Topical Bible: Prophets: Paul

◄ Prophets: Paul ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction

Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, is one of the most influential figures in the New Testament and a pivotal prophet in the early Christian Church. His epistles form a significant portion of the New Testament, providing theological insights and practical guidance for Christian living. Paul's life and ministry are chronicled primarily in the Acts of the Apostles and his own letters.

Background and Conversion

Paul was born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, and was a Roman citizen by birth (Acts 22:28). He was a Pharisee, educated under Gamaliel, a respected teacher of the law (Acts 22:3). Initially, Paul was a zealous persecutor of Christians, believing he was upholding Jewish law (Philippians 3:5-6). His life changed dramatically on the road to Damascus, where he encountered the risen Christ. This event is described in Acts 9:3-6: "As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?' 'Who are You, Lord?' Saul asked. 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' He replied."

Missionary Journeys and Ministry

Following his conversion, Paul became a fervent missionary, spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles. He embarked on several missionary journeys, establishing churches throughout the Roman Empire. His travels are detailed in the Acts of the Apostles, where he is depicted as a tireless servant of Christ, enduring hardships and persecution for the sake of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 11:23-27).

Paul's ministry was marked by his deep theological insights and his ability to articulate the core tenets of the Christian faith. He emphasized salvation by grace through faith, the centrality of the resurrection, and the unity of believers in Christ. His letters to the early churches, such as Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, and Ephesians, address both doctrinal issues and practical matters of church life.

Theological Contributions

Paul's writings have profoundly shaped Christian theology. In Romans, he expounds on the doctrine of justification by faith, stating, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). In 1 Corinthians, he addresses the resurrection, affirming its centrality to the Christian faith: "And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is worthless, and so is your faith" (1 Corinthians 15:14).

Paul also speaks to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers, as seen in Galatians 5:22-23, where he lists the fruit of the Spirit. His teachings on the Church as the body of Christ emphasize the diversity and unity of believers, as articulated in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.

Legacy and Influence

Paul's influence extends beyond his writings. His life exemplifies the transformative power of the Gospel, as he moved from persecutor to apostle. His teachings continue to be foundational for Christian doctrine and practice. Paul's emphasis on grace, faith, and the universality of the Gospel message has had a lasting impact on Christianity, shaping its development and expansion throughout history.

Conclusion

Paul's role as a prophet and apostle is integral to understanding the New Testament and the early Church. His life and writings offer profound insights into the nature of God, the work of Christ, and the life of faith. Through his letters, Paul continues to speak to believers, encouraging them to live out their faith with conviction and love.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists.
... great part of it. These are apostles, prophets, and evangelists. Paul mentions
them together in this order. [700] But the prophecy ...
/.../section 60 apostles prophets evangelists.htm

Another Instance of Marcion's Tampering with St. Paul's Text the ...
... Paul's Text The Fulness of Time, Announced by the Apostle, Foretold by the
Prophets. Mosaic Rites Abrogated by the Creator Himself. ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter iv another instance of marcions.htm

The First Epistle to the Thessalonians the Shorter Epistles ...
... and Very Valuable. St. Paul Upbraids the Jews for the Death First of Their
Prophets and Then of Christ. This a Presumption that ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xv the first epistle to.htm

Paul Before Felix
... For what has Paul cast away in becoming a Christian? Not the worship of the God
of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob, not the law, not the prophets, not the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/paul before felix.htm

Prophets in their Country.
... who showed before of the coming of the Righteous one?" [5273] And by Paul in the ...
did of the Jews, who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drave ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/18 prophets in their country.htm

St. Paul Quite in Accordance with St. Peter and Other Apostles of ...
... Yet Its Teaching is Shown to Be in Keeping with the Law and the Prophets.
Marcion's Tampering with St. Paul's Writings Censured. ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter iii st paul quite in.htm

Inviolable Messiahs and Prophets
... and God says to every thing and person, Death included, 'Do My prophets no harm ... Peter
and his brother Paul had both to bow their necks to the headsman's sword ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/inviolable messiahs and prophets.htm

How the Prophets and Holy Men of the Old Testament Knew the Things ...
... what proceeded from their own mouths, then the prophets knew what was made manifest
to the Apostles. But to many it was not revealed, as Paul says, [4821] "In ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/2 how the prophets and.htm

Paul Writes to his Friends in Corinth
... Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and ... And God gave
each his proper place in the church: apostles first, prophets next, teachers ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/paul writes to his friends 2.htm

The Last Glimpse of Paul
... Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning ... And when
they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the last glimpse of paul.htm