Lessons in a Journey of Paul with Christ - Research Paper Example

Lesson I Paul: Background and Cultural Surroundings Introduction Paul introduced his background to his followers by indicating his birthplace as Tarsus where he under the care of Gamiel. He was among the Jews living in Diaspora during the reign of Roman kingdom1. The accounts of Paul give a description of his life that he led in more than one country. Although, he led his early life in Tarsus, Paul came to Jerusalem where he learnt the law. The education of Paul predisposed him to great knowledge that he portrays during his mission. Paul was a first class conservative Jew that valued his Jewishness to the fullest degree. He started early as a five years old boy in his journey to be a Rabbi one day. II. Paul was a Diaspora Jew Paul had two names: Saul and Paul Scholars have attempted to describe how Saul became Paul. The description offers information about the early life that Saul led. Although Saul was born in Tarsus, he practiced the Jewish cultural beliefs as described in his activities in Jerusalem. Scholars have pointed two accounts, which make Paul’s references as a Diaspora view valid. First, he was born in Tarsus and later went to Jerusalem where learnt living in the Jews communities. Second, after his conversion from Saul to Paul, he spent his time teaching the Gentiles. Paul used his letters and the book of Acts to explain the change of name from Saul to Paul. The account offers two different pictures of Paul i.e. the persecutor and the apostle. Paul was a Roman Citizen The book of Acts describes the citizenship of Paul as Roman. Some scholars have argued that Paul probably inherited Roman citizenship from his ancestors2. Jewish were taken captive during upheavals that brought Pompey to Syria. In that upheaval, many Jewish became captives, this explain why Jews were living in Diaspora. Paul acquired the Greek medium education, which was significant in his life as an apostle. The book of acts proves the citizenship of Paul when Paul seeks a fair hearing of his case before Caesar. Roman citizens had the privilege to appeal against a ruling. Paul lived in Tarsus Historical account of Paul’s early life describes Tarsus as the birthplace of Paul. The description given in Acts 21:39, 22:3; point out the above claim3. However, scholars have demonstrated that Paul might have left Tarsus upon attaining the teenage age. The pre-Christian Paul demonstrated a great command of the Greek language, which suggests that Paul early life was in Tarsus. Paul must have learnt the Greek language in the elementary school. Paul offers his own account in his epistles by describing his early life, which claimed to have started in Diaspora. Paul Was an Authentic Hebrew Paul’s teaching demonstrated that he was an authentic Hebrew. He argues in his epistles that whoever received the word was no longer a Gentile but as Jew. The argument asserts that Paul acknowledged his cultural identity, which he claimed to have brought salvation to the world. Paul’s mission in the foreign world, described instances where Paul spoke to the non-Jewish urging them to embrace Christianity. He argued that the scripture appeared to the Jews first and later to the Gentiles. The argument has led scholars to evaluate the activities of Paul before his Christian identity. The revelation of the studies have pointed out that Paul demonstrated interest in his Jewish community, where he learnt the Pharisaical law and other Hebrew traditions. When Paul was persecuting Christians, his mission was to deal with Hebrews who had embraced Christianity as opposed to Judaism, which was the Hebrews tradition. Paul is not Hellenist The epistles of Paul describe the identity of Paul among other Hebrews. Anthropological facts points on Philippines 3:5, and II Corinthians 11:22, as books, which describes Paul’s Hebrew identity4. The books trace the lineage of Paul as a descendant of Benjamin as opposed to Hellenistic Jew. Paul traces his identity by describing his roots as a descendant of Benjamin. This description makes Paul different from other Jews Hellenistic Jew. The background of a Jew was very important during the time of Paul. The Biblical description of prophets, traces their background in the same manner that Paul traced his Background. The book of Acts 22:3 describes an event when Paul traces his identity. He describes his grandfather as well as other figures, which pointed, on his race. He attended Synagogue Regularly Acts 17:2 describes the training of Paul as a young man, which exposed him to service in the synagogue. The epistles of Paul assert that Paul’s upbringing took him through the strict teaching of his fathers, which included presiding in the synagogue. The argument points out Paul’s early life, which included the strict teachings of the law, and the future life of Paul as an apostle. Paul’s mission subjected him to function, which he delivered through the synagogue. Describing Paul as a Youngman Bible scholars have pointed out that Paul’s birth and Jesus birth probably took place during the same time. Acts 7:58 has claims of a young man whom scholars have argued to be probably Paul5. Paul was present during the killing of Stephen and he was a member of the Sanhedrin. Theologians have observed the above conditions band argued that Paul’s birth must have occurred during the birth of Jesus. Babylonian Talmud observes that a rabbi’s ordination took place at the age of forty, which is the probable age of Paul when started his work as a rabbi. Paul’s development as a pupil exposed him to what he later became in life. Historians have observed that a rabbi stated reading the scripture at early age five, Mishnah at age ten, practice of commandment at age thirteen, Talmud at age fifteen, marriage at eighteen, and pursuing the calling at twenty6. Paul’s exposure offered him the opportunity to practice as a rabbi. Reading and writing which Paul displayed were attributes in Jews teaching. The Scripture was the book used in teaching because the ancient culture of the Jews observed Torah. Paul’s arguments and attitudes have led many scholars to believe that he was a Pharisees. Philippines 3:5-6 offers an argument about Paul’s past which suggest that he was a Pharisees. Pharisees led their lives according to Torah, which Paul strictly observed before his conversion. Acts 23:6 describes Paul as a son of Pharisee. Another instant that describes Paul as a Pharisees is his involvement in Pharisees movement during his youth. Babylonian Talmud describes the ordination of Paul as a rabbi who trained as a student of Gamiel in Jerusalem. Conclusion We see from Paul’s background that he was a devout Jew who took his religion seriously by learning from one of the best (Gamaliel). This feature that might seem undesirable to some will be his motivation for being the most successful evangelist in the history of Christianity. Lesson II Paul: His Conversion and meeting with Christ Introduction Saul is among the Pharisees that rejected the salvation preached to the humankind through Jesus7. However, the story of his conversion creates a dramatic twist to events in Christianity as well as Saul’s life. Paul started out as a persecutor of Christians that experienced the Lord Jesus Christ’s touch of conversion. His life turned dramatically in second on the way to Damascus. From now on, we will know him as Paul the Apostle of Christ. Paul was a Persecutor of Christians The story of Paul’s conversion offers a deep insight into the real life that Paul led. The Bible has fourteen epistles of Paul, which describes his contribution to Christianity. Other than his authorship, which has been instrumental to lives of many Christians as well as the Christian ministry, Saul early life is worth a deep consideration. Theologians have sought to explain the negative attitude that led Paul to persecute Christians8. Did it appear by chance or what factors motivated Paul to Persecute Christians? Paul’s Conversion was real Paul’s conversion to Christianity is a great revelation to Christians. Paul, an ardent anti Christian crusader communizing in the same faith with Christians was a change of plan to those that had conceived Paul’s actions as just.9. The book of Acts and other epistles have given the account of the Damascus incident where Paul received his conversion (Acts 9:3, 22:6, 26:12), confirms the activities that surrounded the conversion of Paul10. Accounts of Paul’s Conversion in the Bible The Bible does not give a single account of an event. Various authors explored various styles in writing about the occurrences in the Bible. Perhaps the intention behind the trend is create a variety of verses, which stressed the manner of occurrence to the intended audience. Paul’s conversion appears in various books in the Bible. The book of Acts talked about conversion of Paul in three Chapters (7, 22, and 26)11. The repetition of the verses or instances touching on the conversion story has elicited concern among Bible scholars who have sought to detect flaws in any of the versions. The historian Luke describes the first account of Paul’s conversion in Acts chapter nine. In Acts Chapter 22 and 26, Paul’s conversion accounts appear, defending the conviction of Paul as a Christian. The accounts have projected on the conversion story with the later chapters pointing out reasons why Paul feels comfortable in his ministry. The Luke account in chapter nine offers information about the conversion, but does not speak in the same manner as observed in chapters 22 and 26. Paul was chosen from his mother’s womb Paul remarks about his mission touches on the concept of his servant hood. Scholars have related Paul’s argument about his mission as a servant or a slave of Jesus and noted that the statement does not differ with other Biblical verses. The remark in Ephesians 1:4 speaks of the foundation of the world in relation to the Christian calling12. The Bible records that God whom Paul served knew plans about his life. Some scholars attribute Paul’s argument about being set apart from the mother’s womb to mean his mission was predetermined in the world13. The view rests on the conception that apocalyptic visions are beyond human comprehension. Another view for statement is the God’s selection occurs without the making of human figures. The statement seems to confirm the writings in Ecclesiastes about time factor in human life. The argument in the book posits that a time for birth would come and other activities would follow afterword the mission would be over, then the eventual death. The occasions in Paul’s life happened for a purpose and had meaning to the Christian mission. Importance of Paul’s Immersion Scholarship on Paul’s apostleship does out rightly mention Paul’s immersion as the immersion of Jesus, however, Acts 9, 26, and Galatians 1 depicted instance of Paul’s immersion14. The revelation of Paul’s immersion avoids human figures, which might have created question of Paul’s mission in Jerusalem. Chapter 9 of Acts describes the immersion of Paul, thus stressing the importance of immersion in normal Christian life. The concept of immersion is very crucial to the lives of Christians as observed in Acts 22:16. The immersion was symbolic to rebirth. Scholarship on immersion posits that the activity is sacramental in a Christian’s life15. Conclusion Paul’s conversion was not a coincidence, but a plan from YHWH who is in the business of turning hearts back to him. His conversion was a miracle in itself in the way it happened and the outcome of his experience. Chosen from the womb of his mother he was set for a mission that he completed at the best way possible. Lesson III Paul: His Ministry and Journeys Paul took his journeys serious from the time of conversion to the time of his death. He dedicated his time to the service of God without looking at the perils in his adventure. He left his land and preached in foreign land. Paul has taken his task seriously. Jesus has given him a task to be the apostle for the gentiles, which is a hard task to achieve. His determination and the seriousness he takes his faith were his motivation to achieve his goal. His Ministry before His first Journey Paul’s Journeys in Chronological order The description of Paul’s activities in his epistles and Acts points on Arabia as the first place that Paul visited after his conversion Gal. 1:6-2:14. He then went back Damascus before heading to Jerusalem. After Jerusalem’s visit, Paul headed to Syria then Cilicia16. Paul took fourteen days in Jerusalem and spent much of his time in the foreign lands. Paul in Syria and Arabia The book of Galatians 1:21 describe Paul’s activities in the areas of Syria and Cilicia. Scholars of the Bible have indicated that the area, which Paul covered during this period, must be around Antioch. Some scholars have observed that Paul must have visited Arabia around 48CE. The mission of Paul in Cilicia described in Acts 15:23, 41 is a probable reflection of Paul’s activities in Tarsus, which is his hometown. Paul in Jerusalem Galatians 1:18-19 provides an account of Paul’s visit to Jerusalem three years after his conversion i.e. around 35 CE.17 His stay in Jerusalem was as brief as fifteen days. His visit to Jerusalem introduces him to Cephas. Critics have observed that Paul did not require any legitimization in Jerusalem, but stayed for a short while probably because he wanted to avoid conflict with the Pharisees. His role as a prosecutor is another factor that might have prompted his short stay as described in I Cor. 15:3-8. Paul in Tarsus After a short visit in Jerusalem, Paul headed to Syria and Cilicia (Gal. 1:21). The description offered in Galatians has enabled scholars to argue that the visit of Cilicia encompassed Tarsus. The mission in Tarsus has no proof of fruitfulness or a description whether Paul was a lone18. However, Acts 15:23 claims Paul’s mission in Tarsus. The mission in Tarsus took about six years, before Paul went to Antioch Church in 42 CE. Paul’s First Journey Paul in Antioch Various scholarships contend that Antioch was the epoch of the early Christian church. The persecution of Christians in Jerusalem led to their immigration to Antioch. Acts 11:22-25 describes Paul and Barnabas arrival in Antioch church, which confirms that they were not members of the Antioch church. Theologians believe that the mission of Paul in Antioch must have been successful because the name Christians emanated from there. Paul mission did not only bring apostles like Barnabas, but it brought together other apostles that had started the mission prior to Paul’s arrival19. Paul meeting Peter in Antioch The meeting of Paul and Peter in Antioch led to confrontation described in Gal 2:11-14. The visit of Peter in Antioch follows the Barnabas and Paul’s visits. Scholarships on the cause of confrontation have proposed various arguments, which might have led to the confrontation. The preaching of Paul to the Gentiles is a factor that might have contributed to the conflict. The conflict led to withdrawal of Peter from fellowship table of Gentiles (Gal. 2:12). Paul in Cyprus Evangelical mission of Paul in Antioch led to the penetration of the word to Cyrus. Bible scholars have noted that the people who came to visit Antioch observed the powerful message, which necessitated Paul and Barnabas to sail to Cyprus. Paul visit to Cyrus represented the church in Antioch as described in Acts 14:27. The mission of Paul in Salamas, a city in Cyprus did not only minister to the Jewish communities leaving in Cyprus, but also to the natives. Paul in Perga and Attalia Paul left Cyprus with his crew John and Barnabas and sailed in the Mediterranean Sea Perga. The inhabitants of the city were worshippers of the goddess Diana. Paul met resistance from the Preachers of Diana. However, the situation did not deter the success of Paul in planting a church in Perga20. After their mission in Perga, they headed to Attalia. John did not withstand the challenges of Perga, thereby leaving Barnabas and Paul in Perga. He journeyed back to Jerusalem. Paul in Antioch of Pisisdia The book of acts 13-14 describes Paul and Barnabas mission in Antioch of Pisidia. The Jews in this placed stoned Paul, although God spared his life. The incident did not deter his efforts to continue making Disciples of Christ. Paul’s activity in Iconium and Lystra led to the healing of a lame man. This exercises promoted the people of Lystra region to worship Paul and Barnabas as Gods. When Paul corrected the people of Lystra a mob stoned him. Barnabas and Paul proceeded with their mission to Derbe after they were stoned in Lystra region. The Jerusalem council sought to address the controversy that rose concerning the Jews influence to churches. The council had the participation of Paul and Barnabas as recorded in Acts 15:1-35. Paul’s Second Journey Paul disagreement with Barnabas led to their spilt during the second journey. Paul chose Silas to accompany him while Barnabas chose John Mark. Paul’s mission in Troas led to the conversion of Luke. Paul cast out demons while in Philippi, which led to their imprisonment. A violent earthquake that shook the prisons led to the release of Silas and Paul. Their mission to Thessalonica landed them to Apollonia and Amphypolis. He had to reason with Jews in Thessalonica because of the resistance21. Paul took his mission to Beroea, Anthens and then Corinth where he took one and half years. He worked as a tent maker during this time and wrote letters to the Corinth, Timothy, and the Thessalonians. Paul headed to Ephesus leaving Pricilla and Aquila before proceeding Antioch as described in Acts 15:36-18:22. Paul’s Third Journey After Paul had taken some time in Antioch, he embarked on a third mission to visit churches that he had planted as well as places he had not visited. Paul and his team Journeyed through Phrygia and Galatia where they encouraged Apollos. Paul guided his team to Corinth where they did not only minister to brethrens, but also performed miracles. Scholarship on Paul’s Journey indicates that he wrote his second letter to Corinthians during this journey. On his way to Jerusalem he visited the following areas Miletus, Rhodes, Patara, Cos, Tyre, Caesarea, and Ptolemias. Paul got a warning about impending danger of visiting Jerusalem from Philip and Agabus. He finally landed in Jerusalem where he preached in the Synagogue. Paul’s Last Voyage and Death Acts 24:1 describes an instance of Paul’s case before the governor Felix at Caesarea. This follows the acquisition labeled against Paul by the religious leaders in Jerusalem. Paul describes his ordeal before Festus in Acts 26:21-26. Festus argues that much learning must be driving Paul mad. When Festus failed to settle Paul’s case, he took him to King Agrippa II as described in Acts 26:27-30. King Agrippa II realised that Paul had no guilt and decided to let Paul seek justice before Ceaser22. Aristarchus and Luke accompanied Paul while in chain to Rome as described in Acts 27:3. Paul dedicated his last years preaching even though facing a lot of friction from the government. Acts 27 to 28 describes events of mighty miracles of Paul including calming the sea. Conclusion Since his conversion to his death, Paul was a man of strong faith. He did not only benefit from it personally, but he shared it with the world around him. He went through obstacles and dangers to deliver his message all the way to his death he stayed faithful and fruitful. Lesson IV Paul: His Teaching and Theology Introduction As a Jew it was hard for him to believe in an incarnated God in flesh. It was even harder to change from a legalist that value the Law fully to a believer in the grace that was given to him by the Lord Jesus Christ. God has worked a miracle through him to turn him from a legalistic Jew to a great theologian. Paul’s Idea about the incarnation of Jesus Christ Paul describes Jesus as the son of God and he uses various descriptions in his books to describe his position about Jesus (Acts 11:17, 15:26, and 20:21)23. Bible scholarships mention instances where Paul describes Jesus using terms such as Messiah and the Lord. Paul preaching presents Jesus attributes to his followers as divine and human. His epistles describe the conviction of Paul about Jesus Gal. 1:12 and 15-16. The book of Acts other epistles describes Paul’s knowledge about the glory of God. He emphasised his conviction about the divine nature of God in Gal. 2:19-21. Paul’s Concept of Atonement Paul describes atonement in the Old Testament: it involved offering a blood ritual for the cleansing of sin. Some scholars have argued that Paul did not understand the death of Jesus to mean ritual scarification as observed in the Old Testament, however, it acts as avenue of that led humankind to God. Paul talks about atonement in the New Testament by arguing that Jesus brought salvation to the world. The concept of sin in New Testament is relevant through the act of Jesus, who sought to change the condemnation of humankind24. Paul’s perspective of atonement argues of justification that an individual acquired through faith. Paul argued that sin could not affect Jesus thus he could represent the atonement of humankind as a sacrifice of sin. Paul’s Idea of Being in Christ Paul’s idea of being in Christ argues that an individual had to share the personality of Jesus Christ i.e. resurrection and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Paul Idea of the law differs from the teachings of Judaism. Paul argued that law is the past but Christ is the future25. The argument pointed on the idea that by observing the law one does not attain righteousness, which only come through Jesus. Paul uses his epistles to encourage his followers or converts not to strictly observe the law but to justify their action through faith. Paul composed many churches Paul’s mission led to composition of many churches wherever he took his mission. As described in Paul’s journeys, he strived and planted churches wherever he took his mission. Paul’s churches were in foreign lands as opposed to his mission among the Jew. Paul’s idea about Baptism Paul linked faith that one had in Jesus Christ with baptism as observed in Acts 2:28. Bible scholars have interpreted Paul’s idea of Baptism be close to resurrection and death of Jesus. He pointed out to his followers that they had to die and arise with Jesus, which is symbolic to Baptism. Paul’s Conception of the last Supper Critics have argued that Paul’s conception of supper is like a tradition to him because of his argument in Gal. 1:12. He does not mention it several times but offers to discus it while in Corinth. The Passover feast was a tradition to which was the reflection of the last supper. Conclusion Paul’s heart was turned when he knew the truth. He set himself free of the Law and started flying in the skies of grace. He knew the grace was through Jesus Christ’s blood. He rejoiced in the idea of being in Christ. He was the founder of many churches that flourished by his work. He was Joyful in what he received, and faithful in delivering the same. Bibliography Butler, John G.. Paul: The Missionary Apostle, (Clinton, IA: Lbc Publications, 1995). Coggan, Donald. Meet Paul: An Encounter With the Apostle (London, GREAT BRITAIN: The Alternative Service Book, 1998). Hock, Ronald F..The Social Context of Paul's Ministry (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2007). Lopez, Davina C.. Apostle to the Conquered (Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress, 2008). McRay, John. Paul: His Life and Teaching (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2003). Picirilli, Rober E..Paul The Apostle (Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 1986). Read More