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The Apostle Paul was first mentioned in the Book of Acts, ch. 7, when St. Stephen was stoned to death. "And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul." (Acts 7:58) St Stephen stoned.jpg
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After, Paul was taught "at the feet of Gamaliel, after the perfect manner of the (Jewish) law"(see Acts 22:3). Paul was then charged with rounding up Christians and bringing them bound to Jerusalem (see Acts ch. 9) The Lord Jesus himself intervened... "And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord what wilt thou have me to do?" (Acts 9:3-6) The conversion of Paul, by Abbate.jpg
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Paul began to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and God began to confirm his ministry with miracles... "Paul and Barnabas waxed bold...the Lord ...gave testimony...and granted signs and wonders by their hands...and there sat a certain man at Lystra impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mothers womb...this same heard Paul speak: who steadfastly beholding him, and percieving that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he lept and walked...And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices...the gods are come down to us in the likeness of men...and the priest of Jupiter would have done sacrifice...Barnabas and Paul heard and tore their clothes, and saying, we are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities to the living God...and with these sayings scarce restrained the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them." (Acts 13:46-Acts14:18) Paul and Barnabas treated as gods.jpg
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Paul then became the Apostle to the Gentiles. He preached to the people of Athens... "Ye men of Athens, I percieve that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, 'TO THE UNKNOWN GOD' Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. God that made the world and all the things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and all earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands. Neither is worshipped with mens hands, as though He needed anything, seeing He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us: For, in Him we live, and move, and have our being..." ( see Acts 17:22-28 ) Paul at Athens.jpg Paul in his travels came to Ephesus... "And he came to Ephesus and...entered into the synogogue and reasoned with the Jews." (Acts 18:19) St Paul at Ephesus, from St Paul's cave, painted 350 A.D.jpg "..Paul ...sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church. ...he said unto them ...'ye know after what manner I have been with you at all seasons. Serving the Lord with all humility of mind....testifying...repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ...for I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God...and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that it is more blessed to give than to recieve'. And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down and prayed with them all. And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words he spake, and that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship." (Acts 20:16-38) Paul says farewell to the Ephesians.jpg
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Paul traveled throughout the Meditteranean basin and preached Jesus. St. Paul's Journeys.jpg He stopped at the city of Tyre, and prayed with the disciples there (see Acts 21:2-5) Paul at Tyre.jpg Paul was accused by the Jews of breaking the Jewish law, they went to Felix the governor who arrested and inprisoned Paul, Paul gave his answer to this accusation in court... "But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all the things which are written in the law and in the prophets..." (Acts 24:14) Paul before Felix.jpg Paul wrote letters to the Christian churches to teach them Christian doctrine, to correct errors, and to give them instruction in Christian living. He wrote to the Romans, the Corinthians, the Galatians, the Ephesians, the Philippians, the Colossians, the Thessalonians, to Timothy, Titus, Philemon, and the Hebrews. The Apostle Paul.jpg . ROMANS ( written 58 A.D) City of Rome, representation of 58 A.D.jpg Paul writes of his thankfulness that he can preach Christ Jesus throughout the world and that it is being recieved. He emphasizes God's disapproval of the sinfulness of the world, and the fact that they should recognize He is God, seeing the granduer of His creation. He reminds us that God will punish sin, but will reward righteousness and faith in Jesus Christ with eternal life. He reminds us that Abraham pleased God because he trusted and believed God. He teaches that the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, if we recieve it, makes us right in the eyes of God. He teaches that the Ten Commandments define righteousness and sin. But also teaches that if people who have never heard of the Ten Commandments obey them , that they please God. He points out that no one is without sin, and teaches that to recieve Christ is to recieve a new nature, and our old nature dies, for before we knew Christ our heart and behavior were notably hateful and ungodly, but to recieve Christ we are renewed with Christ's love and righteousness. But it takes daily effort to renew ourselves mentally to be like Christ. He is disappointed that most of the Jews refused to recieve this wonderful nature of Christ, and states that if the Gentiles ( all the other nations besides the Jews ) recieve Christ that they will then be pleasing to God. However he rejoices that a small number of the Jews did recieve Christ. He states that if we say with our mouth that Jesus was ressurected, and make Him our Lord, we will be saved, and pleasing to God, and bound for heaven. He states that the gospels and the epistles and preaching of the Christian believers is the message by which we are saved. He gives practical advice to be a good citizen, not to engage in wild parties and drinking, not to lust and commit adultery, not to fight, and not to be jealous, but to ask the Lord Jesus to help us live. He teaches us to love all Christian brothers and not to fight about small differences in what we believe as Christians. He prays that Christians will be blessed and peacefully trusting in God, and having faith in Christ. 1RST CORINTHIANS (written 56 A.D.) The site of ancient Corinth.jpg Paul wrote to the Corinthians assuring them that God will really come through on all His promises, and that Christ will return. He begs them to stop arguing among themselves. He reminds them that it is not important who told them about Christ-Paul, Apollos, or Peter, or if they just heard about Him, that the important thing is that they recieved Christ who died for them. He teaches them that no matter how intelligent men are, that it makes no difference to God, God's plan of salvation is in Christ Jesus alone, and that intelligent men are confounded by less intelligent men who have the blessings of salvation simply because they recieved Christ. He points out how few "Phd's" or millionares, or Kings recieve Christ, but that most Christians are from the poor and the "foolish" in the eyes of the world. He reminds us that God's foolishness is wiser that the wisdom of men. He reminds us that his preaching did not display great intelligence, but rather the power of the Holy Spirit. He assures us that the Holy Spirit gives us insight into all things. Paul teaches that the salvation in Christ has many types of workers, like a garden...one plants, one waters, but God makes it grow. Or like a building...we must build on the sure foundation of Christ Jesus ; and His teachings are materials we must build with- like gold, silver, and jewels, if we build our salvation on mens teachings it will be like using sticks, hay, and straw, and jugdement day will test every mans work as a fire, burning away the wrong materials (teachings), but assures us that we will still be saved, but our work would be found worthless.Paul discourages pride for having sat under one of God's teachers. Paul reproves the Corinthians for allowing incest within the church. He discourages us from suing one another. Paul forbids prostitution. Paul encourages faithful marraige of two Christian believers, he discourages marrying an unbeliever. Paul asks believers to financially support Chistian workers. Paul reminded them that God himself called them, and discourages idol worship. Paul teaches them about spiritual gifts, such as speaking in tongues, and miracles, he details how speaking in tongues should be interpreted in the church, and that different believers have different gifts. Paul teaches the paramount importance of the love of God. Paul reminded them that being Christians means that they have eternal life, with glorified bodies that do not die or get sick. He encouraged them to abound in the Lord's work. 2ND CORINTHIANS (57 A.D.) site of fountain in ancient Corinth.jpg click here to see Dr. Green's slides of Corinth Paul writes again to the Corinthians and assures them that God will comfort and strengthen them in hardship and trials. Paul reminds them that God has given them the Holy Spirit in their hearts as the guarantee that they are God's, and as a first installment on all that He is going to give us! He encourages forgiveness of one particular sinner that He had reproved. Paul is thankful at how wonderfully God is spreading the gospel through his ministry, as it were a sweet smelling fragrance. He notes that God's plan of salvation is full of heavenly glory, much more so than the previous plan of the law of Moses. He states that as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like Him. Paul says that he doesn't go around preaching about himself, but about Christ Jesus as Lord. He notes that through the weakness of his physical body the glory and power of God are shown forth. He assures them that when they die they will have new glorious bodies and everlasting life. He reminds them that God will judge us all, so we should be reconciled to God, as He pours His goodness into us ! Paul states that he tries to live in a way that promotes the gospel and encourages others to come to Christ. He encourages them not to live with and act like sinful unbelievers. He encourages us to purify ourselves, and fear God. Paul reminds them that his previous reproof of them helped to get them to repent and get on the right path. He encourages them to share in donations to the ministry and be a cheerful giver, thereby proving their love in a real and practical way. He points out that every one should make up his own mind about how much he should give. Paul reminds them that if any man boasts, it should be about what the Lord has done and not about himself. Paul reminds them that He was called by Christ Jesus himself, and that though he has many credentials he might use to boast, he would rather point out his weaknesses and how God used them for His glory. Paul assures them that his motive is to build them up spiritually and not to profit financially. Finally he charges them to examine their walks as Christians- to avoid fighting, avoid pride, avoid anger, avoid gossip, avoid adultery, and try to evaluate whether they feel Christ's presence and power more and more within themselves.
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GALATIANS (written 48 A.D.) Ancient theatre at Antioch,Galatia.jpg St. Paul at Antioch, Galatia website Paul first reminds the Galatians that Jesus Christ delivered us from this present evil world. He warns them to recieve the straightforward gospel of grace and not to be brought back under the bondage of the law. He repeats that we are not justified by the works of the law, but rather by the faith of Jesus Christ. He warns us not to frustrate the grace of God by sinning. Paul reminds them that Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness. He assures us that if we are baptized into Christ we have put on the Lord Jesus, and are all one in Christ Jesus. He states that we now have a new wonderful relationship with God, and God sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts crying "Abba, Father". He tells them to remember the blessedness God poured on them when they first believed. He tells them, and us, to stand fast in the liberty with which Christ has made us free. He contrasts the unrighteous works of the flesh- adultery, idolatry, hatred, murders, with the righteous fruit of the walk in the Spirit- love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith. He encourages us to bring out the love in one another, and not to be weary in well doing. EPHESIANS (written 60-61 A.D.) Ancient Ephesus panoramic views website Armour of God website Paul wrote to the believers at Ephesus and first reminded them how God has blessed them with all spiritual blessings. He assures them that they stand before God covered by His love. He points out that the Holy Spirit has been given to Christians as had been promised, and God's power is great within us, the same power which raised Christ Jesus up and set Him at the right hand of God. He reminds them that before they were trapped under and in the evil world of sin, but that Christ delivered us and raised us up, so that now spiritually we are seated in the heavens with Christ. Paul points out that we recieved this wonderful gift freely, and not due to works earning it, God now wants us to live a new kind of life spent in helping others. He again reminds them that before they were far from Christ and His love, they were enemies of God's children, lost, without God, and without hope. But now they are close to God because of what Christ did -shedding His blood. Christ is our way of peace, and now all believers, Jews or other nationalities, are one family, all citizens of God's country, we all belong in God's household with every other Christian. This was a long kept secret, how that God would join Jews and other nationalities together in one family. Now we all can come fearlessly right into God's presence. Paul encourages all to sink deep roots in the soil of God's love. Paul assures them that God is able to do great things, greater than we could dream of. Paul encourages Christians to live humbly and gently, patiently, tolerating eachothers faults, and trying to be lead by the Holy Spirit Paul notes that different believers serve and bless the body of Christ in different ways, some as apostles, or preachers, or evangelists, or those who help out and comfort members of the body of Christ. Paul says that the work of these Christians helps us to grow in Christ and be mature, and speak the truth, and be more and more like Christ. Paul tells them to no longer live in their old evil ways, but to "clothe" ourselves in a new and different nature which is holy and good. This will include- stopping lying, getting over anger quickly, stopping stealing and work instead, stopping use of bad language, but rather use of good language which builds up and blesses, stopping being mean and instead being kind to each other, He encourages them to imitate Christ and His love. He tells us not to sin sexually, and not to tell dirty jokes. He warns them not to be greedy. He tells them to learn as as they go along what pleases the Lord. He says they are children of the light, and they should awake as a sleeper, and Christ will give us light. So we should be careful how we act, not getting drunk, we should sing psalms and hymns and sacred songs. Wives should cooperate with their husbands, and husbands should love their wives, even to the point of dying for them, as Christ died for the church. Children should honor their mother and father. And parents should not nag and scold their children and make them resentful, but rather bring them up with the loving discipline of the Lord with suggestions and godly advice. Paul tells them to work faithfully, both slave and master, employee and employer are answerable to Christ. Finally we are to put on the armour of God, because we are wrestling with the devil in our walk and faith. This armour includes the belt of truth, the shoes to speed the spraed of the gospel, the shield of faith as Satan tries to destroy our faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit which is the Word of God. Paul concludes by telling them to pray all the time. PHILIPPIANS (written 60-61 A.D.) Ancient Philippi.jpg Ancient Philippi #2 Paul first exclaims his joy in this letter, and says that he was blessed, even though he was in prison, and that everyone including the prison gaurds were hearing the gospel because of it. He was always ready to teach about Jesus, and if he died that would also be a blessing because he would go into the blessed presence of Jesus ! He states that in this world there will be struggling and suffering. But he reminds them that in this world we can comfort eachother by loving each other and working together with one heart mind and purpose. He teaches to be humble, not selfish, just as Jesus unselfishly allowed Himself to be crucified, but then God rewarded Him and raised Him up to the heights of Heaven. Eventually every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. Paul teaches to avoid complaining and arguing, to live cleanly and innocently, and to shine as lights in this dark world, by teaching the Word of Life. God commends Timothy for helping him in the ministry. Paul warns them to watch out for those who demand that they need to be circumcised to be saved, and reminds them that Christ Jesus alone can save us. Paul reminds them that he had all kinds of credentials in the Jewish religion but he counts them all worthless and throws them away and puts his hope in Christ Jesus alone. He states that he lives in fresh newness of life in Christ Jesus. He forgets the past and strains to serve Christ as if he was in a race, knowing that he will recieve a reward in heaven. He reminds them that God will take their dying bodies and change them into glorious bodies like His own. He encourages them to always be full of joy. He tells them to pray about everything, all their needs, and that then their hearts will be at peace, and God's peace is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. He encourages them to fix their minds on what is true and good and right. He states that he is content in whatever situation he finds himself in, hunger or fulness, wealth or poverty, God always gives him the strength. He says that their donations were as a sweet smelling offering that pleases God. COLOSSIANS (written 60-61 A.D.) Ancient site of Colossae.jpg Paul writes to the Colossians and wishes God to shower down blessings on them. He reminds them that they have heaven to look forward to, and that this gospel blessing is being spread everywhere. He prays that they are filled with the mighty strength of God. Paul is thankful that we as Christians have been delivered from the darkness and gloom of Satan's kingdom into the kingdom of God's dear Son. Paul teaches them that this Son created all things, and this same Son cleared a path for all to come to Him. Even those like us who once were the enemies of God. He states that this Christ in us is our only hope for glory. Paul reminds them how much he struggled to preach this Christ. He teaches that it was a secret plan, that in this Christ lies all the untapped treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Paul warns them not to let men with their philosophies, ideas and thoughts, spoil their relationship and union with Christ. He reminds them that Christ lifted them up into a new life. Paul teaches them that Christ destryed sins power over us by His sacrifice on the cross, and to not let anyone condemn us by small things like what we eat or drink, or holiday observances. Paul encourages them to set their sights on the rich treasures and joys of heaven where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Paul states that when Christ returns they will shine with Him and share in all His glories. Paul teaches them to avoid sinful things- evil desires, sexual sin, impurity, lust and shameful desires, anger, hatred, cursing, and dirty language, and lying. He teaches them that they are now living a brand new kind of life, learning more and more what is right, and being more and more like Christ. This means having tender hearted mercy, kindness, quietly patient, gentle and ready to forgive, never holding grudges, and most importantly letting love guide our lives, in this way the whole church will be in harmony. Paul tells them to let peace and thankfulness be present. Paul tells them to enrich their lives with what Christ taught them, and sing with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Paul teaches wives to cooperate with husbands, husbands to love wives, children to obey parents, Fathers not to discourage children with too much scolding, employees to do a good honest job, employers to be fair and considerate, and for everyone to continue in prayer..Finally Paul tells them to make the most of telling everyone about the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 1RST THESSALONIANS (written 50-51 A.D.) Ancient Thessalonica with modern city in background.jpg Paul wishes the believers at Thessalonica blessings and peace, he is thankful for them, for they recieved the gospel as the truth, with God confirming it to them, and in spite of trials and sorrows they continued in faith, looking forward to the wonderful return of Christ. Paul reminds them that they preached the unadulterated gospel to them even while working and earning a living. All this while certain Jews were persecuting them. Paul was thankful that they continued to love and grow, and their hearts were being made strong and sinless and holy by God. Paul tells to to have holy marraiges, not sin as is common. Paul also encourages them to work and live quietly and pay your own bills. Paul assures them that when we die we need not be totally sorry for Jesus will raise us up. Paul prophesies that Christ will return and all the dead in Christ will be raised and those of us who are alive will be raised up too to meet the Lord in the air. This day will happen unexpectedly. The Lord wants us to be in the light about this day so that we will continue to walk with Him in holiness and love, not in drunkenness. Paul encourages us to always do good, be joyful, pray, and not smother the Holy Spirit, and Paul prays that God keeps them until the return of Jesus Christ comes back again. 2ND THESSALONIANS (written 51 A.D.) click here to see Dr. Green's slides of Thessalonica Paul is thankful for their faith and love in spite of crushing troubles and hardship. Paul assures them that God will give them rest when Christ returns. Those who refuse to accept Christ however will be punished. Paul encourages them to keep on praying that God will make them the kind of children that He wants to have. Paul clarifies about the return of Christ that it will not happen until two things happen first...1)a time of great rebellion against God, and 2)the man of rebellion will come, the son of hell...who will defy every god and object of worship except himself, he will sit as God in the temple of God, full of satanic power, tricking everyone with strange demonstrations and miracles, except those who believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul assures them that God will comfort them and help them in everything they do, and protect them from the attacks of satan. Paul teaches them by word and example to work hard for the money they need to live on and eat. Paul blesses them with the peace of the Lord of peace.
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Paul was ultimately brought to Rome and imprisoned... "And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the gaurd: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him." (Acts 28:16) Mamertine Prison in Rome where Paul was a prisoner.jpg Paul was given opportunity to preach Jesus at Rome... "And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the Law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening" (Acts 28:23) St. Paul preaches to the Romans, painted in 1400's, Martin.jpg . . APOSTLE PAUL INSIGHT: The Apostle Paul's life was overwhelmed when the Lord Jesus intervened directly. Paul counted his previous status and accomplishments as relatively worthless and pursued the call of the Lord Jesus Christ with all diligence. . .
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