Introduction to the Pauline Epistles
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Transcript of Introduction to the Pauline Epistles
Introduction to the Pauline
EpistlesSt Pachomious Servants prep
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The Life of St Paul can be described by 3 missionary journeys all described in the book of Acts.
St Paul’s Missionary Journeys
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)
1st missionary journey
1st 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
2nd 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
3rd missionary journey
St Paul’s 3rd missionary Journey
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)
Chief Epistles
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
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
Prison Epistles
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
1 Thessalonians: The Second Coming of Christ The first of his writings: written around 52-53 AD Church was established during his 2nd missionary journeyMessage: 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 letterMessage: to correct misunderstanding of His 2nd Coming; that’s why he tells them about the coming first of the antichrist
Eschatological 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
Pastoral Epistles
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