Paul Case

Introduction

In this article, William sets forth his observations on Paul's work and writings revealing his dual responsibilities firstly, as a missionary on a mission for Christ and secondly, as a pastor preaching to the church of Christ. In the first half of this article (Initial five pages); William describes Paul as a missionary of Christ. He begins with a few examples of Paul's sermons that were preached at Antioch, Lystra and Athens. His main focus and references were mainly based on the book of Acts written by Luke. In the second half of his article, William describes Paul as a church preacher. His main focus and references were derived from the various epistles that Paul wrote to the Church of Rome, Corinth etc in the Holy Bible.

Analysis

Part 1 - Paul as a Missionary Preacher

Qualities of Paul's Preaching:

1. He had the gift of beginning where his hearers were: Paul had the gift of discernment that empowered him to read the minds of his audience. This is demonstrated by the many diverse approaches that Paul took for each of his sermon. Paul preached three sermons: First at Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:16-41); 2) followed by the sermon preached in Lystra (Acts 14:15-17) and finally the sermon preached in Athens (Acts 17:22-31). It may be noted here that Paul's encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, not only changed his life's perspectives but also blessed him with gifts of teachings that helped him to carry out the message of Jesus Christ to generations. Further, the reader needs to understand the insights into Paul's past that were related with the persecution of Christians, making them a major hurdle in convincing an audience that had not accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. Therefore, it was all the more important for Paul to go straight to the point in order to eliminate any suspicions that might have muddled and diverted his main goal.

2. Preaching was not a monologue but a dialogue: Paul's preaching's were more of a dialogue with his audience. Paul's audience consisted of Jews and Gentiles. Paul believed in his heart that if he wanted positive results, two important things were crucial to happen among his audiences. Firstly, the recognition in the minds of his audience the fact that Christ is the only savior. Secondly, the transformation of their hearts to accept Christianity fully. Therefore, Paul took many pains in clarifying any doubts that arose in the minds of his listeners after each sermon. He also took much care in guarding his message reflective of Christ against evil forces.

Pattern of Paul's sermon:

By taking a close look at the details of each of Paul's Sermon we can come to an overall conclusion of a pattern. We must further realize that some of the sermons do not speak directly of the exact pattern mentioned in the points below, however, the overall intension and conclusion of his message was the same.

1. History

a) It is the foundation that tells us about the coming of Jesus Christ.

b) It speaks of the events, which foretell us of the coming of the Messiah.

2. Revelation

a) God was not disconnected.

b) God was working in the revealing of history, he was caring and providing for men in the courses of nature.

3. Proposal

a) God worked decisively.

b) After Jesus' coming into this world as human being, our life can never be the same again.

c) There has been a revelation of God, which has placed man under a fresh obligation, and which has challenged him with a situation in which he must accept or reject.

4. Good News

a) The purpose of this confrontation was exclusively for the good of man.

b) It is the Good News that is conveyed.

c) It is a message of salvation that Paul sermonizes.

d) It is a Savior whom he proclaims.

5. Rejection

a) Jews rejected the Good News.

b) Jesus was treated as an unlawful.

c) Pilate was persuaded into ordering his death.

d) He was rejected, crucified and buried.

6. Resurrection

a) This was not the end.

b) The rejection was followed by the resurrection.

c) The resurrection was foretold in the scriptures, and the apostles were witnesses of it which was twofold evidence that it really happened.

7. Judgment

a) The resurrection has given Jesus the right of judgment, and men must now be vigilant that they do not take judgment and ruin upon themselves by rejecting the revelation and the proposal of God.

Background knowledge and understanding of Jesus Christ:

Based on the analysis derived from the pattern of Paul's sermon we come to an understanding that Paul's theme was always centered on the resurrected Christ implying that his audience needed to have a certain background knowledge and understanding about the life and death of Jesus. If this was not the case then his entire sermon would have been lifeless, listless and goalless. Therefore we need to look at the various theories that could have led to the background knowledge and understanding of Jesus Christ that are illustrated below:

1. Firstly, in the missionary evangelization there must have been teachings about the actual historical life of Jesus. When we look at Paul's letters, he seems to be communicating to the Corinthians as if they were well aware of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. If not his letter would have caused a lot of confusion and query in their minds.

2. Secondly, this would also emerge from the fundamental method and recording of early Christian preaching's and teachings. Paul and Christian preachers claimed that the proof of Jesus' messiah ship was the fulfillment of prophecy and the related events of Jesus' life. If there were no record or teaching of Jesus then the above claim would be false and misleading.

3. Thirdly, it is recorded in the New Testament that there