1. Introduction to the Pauline Epistles

3. The Life of St Paul can be described by 3 missionary journeys all described in the book of Acts. 2Corinthians 11:22-29

4. St Paul’s Missionary Journeys

5. 1st missionary journey 46-48AD Major event:
In 51 AD, Saint Paul took part in the Apostolic Council in Jerusalem in ACTS 15 where he opposed the necessity for gentile Christians to follow the traditions of Mosaic law (circumcision)

6. 1st Missionary Journey

7. 2nd Missionary Journey The second journey lasted from 49-52AD
Found in Acts 16-17
crossed over to Macedonia, where he founded congregations in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea
In Lystra, Saint Paul gained his favorite disciple Timothy, and from Troas he continued the journey with the recently joined Apostle Luke

9. 3rd missionary journey Took place from 53 to 58AD
stopping at Ephesus, where he preached daily for two years in the school of Tyrannus
He wrote his letter to the Galatians and his 1st letter to the Corinthians
Wrote epistles to the Romans

10. St Paul’s 3rd missionary Journey

11. Chief Epistles Romans (ch. 12-16)
Book about righteousness through practice and living by faith
Key verse: Romans 1:16-17
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
The message: to address the conflict between the Jews and the converts into Christianity
Addresses those who demand that the Jewish religion be adopted, than practical living
(ch )

12. 1st Corinthians 2nd Corinthians
The focal point is Our Lord Jesus Christ
Lived among the Corinthians for 18 months 53 AD (written 57 AD)
Message: Addresses divisions among them- Ch.1- 4, Moral decline, social problems, worship problems, afterlife
2nd Corinthians
Few months after previous letter
Message: See the life of service in St Paul
Ch. 4,6, 11 explains sufferings
Defended his apostleship – Apostolic succession

13. Message: Addressing the call to adopt Judaism
Galatians: The Law and the New Life
Written: either following 2nd missionary journey (55AD) or during the 3rd missionary journey
Message: Addressing the call to adopt Judaism
Addresses faith in the cross and to enter into new life

14. Prison Epistles Ephesians: The Church the Body of Christ
Message: Being rich in Christ; the Mystery of Christ and the Church, unity with Christ and in the church
Church founded by St Paul on second missionary journey in 54 AD
Very mature church
Philippians: Joy
Written: 63 AD during his first imprisonment
This church is the first church in Europe established in 52 AD
Was imprisoned with Silas
Message: to thank them for their love for sending a gift, and to address their sorrow

15. Colossians: Christ the head of the church- Most likely never visited
Church established by Epaphras
Message: addressing heresies (worship of angels), spiritual maturity
Philemon: Christian Conduct
Later became bishop of Colosse
Message: Christian spiritual behavior, wisdom, and Fatherhood
To Philemon to receive his former salve Onesimus who had previously stolen from him

16. Eschatological Epistles
1 Thessalonians: The Second Coming of Christ
The first of his writings: written around AD
Church was established during his 2nd missionary journey
Message: Persecuted church so he wanted to comfort them with the Second Coming of Christ
Because he sent Timothy to them, he addressed his fatherhood to them so they don’t feel neglect
2 Thessalonians: Victory of the son of Perdition (Antichrist)
Written a few months after 1st letter
Message: to correct misunderstanding of His 2nd Coming; that’s why he tells them about the coming first of the antichrist

17. Pastoral Epistles 1 Timothy: Conduct of the Servant 2 Timothy
Written after first imprisonment (64-65AD)
Message: Discipleship to St Timothy who was Greek
2 Timothy
Written during imprisonment shortly before his death 67-68AD
Message: to get Timothy to come quickly along with St Mark
For entire struggling church to endure with patience and strength

18. Titus: Ecclesiastical Work
Written 63-64AD after his first captivity
To address false teachers and corruption, people who are trying to call people to adopt Judaism
Hebrews: Christ the Holiest of All
He didn’t mention his name so Jewish fanatics wouldn’t be driven away
Message: written to comfort Christians coming from Jewish origins who were kicked out of the synagogue and forbidden from the Jewish priesthood/Christ’s work as priest in heaven