Christianity Summary

Christianity Summary
Paul, Baptism,
Paul of Tarsus
history
Originally Saul
Jewish, instructed in tradition of the Pharisees.
Very thorough knowledge of old testament.
Opponent of Christianity. Persecuted Christians
Acts 9:1-19- On way to Damascus to persecute the Christians Christ appeared
Revelation. Saw this as his calling
A specific call to evangelise the gentile world
He became a Christian
Devoted life to spreading the Christian faith
Preached to both Jews and gentiles
Had great deal of authority in the early church
Recognised ‘apostle’
Journeys
Missionary journeys
Three journeys are documented.
First: through Syria, island of Cyprus, south to Galatia
Second: revisited Galatia, west to Achaia and Macedonia. Great city of Ephesus in Asia minor, and Corinth and Athens in Greece.
Third: again Galatia. More extensive travel through Asia Minor and Greece. Taken to Rome as prisoner.
Many bibles have maps of paul’s missionary journeys.
Contribution
Established local churches  got elders to run them. (acts 14:23)
Supported them by writing letters, further visits, and sending others (eg timothy)
Leading role in confirming that Christianity was a separate religion from Judaism.
Maintained that the laws of old testament were fulfilled by Jesus
Concern for racial division between Jews and gentiles (Gal 3:28)
Letters take up quarter of new testament
Gave authoritative statements about Christian belief and conduct
Peter write “our dear brother Paul” who writes “with the wisdom that god gave him”
Peter described his writings as scriptures.
helped consolidate Christian beliefs
took teachings of jesus  explained them applied them to new situations in the church.
Provided coherent set of beliefs and practices.
Impact
Influence of expression of Christianity today.
Evangelic churches regard Pauls letters as authoritative.
Conservative scholars claim there are no differences between Jesus’ and Paul’s teachings
In shaping...