In the Footsteps of Paul by Ken Duncan (book review)

Saint Paul is one of the best-known apostles and missionaries of the Bible. His conversion story remains one of the most famous in history and his missionary journeys took him through most of the known world in his day. His letters to the early Christian churches form nearly half of our New Testament and much of our Christian understanding is based on what Paul said. Yet for most of us, the places that Paul visited and walked remain just random names in our Bible or spots on little maps in the back of our Bibles.

This book was provided for review courtesy of the publisher or publicist; all opinions expressed are my own. This post contains affiliate links; as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

In the Footsteps of Paul overview

Ken Duncan’s book In the Footsteps of Paul: Experience the Journey that Changed the World illuminates Paul’s life and ministry through stunning photography, inspiring quotes from respected Christian authors, and carefully selected Bible passages. Using his camera, Duncan retraced Paul’s journeys throughout the Mediterranean region, documenting not only the modern landscapes but also ancient ruins, city gates, roads, and archaeological sites that have remained for centuries.

The book follows many of the locations associated with Paul’s missionary journeys, helping readers connect the biblical narrative with real places. For those who have ever wondered what cities such as Corinth, Ephesus, Philippi, or Thessalonica might look like today, Duncan provides a visual glimpse into the regions where Paul preached, taught, and established churches.

In his introduction, Duncan admits that “part of me didn’t really want to follow in Paul’s footsteps because I knew it would challenge me in my own walk with God, and I was right. Paul was a man just like me. … Yet as I looked closely at Paul’s life, I realized how far I still had to go as a believer. Paul was all in for Jesus.” Duncan’s photographs, maps, and reflections on Paul’s life help readers gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices Paul made and the impact of his ministry on the early church.

One of the strengths of this book is the way it combines history, geography, Scripture, and personal reflection. Rather than functioning solely as a travel book or photography collection, it encourages readers to consider the spiritual significance of Paul’s journeys and the challenges faced by the early Christians.

My thoughts on this book

Duncan’s photographs are remarkable, making each location feel both vivid and accessible. As John MacArthur writes in the foreword, “Ken is a superb photographer with an uncanny ability to capture the atmosphere of Paul’s world with breathtaking clarity.” Duncan captures churches built to commemorate Paul’s travels, icons and statues honoring Paul and his companions, and landscapes that Paul himself may have seen as he journeyed across the Roman Empire.

What I especially appreciated was how the photographs helped bring familiar Bible stories to life. Reading about Paul’s travels in the book of Acts can sometimes feel abstract because the events took place so long ago and in places most of us will never visit. Seeing images of the terrain, coastlines, ancient ruins, and historic sites provides valuable context and helps readers imagine what Paul’s world may have looked like.

The maps included throughout the book are also helpful for following Paul’s missionary journeys. As readers trace his routes from city to city, they gain a greater appreciation for the distances he traveled and the hardships he endured in order to share the gospel. Paul’s dedication becomes even more impressive when viewed against the backdrop of the ancient world.

This is not a book that needs to be read quickly from cover to cover. Instead, it invites readers to linger over the photographs, reflect on the accompanying Scriptures, and revisit sections during personal devotional time. It would make an excellent coffee-table book, but it also offers meaningful spiritual encouragement for Christians seeking to deepen their understanding of the New Testament.

Who Would Enjoy This Book?

In the Footsteps of Paul would be great for Bible students, church leaders, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in biblical archaeology or the geography of the early church. It would also make a thoughtful gift for Christians who enjoy visually rich books that combine faith, travel, and history.

Whether you are studying the life of the Apostle Paul for the first time or have spent years reading his epistles, this book provides a fresh perspective on the places and events that shaped the growth of Christianity.

If you want to learn more about the Apostle Paul, you may also enjoy Paul: Apostle of Christ (DVD) or Empire’s End by Jerry B. Jenkins (Biblical fiction).