According to ACTS, Paul’s mission to Europe began with a vision of a man urging Paul to come to Macedonia to help them with the Christian message. Paul’s first stop was the city of Philippi and then Thessalonica. There, Paul … Continue reading
Category Archives: A Look at the New Testament
In the canon, that is the actual writings that are accepted as inspired and a part of the New Testament, the thirteen letters attributed to Paul are basically organized according to two principles: (1) the letters addressed to communities, whether … Continue reading
Paul’s communities were not only small but deeply committed and intentional. To become part of one was a serious undertaking. Jesus had been condemned and executed by Rome. Joining this movement meant risk – to call Jesus Lord and Son … Continue reading
Paul’s communities were not primarily intended for the practice of religion as one dimension of life; rather, they were groups learning about and practicing a comprehensive way of seeing and living. We must remember that there was not a highly … Continue reading
As I began to share in the last issue of this article, we need to imagine Paul’s approach as much more conversational. Consider the story in ACTS 16 of Paul’s conversion of a Gentile ”God-lover” named Lydia, whom he met … Continue reading
In the major cities there were a number of Gentiles who were strongly attracted to Judaism but who were unwilling to convert to Judaism. Known variously in ACTS and other ancient sources as God-fearers, God-worshipers and God-lovers, they were Gentiles … Continue reading
In the last issue of this article, I began sharing with you the “conditions” of the world into which Christ as born. These conditions and crowding meant that contagious disease was rampant. Life expectancy was low, about thirty years for … Continue reading