Paul’s Letters

Paul’s Letters

Background to Paul

• Jewish• Around Jesus’ age• Well Educated• Vision on his way to Damascus• Travelled to many cities• Letters (epistles)

Important Dates

• 46-49: Paul’s first missionary journey• 49: Council of Jerusalem• 50-52: Paul’s second missionary journey• 53-58: Paul’s third missionary journey• 67: Paul and Peter executed in Rome

Mission to the Gentiles

• Davidic Covenant – Temple intended for all nations

• We are the light unto the nations (Isaiah 46:6)

• Then will I return to the nations a clear language so that they can all call on the name of God and serve him in unison (Zephaniah 3:9)

Five Themes

• Original Sin• Re-Creation• Immaculate Conception• Virgin Birth• Grace

Original Sin

• Humans at birth are tainted by sin.• This causes humans to be separated

or distant from God• This is why we cannot experience

God or true happiness fully in this life

Effects of Original Sin

Re-Creation

• God re-creates humanity without Original Sin

• In the re-created state, human life would exist, but without pain, sin, sickness, suffering, and death.

• In this re-created state, humans will be able to experience God completely without separation

Immaculate Conception

• Mary was made without Original Sin

Virgin Birth

• Mary did not have Original Sin

• Mary conceived Jesus without sexual intercourse

• This meant that Jesus did not inherit original sin

• Because Jesus didn’t have Original Sin, he was able to save humans on the cross

Grace

• A power or force that will bring humans up out of original sin and allow us to be re-created by God

Ancient Corinth

• Party city• Drinking, sex, drugs• Divided community• Arrogant

A Weekend in Corinth

Paul’s Response

• Bodies are members of Christ• Temple of the Spirit• Sex – intimate• Two become one flesh• Meant for marriage

True Love

• 1 Corinthians 13• Patient• Kind• Endures all things• Does not insist on its own way• Hopes for all things

Tale of Two Cities

Selfless and Giving Love: Bruce Almighty

Ministry of the Apostles

• Servants of Christ• Judged by the Lord• Hungry, thirsty, poor, weak

Letter to the Philippians

• First visits Philippi during second Missionary journey

• Located in Greece• Community suffering• Trying to consol them• Appointed Timothy as

bishop

Structure

• Three separate letters to same community

• Thank you letter• Letter sent from Paul while

in prison• Letter advising Philippians

during suffering• Recopied onto one piece of

papyrus

Human Suffering

• Not trying to explain Why we suffer

• Explain how we should respond to suffering

• Important for all people, in all times

Discussion Question

Paul’s Answer

• Looks to Jesus• Being a follower of God

doesn’t mean we don’t suffer

• Send help: Epaphroditus

Paul Warns about Comfort

• Comfort and happiness don’t necessarily lead to God

• Paul’s old life before converting

• Pray to God constantly

Remember the Titans Clip

Paul’s Final Advice

• Pray• Stay routed in Christ• Need Christ when times are

bad