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Introduction to the Pauline Epistles. St Pachomious Servants prep class. The Life of St Paul can be described by 3 missionary journeys all described in the book of Acts. St Paul’s Missionary Journeys. 1st missionary journey. 46-48AD Major event:
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Introduction to the Pauline Epistles St Pachomious Servants prep class
The Life of St Paul can be described by 3 missionary journeys all described in the book of Acts.
1st missionary journey • 46-48AD • Major event: In 51 AD, Saint Paul took part in the Apostolic Council in Jerusalem in ACTS 15 where he opposed the necessity for gentile Christians to follow the traditions of Mosaic law (circumcision)
2nd Missionary Journey • The second journey lasted from 49-52AD • Found in Acts 16-17 • crossed over to Macedonia, where he founded congregations in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea • In Lystra, Saint Paul gained his favorite disciple Timothy, and from Troas he continued the journey with the recently joined Apostle Luke
3rd missionary journey • Took place from 53 to 58AD • stopping at Ephesus, where he preached daily for two years in the school of Tyrannus • He wrote his letter to the Galatians and his 1st letter to the Corinthians • Wrote epistles to the Romans
Chief Epistles Romans • Book about righteousness through practice and living by faith • Key verse: Romans 1:16-17 • The message: to address the conflict between the Jews and the converts into Christianity • Addresses those who demand that the Jewish religion be adopted, than practical living (ch.12-16)
1st Corinthians • The focal point is Our Lord Jesus Christ • Lived among the Corinthians for 18 months 53 AD (written 57 AD) • Message: Addresses divisions among them- Ch.1-4, Moral decline, social problems, worship problems, afterlife 2nd Corinthians • Few months after previous letter • Message:See the life of service in St Paul • Ch. 4,6, 11 explains sufferings Defended his apostleship
Galatians: The Law and the New Life • Written: either following 2nd missionary journey (55AD) or during the 3rd missionary journey Message: Addressing the call to adopt Judaism • Addresses faith in the cross and to enter into new life
Prison Epistles Ephesians: The Church the Body of Christ Message: Being rich in Christ; the Mystery of Christ and the Church, unity with Christ and in the church • Church founded by St Paul on second missionary journey in 54 AD • Very mature church Philippians: Joy • Written: 63 AD during his first imprisonment • This church is the first church in Europe established in 52 AD • Was imprisoned with Silas • Message: to thank them for their love for sending a gift, and to address their sorrow
Colossians: Christ the head of the church- Most likely never visited • Church established by Epaphras • Message: addressing heresies (worship of angels), spiritual maturity Philemon: Christian Conduct • Later became bishop of Colosse • Message: Christian spiritual behavior, wisdom, and Fatherhood • To Philemon to receive his former salve Onesimus who had previously stolen from him
Eschatological Epistles 1 Thessalonians: The Second Coming of Christ • The first of his writings: written around 52-53 AD • Church was established during his 2nd missionary journey Message: Persecuted church so he wanted to comfort them with the Second Coming of Christ • Because he sent Timothy to them, he addressed his fatherhood to them so they don’t feel neglect 2 Thessalonians: Victory of the son of Perdition (Antichrist) • Written a few months after 1st letter Message: to correct misunderstanding of His 2nd Coming; that’s why he tells them about the coming first of the antichrist
Pastoral Epistles 1 Timothy: Conduct of the Servant • Written after first imprisonment (64-65AD) • Message: Discipleship to St Timothy who was Greek • 2 Timothy • Written during imprisonment shortly before his death 67-68AD • Message: to get Timothy to come quickly along with St Mark • For entire struggling church to endure with patience and strength
Titus: Ecclesiastical Work • Written 63-64AD after his first captivity • To address false teachers and corruption, people who are trying to call people to adopt Judaism Hebrews:Christ the Holiest of All • He didn’t mention his name so Jewish fanatics wouldn’t be driven away Message: written to comfort Christians coming from Jewish origins who were kicked out of the synagogue and forbidden from the Jewish priesthood/Christ’s work as priest in heaven