REL3034
Journeys of Paul
The course is an introduction to the Apostle Paul as described in the New Testament book called Acts, including his background, conversion experience, introduction to the Jerusalem church leaders, missionary journeys, core message, and insights from select epistles.
UPON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, THE STUDENT WILL BE COMPETENT IN:
- Discussing the personal background of Saul of Tarsus, both as a Jew and as a Roman citizen.
- Discussing the details and implications of Saul’s conversion experience.
- Tracing significant events and places in Paul’s first mission journey.
- Analyzing the significance of the Jerusalem Council as recorded in Acts 15.
- Comparing Paul’s reflections on the Jerusalem council in his Epistle to the Galatians.
- Explaining Paul’s theology of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in contrast with the Law of Moses.
- Identifying co-workers in Paul’s ministry, especially Barnabas, Silas, John Mark, Luke, Timothy, Priscilla and Aquila, and Apollos.
- Tracing key places and events in Paul’s second journey.
- Describing the significance of ancient cities where Paul established churches such as Ephesus, Corinth, Thessalonica, and Athens.
- Identifying the Gallio Inscription and explaining its significance in dating events in the first century church and the ministry of Paul.
- Tracing key places and events in Paul’s third journey.
- Describing the events leading up to Paul’s arrest and his voyage to Rome.
- Discussing the impact of Paul’s work and theology on the development of Christianity.
- Engaging the debate as to whether Paul made a complete break with Judaism, or simply refrained from imposing Jewish customs upon Gentile Christians.
- Assessing possible dates and places of writing of various epistles, especially the so-called Prison Epistles.
- Noting and weighing reasons for challenging Pauline authorship of the Pastoral Epistles.