Reflective Paper-Paul Revisited Assignment

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Liberty University *

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515

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Religion

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Dec 6, 2023

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Reflective Paper: Paul Revisited Assignment Andrew Pedde NBST 520: New Testament Orientation II August 13, 2023
Contents Introduction…………………………………………………………………………… .... 3 Re-Assessment of Paul……………………………………………………….…………..4 The Current Perspective on Paul…………………………………………………………6 The Summary of Paul’s Life ……………………………………………………………..7 Paul’s Letters ……………………………………………………………………………..8 Paul’s Theology …………………………………………………………………………..11 Paul’s Significance in the Church Today ………………………………...………………12 Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………...………...13 Bibliography …………………………………………………………………..………….15 ii
Introduction Saul of Tarsus, more commonly recognized as Paul the Apostle, emerged as a significant figure in the formative years of Christianity, and his influence resonates within the modern Church. Hailing from Tarsus in Cilicia, situated in Asia Minor, he embodied the identity of a Greek-speaking Jew. While his occupation was that of a tentmaker, his spiritual journey led him towards the path of a Pharisee, demonstrating a fervent commitment to upholding the tenets of the Mosaic law as outlined in the Torah. 1 In a curious twist, Paul's initial endeavors were not aligned with the burgeoning Christian movement. Instead, he was an active persecutor of early adherents of this radical faith, whose novel interpretations clashed with the established Jewish customs and regulations predating the advent of Christ. This intricate interplay of pre-Christ Jewish traditions and the emerging Christian paradigm formed the backdrop against which Paul's transformative odyssey played out. Following his travels along the road to Damascus, his fervent campaign of persecution experienced an abrupt and transformative interruption. It was during this pivotal journey that Paul encountered a vision that metaphorically instigated an instantaneous recalibration of his theological perspective. The ninth chapter of the Book of Acts unveils a profound moment wherein Jesus Himself visited Paul, who had once been fervently zealous in his pursuits. This divine encounter fundamentally altered the trajectory of his life's purpose. Once notorious for his zealous endeavors aimed at disbanding the burgeoning church and eradicating its Christian adherents, Paul underwent an astonishing metamorphosis. His mission took an astonishing turn as he transitioned from a role of dismantling to one of construction, 1 Robert W. Yarbrough and Walter A. Elwell. Encountering the New Testament: A Historical and Theological Survey. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2013), 236. iii
dedicating himself to the establishment of the church and the nurturing of individuals into devoted disciples of Christ. He convened with fellow apostles in Jerusalem before embarking on journeys that resulted in the foundation of numerous churches, ultimately solidifying his profound impact on both the New Testament and the Christian belief system. Among the invaluable contributions attributed to Paul are the epistolary works encompassing Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Thessalonians, and Philemon, among others. His legacy is notably marked by a conversion narrative of remarkable resonance – a journey from his ignominious role as a chief persecutor vehemently orchestrating the eradication of Christians, to his ascendancy as a pivotal figure and guiding light, entrusted with the task of disseminating the gospel's transformative message to multitudes. This profound transformation, encapsulated within his life's trajectory, stands as an enduring testament to the redemptive power of faith. The narrative arc of Paul's evolution serves as a testament to the resilience of human potential, illustrating how the most ardent adversaries can evolve into impassioned advocates, emboldened by an unwavering commitment to their newfound purpose. Re-Assessment of Paul Upon careful examination of the course video report assignment, Paul's perspective gains a heightened clarity. In a manner akin to acquainting oneself with a new companion, delving into his narrative allows for the expansion of perspective and comprehension. Strikingly, the video seemed to devote a significant portion of its content to revisiting the events that transpired in Paul's life, rather than emphasizing his subsequent actions and responses. Within the narrative framework, Paul's experiences encompassed receiving a divine vision, enduring blindness, iv
enduring torture, imprisonment, and mockery. However, it is crucial to recognize that the crux of significance lies in Paul's reactions and conduct in the face of these tribulations. In the crucible of life-threatening circumstances that imperiled his existence and freedom, Paul's indomitable determination and steadfast refusal to yield emerge as exemplary qualities. His resolute stance serves as a beacon of inspiration for fellow believers, urging them to maintain unshakable confidence in the gospel's veracity, regardless of the toll it might exact. It's somewhat lamentable that the video did not adequately underscore the extensive scope of Paul's missions and letters, which hold monumental significance within the context of the Christian faith. Paul's ardent endeavors in constructing churches hold an integral role in the dissemination and unity of the global Church. His epistles, intricate guides for navigating the complexities of life within a unified Church, offer invaluable counsel. Unfortunately, these contributions were not given their due attention in the video. Additionally, the video appeared to downplay the profound import of Paul's conversion, a transformative event that liberated him from his past wrongdoings and facilitated reconciliation with God through Christ. Although the extent of Paul's acquaintance with Christ during His earthly ministry remains uncertain, it's evident that Paul's acknowledgment of Christ's sovereignty materialized during his transformative encounter on the Road to Damascus. This radical shift in perspective was inextricably tied to his subsequent radical mission. Paul stands as a living testament to the profound metamorphosis believers undergo upon embracing Christ as their Savior. Yet, communicating this transformation to those who were familiar with Paul prior to his encounter with Jesus proved challenging. The profundity of Paul's mission to propagate the gospel, along with his resolute assertion that salvation is rooted solely in faith and cannot be attained through merit, engendered friction with his erstwhile legalistic v
Jewish colleagues. This friction intensified when Paul expanded his teachings to encompass the inclusion of Gentiles in the sphere of salvation. The Current Perspective on Paul Before delving into an in-depth exploration of Paul's life and teachings, he initially appeared as an almost unapproachable figure leading a significant breakaway from Judaism. It appears his mission was rooted in proving the redundancy of Jewish law and persuading all to embrace Christianity wholeheartedly. At a surface level, it might have seemed that Paul was advocating for a departure from meticulous rituals and deep-rooted traditions. However, upon closer examination, it becomes evident that Paul's purpose extended beyond apparent divides, aiming to unite both Gentiles and Jews under a common banner. Paul's approach, revealed through thorough examination, was characterized by a delicate balance: he sought to uphold Jewish practices for those of Jewish heritage while concurrently fostering inclusivity among Gentiles. He envisioned a scenario where Gentiles could partake in the communal essence of the faith without being obligated to adhere to every intricacy of the stringent Jewish way of life prescribed by the Mosaic law. While Gentiles were extended an invitation to join in the collective spiritual journey, it was not made mandatory for the purpose of salvation. This nuanced perspective finds resonance in Mark Nanos' elucidation within "Four Views on the Apostle Paul," where he portrays Paul as not critically opposed to Judaism but rather dedicated to assisting non-Jewish individuals in navigating their role within the Jewish communal existence. 2 Paul's leadership during the exponential expansion of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire was undeniably impactful. In "Legacy Leadership: The Leadership Wisdom of the 2 Michael F. Bird and Thomas R. Schreiner. Four Views on the Apostle Paul . (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012), 190. vi
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