Questions and Answers
The Jerusalem Council decides Gentiles can follow Jesus without adhering to ______, affirming Paul’s mission to the Gentiles.
Mosaic Law
Paul transitions from ______ to Paul, reflecting his new role as the Apostle to the Gentiles.
Saul
Paul and Barnabas return to Jerusalem due to theological disputes regarding the necessity of ______ for Gentile converts.
circumcision
During a third missionary journey, Paul continues to spread the Gospel despite growing ______.
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Ultimately, Paul faces ______ and hostility from the Sanhedrin for preaching against traditional Jewish customs.
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Paul took a two-year break by the Sea of ______, for reflection rather than study or writing.
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The journey to Rome included shipwrecks, storms, snake bites, and ______.
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During his confinement in Rome, Paul wrote influential letters: ______.
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Virgin Mary bears Jesus, a dark olive-skinned Jewish man, changing the course of history through his life, death, and ______.
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Saul of Tarsus was born approximately six years after ______, destined to transform history in a different way.
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Saul studied under ______, a highly influential Pharisee, for approximately eight years.
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Pharisees formed a middle-class sect of Judaism, reacting against the elitism of the ______.
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After returning from his studies, Saul opposes the newly formed sect of Jewish believers called '______.'
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On a trip to Damascus to arrest followers of Jesus, Saul is blinded by a divine ______.
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After three days of blindness, ______ is sent to heal Saul, leading to his baptism.
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After returning to Jerusalem, Saul consults with Peter and James but is met with ______ and fear due to his past.
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Study Notes
Introduction of Key Figures
- Virgin Mary bears Jesus, a dark olive-skinned Jewish man, changing the course of history through his life, death, and resurrection.
- Another pivotal figure, Saul of Tarsus, is born approximately six years after Jesus, destined to transform history in a different way.
Background of Saul
- Born in Tarsus, modern-day Turkey, to a Jewish family from the tribe of Benjamin.
- Named likely after King Saul, reflecting a heritage of significant Jewish leaders.
- Tarsus was a prosperous city, partially due to its status as a Roman colony granting citizenship and cultural ties.
Education and Training
- Saul studied under Gamaliel, a highly influential Pharisee, for approximately eight years, learning to apply Jewish law to contemporary social issues.
- Pharisees formed a middle-class sect of Judaism, reacting against the elitism of the Sadducees and holding critical roles in council decisions via the Sanhedrin.
Early Persecution of Christians
- After returning from his studies, Saul opposes the newly formed sect of Jewish believers called “The Way.”
- Directly involved in the martyrdom of Stephen, resulting in increased persecution of Christians in Jerusalem.
Saul’s Conversion
- On a trip to Damascus to arrest followers of Jesus, Saul is blinded by a divine light and has an encounter with Christ.
- After three days of blindness, Ananias is sent to heal him, leading to Saul's baptism and newfound faith in Jesus as the Messiah.
Saul’s Transition and Missionary Work
- Spends three years in Arabia, deepening his understanding of scripture and Jesus.
- Proclaims Jesus as the Son of God upon returning to Damascus, gaining strength and causing unrest among local Jews.
Jerusalem and the Apostolic Council
- After returning to Jerusalem, Saul consults with Peter and James but is met with suspicion and fear due to his past persecution of Christians.
- The Jerusalem Council decides Gentiles can follow Jesus without adhering to Mosaic Law, affirming Paul’s mission to the Gentiles.
Missionary Journeys
- Launches first missionary journey with Barnabas, traveling through Cyprus and Asia Minor, converting many and affirming a mission primarily to Gentiles.
- Transition from Saul to Paul occurs, reflecting his new role as the Apostle to the Gentiles.
Continued Evangelism and Challenges
- Encounters significant opposition in various cities, leading to persecution, but experiences significant conversions, including from the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus.
- Paul and Barnabas return to Jerusalem due to theological disputes regarding the necessity of circumcision and Mosaic Law for Gentile converts.
Subsequent Journey and Expansion
- Paul embarks on a second missionary journey, distinct from the first due to disagreements with Barnabas over John Mark.
- Travels through Macedonia and establishes churches, with notable events including the conversion of a jailer in Philippi.
Final Journey and Arrest
- During a third missionary journey, Paul continues to spread the Gospel despite growing conflict, performing miracles and engaging with churches.
- Ultimately, Paul returns to Jerusalem, predictably facing arrest and hostility from the Sanhedrin for preaching against traditional Jewish customs.
Conclusion of Paul’s Missions
- Paul’s unwavering commitment to the Gospel leads him to Jerusalem for Passover, where he faces arrest, injustice, and the impending threat of death, yet continues to preach courageously.### Paul’s Break and Influence
- Paul took a two-year break by the Sea of Ean, for reflection rather than study or writing.
- He appealed to go to Rome around 60 A.D. after procurator Festus took over Judea.
- The journey to Rome included shipwrecks, storms, snake bites, and opposition.
Arrival and House Arrest in Rome
- By 61 A.D., Paul arrived in Rome, where he was placed under house arrest for a year.
- During his confinement, he wrote influential letters: Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon.
- Paul pastored his house, addressing theological issues and answering questions from the church community.
Post-Arrest Travels
- After being released around 62 A.D., Paul traveled in Macedonia and Asia Minor, visiting churches he had founded.
- He authored two letters, his first to Timothy and another to Titus.
Nero’s Persecution of Christians
- Nero became emperor in 62 A.D., known for intense persecution of Christians.
- He blamed Christians for the Great Fire of Rome, leading to widespread atrocities, including burning Christians alive.
- Scholars link Nero to the “beast” mentioned in Revelation, highlighting his violent impact on early Christians.
Second and Final Arrest of Paul
- Paul was arrested for a second time as a result of Nero's accusations, leading to his imprisonment.
- He wrote Second Timothy during this imprisonment.
Martyrdom and Legacy
- Paul was executed, likely between 64-68 A.D., through beheading.
- He is described in stark contrast to Nero, focusing on his dedication to the good of humanity and God.
- Paul’s teachings emphasized salvation and redemption through faith in Jesus Christ, a cornerstone of Christian belief.
- Central themes in his writings include grace, forgiveness, and the unity of Gentiles and Jews in Christ.
Paul's Theological Contributions
- Paul declared that all have sinned but that righteousness is attainable through Christ.
- He proclaimed no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus and emphasized the richness of God’s grace leading to redemption.
- He revealed the mystery that Gentiles are fellow heirs with Jews, for uniting all in Christ is the divine plan.
Closing Reflection
- The passage reflects on the profound impact Paul had on Christianity, despite the absence of his name in some biblical texts.
- His experiences and writings continue to resonate within Christian teachings and beliefs today.
Introduction of Key Figures
- Virgin Mary gives birth to Jesus, a Jewish man with dark olive skin, whose life, death, and resurrection significantly alter history.
- Saul of Tarsus, born approximately six years after Jesus, plays a crucial role in transforming history through his subsequent actions.
Background of Saul
- Saul is born in Tarsus (modern-day Turkey) to a Jewish family from the tribe of Benjamin.
- His name likely honors King Saul, reflecting a legacy of significant Jewish figures.
- Tarsus is a prosperous city with Roman colonial status, leading to deeper cultural integration and citizenship privileges.
Education and Training
- Saul studies for about eight years under Gamaliel, a prominent Pharisee, learning to apply Jewish law to contemporary issues.
- The Pharisees, a middle-class Jewish sect, respond to the elitism of the Sadducees and play essential roles in council decisions, particularly the Sanhedrin.
Early Persecution of Christians
- Upon returning from his studies, Saul actively opposes "The Way," a group of Jewish believers following Jesus.
- He is directly involved in the martyrdom of Stephen, contributing to a surge in the persecution of Christians in Jerusalem.
Saul’s Conversion
- While traveling to Damascus to arrest followers of Jesus, Saul experiences a blinding light and a profound encounter with Christ.
- After three days of blindness, Ananias restores his sight, leading to Saul's baptism and acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah.
Saul’s Transition and Missionary Work
- Saul spends three years in Arabia, deepening his scriptural knowledge and understanding of Jesus.
- On returning to Damascus, he boldly proclaims Jesus as the Son of God, causing unrest among local Jewish communities.
Jerusalem and the Apostolic Council
- Saul consults with Peter and James upon returning to Jerusalem but is initially met with suspicion due to his past.
- The Jerusalem Council affirms that Gentiles can follow Jesus without adhering to Mosaic Law, reinforcing Paul's mission to the Gentiles.
Missionary Journeys
- Paul's first missionary journey, in partnership with Barnabas, encompasses Cyprus and Asia Minor, focusing on converting Gentiles.
- His name change from Saul to Paul symbolizes his new identity as the Apostle to the Gentiles.
Continued Evangelism and Challenges
- Paul faces considerable opposition leading to persecution in various cities but also witnesses significant conversions, including the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus.
- A return to Jerusalem is prompted by theological disputes regarding circumcision and the application of Mosaic Law for Gentile converts.
Subsequent Journey and Expansion
- Paul embarks on a second missionary journey, distinguishing his path by disagreements with Barnabas over John Mark.
- He travels through Macedonia, successfully establishing churches, highlighted by the conversion of a jailer in Philippi.
Final Journey and Arrest
- During his third missionary journey, Paul continues evangelism, performing miracles and addressing church congregations.
- His return to Jerusalem results in arrest and hostility from the Sanhedrin for opposing traditional Jewish customs.
Conclusion of Paul’s Missions
- Paul’s dedication to the Gospel leads him to Jerusalem for Passover, where he faces arrest and injustices but remains resolute in preaching.
Paul’s Break and Influence
- Paul takes a two-year reflective break by the Sea of Ean, focusing on personal contemplation over study or writing.
- In approximately 60 A.D., he appeals to go to Rome following the appointment of procurator Festus in Judea.
Arrival and House Arrest in Rome
- By 61 A.D., Paul arrives in Rome, entering a year of house arrest.
- Throughout his confinement, he composes influential letters, contributing to theological discourse.
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Description
Explore the pivotal roles of key figures in Christianity, focusing on the Virgin Mary and Saul of Tarsus. Learn about their backgrounds, educational influences, and the impact they had on the early Christian movement. Delve into how these figures changed the course of history through their beliefs and actions.
