The Letters of Paul

Some Themes in Paul

Unity in Jesus (1Cor 1:12) (Gal 3:28 ) (Phlm 1 :16) NB since it is faith which unites people as "sons of Abraham" (Gal 3:24) unity is directly connected with . . .

Justification by faith not works (i.e. the law), (Rom 3:1-4) (Rom 4:1-25), (Rom 5:1-11) (Rom 9:30-33).

Ethical and moral behavior. (Rom 12:1-15 ). The theme of sexuality in Paul is of interest.
(1Cor 5), (1Cor 6:12-20 ) and 1 Cor ch. 7ff. NB "situational ethics" eg. eating meat (dedicated to idols) "nothing is unclean in itself" (Rom 14:14).

"The Day Of the Lord" see Hayes 166, 206, 218, 344 and Biblical references where the "Day" is seen as wrathful and punitive. See (1Thess 4:13) ( 1Thess 5:5-11) (2Thess 2:11-12).

"Spiritual gifts" (1 Cor Chs.12-14) See esp. (1Cor 14:18-19) on glossolalia.

Resurrection. (1Cor 15:12) Cf. Appearances of the Risen Lord to Paul according to the epistles:- (1Cor 9:1) (1Cor 15:8) (Gal 1:16). According to Acts:- (Acts 9:1 ff) (Acts 22:4ff) (Acts 26:9ff) see also (Gal 1 :17)

(Note references in Paul to women as leaders in the Church Chloe - (1Cor 1:11) Phoebe - (Rom 16:1); Prisca - (Rom 16:3) Mary - (Rom 16:6)



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