HSC SOR 1 Unit - Paul of Tarsus

There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, ... for ... all [are] one in Christ Jesus

Quote for Paul's contribution to Christianity in relation to his Apostleship to the Gentiles (Gal 3)

God made Christ, who never sinned to be the offering of our sin, so that we could be made right with God

Quote for Paul's contribution to Christianity in relation to his 13 Epistles (2 Cor 5)

The righteous man find[s] life through faith

Quote for Paul's contribution to Christianity in relation to his 13 Epistles (Gal 5)

[All] are freed from the guilt of sin by faith alone

Quote for Paul's contribution to Christianity in relation to his 13 Epistles (Romans 5)

Go in peace glorifying the Lord by [their] life

Quote for Paul's impact on Christianity in relation to all Christians being called to live as missionaries

In one spirit we [are] all baptised into one body

Quote for Paul's impact on Christianity in relation to the inclusive nature of Baptism (1 Cor 12)

We, though many, are one body in Christ

Quote for Paul's impact on Christianity in relation to the inclusive nature of the Eucharist (Romans 12)

Hellenistic

relating to Greek history, language, and culture

rhetoric

the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing

zealous

having or showing zeal; fervent, fiery, ardent

persecute

subject (someone) to hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of their race or political or religious beliefs.

Pharisee

a member of an ancient Jewish sect, distinguished by strict observance of the traditional and written law, and commonly held to have pretensions to superior sanctity.

martyr

a person who is killed because of their religious or other beliefs.

Sanhedrin

the supreme council and tribunal of the Jews headed by a High Priest and having religious, civil, and criminal jurisdiction.

conversion

the fact of changing one's religion or beliefs or the action of persuading someone else to change theirs.

gentile

not Jewish

pagan

a person holding religious beliefs other than those of the main world religions.

Opening Sentence

Paul of Tarsus is an important figure for all denominations of Christianity whose contribution both as a missionary and theologian is extensive.

Verse about imitating Jesus

1 Corinthians 11:1 "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."

Paul's challenge to include Gentiles

Paul transformed Christianity into a universal faith, rather than just a sect of Judaism by challenging the first followers of Jesus to accept Gentiles as well as Jews into the community of the faithful.

Galatians 3:28

"Gentile or Jew, servant or free... you are all one in Christ"

When did Paul confront the Council of Jerusalem?

c.50 CE, Acts 15:19

Amy Jill-Levine

"It is because of Paul that the worship of the God of Israel actually made it out to the Gentile world."

Missionary work

Paul's extensive missionary work through the Hellenic world, preaching salvation through Jesus, also greatly contributed to the development of Christianity.

Romans 15:20

"It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known"

M: Paul's Writings

During his life, Paul of Tarsus wrote many epistles to provide guidance to early church communities. These writings, which later came to form a significant part of the New Testament, provided the foundation of what was to become Christian doctrine and ethical teaching.

Paul's writings (expression)

Paul's writings have also significantly impacted the way in which Christians practice their faith.

Eucharist verse

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Baptism verse (importance as an initiation ceremony)

Romans 6:3-4

'love is patient and kind..."

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Theological teachings

Paul's theological teachings were one of his greatest contributions to Christianity. His teachings on resurrection and salvation were particularly influential in the course of history and in the development of Protestant thinking.

Galatians 2:16

"A person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ"

1st sentence of conclusion

Paul of Tarsus' extraordinary work as a teacher, theologian, missionary, writer and rebel in challenging the early church to make Christianity inclusive contributed greatly to development and expression of Christianity as a living religious system.

What was Paul's contribution?

Missionary journeys, Epistles, Council of Jerusalem

How did Paul's contribution contribute to a living and dynamic religion?

allowed an expression of beliefs, influenced belief systems, individuals and societies

What were the Pauline Epistles or Letters written for?

These letters were written to help the new Christian communities overcome theological concerns and realise how to live a Christian life in the varied cultures of the Mediterranean as Jew or Gentile. Paul's letters helped, supported, encouraged and inspired the communities and interpreted Jesus' teachings.

Paul as a missionary- where did he establish Christian communities?

In key cities such as Rome, Ephesus and Corinth. This spread Christianity further than Jerusalem and Antioch. Once Paul set up a community, he would guide them so they could spread Christianity to others. He visited many seaports to spread the word of Jesus.

Paul's writings are foundational to which rites?

Baptism (initiation) and Eucharist (memorial of Jesus' breaking of bread).

What is Paul's contribution to the development of Christianity?

Reform (inclusion of Gentiles). Reinterpretation (clarified and codified teachings on what was needed for membership of the Christian community). Expansion (spread to the Hellenic community the message and teachings of Jesus Christ)

1 Corinthians 13:1. "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." Which key ethical teaching is this?

The importance of love. This passage clarifies LOVE as the key ethical teaching for Christians as more important than the observance of LAW.

1 Corinthians 12:13 "For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body- whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free- and we were all give the one Spirit to drink." Which key ethical teaching is this?

We are equal. Baptism is the visible sign of this membership and Paul makes reference to the community as 'one body'. This defines the importance of COMMUNITY and BAPTISM as a sign of membership of the community.

What did Paul do at the Council of Jerusalem?

Paul challenged the leadership of the Jesus movement to allow Gentiles/new converts to be Christians without following the Laws of Moses.

Galatians 5:14 'The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbour as yourself."' Which key ethical teaching is this?

ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR for Christians. The commandment to love your neighbour summed up all Christ's teaching into an ethical way of acting with all people. It challenged Jewish laws such as those found in the Torah that included 613 mitzvot (rules) for living a good life. It offers 'freedom' from these rules but 'responsibility' to care for others.

1 Corinthians 6:19 "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own." Key ethical teaching?

This outlines the MORAL GUIDELINES for Christians. The passage indicates that one must care for oneself as you are God's creation and that gift should be respected. This aspect of the Holy Spirit is evident in a number of passages about how Christians are empowered/strengthened by their faith.

What is Paul's teaching on resurrection?

It explained that Jesus Christ through his death and resurrection offered SALVATION for all who believed.