Topical Bible: Faith: Paul

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Apostle Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, is one of the most significant figures in the New Testament regarding the doctrine of faith. His epistles provide a comprehensive theological framework for understanding faith in the life of a believer. Paul's teachings on faith are foundational to Christian doctrine and have been pivotal in shaping Christian thought throughout history.

Conversion and Early Ministry

Paul's journey of faith began dramatically on the road to Damascus, as recorded in Acts 9:1-19. Initially a zealous persecutor of Christians, Paul encountered the risen Christ, which led to his conversion. This transformative experience marked the beginning of his mission to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. In Galatians 1:23, Paul reflects on his conversion, stating, "They only heard the account: 'The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.'"

Justification by Faith

Central to Paul's theology is the doctrine of justification by faith. In his letter to the Romans, Paul articulates that righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the law. Romans 3:28 states, "For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law." This principle is further emphasized in Galatians 2:16, where Paul writes, "Know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ."

Faith and the Law

Paul addresses the relationship between faith and the Mosaic Law extensively. In Galatians 3:24-25, he explains, "So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian." Paul argues that the law served a purpose in guiding people to Christ, but faith in Christ supersedes the law as the means of justification.

Faith and Works

While Paul emphasizes justification by faith, he also acknowledges the role of works as evidence of genuine faith. In Ephesians 2:8-10, he writes, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life." Here, Paul clarifies that while salvation is a gift of grace through faith, it results in a life characterized by good works.

Faith and the Spirit

Paul also connects faith with the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. In Galatians 3:2-5, he questions the Galatians, "Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?" Paul emphasizes that the Spirit is received through faith, and it is by the Spirit that believers live out their faith.

The Faithfulness of God

Paul's writings frequently highlight the faithfulness of God as the foundation for the believer's faith. In 1 Corinthians 1:9, he assures the Corinthians, "God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful." This assurance of God's faithfulness undergirds the believer's trust and reliance on Him.

Faith as a Shield

In Ephesians 6:16, Paul describes faith as a shield in the armor of God: "In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." Here, faith is portrayed as a defensive weapon, protecting believers from spiritual attacks.

Faith and Hope

Paul often links faith with hope, as seen in Hebrews 11:1, "Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." Although the authorship of Hebrews is debated, this verse encapsulates a theme prevalent in Paul's writings: faith as the assurance and conviction of things hoped for, rooted in the promises of God.

Paul's teachings on faith have profoundly influenced Christian theology, emphasizing that faith is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative trust in Jesus Christ that results in a life of obedience and good works. His epistles continue to be a source of deep theological insight and practical guidance for believers seeking to live out their faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

2210. zemioo -- to damage, suffer loss
... 2210 ("experience loss") is pointedly used in Phil 3:8. Here Paul shares the ... eternal
significance in every scene of life by living in faith ("His inworked ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2210.htm - 8k

5250. huperpleonazo -- to abound exceedingly
... Here Paul testifies of the Lord's grace, causing and in his life to (be ... more than"),
5250 ("makes ") expresses the way God will inbirth faith, through divine ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5250.htm - 7k

Library

The Gentile Christian Theology. Paul and the Gospel of Faith.
... CHAPTER XI. THEOLOGY OF THE APOSTOLIC CHURCH. Section 71. The Gentile Christian
Theology. Paul and the Gospel of Faith. (See the Lit. in Sec. 29, pp.280 sqq.) ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 71 the gentile christian.htm

Prayer and Faith (Continued)
... Paul's tribute to the Thessalonians was, that their faith grew exceedingly.
Faith is increased by exercise, by being put into use. ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/ii prayer and faith continued.htm

Peaceable Principles and True: Or, a Brief Answer to Mr. D'Anver's ...
... MR. D'ANVER'S AND MR. PAUL'S BOOKS AGAINST MY CONFESSION OF FAITH, AND
DIFFERENCES IN JUDGMENT ABOUT BAPTISM NO BAR TO COMMUNION. ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/peaceable principles and true or.htm

The Apostle Paul.
... Before his conversion to the faith of Christ, Paul was called Saul, and he persecuted
the Christians, believing that they were doing wickedly and that he ought ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/wee ones bible stories/the apostle paul.htm

Paul Writes to his Friends at Thessalonica
... Paul and Silas and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians which lives in ... for
we constantly remember before our God and Father your active faith and loving ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/paul writes to his friends.htm

The Future of Christ's Kingdom First Group of Epistles the First ...
... An account of Paul's care and anxiety for the church. Paul's prayer for their
establishment in the faith of Jesus Christ. Exhortation ...
/.../sell/bible studies in the life of paul/study vii the future of 2.htm

Saving Faith
... that the long intercourse of Luke with the apostle Paul led him not only to receive
the great doctrine of justification by faith which Paul so plainly taught ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/saving faith.htm

Paul and Barnabas in Foreign Lands
... As this man listened to Paul's preaching, the apostle fixed his eyes on him and,
seeing that he had faith enough to make him well, said in a loud voice, "Stand ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/paul and barnabas in foreign.htm

Paul Writes to his Friends in Corinth
... Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and brother ... of
our Lord Jesus Christ I beg of you all to agree in your statement of faith. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/paul writes to his friends 2.htm

Paul Speratus
... So a hymn by [62]Paul Speratus, the chaplain of the Duke of Prussia, which begins"
Es ist das Heil uns kommen her. ... Faith looks to Jesus Christ alone,. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/winkworth/christian singers of germany/paul speratus.htm