Introduction.
In his mission to proclaimthe Good news of Jesus Christ Paul set up Churches in Galatia, Philippi,Thessalonika, Corinth and Ephesus.
Each of these Churches hadspecial challenges for Paul and he used different strategies to preach hismission in each one.
As a result of problemsarising in each of these Churches we find Paul writing distinctive letters tothese groups. These Letters were included in the Canon of the New Testament.
This unit will explore the problemsfaced by Paul in setting up each Church and the problems faced after he isgone. It is in the light of these issues that the Letters of Paul make realsense.
The Story of each community reveals a clear pattern.
- A Paul Establishes The Church Spending Time With This Community
- B Paul’s Departure From This Place
- C The Church Struggles Without His Leadership
The Antioch Church that had initially sent out Paul on his mission changed its message. A group that wanted the Christian churches to return to a more Jewish orientation in the religion gained control in this key community. Antioch then sent people out to correct Paul’s teaching. We shall call them the ‘Judaizers.’ - D Paul’s Writes in Response To The Disturbance
Paul’s letters intend to re-align the churches to his teaching.
PAUL’S MISSION –
Paul served his Christian missionary apprenticeshipin the town of Antioch-on-the-Orontes.
Paul spent time in traineeship withothers before he setting out on a Christian mission of his own. He went on aFirst Missionary Journey as a companion evangelist. In this journey he earnedhis strips and was commissioned to embark on another one.
In his Secondary Missionary Journey hefounded several important Christian Churches.
PAUL’S PLAN –
Paul had a general plan for setting up a Christian mission.
Paul does not stand on thestreet corner soapbox to preach the message. He is far more tactical than that.
His idea in setting up achurch is simple: first, he attends the local Jewish Synagogue preaching thereto gain some followers. A brilliant orator and charismatic figure Paul alsopossesses a comprehensive knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures and can quicklywins over key people to the Christian message.
His strategy is then toselect influential figures in each town to start his Church. This gives himstatus and influence, and in some cases, a place to stay and run the mission.This is a successful idea and he enlists these wealthy ones to go before him toset up the process in other towns. Wealthy women were key people in some ofthese places and Paul enlists their assistance.
PROBLEMS AFTER PAUL LEAVES –
The Fate Of These Churches With Out Paul’s Presence.
Each of these Churcheswithout the strong leadership of Paul struggle somewhat.
In some cases a rival factionto Paul enters and disrupts his teaching. Paul has consistently stated that onedoesn’t need to become a member of theJewish religion before you embrace Christ and his teachings. The “Judaisers”who challenge his churches preach that you do. Some of these people disagreeingwith Paul call for the circumcision of all males. They suggest that newcomersfollow the Jewish rituals and customs as well as the Christian message. Thisteaching confuses the communities and they contact Paul for a response.Thisinfuriates Paul and he writes to the towns to correct this message.
PAUL’S LETTERS –
Paul’s Response To The Disturbance
Paul writes letters tore-align the churches to his original teaching.
In each of the towns andregions Paul set up there are problems. Paul is concerned to rectify theseissues but he cannot visit each place and spend time re-educating the localsinto his message: he has been imprisoned. He carefully crafts letters to eachcommunity to correct the message that they have been given. These Letter of StPaul are wonderful for they methodically present his Christian message toaddress the concerns of each community. The reason for the inclusion of theseletters in the New Testament is for the clarity of teaching that they offer notonly their communities but also for us today. These Letters of St. Paul alwaysstrive to encourage and give hope to the Christian communities, address thetensions in the group and challenge those who disrupt the original message.
A
THE FIRST CHURCH – THE REGION OF GALATIA
Paul’s FirstImpressions of the ‘hillbillies’- How Will The Plan Work Here?
The mission of Paul to the Celtic people of the Galatianregion is a surprise. This is not ministry in a large town but in a district.
Unlike his other efforts working with Jews in synagogueswith wealthy patrons this Galatian task was really alien territory.
Paul didn’t even plan this mission. He tracked for milesacross a ‘treeless land,’ came to the town of Pessinus where he becameseriously ill. This was the district of a Celtic tribe that had settled in thisregion in 278 BCE.
These people were large, unsophisticated simpletons, easy tofool. They were very generous but could be strong willed and dangerous: classicbarbarians. They continued to speak their Celtic dialect never embracing thesophisticated Greek language or culture. This group were not keen on new ideasand especially new religious movements.
This was a foreign territory for Paul, the universityeducated ‘city slicker’ with the ‘hillbillies.’
Paul Revises His Plan
Paul decides to stay and works to evangelize this group.
Paul would not have selected this group for one of his firstmissions but he made the best of it. It would have been slow going. Paul sharedno common ground with these Celtic people from Galatia, no synagogues and noJewish heritage to lay the groundwork for his message about Christ, a purelygentile audience.
Paul is a wonderful person who recognizes God’s will when hesees it. Paul has an amazing ability to work with these people.
Perhaps Paul thought: IfGod could find a foothold in Galatia it would prove his power.
A Church Established
Paul to his credit worked hard in this region and establishedseveral churches. This would have steeled him for the coming debates with theJudaisers who argued that the followers should become Jews first beforeembracing the Christian message. In this region he learned first hand the needsof the Gentile church.
In time Paul had to leave the Galatian churches and headwest. This was a difficult decision for him. He was crucial to their life andworship but he knew he had to move on. He left the communities in the hands ofthe Holy Spirit.
A GLIMPSE AT PAUL’S GREATNESS:
InGalatia we see Paul the evangelist who can win over the simplest people.
MOVING ON:
Moving westward he arrives at the town of Philippi and establishes a churchthere.
Some time later Paul hears of the troubles in Galatia
The Church struggles without his leadershipPaul’s Writes His Letter to the Galatians in Response To The Disturbance
Paul’s letters intend to re-align the churches tohis teaching
PAUL’S LETTER TO THE GALATIANS
Often called a Magna Charta of Christian liberty, thisLetter deals with the issue of whether a Gentile must become a Jew beforebecoming a Christian. In this Letter Paul insists that a person becomes rightbefore God only by faith in Christ, not by becoming a member of the Jew beforeChristian baptism.
KEY THEMES FROM PAUL’S LETTER TOTHE GALATIANS
PAUL – PERSECUTOR OFCHRISTIANS
Gal 1:3-13
PAUL – GREAT APOSTLE TO THEGENTILES
Gal 1:12, 15-16
THE CHURCH ENJOYS A BASICUNITY
Gal 3:26-28
THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT
Gal 5:16-26
THE CHURCH IS THE NEW “ISRAELOF GOD”
Gal 6:16
KEYPASSAGES FROM PAUL’S LETTER TO THE GALATIANS
Gal 1:6-12
Gal 1:13-24
Gal 2:1-14
Gal 3:1-5
Gal 3:7-14
Gal 3:22-29
Gal 4:22-31
Gal 5:1-6
Gal 5:18-25
B
THE SECOND CHURCH – THE TOWN OF PHILIPPI
First Impressions OfThis Tiny Place- How Will The Plan Work Here?
Paul left the region of Galatia and came to the town ofTroas which would have been a good place to set up a key Christian centre butagain God changed his initial plan. Paul was called to cross the sea to work inMacedonia.
“A visionappeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing, beseeching himand saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’” (Acts 16:9).
Paul was a personwho trusted in visions and so he crossed over to Europe.
The summer of 48 AD he sailed to Europe landing in Neapolis,the port city of Philippi. This was a Roman city and Paul would be at home withthe language and customs but he was surprised to find it such a small place. Nota great metropolis from which to base a European mission.
Lydia – BenefactorAnd Businesswoman
Paul’s strategy of entering the Jewish synagogue andpreaching a Messiah from the Jewish scriptures was once again foiled: there wasno synagogue in Philippi!
But undaunted he found a group of Jewish women who met andprayed on Saturday by the river. Here he met a most influential pagan: Lydia ofThyatira, a formidable, independent businesswoman. She specialized in luxuryitems: purple dyed textiles.
The adaptable leader altered his blueprint and forged ahead.
He converted this quite an energetic character who quicklybegan to make practical decisions for him and this new community. Lydiainsisted that Paul and his companions should live with her rent-free and keeppreaching full time. She bankrolled the mission and with her extensive businesscontacts guaranteed Paul an audience for his preaching.
Paul never forgot Lydia and the other energetic, committedwomen who helped establish the mission in Philippi and spread the gospel. “WithPaul this group of women formed a “partnership in thegospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:5).
The church in Philippi, well aware of the struggle tosetting up a church whilst working, supported Paul’s mission in other towns.The women and men from Philippi sent money to assist him in Thessalonika,Corinth and Ephesus.
Perhaps Paul thought: IfGod could work in such a small town it would prove his power.
Paul’s QuickDeparture
Paul’s year long success in Philippi came to an unexpectedend. He had made many converts and the local officials became concerned thatthis new group of Christians could take over. Paul was arrested, scourged andthrown into prison.
As a Roman citizen Paul was offended and demanded anapology. He wanted his Christian mission to have some legal standing. Thewriting was on the wall, this firebrand had to move on. Paul decided to headwest along the Via Egnatia, the great Roman highway running across northernGreece.
A GLIMPSE AT PAUL’S GREATNESS:
InPhilippi we see Paul working without a synagogue base but winning overenergetic successful business people who have widespread contacts in the region.
MOVING ON:
Paul then journeys further westward to found a churchat Thessalonika.
Some time later Paul hears ofthe troubles in Philippi.
The Church struggles without his leadership
Paul’s Writes His Letter to the Philippians inResponse To The Disturbance
Paul’s letters intend to re-align the churches to his teaching.
PAUL’S LETTER TO THE PHILIPPIANS
One of the gentlest letters of Paul to a community heloves. He acknowledges their financial support and prays for them from hisprison cell. His radiant joy and serene happiness in Christ is clear in thisheart-felt letter of thanks.
KEY THEMES FROM PAUL’S LETTER TOTHE PHILIPPIANS
PAUL THE STRIDENT PHARASEE
Phil 3:5-8
RESURRECTION OF THE CRUCIFIEDJESUS
Phil 2:6-11
KEYPASSAGES FROM PAUL’S LETTER TO THE PHILIPPIANS
Phil 1:1-11
Phil 1:18-26
Phil 2:1-4
Phil 2:5-11
Phil 2:12-18
Phil 3:3-8
Phil 3:17-4:1
Phil 4:10-19
C
THE THIRD CHURCH – THE TOWN OF THESSALONIKA
Tough FirstImpressions- How Will The Plan Work Here?
Paul set out for Thessalonika (modern Salonika) the capitalof the Roman province of Macedonia.
He carefully selected towns on busy travel routes for hismission. He had to find large influential centres that attracted businesstravellers for reception of the Gospel message. These people could help spreadthe Christian faith back to their own towns.
When he arrived at Thessalonika it was a tough start forhim. He had none of the backing that wealthy women gave him in Philippi. He hadto preach but first had to struggle in order to survive; he worked as alabourer.
“We worked nightand day that we might not burden any of you” 1 Thessalonians 2: 9;
The Working ClassChurch
The people of Thessalonika were hard working pagans like theGalatians and, once again, his synagogue-based plan did not work here. Thesepeople, many of who were slaves, worked from sunrise to sunset just to makeends meet. No one had big villas for the Christian gatherings. These peoplelived in the shared flats, or tenements that was also the workshop.
The Belief In TheReturn Of A ‘Young God’
This working class group responded positively to his messageconcerning Christ.
They had a belief that a young man, Cabirus, who had beenunjustly killed would one day return to reward his followers. Paul’s messageplaced this local belief within the context of Christ’s death, resurrection andreturn at the end of time.
The Thessalonians were ripe for Christian message that Paulwould present. He was a master at reading his audience and crafting the messageto suit.
Perhaps Paul thought: IfGod could win over these working class people it would be proof of his power.
Another QuickDeparture
The idea of a ‘new god’ coming to change the situation ofthe workers was a dangerous one for the local authorities in Thessalonica. Paulcame under suspicion and was smuggled out of the town. As in Philippi he hadbecome a figure of contention for the established leaders and had to go.
Paul was persued to the next town so he decided to sailsouth to Athens. From here he would make for the bustling busy port of Corinthto set up another Christian community.
A GLIMPSE AT PAUL’S GREATNESS:
Paulin Thessalonika showed himself to be very shrewd. As a good teacher he alwaysstarts the discussion from the culture of his audience, with their lives andtheir beliefs.
MOVING ON:
Paul moves south to the bustling town of Corinth.
Some time later Paul hears ofthe troubles in Thessalonika
The Church struggles without his leadership
Paul’s Writes Two Letters to The Thessalonians inResponse To The Disturbance
Paul’s letters intend tore-align the churches to his teaching.
PAUL’S LETTERS TO THE THESSALONIANS
Paul is concerned for this community, its lack ofleadership and persecution by the synagogue. His letters express gratitude fortheir perseverance in Christ despite their troubles. These are his firstletters we have from Paul. He addresses their question and encourages theircontinued faith in Christ.
KEY PASSAGES FROM PAUL’S LETTERS TO THE THESSALONIANS
1 Thess 1:1-10
1 Thess 2:1-8
1 Thess 2:9-13
1 Thess 3:7-13
1 Thess 4:1-8
1 Thess 4:9-11
1 Thess 4:13-18
1 Thess 5:1-9
2 Thess 1:1-12
2 Thess 2:1-17
2 Thess 3:6-18
D
THE FOURTH CHURCH – THE TOWN OF CORINTH
Paul’s FirstImpressions- How Will The Plan Work Here?
Arrival At Corinth –
Paul was not impressed by Athens and quickly decided not toestablish a community there. His treatment by the so-called intellectuals ofthe place convinced him that Athens was too stuffy a place to start a mission(Acts 17:-18:2). He looked toward Corinth, the flourishing centre of trade andtravel.
Corinth, set up by Julius Caesar in 44 BCE, was a wealthy place with corporatemillionaires who taxed all the cargo in and out of the port. It was a highlycompetitive place in which only the shrewd could make it: Paul would relishthis challenge in such a prime spot. The proverb about the town gives thewarning: ‘Not for everyone is thevoyage to Corinth.’ It was the New York, New York of the world: if you couldmake it there you could make it anywhere. Paul began to spread the Good Newsthere.
The Challenge Of Corinth
Paul saw the great benefit in founding a Corinthian church.With the constant travellers, immediate contact with the wider world and easeof communication Corinth was a perfect place for a base. Christians could carryhis letters to all the churches he founded as well as the key communities ofAntioch and Jerusalem.
Perhaps Paul thought: IfGod could find a foothold in this bustling place it would be proof of God’spower.
An Amazing Find
Paul initially wanted to locate a leather workshop inCorinth, as he did in Thessalonica, but he fell on his feet again. He chancedto meet a couple that would set him up for years to come, Prisca and herhusband Aquila. This married couple were Christians from Rome and, like Lydia,were good business persons with cash and plenty of contacts. They not only financedhim but also joined his missionary team becoming lifelong friends in Christ.Later on they would precede Paul to Ephesus and Rome as an advance party to setup another church.
In Corinth Paul worked the same ‘Philippi plan’: visitingand teaching in the local Jewish synagogue and conducting Christian meetings inlarge houses of wealthy converts. He targeted the wealthy and won over forChrist two more benefactors: Crispus and Gaius.
A Big Success Story
Corinth was a great success story for Paul. He made it bigthere and the New Testament cites sixteen people he converted. We can inferthat the church in Corinth was a big one with 40 to 50 people attending.
The church was a mixture of gentiles and Jewish converts.The community included both the wealthy and the worker, the government officialand the slave(1 Corinthians 12:2). Paulclearly was at home with all comers.
Again a wealthy pagan woman, Phoebe, was converted and shefinanced Paul’s mission and set up a church in Cenchreae. With Prisca, a womanalways mentioned before her husband Aquila, we see that Paul collaborated withinfluential women in establishing his missions.
Corinth was filledwith go-getter energy; fortune favours the brave in this place and Paul enjoyedthe risk-taking edge of this thriving place.
The Corinthians embraced the idea of working out your owninterpretation of what it means to be a Christian in this world. Paul encouragedhis audience to forge their own identity. He did not spoon feed the story but letthem discover the way ahead.
A GLIMPSE AT PAUL’S GREATNESS:
In Corinth Paul made it big. Hegained a great reputation for his leadership, energy and commitment to Christ.
MOVING ON:
Paul then heads back East by ship heading for Ephesus.
Some time later Paul hears ofthe troubles in Corinth
The Church struggles without his leadership
Paul’s Writes His Two Letters to the Corinthians inResponse To The Disturbance
Paul’s letters intend tore-align the churches to his teaching.
PAUL’S LETTERS TO THE CORINTHIANS
Thesetwo long letters deal with questions of doctrine as well as community problems.This community grapples with doubts and suspicions and Paul gently guides thegroup and keeps the focus on Christ. These letters have some classic Christiantexts such as the hymn of Christian love (1 Cor ch. 13).
KEY THEMES FROM PAUL’S LETTERS TO THE CORINTHIANS
PAUL – PERSECUTOR OFCHRISTIANS
1Cor 15:9
PAUL’S CONVERSION
1 Cor 15:8-11
BY BAPTISM YOU ARE “INCHRIST.”
1 Cor 15:22
CHRISTIANS ARE FORMED INTOTHE BODY OF CHRIST
1 Cor 12:12-27
CHRISTIANS ARE FORMED INTOTHE TEMPLE OF THE SPIRIT
1 Cor 3:16-17
THE HYMN OF CHRISTIAN LOVE
1 Cor 12:31- 13:13
KEY PASSAGES FROM PAUL’S LETTERS TO THE CORINTHIANS
1 Cor 1:1-9
1 Cor 1:17-25
1 Cor 1:26-31
1 Cor 2:1-5
1 Cor 2:10-16
1 Cor 3:1-9
1 Cor 3:18-23
1 Cor 4:1-5
1 Cor 4:6-15
1 Cor 5:1-8
1 Cor 6:1-11
1 Cor 7:25-31
1 Cor 8:1-13
1 Cor 9:16-27
1 Cor 10:14-22
1 Cor 11:17-26
1 Cor 12:12-31
1 Cor 13:1-13
1 Cor 15:1-11
1 Cor 15:12-20
1 Cor 15:35-49
2 Cor 1:1-7
2 Cor 1:18-22
2 Cor 3:15-4:6
2 Cor 4:7-15
2 Cor 5:14-21
2 Cor 6:1-10
2 Cor 8:1-9
2 Cor 9:6-11
2 Cor 11:1-11
2 Cor 11:18-30
2 Cor 12:1-10
E
THE FIFTH CHURCH – THE TOWN OF EPHESUS
Paul’s FirstImpressions- How Will The Plan Work Here?
Paul selected Ephesus as a missionary hub that was nearcentral to the churches he founded and closer to the key centres of Antioch andJerusalem.
He had sent Prisca and Aquila ahead of him to set up theChristian church there and he briefly visited Ephesus on his way to Antioch andJerusalem.
A year later he retuned to Ephesus and moved in with Priscaand Aquila who had set up a strongChurch there. In this town he worked well with others and did not try todo everything himself.
Paul was able to delegate responsibilities from Ephesus andfelt comfortable leaving some missionary work to people he had formed.
Ephesus The Hub OfThe Mission
Ephesus became Paul’s base and he heard good and bad newsfrom the Churches from there. He had a good community and was able to sendTimothy off to troubled spots with his letters carrying his letters. Ephesusbecame the centre of his mission from where he oversaw his outlying churches.He also had time there to carefully craft his letters addressing the specificproblems of the outlying churches.
Paul based himself in Ephesus for several years and had avery fruitful time overseeing the churches he founded.
Paul spent time in prison here, not too severe for he
Perhaps Paul thought: IfGod could make a base in Ephesus it would prove his power.
Another QuickDeparture
We are not informed as to why Paul fell foul of the cityofficials but we know he had to get out of town fast. He was in fear of hislife once again!
This is not surprising for Paul was an agitator. He polarizedpeople, challenged the establishment and could write sarcastic notes. Paulcould tread the fine line in some situations; in others he just attacked hisopponents. He was an irritable leader who did not suffer opponents to Christ’smission lightly.
A GLIMPSE AT PAUL’S GREATNESS:
InEphesus Paul writes some of his most important letters.
MOVING ON:
Paul is removed fromEphesus
Some time later Paul hears ofthe troubles in Ephesus
The Church struggles without his leadership
Paul’s Writes His Letter to the Ephesians in Response To The Disturbance
Paul’s letters intend to re-align the churches to his teaching
PAUL’S LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS
Regarded as the most sublime of Paul’s writings. Theauthor writes of the glorious privilege and destiny of the Christian Church. Thetheme of the Letter is God’s eternal purpose in establishing the Church ofJesus Christ. Though drawn from different backgrounds the members of theChristian community have been called by the Father, redeemed and forgiven by Christand incorporated into the indwelling Spirit. Paul develops the theme of theChurch as the Body of Christ, Bride of Christ and temple of God.
KEY THEMES FROM PAUL’S LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS
PAUL’S PRAYER OF THANKS
Eph 1:3-14
THE HUMILITY OF CHRIST CRUCIFIED
Eph 2:1-10
KEY PASSAGES FROM PAUL’S LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS
Eph 1:1-10
Eph 1:11-14
Eph 1:15-23
Eph 2:1-10
Eph 2:12-22
Eph 3:2-12
Eph 3:14-21
Eph 4:1-6
Eph 4:7-16
Eph 5:1-8
Eph 5:21-33
Eph 6:1-9
Eph 6:10-20
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