HSC - Paul Flashcards
When/where does Paul convert?
33-36, on the way to Damascus. Now believes Jesus is the Messiah
What connotations are from Paul?
Egalitarian connotations, as he is a leader who serves leaders like Jesus
What helped form early Christian communities? (development)
Paul’s inclusion of the Gentiles and teaching on unity formed early Christian communities’ identity of the Body of Christ (Romans 7:4)
What does Paul’s inclusion of Gentiles provide?
The ethical framework of unity and how to treat others as equals in Jesus
Michael Mullin’s quote on Paul and baptism
“For Paul, conversion to Christ or baptism entails.. cancelling out of past sins… but also marks the beginning of a new life in the Spirit.” - Michael Mullins, Paul, Trinity & Community, 2008
What does Paul’s conversion teach?
Paul was a persecutor, however, he was still able to live a life with God - the past does not matter and people can still pursue Jesus
What is something Christianity offers?
Liberation - a reason why minorities flocked to it in the early church
Beatitudes
‘Blessed are the poor in spirit… blessed are those who are persecuted’, Matthew 5:3-10.
- Marginalised and persecuted are loved
Paul’s missions (inclusion of Gentiles) - Development
- Paul’s three missionary journeys showed the practical immersion of believing in Jesus
- Visited many churches and established communities that brought people together in the body of Christ (Romans 7:4). This included the GENTILES
- Fundamental action fostered inclusivity and unity of believers
- Adherents learn to unite in the common factor of loving God
- ‘There is neither Jew nor Gentile… for you are all one in Christ Jesus’. - Galatians 3:28
- “Reconciliation with God through Christ means reconciliation with one another, however different.” - William Campbell, Unity and Diversity in Christ.
- Multi-ethnic diverse nature of Paul’s theology
Contemporary application of Paul’s inclusion of Gentiles
- The ‘brokenness in the world’ can be via the hostility of certain groups
- Paul challenges this concept through the death and resurrection of Jesus, conveying that humans should be able to imitate love towards one another.
- The commandments of love declare this idea, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’, Matthew 22:39.
Paul’s doctrines of salvation
(Saved by Grace)
- Fundamental doctrine in Paul’s theology ‘Saved by Grace’
- It is the gift from God that occurs…
‘Through faith in Christ and not by our own efforts’, Ephesians 2:8-9 - Purely from His goodness and virtue
Paul’s dedication to the gospels
Paul was persecuted for following God instead of other Roman Gods/emperor
- Provides hope and courage for Christians who were persecuted at the time
- Writing from oppression –> encourages Christian communities to continue their faith
- ‘…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances’ (Philippians 4:11-13)
- Through hardships, Paul continued following God
- “No other person other than Paul is more formidable when it came to defending the gospel.” - Christian Theologian N.T. Wright
Contemporary example of Paul’s salvation
The Protestant Reformation (led by Martin Luther), aimed to separate from the Catholic church to better focus on the doctrine of ‘salvation through grace alone’.
- Created Christian denominations
- The Lutheran Church denomination believe, ‘by grace, for Christ’s sake, through faith’ - PAUL’S KEY DOCTRINE
Contemporary example of Paul’s dedication to the gospel
- Paul’s dedication inspires Christians to be committed to God
- Mission Australia is a national Christian organisation that are dedicated to serving people and communities in need
- The Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI), assists people 16 years and older with severe mental health issues
