Paul’s Letters

1. Paul’s Letters

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

3. 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

5. 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)

6. Five Themes • Original Sin • Re-Creation • Immaculate Conception • Virgin Birth • Grace

7. 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

8. Effects of Original Sin

9. 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

10. Immaculate Conception • Mary was made without Original Sin

11. 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

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

13. Ancient Corinth • Party city • Drinking, sex, drugs • Divided community • Arrogant

15. A Weekend in Corinth

16. Paul’s Response • Bodies are members of Christ • Temple of the Spirit • Sex – intimate • Two become one flesh • Meant for marriage

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

18. Tale of Two Cities

19. Selfless and Giving Love: Bruce Almighty

20. Ministry of the Apostles • Servants of Christ • Judged by the Lord • Hungry, thirsty, poor, weak

21. Letter to the Philippians • First visits Philippi during second Missionary journey • Located in Greece • Community suffering • Trying to consol them • Appointed Timothy as bishop

22. 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

23. Human Suffering • Not trying to explain Why we suffer • Explain how we should respond to suffering • Important for all people, in all times

24. Discussion Question

25. Paul’s Answer • Looks to Jesus • Being a follower of God doesn’t mean we don’t suffer • Send help: Epaphroditus

26. Paul Warns about Comfort • Comfort and happiness don’t necessarily lead to God • Paul’s old life before converting • Pray to God constantly

27. Remember the Titans Clip

28. Paul’s Final Advice • Pray • Stay routed in Christ • Need Christ when times are bad