Introduction
Due to his influence in establishing Christianity, Paul the Apostle is consider by some scholars to be one of the most influential early Christian missionaries. In addition, later generations viewed him as the first and greatest Christian theologian due to his commitment to his calling. It was that same dedication to spreading the Gospel that he used in his times as a persecutor of Christians. He was born in the city of Tarsus in Cilicia, a major Roman city, hence was a Roman citizen. However his citizenship status is debatable for only a few Jew were able to possess it. Many scholars believe that Paul's ancestors were among the Jews the Roman General Pompey took to Tarsus in 63 BCE. Some were likely given their freedom, and citizenship, at a later date. In addition to his Roman citizenship, he was a Hellenist, that is one who spoke, taught and in Greek and believed to speak Aramaic and possibly Latin. Also, he saw it as a part of his calling to also express his faith in writing, instruct others about it, and was also devoted to what he was called to do.
Such gifts mentioned above qualified him to spread Christianity outside of the Palestine for it was …show more content…
His conversion was not from Judaism, but from what he came to regard as an outmoded for of it, to what he believed was its true fulfillment. Paul believes that Israel is and remains the recipient of God’s covenant blessing. Israel is the vehicle of God’s saving purpose. However, Israel who continues to define itself in the traditional terms of the law, that which separates them from other nations, is thereby failing to appreciate the role of the law. They fail to appreciate that the law is to be understood in terms of faith and in relation to Christ. Hence he believes, that righteousness is by faith in Jesus Christ and not by works of law whether one is Jewish or Gentile; one is a true descendant of Abraham who belongs to Christ, not
Due to his influence in establishing Christianity, Paul the Apostle is consider by some scholars to be one of the most influential early Christian missionaries. In addition, later generations viewed him as the first and greatest Christian theologian due to his commitment to his calling. It was that same dedication to spreading the Gospel that he used in his times as a persecutor of Christians. He was born in the city of Tarsus in Cilicia, a major Roman city, hence was a Roman citizen. However his citizenship status is debatable for only a few Jew were able to possess it. Many scholars believe that Paul's ancestors were among the Jews the Roman General Pompey took to Tarsus in 63 BCE. Some were likely given their freedom, and citizenship, at a later date. In addition to his Roman citizenship, he was a Hellenist, that is one who spoke, taught and in Greek and believed to speak Aramaic and possibly Latin. Also, he saw it as a part of his calling to also express his faith in writing, instruct others about it, and was also devoted to what he was called to do.
Such gifts mentioned above qualified him to spread Christianity outside of the Palestine for it was …show more content…
His conversion was not from Judaism, but from what he came to regard as an outmoded for of it, to what he believed was its true fulfillment. Paul believes that Israel is and remains the recipient of God’s covenant blessing. Israel is the vehicle of God’s saving purpose. However, Israel who continues to define itself in the traditional terms of the law, that which separates them from other nations, is thereby failing to appreciate the role of the law. They fail to appreciate that the law is to be understood in terms of faith and in relation to Christ. Hence he believes, that righteousness is by faith in Jesus Christ and not by works of law whether one is Jewish or Gentile; one is a true descendant of Abraham who belongs to Christ, not