Questions and Answers
Who was Saul of Tarsus born to?
What was Saul's primary role before his conversion?
What significant event occurred during Saul's trip to Damascus?
Which influential person did Saul study under for approximately eight years?
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What is notably true about Tarsus, the city where Saul was born?
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What decision did the Jerusalem Council make regarding Gentiles?
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What caused Saul's initial reputation to be met with suspicion upon returning to Jerusalem?
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What was a crucial aspect of Saul's transition after his conversion?
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What was the primary focus of Paul's first missionary journey?
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What major dispute led Paul and Barnabas to return to Jerusalem?
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Which city did Paul successfully convert a jailer during his second missionary journey?
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What reaction did Paul expect upon returning to Jerusalem after his missions?
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What was the nature of Paul's two-year break by the Sea of Ean?
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What hardships did Paul face during his journey to Rome?
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During his house arrest in Rome, what type of work did Paul engage in?
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How did Paul's mission impact the early Christian community?
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Study Notes
Key Figures in Early Christianity
- Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus, who is identified as a dark olive-skinned Jewish man.
- Jesus' life, death, and resurrection significantly altered the course of history.
- Saul of Tarsus, born around six years after Jesus, played a key role in historical transformation in a different capacity.
Background of Saul
- Saul was born in Tarsus, present-day Turkey, to a Jewish family from the tribe of Benjamin.
- His name possibly references King Saul, indicating a lineage of notable Jewish leaders.
- Tarsus enjoyed prosperity as a Roman colony, fostering cultural and economic advantages.
Education and Training
- Studied for approximately eight years under Gamaliel, a major Pharisee scholar.
- Pharisees were influential within Judaism, opposing the elitism of the Sadducees and actively participating in the Sanhedrin.
Early Persecution of Christians
- Saul initially opposed the followers of “The Way” and participated in the martyrdom of Stephen.
- His actions led to heightened persecution of Christians in Jerusalem.
Saul’s Conversion
- On the way to Damascus, Saul experienced a transformative encounter with Christ, resulting in temporary blindness.
- Ananias was sent to heal him after three days; Saul was baptized and embraced faith in Jesus.
Transition and Missionary Work
- Spent three years in Arabia, enhancing his scriptural knowledge and understanding of Jesus.
- Proclaimed Jesus as the Son of God upon returning to Damascus, creating tension among local Jews.
Jerusalem and the Apostolic Council
- Upon returning to Jerusalem, Saul faced suspicion and fear from Peter and James due to his past.
- The Jerusalem Council established that Gentiles could follow Jesus without adhering to Mosaic Law, supporting Paul’s Gentile mission.
Missionary Journeys
- Initiated first missionary journey with Barnabas, covering Cyprus and Asia Minor, with a focus on converting Gentiles.
- Transitioned from Saul to Paul, reflecting his new identification as the Apostle to the Gentiles.
Continued Evangelism and Challenges
- Faced severe opposition and persecution yet witnessed significant conversions, including Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus.
- Returned to Jerusalem to address theological disputes about circumcision and Mosaic Law for Gentiles.
Subsequent Journey and Expansion
- Embarked on a second journey after disagreement with Barnabas about John Mark, traveling through Macedonia.
- Established churches with notable conversions, such as a jailer in Philippi.
Final Journey and Arrest
- During the third missionary journey, Paul performed miracles and engaged actively with various churches.
- Returned to Jerusalem, encountering hostility and arrest from the Sanhedrin for preaching against Jewish traditions.
Conclusion of Paul’s Missions
- Notably committed to spreading the Gospel, Paul went to Jerusalem for Passover, where he faced arrest and persecution yet persisted in preaching courageously.
Paul’s Break and Influence
- Took a two-year reflective break by the Sea of Ean rather than engaging in study or writing.
- In 60 A.D., appealed to go to Rome after procurator Festus assumed control of Judea, facing challenges such as shipwrecks and hostility.
Arrival and House Arrest in Rome
- By 61 A.D., Paul arrived in Rome and was placed under house arrest for a year.
- During confinement, authored influential letters including Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon, continuing pastoral duties despite limitations.
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Description
Explore the significant contributions of key figures in Christianity, such as the Virgin Mary and Saul of Tarsus. This quiz will delve into their backgrounds, cultural contexts, and how their lives shaped religious history. Understand the transformative roles they played within the framework of Christian beliefs.
