The Life of Paul
Acts and the Letters
Life Prior to Conversion – Acts 22:3-5, 1 Corinthians 15:9, Galatians 1:13-14
Encounter with Jesus (36 AD) – Acts 22:6-16, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, Galatians 1:15-17.
Apostleship
Three Missionary Journeys
Final Arrest, Imprisonment and Execution (58-64 AD)
Background for Romans
Paul’s only Letter to a church he had never visited.
Purpose of the letter – introduction, support-raising for a mission to Spain.
What is Paul’s gospel?
Outline of Romans
Introduction – Romans 1:1-17
Universal nature of sin (Jews and Gentiles) – Romans 1:18-3:20
Justification by Faith, not by Law – Romans 3:21-5:21
Living under Grace – Romans 6:1-8:39
The Problem of Non-Christian Jews – Romans 9-11
Our Response to Grace (Sanctification) – Romans 12-15:13
Conclusion – Romans 15:14-16:27
Major/Relevant Themes of Romans
The Roots of Sin
Homosexuality
Justification by Faith, not by Works
Original Sin
What good is the Old Testament?
Sin in the Christian life
Predestination
Jews and Christianity
Obedience to the Government
Differences between Christian individuals and churches
Questions for Reflection
Central to Paul’s theology is the assertion that we are saved by faith, not by works. This distinguishes Christianity from all other faith traditions. We are not “religion.” What practical applications does this idea have for your daily life?
How do we as Christians wrestle with the sin that is still present in our lives, and at the same time, believe that we are sinless before God? Are you more likely to over-stigmatize your sin and ignore the forgiveness of God, or are you inclined to excuse your own in-excusable behavior because you undervalue holiness?
Do you consider yourself to be a “strong” Christian or a “weak” Christian? What does that even mean? Who are you called to mentor, and who are you called to learn from?