Many have written about the apostle Paul and his teaching. This group of studies focus on Paul's journey, from his childhood to his conversion, calling, and subsequent missionary activities. We’ll look at the highs, lows, and struggles of his life, people he met, and issues he addressed, and consider his legacy.
Along the way, there’s a name change from Saul to Paul, but as we’ll be looking at a variety of Scripture passages, we will simply refer to him as Paul from the start.
As to the number of missionary journeys undertaken by Paul, commentators vary from 3 to many. For this reason, we shall take a relaxed viewpoint, considering that Paul’s journey began, as it does for us all, in his childhood. Paul's race, background, education, religion, and position in society all contributed to his growth and development before his conversion on the road to Damascus.
Paul wrote to the churches on the importance of faith in Jesus, salvation through grace, the Holy Spirit's presence in believer’s lives, and the firm hope of Jesus' return.
‘But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.’ (Ephesians 2:4,5)
‘The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.’ (2 Corinthians 13:14)
‘For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.’ (1 Corinthians 12:13)
‘I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.’ (Romans 8:19-21)
‘For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.’ (1 Corinthians 15:21,22)
The study is formatted such that each individual study can be printed off on 2 double-sided sheets of A4 for distribution to a group.
The five studies have enough material to keep a group going for an evening, and there's opportunities to think about mission as we look at Paul's own experiences during his journeying.
Introduction
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View a sample from the book (pdf) via
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©John Birch · Prayers written by the author may be copied freely for worship. If reproduced elsewhere please acknowledge author/website
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