Introduction to: The Life and Letters of the Apostle Paul

This study will cover the birth of Saul of Tarsus, his early years in the school at

Jerusalem, his zealous persecution of the Christians (The People of the Way)

through his Damascus Road conversion, his call to ministry as the Apostle Paul and

into his years of evangelism and missionary outreach both to the Jews and the

Gentiles across the known world.

We will then begin to explore the epistles, the letters of Paul written to the churches

he had established during his missionary journeys. Paul was responsible for writing

such a significant portion of the New Testament and the revelation to him by the

Holy Spirit is as relevant to the 21 st century believer as it was to the people of the

First Century Church.

The Epistles of the Apostle Paul have a very distinctive character. All Scripture, up to

the Gospel accounts of the crucifixion, are written with a definite look forward to the

cross, and has primarily in view the salvation of Israel, and the blessing of the earth

through the Messianic kingdom.

But "hid in God" were the mysteries of the plan of God for the Salvation of the world,

an unrevealed fact - - -the interval of time between the crucifixion and resurrection of

Christ and His return in glory.

God told Ananias that He had chosen Paul to reveal His plan to first the Jew and then

the Gentile. In Ephesians the 9 the chapter in verses 8 and 9 he writes,

“Although I am less than the least of all the Lord's people, this grace was given me: to

preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the

administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who

created all things.”

This study series will bring us face to face with the man, his mission and help us

better understand the heart of God for not only His people but also those who need

to hear the message of salvation.

Sources for this study include materials previously published as well as original material by the author of the study.