Paul's Life: PDF

Paul His Early Life  Paul was a Greek-speaking Jew from Asia Minor. His birthplace was in Tarsus of Cilicia (Acts 21:39) He was born about the same time as Jesus (c. 4 BCE) or a little later.  Tarsus The Center of Hellenist culture. “Hellenistic” comes from the word Hel...

Paul His Early Life  Paul was a Greek-speaking Jew from Asia Minor. His birthplace was in Tarsus of Cilicia (Acts 21:39) He was born about the same time as Jesus (c. 4 BCE) or a little later.  Tarsus The Center of Hellenist culture. “Hellenistic” comes from the word Hellazein, which means “to speak Greek or identify with the Greeks.” The spread of Greek culture that had begun after the conquest of Alexander the Great in the fourth century, B.C.E.  SAUL Saul, Hebrew name, “asked for”, “inquired of God”, “prayed for”. PAUL Paul, Greek name, “Paulus” means "small" or "humble."  Citizenship JEW – from the tribe of Benjamin, and a member of the Pharisee movement. Greek ROMAN CITIZEN – raised in a Hellenistic culture  In his childhood and youth, Saul learned how to “work with [his] own hands” (1 Corinthians 4:12). His trade, tent making, which he continued to practice after his conversion to Christianity, helps to explain important aspects of his apostleship. He could travel with a few leather-working tools and set up shop anywhere. It is doubtful that his family was wealthy or aristocratic, but, since he found it noteworthy that he sometimes worked with his own hands, it may be assumed that he was not a common laborer. As a Jew Saul was a Pharisee  Pharisee Member of Jewish sect, distinguished by strict observance of the traditional and written law. Interpreters of the Mosaic Law and adhere to the traditions of elders. SEPARATE/DETACH – considered themselves as the most accurate interpreters of the Law Hypocrites These were the group of people whom Jesus called hypocrites. In his childhood, Paul’s family must have transferred to Jerusalem, where he came under the tutelage of Gamaliel, who instructed him on the Law and Old Testament writings (Acts 22:3), and later became a rabbi, a doctor of the Law, and was a member of the Pharisees, a religious group among the Jews. He went to Jerusalem and had a formal training in the rabbinical way of thinking and arguing under Gamaliel, the great Rabbi in his time. As a Pharisee Paul had a thorough knowledge of the Jewish Scriptures. PAUL, THE PERSECUTOR OF CHRISTIANS  SAUL The name Saul appeared in Acts of the Apostles and was simply known as Saul before his conversion. However, in his letters, the name “Paul” was always used. Paul, in Acts 22:4–5, was very clear that he spent much of the first part of his life persecuting the newly growing Christian communities throughout Jerusalem. He was “trying to destroy the church; entering house after house and dragging our men and women, he handed them over for imprisonment”. (Acts 8:3, 9:1–2) The Jesus of Nazareth that the believing Jews proclaimed as Christ and Messiah was a Jew condemned as blasphemous (Mt 26:64–65) by the Jewish authority—the Sanhedrin.  This is the context of Saint Paul before his conversion; as a devout Jew, he followed strictly their ancestral law and was zealous for God (Acts 22:3). Since he had no contact with the Christian community and had been unaware of the teachings of Jesus Christ. When the Apostles, led by Peter, began to teach about Jesus, Paul grew angry. So, zealous in his devotion to his faith in Judaism Paul regarded Jesus and all his followers as enemies and corrupters of Judaism. To Paul, Christ was a breaker of the Law and a blasphemer. (Acts 22:1-5) Blasphemer - saying something concerning God that is very disrespectful. Paul, His Conversion  Conversion This is the journey of adopting or deepening faith, often changing one’s values, outlook, or habits to align more closely with that faith's teachings. It typically brings personal transformation and a renewed purpose or identity with the divine. It was on his way to Damascus to fulfill his purpose of persecuting the Christians that he encountered Jesus. An experience that changed his life forever from persecutor of Christians to an apostle to the Gentiles. Saul Meets Jesus (Acts 9:1-19)  Acts 9:1-19 7The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; Saul’s Conversion they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he 9 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in eat or drink anything. Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take 10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a “Yes, Lord,” he answered. voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named 5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he named Ananias come and place his hands on him to replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will restore his sight.” be told what you must do.” 13 “Lord,”Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on strength. your name.” 15But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” 17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord— Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” The Three Accounts of the Conversion Event First Account: Jesus Meets Paul (Acts 9:3–9)  We always believe that it is us who seek God; it is us who communicate with God; it is us who create sacred space for God to come and dwell in us. Truth be told, it is the other way. Paul’s story in Acts 9:3–9 attests that Jesus meets, calls, and transforms people not because of merit but because of love and grace. The “past life” of Paul is not a hindrance nor that makes him unworthy of Christ’s favor; rather, all of which Christ would eventually use in the service of the Good News. He would become Jesus’ chosen instrument to spread His name among the non-Jews. “Saul got up from the ground,” (v8) and would enter Damascus as a changed man—a new life awaits him. Our encounter with the Risen Jesus would bring about change, conversion in us, just like Paul. Jesus became his Way, Truth, and Life. As Benedict XVI puts it, “It was not simply a conversion … but rather a death and a resurrection for Paul himself. One existence dies and another new one was born with the Risen Christ.” Second Account: Jesus Appoints Paul (Acts 22:3–21) The conversion of Paul was the beginning of series of pain and suffering that he would willingly bear for Christ, which started in Damascus where Jews would be unwilling to believe and would be taught by him to Jerusalem where he had to defend himself. This is the context of the second account of Paul’s conversion. The fundamental point of this account: the Risen One spoke to Paul, that he has received his own mission directly from the Christ—called and sent him to proclaim the Good News, specifically to the Gentiles, to the Greco- Roman world. And at the same time, Paul learned that he had to enter into communion with the Christian community through baptism. Third Account: Paul’s Identity and Jesus’ Message (Acts 26:9–18) The stress on this account is the identity and message that Paul received from Christ; “I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness of what you have seen of me and what you will be shown … the gentiles to whom I send you, to open their eyes that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of satan to God, so that they may obtain forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been consecrated by faith in me.” He wants the message of His salvation to go to all the nations on earth. This was Paul’s vocation to go out to all the world and tell the Good News, which is also the vocation and mission of the whole Church, and as member of the Body of Christ, the Church, it is also our vocation—to witness in our life the life of Jesus. OVERVIEW OF THE MISSIONARY JOURNEY OF PAUL First Missionary Journey (AD 45–49) Acts 13–14 This first journey was decided on at the time of a prayer gathering at Antioch, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Barnabas and Paul were set apart for the work to which they were called to do.  Following the events in Iconium, Paul was in dispute with the Jews (Acts 14:1–7). In Lystra, he faced a hostile encounter that resulted in him being stoned (Acts 14:19). In Pisidia, the success of their effort with the proselytes triggered an opposition from the Jews (Acts 13:45). it was so strong that Paul and Barnabas turned their focus to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46) Second Missionary Journey (AD 50–53) Acts 15–18 The overall summary of this journey is positive marked by the establishment of the Christian communities. There were well-organized communities in Macedonia and Achaia; in Thessalonica, he founded a new community (Acts 17:1–7), which held a special place in Paul’s affection.  It was in Athens that the message of Good news was rejected. The Athenians did not believe the message of Paul, especially the Resurrection of Jesus. Paul got separated with Barnabas but gained two new companions, Timothy and Silas. Third Missionary Journey (AD 54–58) Acts 18–21 This journey is dominated by various references to the imminent imprisonment of the apostle. Leaving from Miletus (Acts 20:22– 25), he proceeded to Tyre where the disciples have asked him not to go up to Jerusalem (Acts 21:4). However, Paul was determined to continue his journey to Jerusalem and later was arrested (Acts 21:27–40). In his effort to establish many Christian communities, Paul suffered.  He encountered in his Gospel ministry stoning, such as scourging, imprisonment, etc. He was hated, envied and persecuted by others.  He also wrote LETTERS to communicate with the churches he established. Tradition and historical accounts suggest that Paul was martyred in Rome during the reign of Emperor Nero. He was beheaded, which is believed to have occurred around the year AD 67–68.  The significance of Paul to Christianity is great. He detached Christianity from its Jewish- Palestinian Exclusivism and carried it in to the world, particularly to the pagan territories of the roman empire, through his missionary journeys. He assigned leaders to every community he had founded.  The rapid spread of the Gospel among the pagans and through the Roman empire was largely due to the effort of the apostles and missionaries. OVERVIEW OF THE PAULINE LETTERS  The Difference between a Letter and an Epistle A letter is a written expression An epistle is a form of of private and confidential communication with public communication directed nature, intended for a broad and toward an individual or a unspecified audience. It treats specific group. It is usually into specific subjects and written in informal and developed in a systematic, spontaneous style, and it is not structured, and formal manner. considered as a literary work. Four are addressed to one person: Philemon 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Eight are addressed to a defined group: Romans Philippians 1 Corinthians Colossians 2 Corinthians 1 Thessalonians Galatians 2 Thessalonians One is addressed to an undefined group: Ephesus One has no address: Hebrews Three parts are distinguished in the letter form of Paul: a) opening greeting that includes the name of the sender and address; b) message which is the body of the letter; and c) final greeting which includes blessings and thanksgiving. The Classification and Overview of the Letters  The First Letters 1 Thessalonians Paul writes to the Thessalonians to encourage and instruct them in their faith. He discusses various topics including the Second Coming of Christ, leading a holy life, and the importance of love and unity among believers. 2 Thessalonians This letter builds upon the first letter to the Thessalonians, addressing the misunderstandings about the Second Coming of Christ and encouraging the Thessalonians to remain steadfast in their faith despite uncertainties and misconceptions.  The Great Letters Romans This letter is considered one of Paul’s most significant and theological writings. It explores into topics such as sin, salvation, faith, and the righteousness of God. Paul emphasizes the idea that both Jews and Gentiles find justification through their faith in Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians Paul addresses various issues within the Corinthian Church, issues such as divisions, immorality, and the misuse of spiritual gifts. He emphasizes the importance of love, unity, and the Resurrection of Christ.  The Great Letters 2 Corinthians In this letter, Paul asserts and defends his apostolic authority while addressing the challenges he encountered in his ministry. He urges the Corinthians to be generous in giving and to live as faithful followers of Christ. Galatians Paul writes to the Churches in Galatia to confront the influence of false teachers who were promoting a distorted version of the Gospel. He emphasizes that salvation comes through faith in Christ alone, not through adherence to the Jewish law.  Letters Written in Captivity Ephesians The primary emphasis of this letter is on the unity of believers in Christ and the spiritual blessings they have received. Paul encourages the Ephesians to live out their faith in practical ways, including fostering unity, practicing love, and putting on the armor of God Philippians Paul writes to the Church in Philippi from prison, expressing his joy and gratitude for their support. He encourages them to have a mindset characterized by humility, unity, and joy, even in the midst of suffering.  Letters Written in Captivity Colossians Paul addresses false teachings in Colossae and emphasizes the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ. He encourages the Colossians to set their minds on heavenly things and to live out their faith in Christ. Philemon Paul emphasizes the importance of love, reconciliation, and the transformative power of the Gospel, encouraging him to go beyond societal norms and to treat one another as equal brothers in Christ.  Pastoral Letters 1 Timothy Paul writes to Timothy, his young protégé, providing instructions for pastoral leadership and addressing various issues within the Church, such as leadership, sound doctrine, and Christian conduct. 2 Timothy The primary purpose of this letter is to encourage and exhort Timothy in his ministry and to strengthen his faith. Paul emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine and the faithful transmission of the Gospel, to hold fast to the teachings and to guard the deposit of faith entrusted to him.  Pastoral Letter Titus This letter from Paul to Titus is to provide guidance on matters of Church leadership, sound doctrine, and Christian conduct. It addresses challenges and issues faced by the early Christian community and emphasizes the importance of faithful teaching and holy living.  The Epistle to the Hebrews The letter is addressed to Jewish Christians or Hebrews who were facing persecution and struggling with their faith. This letter also explores the relationship between the Old Testament and the New Testament, emphasizing that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament. It also deals against the danger of apostasy and to remain steadfast in their faith amidst trials and persecution. From a FEROCIOUS PERSECUTOR of Christian to a GREAT ZEALOUS MISSIONARY WORKER OF THE GOSPEL.