What do we know about Paul
- See timeline on the left
- Paul was Saul
- Pharisee
- Christian killer
- Ministry to the Gentiles
- Roman citizen
- Educated in Jewish law
- Had a vision from God
- Clear mission
- Not influenced by others
- Road to Damascus
- Wanted to meet the other Apostles
- Was in prison by his own fault
- Wrote much of the New Testament
- Wrote "Prison Epistles"
- Wrote to various churches
- Was present at the stoning of Steven
- Was very Christ-centered
- Was not one of the 12 disciples
- Did not meet Christ until after the resurrection
- Was not married - chose to not be
- Paul's writings have specific "bents"
- Paul will state his opinion in his writings
- Paul was on the Sanhedrin
- Paul upheld the letter of the law and then did a 180 after his conversion in embracing freedom.
- Paul was circumcised
- Paul took 3 years in Arabia after his conversion to consider it all.
- Born 5 AD
- 35 AD Conversion
- 46 AD 1st Missionary Journey
- 57 AD Romans written
- 59 AD 4th Missionary Journey
- 60 AD Prison Epistles written
- 62 AD Released from prison
- 67 AD Died
The context of Saul
- The Way was at work
- Battle between the old "law" and The Way. A large group of people "the apostles" and their followers are trying to put the Pharisees out of business.
- "lay" people are challenging the religious authority, and its catching on.
- The religious response is to, censor, imprison, kill, flog, etc.
- Christ just died and rose again
- The church is just starting
- Still under Roman law
What do we know of Gamaliel
- He speaks, the leaders listen
- Was Saul's mentor
- Highly respected
- Why does he stop the killing of the apostles?
- Does not want to offend the Roman government.
- No indication that he wants to protect the apostles
- Trusts that they will kill themselves or else there is truth to what they are doing.
- Seems to think for himself
- Distinguished member of the high council
What characteristics might Saul have gotten from his life as Saul and from Gamaliel?
- Outspoken
- Not a "group think" kind of guy
- Not afraid to be bold
- Knows how to infiltrate
- Knew where to go and how to get around
- Got to know the leaders of "The Way" the apostles perhaps.
- Learned critical thinking
- Picked-up some wisdom
- His knowledge of Roman law came in handy
- His expertise of "the law" proves critical to his ministry
- Had learned a different approach when compared to others
- Learned speaking and debate skills
- His reputation gave him the ability to spread his ministry as is confirmed in Galatians.
- He is already familiar with the arguments he will run into.
Biblical principals from Saul's life
- Our past experiences and knowledge is just as important, and sometimes more, after we know Christ as they were before.
- God can choose anyone and use them for incredible things.
- Our passions and drivers (spiritual gifts) of old do not need to be thrown away or replaced, but realized, redirected, and fulfilled in Christ.
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