimately saved us be otherwise? But then we come to those who were only human. Again, many of them are heroes to us for different reasons, depending on our own personalities and characters, and who appeals most to us in those personalities and characters. For me, my hero of heroes was definitely Paul. As you read this Book, you will see which of his qualities appeal most to me and why. He is introduced to us as a sort of spiritually zealous madman, but he ended up as the best imitator of his Lord of anyone else described in the early Christian era. At least that is my considered opinion. Hence, the title of the Book." –from the introduction