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The Early Church Paul & Circumcision

The Early Church Paul & Circumcision. “I asked God for strength…”.

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The Early Church Paul & Circumcision

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  1. Christian Doctrine 1 / Dr. Billings The Early ChurchPaul & Circumcision

  2. Christian Doctrine 1 / Dr. Billings “I asked God for strength…” I asked God for strength that I might achieve.I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey. I asked for health that I might do greater things. I was given infirmity that I might do better things.I asked for riches that I might be happy.I was given poverty that I might be wise. I asked for power that I might have the praise of men. I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.I was given life that I might enjoy all things. I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I hoped for. Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. I am, among all men, most richly blessed.

  3. Christian Doctrine 1 / Dr. Billings Prayer of the week: The Angelus V: The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary. R: And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.Hail Mary,… V: Behold, the handmaid of the Lord. R: Be it done unto me according to thy word. Hail Mary ... V: And the Word was made flesh. R: And dwelt among us. Hail Mary… V: Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, R: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

  4. Christian Doctrine 1 / Dr. Billings Red Letter Points • What is the central issue of the so-called “Council of Jerusalem”? What are three basic positions taken on the issue? Whose position seems to be accepted, and what is that position? • Who is Saint Paul? • What two titles does Paul give himself in Romans 1? • What titles/designations does Paul apply to Jesus in Rm. 1? • How does Paul’s conversion experience shape his faith (see passage from Acts 9:1-9)?

  5. Christian Doctrine 1 / Dr. Billings Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-21)Issue of circumcision What is the central issue of the so-called “Council of Jerusalem”? What are three basic positions taken on the issue? Whose position seems to be accepted, and what is that position? • circumcision and the Law is the key issue – and whether Gentile converts need to be circumcised or not, and continue with the Law of Moses; • This debate reveals disagreements within early Christians as to how to best follow Christ, and what it means for the Law; (1) The position of the “Party of the Pharisees who were believers” (and the original position of Peter): circumcision is required, and the Law is maintained as before; (2) The position of James: not circumcision, but continued limited imposition of the law (dietary laws, e.g.); (3) The position of Paul & Barnabas is accepted – circumcision is not required; the Law is transformed in light of Christ and GRACE.

  6. Christian Doctrine 1 / Dr. Billings Patron Saint of the Week Who is Saint Paul? • A principle founder of early church; key interpreter of who Christ is • Rabbi who first persecuted the Christians, but then converts • He explains relationship of Christ to the covenant with Abraham • He teaches that new Gentile Christians do not have to become Jews (circumcision & law not required of them) • His letters become core of N.T., after the Gospels (and Acts)

  7. Romans 1:1-7What two titles does Paul give himself? What titles/designations does Paul apply to Jesus? Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus,called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised previously through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel about his Son, descended from David according to the flesh, but established as Son of God in power according to the spirit of holiness through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith, for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles, among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ; to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

  8. Christian Doctrine 1 / Dr. Billings Romans 1:1-7 • What two titles does Paul give himself? What titles/designations does Paul apply to Jesus? • Himself: • (1) slave: one who follows another’s will • (2) apostle: one who is sent • Jesus: • (1) Son of God/Lord (see in creation) • (2) Christ/Messiah (see prophets) • (3) descendant of David (see kings of Israel) • (4) the promised (see covenant history) (To understand these, must turn to O.T.)

  9. Christian Doctrine 1 / Dr. Billings Paul’s Conversion (Acts 9:1-9) Now Saul, still breathing murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord,went to the high priest2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, that, if he should find any men or women who belonged to the Way,he might bring them back to Jerusalem in chains. 3 On his journey, as he was nearing Damascus, a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him.4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 He said, “Who are you, sir?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.6 Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.”7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, for they heard the voice but could see no one. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him to Damascus.9 For three days he was unable to see, and he neither ate nor drank.

  10. Christian Doctrine 1 / Dr. Billings Conversion of PaulCarravagio Painting Details: (transformation of all those elements in Paul’s life) • Sword • pen/word • Armor • “Armor of Christ” • Posture • Strength in weakness • Horse (No horse!) • Earthly versus heavenly power? • Horse’s foot • Near death experience: saved from death

  11. Christian Doctrine 1 / Dr. Billings Conversion of Saul How does Paul’s conversion experience shape his faith? • an experience of God intervening - Grace is needed: • Jesus appears to him even though Saul is persecuting him; God “stops him in his tracks” • an experience of God forgiving - we do not “earn” our way to God’s favor: • Paul was not doing good works when Christ appeared to him (quite the opposite); God saving us is a gift and is not earned by good works. • an experience of realizing his own sin - we are sinners under the Law: • Paul had been convinced of his righteousness, now he is confronted with his own rejection of God • an experience of the unexpected - the risen Christ challenges all of our assumptions about the world • The cross, a sign of humiliation, is transformed into the sign of God’s power; His death is our salvation: Saul comes to believe Christ is risen!

  12. Christian Doctrine 1 / Dr. Billings The Early ChurchPaul & Circumcision

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