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(Acts 22:3; 5:34) A) Jacob B) Gamaliel C) Melchisedek D) Arnold Schwarzenegger Slide 4: What was St Paul’s occupation? (Acts 18:3) A) Carpenter B) Tax collector C) Tent maker D) Computer programmer Slide 5: What was Paul before his conversion? A) A Pharisee B) S Sadducee C) An atheist D) A Buddhist E) A Muslim Slide 6: Paul was shipwrecked on what Island in Acts 27-28? A) Sicily B) Malta C) Hawaii D) Hudson River E) Molokai Islands Slide 7: Who was the first convert brought to the faith by St Paul? A) Barnabas B) Lydia C) Peter D) Stephen E) Bilbo Baggins The world of St. Paul. : The world of St. Paul. Roman Empire One language: the Greek koiné, i.e. the common Greek. Palestine was an imperial province governed by a procurator. Sanhedrin Jewish Groups at the Time of Paul : Jewish Groups at the Time of Paul Judaism at the time of Jesus was both unified and divided, much like Christianity is today -In common: Monotheism, the Law of Moses, Circumcision, etc. -Pharisees -Sadducees -Essenes -Herodians -Zealots -Jewish Groups at the Time of Paul -Scribes -Elders Paul’s Early Years : Paul’s Early Years We know St Paul through: the Acts of the Apostles and his Letters written to the First Christian Communities. Ten Interesting facts About Saint Paul : Ten Interesting facts About Saint Paul 1. Paul was from the Roman city of Tarsus, located in what is today southern Turkey. (Acts of the Apostles 21:39) 2. Paul was not physically impressive, nor was he a very good speaker. (1 Corinthians 2:1 and 2 Corinthians 10:10; 11:6) 3. Paul had a sister and a nephew. (Acts of the Apostles 23:16) 4. Paul was educated in Jerusalem under the famous Jewish teacher Gamaliel. (Acts of the Apostles 22:3) 5. Paul was a Pharisee (Acts of the Apostles 26:5) and a tentmaker. (Acts of the Apostles 18:3) 6. Paul was a Roman citizen from a wealthy family. (Acts 22:25–28) 7. Paul participated in the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. (Acts 7:58) 8. Paul was the most prominent apostle in the early Church because he was so effective at forming Christian communities. 9. Although Paul wrote the most books of the New Testament, Luke, who only wrote two books, still gets the prize for writing more words than any other writer in the New Testament. 10. Paul’s conversion is among the most well-known. Paul’s Early Years : Paul’s Early Years 5 stages in his life: 1. As a fervent Jew (a Pharisee) (28 yrs) 2. Conversion, formation & first trip (28 to 41 yrs) 3. Early independent missionary phase (42-45 yrs) 4. Itinerant missionary (46 to 49 yrs) 5. In jail, and organizing first Communities (50 yrs until his death in Rome: 56 yrs) Paul’s Early Years : Paul’s Early Years Born in Tarsus : Born in Tarsus Bridge between the East and the West. Cyrus Cicero Mark Anthony & Cleopatra Born in Tarsus : Born in Tarsus Octavius Augustus gave roman citizenship to all. Left for Jerusalem to be educated by Rabbi Gamaliel. Saul: "man of three cultures" : Saul: "man of three cultures" Jewish culture and religion Greek culture Roman citizen Universalistic vision : Where I went to school…. I went to Jerusalem where I learned a lot about the Jewish Law I lived the laws of the Jewish community in a very strict manner: a Pharisee. Persecuting the Church : Persecuting the Church Defeating the Apostles of Jesus: I took it as my mission to stop those who pointed to Jesus as sent from God I went to Damascus ready to take as prisoner anyone who encouraged others to follow Jesus… I was 28 years old… God Calls St. Paul to Conversion : God Calls St. Paul to Conversion What is conversion? Turning your heart over to God Really listening to what God wants of you in your actions and in your beliefs. St. Paul listened to the God he loved so much St. Paul prayed for all people after his conversion: “That you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in the knowledge of God.” God Calls St. Paul to Conversion : God Calls St. Paul to Conversion Paul, “is the instrument I have chosen to bring My Name before pagans and pagan kings and before the people of Israel!” God had a plan for Paul’s life. Paul’s Conversion : Paul’s Conversion • He then returned to Jerusalem and was accepted by Peter and the other Christians and then went to his home city of Tarsus and spent about six years preaching in parts of Syria and Cilicia. • Barnabas set out to Tarsus to seek for him to help out in Antioch. • The disciples now, for the first time, were called "Christians" (Acts 11:26) ++ Paul spent the next three years of his life in Arabia, Damascus, Syria, and Cilicia with the Christians. Paul’s Early Years : Paul’s Early Years Who is St. Paul of Tarsus? - The first systematic theologian and writer of the Christian Church. - He has been the most influential teacher in the history of Christianity. - He was the Christian Church's apostle to the Gentiles. Paul's First Missionary Journey : Paul's First Missionary Journey Acts 13-14While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." Acts 13:2 Mission in Antioch : Mission in Antioch Summary: On the Sabbath, Paul and Barnabas went to the synagogue. After the reading of the Law and the Prophets Paul stood up and addressed the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles that were assembled there. He began by giving the historical background of the Messiah, spoke of the ministry of John the Baptist and then told of the death and resurrection of the Saviour. Many of the Gentiles, upon hearing this, rejoiced and were saved. The Jews, however, aroused many of the city leaders against Paul and Barnabas and they were driven out of the city. They shook the dust off of their feet in protest and left for Iconium, still filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. The most important city of southern Galatia and included within its population a rich amalgam of Greek, Roman, oriental, and Phrygian traditions Paul's Second Missionary Journey : Paul's Second Missionary Journey Acts 15-18:22...Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. Acts 15:40-41 Athens : Athens Paul was brought to the Areopagus (meeting place): Paul began to speak about one of their objects of worship which was dedicated "to an unknown god." Paul began to tell them about a God that does not live in temples and doesn't need to be served by man, this God is the creator of life. He told them of God's planning of the human race and of man's need to seek him. Paul's Third Missionary Journey : Paul's Third Missionary Journey After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and travelled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. Acts 18:23 Mission in Corinth : Mission in Corinth After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. Acts 18:1 It became the capital of the Roman province of Achaia...population...over 200,000..., local Greeks, freedmen from Italy, Roman army veterans, businessmen and governmental officials, and Orientals...including a large number of Jews...to corinthianize meant to be sexually immoral..." Mission in Corinth : Mission in Corinth In Corinth, Paul met a Jew named Aquila and his wife, Priscilla. Paul went to see them and ended up staying with them and working for them as a tentmaker. On every Sabbath he went to the synagogue and reasoned with those there, trying to persuade both Jews and Greeks. At this time Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia to join him in the ministry. Mission in Corinth : Mission in Corinth But they opposed him and became abusive to him. He shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles." Paul then left the synagogue and began preaching next door at the home of Titius Justus, who was a worshiper of God. Many of the Corinthians believed and were baptized. One night, the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision, and comforted him, telling him not to be afraid and to keep preaching the gospel. The Lord reassured Paul that no harm would come to him, so he stayed for a year and a half teaching the word of God. Paul brought to court, charging him with teaching people to worship God in ways other than what the Law commanded. He suffered for the Gospel : He suffered for the Gospel “Five times,” he told the Christians at Corinth, “at the hands of the Jews I received forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I passed a night and a day on the deep; on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my own race, dangers from Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers at sea, dangers among false brothers, in toil and hardship, through many sleepless nights, through hunger and thirst, through frequent fastings, through cold and exposure” (2 Cor 11:24-27). Captivity : Captivity After being held prisoner for two years and after hearings before the council of priests, before the Roman procurator Felix and his successor Festus, before Herod Agrippa II, and again before Festus, he appealed to Rome on his citizen's right. So he was sent to Rome under guard. (Acts 21.27–28.31.) • On the way they were shipwrecked on Malta but finally landed at Puteoli (Puzzuoli). • Paul was imprisoned (A.D. 60) in Rome but was allowed to conduct his ministry among the Roman Christians and Jews who visited him. Paul's letters to the Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, Titus (?), and 2 Timothy may have been written while he was imprisoned in Rome. Paul's Fourth Missionary Journey : Paul's Fourth Missionary Journey St Paul: after captivity (63 AD) : St Paul: after captivity (63 AD) To Spain? Come back to Rome? 65 in Ephesus with Timothy. To Macedonia (letter to Timothy?) Corinth Crete (with Titus): Titus 1:5 “I left you in Crete.” To Rome: second imprisonment. Beheading : Beheading • Eusebius of Caesarea states that Paul was beheaded in the reign of the Roman Emperor Nero. This event has been dated either to the year 64, when Rome was devastated by a fire, or a few years later to 67 at a place called Aquae Salviae (now Tre Fontane), near the Ostian Way. Paul died at the age of sixty-eight after having served the Lord for thirty-five years. Slide 49: He was beheaded in Rome (Tre Fontane) in the year 67, under Emperor Nero. Epistles : Epistles Eusebius of Caesarea, the first Church Historian says that the 14 Epistles (including Hebrews) are clearly by Paul. Pastoral Letters: The Muratorian Canon (2 AD) lists them as Scripture, and are from St Paul. Irenaeus, Tertullian, St Hippolytus, and Origen quote the Pastoral Letters and say they are from Paul. Hebrews: Hippolytus and Irenaeus knew the letter, but they do not seem to have regarded it as a work of the Apostle (Eusebius, "Hist. Eccl.", 26) Not found in the Muratorian Canon; Tertullian calls Barnabas the author. The Letters of St. Paul : The Letters of St. Paul Chronology of Paul’s Epistles : Chronology of Paul’s Epistles First Thessalonians 50-51 AD Second Thessalonians 52 AD First Corinthians 56 AD Second Corinthians 57 AD Galatians 55-57 AD Romans 57-58 AD Ephesians 60-62 AD Philippians 60-62 AD Colossians 60-62 AD Philemon 60-62 AD Hebrews 64-66 AD (?) Titus 64-65 AD First Timothy 64-65 AD Second Timothy 64-67 AD Epistles to the Thessalonians : Epistles to the Thessalonians Brief overview of the First Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians : Brief overview of the First Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians Brief overview of the Second Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians : Brief overview of the Second Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians Corinth : Corinth The largest, most cosmopolitan, most decadent city in Greece. 700,000 inhabitants; 2/3 were slaves Human trafficking Idolatry. Aphrodite, the goddess of sex. St Paul evangelized 51. He came back 4 or 5 yrs later He admonishes Christians to have a different life-style: vs lust, pride, greed. Corinth : Corinth "Since the Jews were constantly causing disturbances at the instigation of Chrestus, he [Claudius] expelled them from Rome" (Suetonius, Lives of the Caesars, Claudius 5.25.4) Acts 18:2 They meet Aquila and Prisca/Priscilla, Jewish "tentmakers" (a married couple) who came to Corinth from Rome (Acts 18:2; cf. Rom 16:3-4). "After this he left Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, lately come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them; and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them, and they worked, for by trade they were tentmakers." (Acts 18:1-3 RSV) 1 ½ years in Corinth building up the Christian Community. Paul sends and receives several letters and messages. From Ephesus. Not a systematic letter: many topics. Brief overview of the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians : Brief overview of the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians Brief overview of the Second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians : Brief overview of the Second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians Letter to the Galatians : Letter to the Galatians Gallic tribes invaded Italy and Macedonia from the III Century BC. Galatia will owe its name to these tribes. To the Churches Of Galatia Gentiles & Jews Letter to the Galatians : Letter to the Galatians Reason? To counteract Judaizers. They downgrade St Paul (as if not among the 12, and no authority). Circumcision and the Old Law (topic of discussion from Antioch which led to the I Council Jerusalem). CONTENTS: 1. His apostleship comes from Christ; 2. In harmony with the 12; 3. Circumcision is not efficacious, but redemption comes from Christ; 4.Moral life Letter to the Galatians : Letter to the Galatians HOW TO GO TO HEAVEN, be saved? Circumcision? No. It just binds you to the Old Law, to be of the Chosen people, a Jew… But we are saved by Christ (2:15-16) The Law is preparatory. Christ comes into my life by faith in Him. And it comes out in works. Luther missed this link, because of his Nominalism and his bad theology. The Letter of Paul to the Galatians : The Letter of Paul to the Galatians The Letter of Paul to the Romans : The Letter of Paul to the Romans Church not founded by Paul, but desires connections. Reverence to them. High level of spirituality. Paul connects with them because he received vocation to address the gentiles (and so they are in majority). Paul knows method to familiarize gentiles with the God of the Covenant with the Jews. The first systematic Christian Theology The longest Epistle The Letter of Paul to the Romans : The Letter of Paul to the Romans Theological discussion. Language and style similar to the one in Galatians. Though Romans is more balanced (the faith and practice in Rome is more stable). CONTENT: 1. Gospel is the power of God; 2. Justification in every man who believes; 3. History of the chosen people (to give more light to 1 & 2) The Letter of Paul to the Romans : The Letter of Paul to the Romans Romans 1-8: The Gospel according to Paul. Justification: a topic discussed in Jewish circles in Paul’s times. “Justification” - the process of being "justified" (accepted by other people or by God) “Salvation” - the process of being "saved" (rescued from any type of danger or catastrophe) “Redemption” - the process of being "redeemed" (getting something back by repaying a loan) “Sanctification” - the process of being "sanctified" (set apart, made holy, dedicated to God) “Righteousness”- the process of being "made right" (put back into "right relationship" with God) “Faith” - the action of "trusting" someone (relying on them or "entrusting" yourself to them) Brief overview of the Letter of Paul to the Romans : Brief overview of the Letter of Paul to the Romans Slide 70: CAPTIVITY LETTERS CAPTIVITY LETTERS : CAPTIVITY LETTERS Slide 72: St Paul in jail (Rome?) Philippians send money and Epaphroditus to him. Epaphroditus is sent back, with Letter. Family letter, written with joy & gratitude. Dogmatic, encouraging and warnings against Judaizers. Slide 73: St Paul’s stands in his mission. Moral section: unity & humility (Christ’s kenosis); spiritual renewal; virtues. Christ & the Law. Warnings against Judaizers. Exhortation to persevere. Thanksgiving for help. A Brief Overview of the Letter of Paul to the Philippians : A Brief Overview of the Letter of Paul to the Philippians Illustration of Onesimus returning to Philemon : Illustration of Onesimus returning to Philemon A Brief Overview of the Letter of Paul to Philemon : A Brief Overview of the Letter of Paul to Philemon Letter to the Ephesians : Letter to the Ephesians Artemis: Apollo's twin sister, daughter of Zeus. House of Virgin Mary Letter to the Ephesians : Letter to the Ephesians Very long sentences: first 14 verses=1 sentence. Hymns in which he praises God. Tone of a meditation, even when dogmatic. Salvation: a gift from God, by faith in Jesus Christ. Not our own doing. Christian holiness: Christian life including the well-known verses on the "armour of God" (6:10-18). Family life (with specific recommendations to husbands, wives, children and slaves). No personal things to Ephesians Parallelism with Colossians, both in content and form. Close in time. Letter to the Ephesians : Letter to the Ephesians BOTH JEWS AND GENTILES ARE UNITED THROUGH CHRIST HIS KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST THROUGH REVELATION; HIS RESULTING MINISTRY TO THE GENTILES (Ephesians 3:2-9 ) CHRISTIAN UNITY AND CHRISTIAN LIVING THE GENTILES MUST N0T RETURN TO THEIR OLD PAGAN WAYS Letter to the Ephesians : Letter to the Ephesians 4:1-6 Behave in a Christian manner 4:7-13 Our different spiritual gifts are needed to build the Church 4:14-16 Our part in building the Church of Christ 4:17-19 Therefore do not live like the Gentiles 4:20-24 You have been taught to reject your old earthly ways Colossians and the Ephesians:Eph 155 verses; 78 identical to Col. : Colossians and the Ephesians:Eph 155 verses; 78 identical to Col. PAUL'S FIRST LETTER TO TIMOTHY : PAUL'S FIRST LETTER TO TIMOTHY PAUL'S FIRST LETTER TO TIMOTHY : PAUL'S FIRST LETTER TO TIMOTHY PAUL'S FIRST LETTER TO TIMOTHY : PAUL'S FIRST LETTER TO TIMOTHY TIMOTHY MUST DEFEND THE TRUE GOSPEL Greeting to Timothy 1:1-2 Paul tells him to stay in Ephesus1:3-4 Paul was saved by God's goodness1:12-16 Timothy is told to hold to his faith against false teachers 1:18-20 PUBLIC WORSHIP Paul's appointment as an apostle 2:7 THE APPOINTMENT OF CHURCH LEADERS Paul's reason for writing 3:14-15a DEALING WITH FALSE TEACHERS Those who lose their Christian faith 4:1-2 Paul's hope to come soon 4:13 DEALING WITH CHURCH MEMBERS Paul's insistence on impartiality5:21 Timothy's health, Paul's advice 5:23 FINAL WARNINGS TO TIMOTHY Hold to Christian doctrine 6:20-21 PAUL'S FIRST LETTER TO TIMOTHY : PAUL'S FIRST LETTER TO TIMOTHY Timothy -> Ephesus Titus -> Crete Critics regarding authenticity: -Absence of Pauline vocabulary? -Absence of particles and prepositions? -Hapax legomena: Many words not found in NT before. In Pastoral letters, 168. But 113 of them from Classical Greek. It makes sense since Timothy and Titus were very well educated, and Paul enjoyed a better command of the language at this stage in his life. -Advance stage of organization in the Church? 1 Timothy : 1 Timothy 2 Timothy : 2 Timothy Titus : Titus Titus : Titus Titus 1:5 - I left you in Crete to set right matters which needed attention and gave you instructions to appoint elders in every city. THE THREAT FROM FALSE TEACHERS PAUL EXHORTS TITUS TO TEACH SOUND DOCTRINE TITUS MUST TEACH AND MINISTER WITH AUTHORITY A FINAL WARNING ABOUT PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY; FAREWELL Titus 3:14-15 - And our people should learn to earn what they require by leading an honest life and so be self-supporting. All those here with me send you greetings, Please give our greetings to all who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Titus : Titus Titus : Titus Hebrews : Hebrews JESUS CHRIST IS FOR ALL MEN THE GOSPEL OF JESUS IS GREATER THAN THE MESSAGE BROUGHT BY THE ANGELS; GREATER THAN MOSES. Moses was a faithful servant; Jesus is a faithful son JESUS IS GREATER THAN EVERY HIGH PRIEST (Aaron) MOVE ON TOWARDS CHRISTIAN MATURITY THE ONE SACRIFICE OF JESUS CHRIST CANCELS ALL SIN ENCOURAGEMENT TO SUPPORT EACH OTHER REMINDERS OF THE STRUGGLES FOR THE NEW JEWISH CHRISTIANS: Patience, endurance, etc. Warnings against strange teachings FAITH and behaviour A REQUEST FOR PRAYER; A FINAL APPEAL; FAREWELLS; A BLESSING Hebrews : Hebrews The Doctrine of St. Paul : The Doctrine of St. Paul The Theology of St. Paul : The Theology of St. Paul "And count the forbearance of our Lord as salvation. So also our beloved brother Paul wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, speaking of this as he does in all his letters. There are some things in them hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other scriptures" (2 Pet 3: 15-16). The Theology of St. Paul : The Theology of St. Paul The doctrine of St Paul : The doctrine of St Paul Centrality of Christ Soteriological doctrine Sin and redemption Justification Redemption Sacraments The Church The doctrine of St Paul : The doctrine of St Paul Centrality of Christ Man without Christ: slave of sin, of the flesh; or like the Jews: just the Law. Man needs Christ to be saved (to go away with sin). First sin: disobedience. Christ brings salvation with his obedience, even to death, on a Cross (Rom 5, 19) The doctrine of St Paul : The doctrine of St Paul Flesh: the lower self of man: senses, instincts, emotions, passions. St Paul sees rebellion of these senses and the higher faculties: will and intellect, due to original sin: who will liberate me from this body of death? (Rom 6, 15-21; Rom 7-21-24) Death: a punishment for sin (Rom 6:23) Salvation from Christ, not from the Law. The message from Paul is revelation that becomes salvation (in Christ). The Ecclesiology of St. Paul : The Ecclesiology of St. Paul Images and metaphors : Images and metaphors Family Temple of God The Bride of Christ The Body of Christ Organizational structure of the Church in the writings of St. Paul Authority of St. Peter EKKLESIA : EKKLESIA This word "Chiesa" in Italian as in French "Église" and in Spanish "Iglesia" comes from the Greek "ekklesia". It comes from the Old Testament and means the assembly of the People of Israel, convoked by God. It particularly means the exemplary assembly at the foot of Mount Sinai. This word now means the new community of believers in Christ. In ancient Greek culture, an assembly of citizens within a particular city. Thus there was an ekklesia “of” Athens, Ephesus, etc. where people gathered to meet with one another and discuss the things of the city. Term coined by St Paul : Term coined by St Paul “Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the Church (ekklesia) of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: grace to you and peace.” - 1 Thessalonians 1:1 (AD 50-51, used among Christians ) In other Letters he speaks of the Church of God which is at Corinth (1 Cor 1: 2; 2 Cor 1: 1) and of the Churches of Galatia (Gal 1: 2, etc.) particular Churches therefore but he also says he persecuted "the Church of God": not a specific local community, but "the Church of God“, as a whole body. Term coined by St Paul : Term coined by St Paul It indicates a part of God's assembly in a specific place (a city, a country, a house) but it also means the Church as a whole. It is important to observe that the word "Church" almost always appears with the additional qualification "of God": she is not a human association, born from ideas or common interests, but a convocation of God. Purpose? : Purpose? “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit; so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.” - 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 Far from being a later development in spiritual piety, the “Imitation of Christ” is in fact the very earliest characteristic of the Christian Church. RULES AND LAWS; Observances? : RULES AND LAWS; Observances? Special rules and observances were no longer necessary. New observances: Sacraments; the Word of Jesus Christ. One becomes Christian not by external practices but in the internal configuration with Jesus Christ, united to the Community of believers. 1. To be like the Lord. 2. To be an example for others. “For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus which are in Judea” - 1 Thessalonians 2:14 1.Ekklesia:Assembly >>> 2.Family : 1.Ekklesia:Assembly >>> 2.Family There are “churches of God” in Judea Every city had its own ekklesia The members of the Church in Thessalonica are called “brethren,” making them a family for St. Paul. “But concerning love of the brethren you have no need to have any one write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another…” - 1 Thessalonians 4:9 We should notice that this term, “brethren,” is the very first name that St. Paul uses to describe not simply one community (“the Church of the Thessalonians,” “the believers in Macedonia”) or a group of particular ones (“the churches of God”), but the whole of Christianity. “For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the Church of God violently and tried to destroy it.” - Galatians 1:13 2. Family : 2. Family Paul, in fact, uses the term “brethren” 17 times in the 5 short chapters of 1 Thessalonians: “Brethren, pray for us. Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. I adjure you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the brethren. ” - 1 Thessalonians 5:26-27 2. FAMILY Romans (57 AD) : 2. FAMILY Romans (57 AD) In the letter to the Romans, Paul returns to his oldest image, that of the family. God is a Father Christ himself is our Brother “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the spirit of Sonship. When we cry ‘Abba! Father!’ it is the Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” - Romans 8:14-17 3. Temple of God 1 Corinthians : 3. Temple of God 1 Corinthians “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.” - 1 Corinthians 3:9 What manner of building we are is quickly explained: “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If any one destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and that temple you are.” - 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Having first used a familial image for the Church (“brethren”), and then a secular, Greek one (“ekklesia/assembly”), Paul moves now to an ancient Hebrew idea – that of the temple of God. 4. BRIDE OF CHRIST : 4. BRIDE OF CHRIST The People of God, Israel, considered by the prophets as "God's bride" called to live in a spousal relationship with him. Paul presents the one Church of God as "Christ's bride" in love, one body and one spirit with Christ himself 5. BODY OF CHRIST : 5. BODY OF CHRIST 1. The body is made up of its elements and would not exist without them. Letter to the Romans and in the First Letter to the Corinthians: he says that a people is like a body with its different parts, each of which has its own function but all together. Paul wants to connect all the members of the Church to each other, and he wants to connect them all to Christ (the head) “He is the head of the body, the Church; he is the beginning the first-born from the dead.” - Colossians (61-62 AD) 1:18 Many vocations: prophets, apostles, teachers, simple people, all are called to practise charity every day, all are necessary in order to build the living unity of this spiritual organism. Individual members are essentially incomplete without one another. BODY OF CHRIST : BODY OF CHRIST “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who joins himself to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, ‘the two shall become one.’ But he who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Shun immortality. Every other sin which a man commits is outside the body; but the immoral man sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” - 1 Corinthians (55 AD) 6:15-20 BODY OF CHRIST : BODY OF CHRIST “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body -- Jews or Greeks, slaves or free -- and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the organs in the body, each one of them, as he chose… Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” - 1 Corinthians (55 AD) 12:12-31 BODY OF CHRIST : BODY OF CHRIST 2. Really becomes the Body of Christ in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, where we all receive his Body and really become his Body. Thus is brought about the spousal mystery that all become one body and one spirit in Christ. BODY OF CHRIST : BODY OF CHRIST “For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." - 1 Corinthians 11:23 ff. BODY OF CHRIST : BODY OF CHRIST Paul shows that he knows well and makes us all understand that the Church is not his and is not ours: the Church is the Body of Christ, it is a "Church of God", "God's field, God's building... God's temple" (1 Cor 3: 9, 16). Slide 118: A temple of God in the world, a place in which God truly dwells, and at the same time we are a community, a family of God who is love. As a family and home of God, we must practise God's love in the world Universal Church : Universal Church After his encounter with the Risen Christ, Paul understood that Christians were not traitors; on the contrary, in the new situation the God of Israel, through Christ, had extended his call to all the peoples, becoming the God of all peoples. Objective and subjective redemption : Objective and subjective redemption 1. Christ died so that all may be saved. Everything is accomplished (objective redemption). 2. God respects individual freedom. It is up to each subject to receive that benefit (subjective redemtion). Justification : Justification 1. God takes the initiative, and gives grace. 2. If the person accepts the grace offered, he opens to faith., and the saving power of Jesus Christ (his merits are applied to him/her). 3. Person is baptized and sins are forgiven (justified; and the beginning of the process of sanctification). The newly baptized becomes: a member of the Church; adopted child of God; receives the Holy Spirit; receives the infused gifts and virtues. 4. The person corresponds to graces. Justification – Sanctification through sacramentsDikaiosine Theou: the justice of God, faithfulness of God that makes us faithful. : Justification – Sanctification through sacramentsDikaiosine Theou: the justice of God, faithfulness of God that makes us faithful. Justification by faith in Christ : Justification by faith in Christ Operative force of that faith. The works of the Law do not save. Gift from God (Ephesians 2:8). Faith does not come from the intrinsic evidence of the truths. It comes from the authority of God (and his power). Believe in the Gospel. The obedience to the faith, to God’s will. Man becomes a new Creation (2 Cor 5:17). Different from the obedience to the Law: external rites, but hearts devoid of charity. The "kenosis" of Christ : The "kenosis" of Christ Christ's divine pre-existence and his coming into the world (Gal. 4: 1-7). His obedience until death on the cross and His exaltation (Rom. 1:1-17; Phil. 2:5-11; 1 Tim. 3:14-16). St Paul goes as far as to say that he lives "by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Gal 2:20); he thereby sets an example for us, for Jesus Christ is "our great God and Saviour ... who gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity" (Tit 2:13), and he is "God over all, blessed for ever" (Rom 9:5). Jesus is God! “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together" (Col 1:15-17), for "in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily" (Co I 2:9). His obedience until death on the cross and His exaltation : His obedience until death on the cross and His exaltation Humiliation of Christ becoming man, and dying on the Cross (freely accepted). “…God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Phil 2:9-11). SCIENTIFIC DEATH OF JESUS : SCIENTIFIC DEATH OF JESUS Usual nails: about 20 cm long. Nailed to his wrists. Ligaments torn. Difficulties in moving his body and breathing. SCIENTIFIC DEATH OF JESUS : SCIENTIFIC DEATH OF JESUS Feet were nailed together. Support for his body, in order to breath. Pain increases. More bleeding... SCIENTIFIC DEATH OF JESUS : SCIENTIFIC DEATH OF JESUS Jesus may have lasted 3 hours. When he died there were very little blood in his veins. Human body may have 3.5 litres of blood. 3 nails, a crown of thorns. All after the scorging at the pillar. A Roman soldier pierced his chest with a lance. SCIENTIFIC DEATH OF JESUS : SCIENTIFIC DEATH OF JESUS He carried the Cross for about 2 kms. People used to insult the condemned prisoner, spit on his face, and stones were also thrown. Just the weight of the horizontal beam could be 30 kgs. SCIENTIFIC DEATH OF JESUS : SCIENTIFIC DEATH OF JESUS Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross redeemed us from sin. “Though he was harshly treated, he submitted and opened not his mouth; like a lamb led to the slaughter or a sheep before the shearers, he was silent and opened not his mouth” (Is 53:7). He became “obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:8). He became “obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:8). The interesting thing is: WHY? The Need for Redemption : The Need for Redemption Redemption means to “buy back something that was lost”. Because of original sin, men became slaves of the evil one. Man by himself alone could not recover the grace that he lost. Christ's pre-eminence: over creation. over the Church and her members : Christ's pre-eminence: over creation. over the Church and her members The Apostle explains that this is so because "in him all the fullness (pleroma) of God was pleased to dwell and through him to reconcile to himself all things" (Col 1: 19-20). It is not that he merely has sovereignty within a certain sphere: he fills everything: "in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily" (Col 2:9). "he is [also] the head of the body, the church" (Col. 1:18). Christ's pre-eminence: over creation. over the Church and her members : Christ's pre-eminence: over creation. over the Church and her members The notion of the Church as Christ's body is wonderfully expressive about how the mystery of salvation works. Head vivifies every members. And each one helps also: "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church" (Col l:24). Eschatology : Eschatology 1. Second coming of the Lord "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the archangel's call, and with the sound of the trumpet of God" (l Thess 4: 16). "as to the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need to have anything written to you" (l Thess 5: 1). Watch! Righteous judgement of God; punishment: destruction; exclusion from the presence of the Lord. Or fidelity: worthy of the kingdom of God (2 Thess 1:5; 8-9) 2. The resurrection of Christ and of the dead (1 Cor 15:12-52). “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain” All will resurrect. Paul focuses on the elect (1 Cor 15). The spirit will have complete dominion over the body. 3. Manifestation of His glory (Tit 2:11-14). Moral exhortations : Moral exhortations Life in the spirit. Behave as children of God New Law: Charity Centrality of the Eucharist: Communion with the body of Christ: in the Eucharist, and with one another: charity. Virtues and sins: Gal 5:19-21 Eph 5:3-5 I Cor 5:10-11 - 6:9-10 You do not have the permission to view this presentation. In order to view it, please contact the author of the presentation.
St Paul.2010 JoeLopez Download Post to : URL : Related Presentations : Share Add to Flag Embed Email Send to Blogs and Networks Add to Channel Uploaded from authorPOINT lite Insert YouTube videos in PowerPont slides with aS Desktop Copy embed code: (To copy code, click on the text box) Embed: URL: Thumbnail: WordPress Embed Customize Embed The presentation is successfully added In Your Favorites. Views: 166 Category: Spiritual/ Ins.. License: All Rights Reserved Like it (0) Dislike it (0) Added: July 25, 2010 This Presentation is Public Favorites: 0 Presentation Description No description available. Comments Posting comment... Premium member Presentation Transcript Life of St Paul : Life of St Paul Pauline Year Slide 2: What was St Paul’s Jewish name? (Acts 7:58) Who was he named after? (Acts 13:21) When did he change his name for Paul? (Acts 13: 1-2, 9, 13) Slide 3: As a teenager, whom did St Paul study with in Jerusalem? (Acts 22:3; 5:34) A) Jacob B) Gamaliel C) Melchisedek D) Arnold Schwarzenegger Slide 4: What was St Paul’s occupation? (Acts 18:3) A) Carpenter B) Tax collector C) Tent maker D) Computer programmer Slide 5: What was Paul before his conversion? A) A Pharisee B) S Sadducee C) An atheist D) A Buddhist E) A Muslim Slide 6: Paul was shipwrecked on what Island in Acts 27-28? A) Sicily B) Malta C) Hawaii D) Hudson River E) Molokai Islands Slide 7: Who was the first convert brought to the faith by St Paul? A) Barnabas B) Lydia C) Peter D) Stephen E) Bilbo Baggins The world of St. Paul. : The world of St. Paul. Roman Empire One language: the Greek koiné, i.e. the common Greek. Palestine was an imperial province governed by a procurator. Sanhedrin Jewish Groups at the Time of Paul : Jewish Groups at the Time of Paul Judaism at the time of Jesus was both unified and divided, much like Christianity is today -In common: Monotheism, the Law of Moses, Circumcision, etc. -Pharisees -Sadducees -Essenes -Herodians -Zealots -Jewish Groups at the Time of Paul -Scribes -Elders Paul’s Early Years : Paul’s Early Years We know St Paul through: the Acts of the Apostles and his Letters written to the First Christian Communities. Ten Interesting facts About Saint Paul : Ten Interesting facts About Saint Paul 1. Paul was from the Roman city of Tarsus, located in what is today southern Turkey. (Acts of the Apostles 21:39) 2. Paul was not physically impressive, nor was he a very good speaker. (1 Corinthians 2:1 and 2 Corinthians 10:10; 11:6) 3. Paul had a sister and a nephew. (Acts of the Apostles 23:16) 4. Paul was educated in Jerusalem under the famous Jewish teacher Gamaliel. (Acts of the Apostles 22:3) 5. Paul was a Pharisee (Acts of the Apostles 26:5) and a tentmaker. (Acts of the Apostles 18:3) 6. Paul was a Roman citizen from a wealthy family. (Acts 22:25–28) 7. Paul participated in the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. (Acts 7:58) 8. Paul was the most prominent apostle in the early Church because he was so effective at forming Christian communities. 9. Although Paul wrote the most books of the New Testament, Luke, who only wrote two books, still gets the prize for writing more words than any other writer in the New Testament. 10. Paul’s conversion is among the most well-known. Paul’s Early Years : Paul’s Early Years 5 stages in his life: 1. As a fervent Jew (a Pharisee) (28 yrs) 2. Conversion, formation & first trip (28 to 41 yrs) 3. Early independent missionary phase (42-45 yrs) 4. Itinerant missionary (46 to 49 yrs) 5. In jail, and organizing first Communities (50 yrs until his death in Rome: 56 yrs) Paul’s Early Years : Paul’s Early Years Born in Tarsus : Born in Tarsus Bridge between the East and the West. Cyrus Cicero Mark Anthony & Cleopatra Born in Tarsus : Born in Tarsus Octavius Augustus gave roman citizenship to all. Left for Jerusalem to be educated by Rabbi Gamaliel. Saul: "man of three cultures" : Saul: "man of three cultures" Jewish culture and religion Greek culture Roman citizen Universalistic vision : Where I went to school…. I went to Jerusalem where I learned a lot about the Jewish Law I lived the laws of the Jewish community in a very strict manner: a Pharisee. Persecuting the Church : Persecuting the Church Defeating the Apostles of Jesus: I took it as my mission to stop those who pointed to Jesus as sent from God I went to Damascus ready to take as prisoner anyone who encouraged others to follow Jesus… I was 28 years old… God Calls St. Paul to Conversion : God Calls St. Paul to Conversion What is conversion? Turning your heart over to God Really listening to what God wants of you in your actions and in your beliefs. St. Paul listened to the God he loved so much St. Paul prayed for all people after his conversion: “That you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in the knowledge of God.” God Calls St. Paul to Conversion : God Calls St. Paul to Conversion Paul, “is the instrument I have chosen to bring My Name before pagans and pagan kings and before the people of Israel!” God had a plan for Paul’s life. Paul’s Conversion : Paul’s Conversion • He then returned to Jerusalem and was accepted by Peter and the other Christians and then went to his home city of Tarsus and spent about six years preaching in parts of Syria and Cilicia. • Barnabas set out to Tarsus to seek for him to help out in Antioch. • The disciples now, for the first time, were called "Christians" (Acts 11:26) ++ Paul spent the next three years of his life in Arabia, Damascus, Syria, and Cilicia with the Christians. Paul’s Early Years : Paul’s Early Years Who is St. Paul of Tarsus? - The first systematic theologian and writer of the Christian Church. - He has been the most influential teacher in the history of Christianity. - He was the Christian Church's apostle to the Gentiles. Paul's First Missionary Journey : Paul's First Missionary Journey Acts 13-14While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." Acts 13:2 Mission in Antioch : Mission in Antioch Summary: On the Sabbath, Paul and Barnabas went to the synagogue. After the reading of the Law and the Prophets Paul stood up and addressed the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles that were assembled there. He began by giving the historical background of the Messiah, spoke of the ministry of John the Baptist and then told of the death and resurrection of the Saviour. Many of the Gentiles, upon hearing this, rejoiced and were saved. The Jews, however, aroused many of the city leaders against Paul and Barnabas and they were driven out of the city. They shook the dust off of their feet in protest and left for Iconium, still filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. The most important city of southern Galatia and included within its population a rich amalgam of Greek, Roman, oriental, and Phrygian traditions Paul's Second Missionary Journey : Paul's Second Missionary Journey Acts 15-18:22...Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. Acts 15:40-41 Athens : Athens Paul was brought to the Areopagus (meeting place): Paul began to speak about one of their objects of worship which was dedicated "to an unknown god." Paul began to tell them about a God that does not live in temples and doesn't need to be served by man, this God is the creator of life. He told them of God's planning of the human race and of man's need to seek him. Paul's Third Missionary Journey : Paul's Third Missionary Journey After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and travelled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. Acts 18:23 Mission in Corinth : Mission in Corinth After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. Acts 18:1 It became the capital of the Roman province of Achaia...population...over 200,000..., local Greeks, freedmen from Italy, Roman army veterans, businessmen and governmental officials, and Orientals...including a large number of Jews...to corinthianize meant to be sexually immoral..." Mission in Corinth : Mission in Corinth In Corinth, Paul met a Jew named Aquila and his wife, Priscilla. Paul went to see them and ended up staying with them and working for them as a tentmaker. On every Sabbath he went to the synagogue and reasoned with those there, trying to persuade both Jews and Greeks. At this time Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia to join him in the ministry. Mission in Corinth : Mission in Corinth But they opposed him and became abusive to him. He shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles." Paul then left the synagogue and began preaching next door at the home of Titius Justus, who was a worshiper of God. Many of the Corinthians believed and were baptized. One night, the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision, and comforted him, telling him not to be afraid and to keep preaching the gospel. The Lord reassured Paul that no harm would come to him, so he stayed for a year and a half teaching the word of God. Paul brought to court, charging him with teaching people to worship God in ways other than what the Law commanded. He suffered for the Gospel : He suffered for the Gospel “Five times,” he told the Christians at Corinth, “at the hands of the Jews I received forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I passed a night and a day on the deep; on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my own race, dangers from Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers at sea, dangers among false brothers, in toil and hardship, through many sleepless nights, through hunger and thirst, through frequent fastings, through cold and exposure” (2 Cor 11:24-27). Captivity : Captivity After being held prisoner for two years and after hearings before the council of priests, before the Roman procurator Felix and his successor Festus, before Herod Agrippa II, and again before Festus, he appealed to Rome on his citizen's right. So he was sent to Rome under guard. (Acts 21.27–28.31.) • On the way they were shipwrecked on Malta but finally landed at Puteoli (Puzzuoli). • Paul was imprisoned (A.D. 60) in Rome but was allowed to conduct his ministry among the Roman Christians and Jews who visited him. Paul's letters to the Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, Titus (?), and 2 Timothy may have been written while he was imprisoned in Rome. Paul's Fourth Missionary Journey : Paul's Fourth Missionary Journey St Paul: after captivity (63 AD) : St Paul: after captivity (63 AD) To Spain? Come back to Rome? 65 in Ephesus with Timothy. To Macedonia (letter to Timothy?) Corinth Crete (with Titus): Titus 1:5 “I left you in Crete.” To Rome: second imprisonment. Beheading : Beheading • Eusebius of Caesarea states that Paul was beheaded in the reign of the Roman Emperor Nero. This event has been dated either to the year 64, when Rome was devastated by a fire, or a few years later to 67 at a place called Aquae Salviae (now Tre Fontane), near the Ostian Way. Paul died at the age of sixty-eight after having served the Lord for thirty-five years. Slide 49: He was beheaded in Rome (Tre Fontane) in the year 67, under Emperor Nero. Epistles : Epistles Eusebius of Caesarea, the first Church Historian says that the 14 Epistles (including Hebrews) are clearly by Paul. Pastoral Letters: The Muratorian Canon (2 AD) lists them as Scripture, and are from St Paul. Irenaeus, Tertullian, St Hippolytus, and Origen quote the Pastoral Letters and say they are from Paul. Hebrews: Hippolytus and Irenaeus knew the letter, but they do not seem to have regarded it as a work of the Apostle (Eusebius, "Hist. Eccl.", 26) Not found in the Muratorian Canon; Tertullian calls Barnabas the author. The Letters of St. Paul : The Letters of St. Paul Chronology of Paul’s Epistles : Chronology of Paul’s Epistles First Thessalonians 50-51 AD Second Thessalonians 52 AD First Corinthians 56 AD Second Corinthians 57 AD Galatians 55-57 AD Romans 57-58 AD Ephesians 60-62 AD Philippians 60-62 AD Colossians 60-62 AD Philemon 60-62 AD Hebrews 64-66 AD (?) Titus 64-65 AD First Timothy 64-65 AD Second Timothy 64-67 AD Epistles to the Thessalonians : Epistles to the Thessalonians Brief overview of the First Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians : Brief overview of the First Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians Brief overview of the Second Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians : Brief overview of the Second Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians Corinth : Corinth The largest, most cosmopolitan, most decadent city in Greece. 700,000 inhabitants; 2/3 were slaves Human trafficking Idolatry. Aphrodite, the goddess of sex. St Paul evangelized 51. He came back 4 or 5 yrs later He admonishes Christians to have a different life-style: vs lust, pride, greed. Corinth : Corinth "Since the Jews were constantly causing disturbances at the instigation of Chrestus, he [Claudius] expelled them from Rome" (Suetonius, Lives of the Caesars, Claudius 5.25.4) Acts 18:2 They meet Aquila and Prisca/Priscilla, Jewish "tentmakers" (a married couple) who came to Corinth from Rome (Acts 18:2; cf. Rom 16:3-4). "After this he left Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, lately come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them; and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them, and they worked, for by trade they were tentmakers." (Acts 18:1-3 RSV) 1 ½ years in Corinth building up the Christian Community. Paul sends and receives several letters and messages. From Ephesus. Not a systematic letter: many topics. Brief overview of the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians : Brief overview of the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians Brief overview of the Second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians : Brief overview of the Second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians Letter to the Galatians : Letter to the Galatians Gallic tribes invaded Italy and Macedonia from the III Century BC. Galatia will owe its name to these tribes. To the Churches Of Galatia Gentiles & Jews Letter to the Galatians : Letter to the Galatians Reason? To counteract Judaizers. They downgrade St Paul (as if not among the 12, and no authority). Circumcision and the Old Law (topic of discussion from Antioch which led to the I Council Jerusalem). CONTENTS: 1. His apostleship comes from Christ; 2. In harmony with the 12; 3. Circumcision is not efficacious, but redemption comes from Christ; 4.Moral life Letter to the Galatians : Letter to the Galatians HOW TO GO TO HEAVEN, be saved? Circumcision? No. It just binds you to the Old Law, to be of the Chosen people, a Jew… But we are saved by Christ (2:15-16) The Law is preparatory. Christ comes into my life by faith in Him. And it comes out in works. Luther missed this link, because of his Nominalism and his bad theology. The Letter of Paul to the Galatians : The Letter of Paul to the Galatians The Letter of Paul to the Romans : The Letter of Paul to the Romans Church not founded by Paul, but desires connections. Reverence to them. High level of spirituality. Paul connects with them because he received vocation to address the gentiles (and so they are in majority). Paul knows method to familiarize gentiles with the God of the Covenant with the Jews. The first systematic Christian Theology The longest Epistle The Letter of Paul to the Romans : The Letter of Paul to the Romans Theological discussion. Language and style similar to the one in Galatians. Though Romans is more balanced (the faith and practice in Rome is more stable). CONTENT: 1. Gospel is the power of God; 2. Justification in every man who believes; 3. History of the chosen people (to give more light to 1 & 2) The Letter of Paul to the Romans : The Letter of Paul to the Romans Romans 1-8: The Gospel according to Paul. Justification: a topic discussed in Jewish circles in Paul’s times. “Justification” - the process of being "justified" (accepted by other people or by God) “Salvation” - the process of being "saved" (rescued from any type of danger or catastrophe) “Redemption” - the process of being "redeemed" (getting something back by repaying a loan) “Sanctification” - the process of being "sanctified" (set apart, made holy, dedicated to God) “Righteousness”- the process of being "made right" (put back into "right relationship" with God) “Faith” - the action of "trusting" someone (relying on them or "entrusting" yourself to them) Brief overview of the Letter of Paul to the Romans : Brief overview of the Letter of Paul to the Romans Slide 70: CAPTIVITY LETTERS CAPTIVITY LETTERS : CAPTIVITY LETTERS Slide 72: St Paul in jail (Rome?) Philippians send money and Epaphroditus to him. Epaphroditus is sent back, with Letter. Family letter, written with joy & gratitude. Dogmatic, encouraging and warnings against Judaizers. Slide 73: St Paul’s stands in his mission. Moral section: unity & humility (Christ’s kenosis); spiritual renewal; virtues. Christ & the Law. Warnings against Judaizers. Exhortation to persevere. Thanksgiving for help. A Brief Overview of the Letter of Paul to the Philippians : A Brief Overview of the Letter of Paul to the Philippians Illustration of Onesimus returning to Philemon : Illustration of Onesimus returning to Philemon A Brief Overview of the Letter of Paul to Philemon : A Brief Overview of the Letter of Paul to Philemon Letter to the Ephesians : Letter to the Ephesians Artemis: Apollo's twin sister, daughter of Zeus. House of Virgin Mary Letter to the Ephesians : Letter to the Ephesians Very long sentences: first 14 verses=1 sentence. Hymns in which he praises God. Tone of a meditation, even when dogmatic. Salvation: a gift from God, by faith in Jesus Christ. Not our own doing. Christian holiness: Christian life including the well-known verses on the "armour of God" (6:10-18). Family life (with specific recommendations to husbands, wives, children and slaves). No personal things to Ephesians Parallelism with Colossians, both in content and form. Close in time. Letter to the Ephesians : Letter to the Ephesians BOTH JEWS AND GENTILES ARE UNITED THROUGH CHRIST HIS KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST THROUGH REVELATION; HIS RESULTING MINISTRY TO THE GENTILES (Ephesians 3:2-9 ) CHRISTIAN UNITY AND CHRISTIAN LIVING THE GENTILES MUST N0T RETURN TO THEIR OLD PAGAN WAYS Letter to the Ephesians : Letter to the Ephesians 4:1-6 Behave in a Christian manner 4:7-13 Our different spiritual gifts are needed to build the Church 4:14-16 Our part in building the Church of Christ 4:17-19 Therefore do not live like the Gentiles 4:20-24 You have been taught to reject your old earthly ways Colossians and the Ephesians:Eph 155 verses; 78 identical to Col. : Colossians and the Ephesians:Eph 155 verses; 78 identical to Col. PAUL'S FIRST LETTER TO TIMOTHY : PAUL'S FIRST LETTER TO TIMOTHY PAUL'S FIRST LETTER TO TIMOTHY : PAUL'S FIRST LETTER TO TIMOTHY PAUL'S FIRST LETTER TO TIMOTHY : PAUL'S FIRST LETTER TO TIMOTHY TIMOTHY MUST DEFEND THE TRUE GOSPEL Greeting to Timothy 1:1-2 Paul tells him to stay in Ephesus1:3-4 Paul was saved by God's goodness1:12-16 Timothy is told to hold to his faith against false teachers 1:18-20 PUBLIC WORSHIP Paul's appointment as an apostle 2:7 THE APPOINTMENT OF CHURCH LEADERS Paul's reason for writing 3:14-15a DEALING WITH FALSE TEACHERS Those who lose their Christian faith 4:1-2 Paul's hope to come soon 4:13 DEALING WITH CHURCH MEMBERS Paul's insistence on impartiality5:21 Timothy's health, Paul's advice 5:23 FINAL WARNINGS TO TIMOTHY Hold to Christian doctrine 6:20-21 PAUL'S FIRST LETTER TO TIMOTHY : PAUL'S FIRST LETTER TO TIMOTHY Timothy -> Ephesus Titus -> Crete Critics regarding authenticity: -Absence of Pauline vocabulary? -Absence of particles and prepositions? -Hapax legomena: Many words not found in NT before. In Pastoral letters, 168. But 113 of them from Classical Greek. It makes sense since Timothy and Titus were very well educated, and Paul enjoyed a better command of the language at this stage in his life. -Advance stage of organization in the Church? 1 Timothy : 1 Timothy 2 Timothy : 2 Timothy Titus : Titus Titus : Titus Titus 1:5 - I left you in Crete to set right matters which needed attention and gave you instructions to appoint elders in every city. THE THREAT FROM FALSE TEACHERS PAUL EXHORTS TITUS TO TEACH SOUND DOCTRINE TITUS MUST TEACH AND MINISTER WITH AUTHORITY A FINAL WARNING ABOUT PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY; FAREWELL Titus 3:14-15 - And our people should learn to earn what they require by leading an honest life and so be self-supporting. All those here with me send you greetings, Please give our greetings to all who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Titus : Titus Titus : Titus Hebrews : Hebrews JESUS CHRIST IS FOR ALL MEN THE GOSPEL OF JESUS IS GREATER THAN THE MESSAGE BROUGHT BY THE ANGELS; GREATER THAN MOSES. Moses was a faithful servant; Jesus is a faithful son JESUS IS GREATER THAN EVERY HIGH PRIEST (Aaron) MOVE ON TOWARDS CHRISTIAN MATURITY THE ONE SACRIFICE OF JESUS CHRIST CANCELS ALL SIN ENCOURAGEMENT TO SUPPORT EACH OTHER REMINDERS OF THE STRUGGLES FOR THE NEW JEWISH CHRISTIANS: Patience, endurance, etc. Warnings against strange teachings FAITH and behaviour A REQUEST FOR PRAYER; A FINAL APPEAL; FAREWELLS; A BLESSING Hebrews : Hebrews The Doctrine of St. Paul : The Doctrine of St. Paul The Theology of St. Paul : The Theology of St. Paul "And count the forbearance of our Lord as salvation. So also our beloved brother Paul wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, speaking of this as he does in all his letters. There are some things in them hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other scriptures" (2 Pet 3: 15-16). The Theology of St. Paul : The Theology of St. Paul The doctrine of St Paul : The doctrine of St Paul Centrality of Christ Soteriological doctrine Sin and redemption Justification Redemption Sacraments The Church The doctrine of St Paul : The doctrine of St Paul Centrality of Christ Man without Christ: slave of sin, of the flesh; or like the Jews: just the Law. Man needs Christ to be saved (to go away with sin). First sin: disobedience. Christ brings salvation with his obedience, even to death, on a Cross (Rom 5, 19) The doctrine of St Paul : The doctrine of St Paul Flesh: the lower self of man: senses, instincts, emotions, passions. St Paul sees rebellion of these senses and the higher faculties: will and intellect, due to original sin: who will liberate me from this body of death? (Rom 6, 15-21; Rom 7-21-24) Death: a punishment for sin (Rom 6:23) Salvation from Christ, not from the Law. The message from Paul is revelation that becomes salvation (in Christ). The Ecclesiology of St. Paul : The Ecclesiology of St. Paul Images and metaphors : Images and metaphors Family Temple of God The Bride of Christ The Body of Christ Organizational structure of the Church in the writings of St. Paul Authority of St. Peter EKKLESIA : EKKLESIA This word "Chiesa" in Italian as in French "Église" and in Spanish "Iglesia" comes from the Greek "ekklesia". It comes from the Old Testament and means the assembly of the People of Israel, convoked by God. It particularly means the exemplary assembly at the foot of Mount Sinai. This word now means the new community of believers in Christ. In ancient Greek culture, an assembly of citizens within a particular city. Thus there was an ekklesia “of” Athens, Ephesus, etc. where people gathered to meet with one another and discuss the things of the city. Term coined by St Paul : Term coined by St Paul “Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the Church (ekklesia) of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: grace to you and peace.” - 1 Thessalonians 1:1 (AD 50-51, used among Christians ) In other Letters he speaks of the Church of God which is at Corinth (1 Cor 1: 2; 2 Cor 1: 1) and of the Churches of Galatia (Gal 1: 2, etc.) particular Churches therefore but he also says he persecuted "the Church of God": not a specific local community, but "the Church of God“, as a whole body. Term coined by St Paul : Term coined by St Paul It indicates a part of God's assembly in a specific place (a city, a country, a house) but it also means the Church as a whole. It is important to observe that the word "Church" almost always appears with the additional qualification "of God": she is not a human association, born from ideas or common interests, but a convocation of God. Purpose? : Purpose? “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit; so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.” - 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 Far from being a later development in spiritual piety, the “Imitation of Christ” is in fact the very earliest characteristic of the Christian Church. RULES AND LAWS; Observances? : RULES AND LAWS; Observances? Special rules and observances were no longer necessary. New observances: Sacraments; the Word of Jesus Christ. One becomes Christian not by external practices but in the internal configuration with Jesus Christ, united to the Community of believers. 1. To be like the Lord. 2. To be an example for others. “For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus which are in Judea” - 1 Thessalonians 2:14 1.Ekklesia:Assembly >>> 2.Family : 1.Ekklesia:Assembly >>> 2.Family There are “churches of God” in Judea Every city had its own ekklesia The members of the Church in Thessalonica are called “brethren,” making them a family for St. Paul. “But concerning love of the brethren you have no need to have any one write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another…” - 1 Thessalonians 4:9 We should notice that this term, “brethren,” is the very first name that St. Paul uses to describe not simply one community (“the Church of the Thessalonians,” “the believers in Macedonia”) or a group of particular ones (“the churches of God”), but the whole of Christianity. “For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the Church of God violently and tried to destroy it.” - Galatians 1:13 2. Family : 2. Family Paul, in fact, uses the term “brethren” 17 times in the 5 short chapters of 1 Thessalonians: “Brethren, pray for us. Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. I adjure you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the brethren. ” - 1 Thessalonians 5:26-27 2. FAMILY Romans (57 AD) : 2. FAMILY Romans (57 AD) In the letter to the Romans, Paul returns to his oldest image, that of the family. God is a Father Christ himself is our Brother “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the spirit of Sonship. When we cry ‘Abba! Father!’ it is the Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” - Romans 8:14-17 3. Temple of God 1 Corinthians : 3. Temple of God 1 Corinthians “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.” - 1 Corinthians 3:9 What manner of building we are is quickly explained: “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If any one destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and that temple you are.” - 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Having first used a familial image for the Church (“brethren”), and then a secular, Greek one (“ekklesia/assembly”), Paul moves now to an ancient Hebrew idea – that of the temple of God. 4. BRIDE OF CHRIST : 4. BRIDE OF CHRIST The People of God, Israel, considered by the prophets as "God's bride" called to live in a spousal relationship with him. Paul presents the one Church of God as "Christ's bride" in love, one body and one spirit with Christ himself 5. BODY OF CHRIST : 5. BODY OF CHRIST 1. The body is made up of its elements and would not exist without them. Letter to the Romans and in the First Letter to the Corinthians: he says that a people is like a body with its different parts, each of which has its own function but all together. Paul wants to connect all the members of the Church to each other, and he wants to connect them all to Christ (the head) “He is the head of the body, the Church; he is the beginning the first-born from the dead.” - Colossians (61-62 AD) 1:18 Many vocations: prophets, apostles, teachers, simple people, all are called to practise charity every day, all are necessary in order to build the living unity of this spiritual organism. Individual members are essentially incomplete without one another. BODY OF CHRIST : BODY OF CHRIST “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who joins himself to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, ‘the two shall become one.’ But he who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Shun immortality. Every other sin which a man commits is outside the body; but the immoral man sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” - 1 Corinthians (55 AD) 6:15-20 BODY OF CHRIST : BODY OF CHRIST “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body -- Jews or Greeks, slaves or free -- and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the organs in the body, each one of them, as he chose… Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” - 1 Corinthians (55 AD) 12:12-31 BODY OF CHRIST : BODY OF CHRIST 2. Really becomes the Body of Christ in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, where we all receive his Body and really become his Body. Thus is brought about the spousal mystery that all become one body and one spirit in Christ. BODY OF CHRIST : BODY OF CHRIST “For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." - 1 Corinthians 11:23 ff. BODY OF CHRIST : BODY OF CHRIST Paul shows that he knows well and makes us all understand that the Church is not his and is not ours: the Church is the Body of Christ, it is a "Church of God", "God's field, God's building... God's temple" (1 Cor 3: 9, 16). Slide 118: A temple of God in the world, a place in which God truly dwells, and at the same time we are a community, a family of God who is love. As a family and home of God, we must practise God's love in the world Universal Church : Universal Church After his encounter with the Risen Christ, Paul understood that Christians were not traitors; on the contrary, in the new situation the God of Israel, through Christ, had extended his call to all the peoples, becoming the God of all peoples. Objective and subjective redemption : Objective and subjective redemption 1. Christ died so that all may be saved. Everything is accomplished (objective redemption). 2. God respects individual freedom. It is up to each subject to receive that benefit (subjective redemtion). Justification : Justification 1. God takes the initiative, and gives grace. 2. If the person accepts the grace offered, he opens to faith., and the saving power of Jesus Christ (his merits are applied to him/her). 3. Person is baptized and sins are forgiven (justified; and the beginning of the process of sanctification). The newly baptized becomes: a member of the Church; adopted child of God; receives the Holy Spirit; receives the infused gifts and virtues. 4. The person corresponds to graces. Justification – Sanctification through sacramentsDikaiosine Theou: the justice of God, faithfulness of God that makes us faithful. : Justification – Sanctification through sacramentsDikaiosine Theou: the justice of God, faithfulness of God that makes us faithful. Justification by faith in Christ : Justification by faith in Christ Operative force of that faith. The works of the Law do not save. Gift from God (Ephesians 2:8). Faith does not come from the intrinsic evidence of the truths. It comes from the authority of God (and his power). Believe in the Gospel. The obedience to the faith, to God’s will. Man becomes a new Creation (2 Cor 5:17). Different from the obedience to the Law: external rites, but hearts devoid of charity. The "kenosis" of Christ : The "kenosis" of Christ Christ's divine pre-existence and his coming into the world (Gal. 4: 1-7). His obedience until death on the cross and His exaltation (Rom. 1:1-17; Phil. 2:5-11; 1 Tim. 3:14-16). St Paul goes as far as to say that he lives "by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Gal 2:20); he thereby sets an example for us, for Jesus Christ is "our great God and Saviour ... who gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity" (Tit 2:13), and he is "God over all, blessed for ever" (Rom 9:5). Jesus is God! “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together" (Col 1:15-17), for "in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily" (Co I 2:9). His obedience until death on the cross and His exaltation : His obedience until death on the cross and His exaltation Humiliation of Christ becoming man, and dying on the Cross (freely accepted). “…God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Phil 2:9-11). SCIENTIFIC DEATH OF JESUS : SCIENTIFIC DEATH OF JESUS Usual nails: about 20 cm long. Nailed to his wrists. Ligaments torn. Difficulties in moving his body and breathing. SCIENTIFIC DEATH OF JESUS : SCIENTIFIC DEATH OF JESUS Feet were nailed together. Support for his body, in order to breath. Pain increases. More bleeding... SCIENTIFIC DEATH OF JESUS : SCIENTIFIC DEATH OF JESUS Jesus may have lasted 3 hours. When he died there were very little blood in his veins. Human body may have 3.5 litres of blood. 3 nails, a crown of thorns. All after the scorging at the pillar. A Roman soldier pierced his chest with a lance. SCIENTIFIC DEATH OF JESUS : SCIENTIFIC DEATH OF JESUS He carried the Cross for about 2 kms. People used to insult the condemned prisoner, spit on his face, and stones were also thrown. Just the weight of the horizontal beam could be 30 kgs. SCIENTIFIC DEATH OF JESUS : SCIENTIFIC DEATH OF JESUS Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross redeemed us from sin. “Though he was harshly treated, he submitted and opened not his mouth; like a lamb led to the slaughter or a sheep before the shearers, he was silent and opened not his mouth” (Is 53:7). He became “obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:8). He became “obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:8). The interesting thing is: WHY? The Need for Redemption : The Need for Redemption Redemption means to “buy back something that was lost”. Because of original sin, men became slaves of the evil one. Man by himself alone could not recover the grace that he lost. Christ's pre-eminence: over creation. over the Church and her members : Christ's pre-eminence: over creation. over the Church and her members The Apostle explains that this is so because "in him all the fullness (pleroma) of God was pleased to dwell and through him to reconcile to himself all things" (Col 1: 19-20). It is not that he merely has sovereignty within a certain sphere: he fills everything: "in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily" (Col 2:9). "he is [also] the head of the body, the church" (Col. 1:18). Christ's pre-eminence: over creation. over the Church and her members : Christ's pre-eminence: over creation. over the Church and her members The notion of the Church as Christ's body is wonderfully expressive about how the mystery of salvation works. Head vivifies every members. And each one helps also: "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church" (Col l:24). Eschatology : Eschatology 1. Second coming of the Lord "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the archangel's call, and with the sound of the trumpet of God" (l Thess 4: 16). "as to the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need to have anything written to you" (l Thess 5: 1). Watch! Righteous judgement of God; punishment: destruction; exclusion from the presence of the Lord. Or fidelity: worthy of the kingdom of God (2 Thess 1:5; 8-9) 2. The resurrection of Christ and of the dead (1 Cor 15:12-52). “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain” All will resurrect. Paul focuses on the elect (1 Cor 15). The spirit will have complete dominion over the body. 3. Manifestation of His glory (Tit 2:11-14). Moral exhortations : Moral exhortations Life in the spirit. Behave as children of God New Law: Charity Centrality of the Eucharist: Communion with the body of Christ: in the Eucharist, and with one another: charity. Virtues and sins: Gal 5:19-21 Eph 5:3-5 I Cor 5:10-11 - 6:9-10