Introduction.
In his mission to proclaim the Good news of Jesus Christ Paul set up Churches in Galatia, Philippi, Thessalonika, Corinth and Ephesus.
Each of these Churches had special challenges for Paul and he used different strategies to preach his mission in each one.
As a result of problems arising in each of these Churches we find Paul writing distinctive letters to these groups. These Letters were included in the Canon of the New Testament.
This unit will explore the problems faced by Paul in setting up each Church and the problems faced after he is gone. It is in the light of these issues that the Letters of Paul make real sense.
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 apprenticeship in the town of Antioch-on-the-Orontes.
Paul spent time in traineeship with others before he setting out on a Christian mission of his own. He went on a First Missionary Journey as a companion evangelist. In this journey he earned his strips and was commissioned to embark on another one.
In his Secondary Missionary Journey he founded several important Christian Churches.
PAUL’S PLAN –
Paul had a general plan for setting up a Christian mission.
Paul does not stand on the street corner soapbox to preach the message. He is far more tactical than that.
His idea in setting up a church is simple: first, he attends the local Jewish Synagogue preaching there to gain some followers. A brilliant orator and charismatic figure Paul also possesses a comprehensive knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures and can quickly wins over key people to the Christian message.
His strategy is then to select influential figures in each town to start his Church. This gives him status 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 to set up the process in other towns. Wealthy women were key people in some of these places and Paul enlists their assistance.
PROBLEMS AFTER PAUL LEAVES –
The Fate Of These Churches With Out Paul’s Presence.
Each of these Churches without the strong leadership of Paul struggle somewhat.
In some cases a rival faction to Paul enters and disrupts his teaching. Paul has consistently stated that one doesn’t need to become a member of the Jewish religion before you embrace Christ and his teachings. The “Judaisers” who challenge his churches preach that you do. Some of these people disagreeing with Paul call for the circumcision of all males. They suggest that newcomers follow the Jewish rituals and customs as well as the Christian message. This teaching confuses the communities and they contact Paul for a response.This infuriates Paul and he writes to the towns to correct this message.
PAUL’S LETTERS –
Paul’s Response To The Disturbance
Paul writes letters to re-align the churches to his original teaching.
In each of the towns and regions Paul set up there are problems. Paul is concerned to rectify these issues but he cannot visit each place and spend time re-educating the locals into his message: he has been imprisoned. He carefully crafts letters to each community to correct the message that they have been given. These Letter of St Paul are wonderful for they methodically present his Christian message to address the concerns of each community. The reason for the inclusion of these letters in the New Testament is for the clarity of teaching that they offer not only their communities but also for us today. These Letters of St. Paul always strive to encourage and give hope to the Christian communities, address the tensions in the group and challenge those who disrupt the original message.
A
THE FIRST CHURCH – THE REGION OF GALATIA
Paul’s First Impressions of the ‘hillbillies’- How Will The Plan Work Here?
The mission of Paul to the Celtic people of the Galatian region is a surprise. This is not ministry in a large town but in a district.
Unlike his other efforts working with Jews in synagogues with wealthy patrons this Galatian task was really alien territory.
Paul didn’t even plan this mission. He tracked for miles across a ‘treeless land,’ came to the town of Pessinus where he became seriously ill. This was the district of a Celtic tribe that had settled in this region in 278 BCE.
These people were large, unsophisticated simpletons, easy to fool. They were very generous but could be strong willed and dangerous: classic barbarians. They continued to speak their Celtic dialect never embracing the sophisticated Greek language or culture. This group were not keen on new ideas and especially new religious movements.
This was a foreign territory for Paul, the university educated ‘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 first missions but he made the best of it. It would have been slow going. Paul shared no common ground with these Celtic people from Galatia, no synagogues and no Jewish heritage to lay the groundwork for his message about Christ, a purely gentile audience.
Paul is a wonderful person who recognizes God’s will when he sees it. Paul has an amazing ability to work with these people.
Perhaps Paul thought: If God could find a foothold in Galatia it would prove his power.
A Church Established
Paul to his credit worked hard in this region and established several churches. This would have steeled him for the coming debates with the Judaisers who argued that the followers should become Jews first before embracing the Christian message. In this region he learned first hand the needs of the Gentile church.
In time Paul had to leave the Galatian churches and head west. This was a difficult decision for him. He was crucial to their life and worship but he knew he had to move on. He left the communities in the hands of the Holy Spirit.
A GLIMPSE AT PAUL’S GREATNESS:
In Galatia 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 church there.
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, this Letter deals with the issue of whether a Gentile must become a Jew before becoming a Christian. In this Letter Paul insists that a person becomes right before God only by faith in Christ, not by becoming a member of the Jew before Christian baptism.
KEY THEMES FROM PAUL’S LETTER TO
THE GALATIANS
PAUL – PERSECUTOR OF CHRISTIANS
Gal 1:3-13
PAUL – GREAT APOSTLE TO THE GENTILES
Gal 1:12, 15-16
THE CHURCH ENJOYS A BASIC UNITY
Gal 3:26-28
THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT
Gal 5:16-26
THE CHURCH IS THE NEW “ISRAEL OF GOD”
Gal 6:16
KEY PASSAGES 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 Of This Tiny Place- How Will The Plan Work Here?
Paul left the region of Galatia and came to the town of Troas which would have been a good place to set up a key Christian centre but again God changed his initial plan. Paul was called to cross the sea to work in Macedonia.
“A vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing, beseeching him and saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’” (Acts 16:9).
Paul was a person who 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 with the language and customs but he was surprised to find it such a small place. Not a great metropolis from which to base a European mission.
Lydia – Benefactor And Businesswoman
Paul’s strategy of entering the Jewish synagogue and preaching a Messiah from the Jewish scriptures was once again foiled: there was no synagogue in Philippi!
But undaunted he found a group of Jewish women who met and prayed on Saturday by the river. Here he met a most influential pagan: Lydia of Thyatira, a formidable, independent businesswoman. She specialized in luxury items: purple dyed textiles.
The adaptable leader altered his blueprint and forged ahead.
He converted this quite an energetic character who quickly began to make practical decisions for him and this new community. Lydia insisted that Paul and his companions should live with her rent-free and keep preaching full time. She bankrolled the mission and with her extensive business contacts guaranteed Paul an audience for his preaching.
Paul never forgot Lydia and the other energetic, committed women who helped establish the mission in Philippi and spread the gospel. “With Paul this group of women formed a “partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:5).
The church in Philippi, well aware of the struggle to setting 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: If God could work in such a small town it would prove his power.
Paul’s Quick Departure
Paul’s year long success in Philippi came to an unexpected end. He had made many converts and the local officials became concerned that this new group of Christians could take over. Paul was arrested, scourged and thrown into prison.
As a Roman citizen Paul was offended and demanded an apology. He wanted his Christian mission to have some legal standing. The writing was on the wall, this firebrand had to move on. Paul decided to head west along the Via Egnatia, the great Roman highway running across northern Greece.
A GLIMPSE AT PAUL’S GREATNESS:
In Philippi we see Paul working without a synagogue base but winning over energetic successful business people who have widespread contacts in the region.
MOVING ON:
Paul then journeys further westward to found a church at Thessalonika.
Some time later Paul hears of the troubles in Philippi.
The Church struggles without his leadership
Paul’s Writes His Letter to the Philippians in Response 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 he loves. He acknowledges their financial support and prays for them from his prison cell. His radiant joy and serene happiness in Christ is clear in this heart-felt letter of thanks.
KEY THEMES FROM PAUL’S LETTER TO
THE PHILIPPIANS
PAUL THE STRIDENT PHARASEE
Phil 3:5-8
RESURRECTION OF THE CRUCIFIED JESUS
Phil 2:6-11
KEY PASSAGES 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 First Impressions- How Will The Plan Work Here?
Paul set out for Thessalonika (modern Salonika) the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia.
He carefully selected towns on busy travel routes for his mission. He had to find large influential centres that attracted business travellers for reception of the Gospel message. These people could help spread the Christian faith back to their own towns.
When he arrived at Thessalonika it was a tough start for him. He had none of the backing that wealthy women gave him in Philippi. He had to preach but first had to struggle in order to survive; he worked as a labourer.
“We worked night and day that we might not burden any of you” 1 Thessalonians 2: 9;
The Working Class Church
The people of Thessalonika were hard working pagans like the Galatians and, once again, his synagogue-based plan did not work here. These people, many of who were slaves, worked from sunrise to sunset just to make ends meet. No one had big villas for the Christian gatherings. These people lived in the shared flats, or tenements that was also the workshop.
The Belief In The Return Of A ‘Young God’
This working class group responded positively to his message concerning Christ.
They had a belief that a young man, Cabirus, who had been unjustly killed would one day return to reward his followers. Paul’s message placed this local belief within the context of Christ’s death, resurrection and return at the end of time.
The Thessalonians were ripe for Christian message that Paul would present. He was a master at reading his audience and crafting the message to suit.
Perhaps Paul thought: If God could win over these working class people it would be proof of his power.
Another Quick Departure
The idea of a ‘new god’ coming to change the situation of the workers was a dangerous one for the local authorities in Thessalonica. Paul came under suspicion and was smuggled out of the town. As in Philippi he had become a figure of contention for the established leaders and had to go.
Paul was persued to the next town so he decided to sail south to Athens. From here he would make for the bustling busy port of Corinth to set up another Christian community.
A GLIMPSE AT PAUL’S GREATNESS:
Paul in Thessalonika showed himself to be very shrewd. As a good teacher he always starts the discussion from the culture of his audience, with their lives and their beliefs.
MOVING ON:
Paul moves south to the bustling town of Corinth.
Some time later Paul hears of the troubles in Thessalonika
The Church struggles without his leadership
Paul’s Writes Two Letters to The Thessalonians in Response To The Disturbance
Paul’s letters intend to re-align the churches to his teaching.
PAUL’S LETTERS TO THE THESSALONIANS
Paul is concerned for this community, its lack of leadership and persecution by the synagogue. His letters express gratitude for their perseverance in Christ despite their troubles. These are his first letters we have from Paul. He addresses their question and encourages their continued 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 First Impressions- How Will The Plan Work Here?
Arrival At Corinth –
Paul was not impressed by Athens and quickly decided not to establish a community there. His treatment by the so-called intellectuals of the 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 and travel.
Corinth, set up by Julius Caesar in 44 BCE, was a wealthy place with corporate
millionaires who taxed all the cargo in and out of the port. It was a highly
competitive place in which only the shrewd could make it: Paul would relish
this challenge in such a prime spot. The proverb about the town gives the
warning: ‘Not for everyone is the
voyage to Corinth.’ It was the New York, New York of the world: if you could
make it there you could make it anywhere. Paul began to spread the Good News
there.
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 ease of communication Corinth was a perfect place for a base. Christians could carry his letters to all the churches he founded as well as the key communities of Antioch and Jerusalem.
Perhaps Paul thought: If God could find a foothold in this bustling place it would be proof of God’s power.
An Amazing Find
Paul initially wanted to locate a leather workshop in Corinth, as he did in Thessalonica, but he fell on his feet again. He chanced to meet a couple that would set him up for years to come, Prisca and her husband Aquila. This married couple were Christians from Rome and, like Lydia, were good business persons with cash and plenty of contacts. They not only financed him 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 set up another church.
In Corinth Paul worked the same ‘Philippi plan’: visiting and teaching in the local Jewish synagogue and conducting Christian meetings in large houses of wealthy converts. He targeted the wealthy and won over for Christ two more benefactors: Crispus and Gaius.
A Big Success Story
Corinth was a great success story for Paul. He made it big there and the New Testament cites sixteen people he converted. We can infer that 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 official and the slave(1 Corinthians 12:2). Paul clearly was at home with all comers.
Again a wealthy pagan woman, Phoebe, was converted and she financed Paul’s mission and set up a church in Cenchreae. With Prisca, a woman always mentioned before her husband Aquila, we see that Paul collaborated with influential women in establishing his missions.
Corinth was filled with go-getter energy; fortune favours the brave in this place and Paul enjoyed the risk-taking edge of this thriving place.
The Corinthians embraced the idea of working out your own interpretation of what it means to be a Christian in this world. Paul encouraged his audience to forge their own identity. He did not spoon feed the story but let them discover the way ahead.
A GLIMPSE AT PAUL’S GREATNESS:
In Corinth Paul made it big. He gained 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 of the troubles in Corinth
The Church struggles without his leadership
Paul’s Writes His Two Letters to the Corinthians in Response To The Disturbance
Paul’s letters intend to re-align the churches to his teaching.
PAUL’S LETTERS TO THE CORINTHIANS
These two long letters deal with questions of doctrine as well as community problems. This community grapples with doubts and suspicions and Paul gently guides the group and keeps the focus on Christ. These letters have some classic Christian texts such as the hymn of Christian love (1 Cor ch. 13).
KEY THEMES FROM PAUL’S LETTERS TO THE CORINTHIANS
PAUL – PERSECUTOR OF CHRISTIANS
1Cor 15:9
PAUL’S CONVERSION
1 Cor 15:8-11
BY BAPTISM YOU ARE “IN CHRIST.”
1 Cor 15:22
CHRISTIANS ARE FORMED INTO THE BODY OF CHRIST
1 Cor 12:12-27
CHRISTIANS ARE FORMED INTO THE 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 First Impressions- How Will The Plan Work Here?
Paul selected Ephesus as a missionary hub that was near central to the churches he founded and closer to the key centres of Antioch and Jerusalem.
He had sent Prisca and Aquila ahead of him to set up the Christian church there and he briefly visited Ephesus on his way to Antioch and Jerusalem.
A year later he retuned to Ephesus and moved in with Prisca and Aquila who had set up a strong Church there. In this town he worked well with others and did not try to do everything himself.
Paul was able to delegate responsibilities from Ephesus and felt comfortable leaving some missionary work to people he had formed.
Ephesus The Hub Of The Mission
Ephesus became Paul’s base and he heard good and bad news from the Churches from there. He had a good community and was able to send Timothy off to troubled spots with his letters carrying his letters. Ephesus became the centre of his mission from where he oversaw his outlying churches. He also had time there to carefully craft his letters addressing the specific problems of the outlying churches.
Paul based himself in Ephesus for several years and had a very fruitful time overseeing the churches he founded.
Paul spent time in prison here, not too severe for he
Perhaps Paul thought: If God could make a base in Ephesus it would prove his power.
Another Quick Departure
We are not informed as to why Paul fell foul of the city officials but we know he had to get out of town fast. He was in fear of his life once again!
This is not surprising for Paul was an agitator. He polarized people, challenged the establishment and could write sarcastic notes. Paul could tread the fine line in some situations; in others he just attacked his opponents. He was an irritable leader who did not suffer opponents to Christ’s mission lightly.
A GLIMPSE AT PAUL’S GREATNESS:
In Ephesus Paul writes some of his most important letters.
MOVING ON:
Paul is removed from Ephesus
Some time later Paul hears of the 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. The author writes of the glorious privilege and destiny of the Christian Church. The theme of the Letter is God’s eternal purpose in establishing the Church of Jesus Christ. Though drawn from different backgrounds the members of the Christian community have been called by the Father, redeemed and forgiven by Christ and incorporated into the indwelling Spirit. Paul develops the theme of the Church 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