Paul and Pauline

Paul

Originally known as Saul; an influential apostle and missionary who spread Christianity among the Gentiles.

Epistles

Letters written by Paul addressing specific issues within the early Christian communities.

Gamaliel

A highly respected rabbi under whom Paul studied Jewish law.

Road to Damascus

The event where Paul experienced a vision of Jesus, leading to his conversion.

Parousia

The term referring to the arrival of Jesus or a royal figure, particularly significant in Christian eschatology.

Judaizers

A group of people who insisted that Gentile Christians must follow Jewish law.

Pseudonymity

The practice of writing under a false name, common in ancient times, often to honor a teacher.

Amanuensis

A secretary or scribe who dictated letters on behalf of the writer.

Galatians

A letter where Paul addresses issues within the diverse churches of the Galatia region.

1 Corinthians

Paul's letter addressing divisions and various issues within the church of Corinth.

2 Corinthians

A composite letter reflecting Paul's complex relationship with the church in Corinth.

Romans

Paul's most comprehensive letter, discussing the nature of the gospel and its implications for both Jewish and Gentile Christians.

The Pauline Epistles

Thirteen letters attributed to Paul, forming a significant part of the New Testament.

Gnosticism

An early Christian heresy advocating secret knowledge and viewing the material world as evil.

Philippians

A letter characterized by joy and gratitude, written by Paul to the church in Philippi.

Philemon

A letter addressing an individual about treating the runaway slave Onesimus as a fellow believer.

1 Thessalonians

Paul’s first epistle, providing guidance and addressing theological questions after some believers' deaths.

Ephesians

A letter with disputed authorship, focusing on the church's role in God's plan.

1 & 2 Timothy

Letters generally regarded as pseudonymous, targeting issues of church leadership and false teaching.

Timothy

A companion of Paul who was a recipient of Pauline letters regarding church leadership.

Theological significance of Paul's letters

Paul emphasized salvation by faith and the transformative power of grace, particularly for Gentiles.

Beheading by Nero

Traditionally, this is how Paul is believed to have died around 64 CE, as a martyr.

Christian theology

The study of Christian beliefs, significantly influenced by Paul's teachings.

Soteriology

A branch of theology concerning the nature of salvation, emphasized in Paul's epistles.

Galatian churches

Communities founded by Paul, which struggled with the relationship between Jewish law and faith in Christ.

Paul's conversion

A pivotal experience where Paul, originally a persecutor of Christians, became a major Christian apostle.

Structure of Paul's letters

Typically includes a greeting, a prayer of thanksgiving, the body addressing specific issues, and closing remarks.