The Apostle Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles, is a central figure within both Christian tradition and New Testament thought and writing. With such a crucial place, it is vital that we come to understand more of his life and thinking, as well as the world in which he and, more specifically, his theology were shaped. With this in mind, this essay will seek to explore Paul’s conversion and call experience as understood from Acts, and his personal references to it, drawing from them the ways in which this time was significant for Paul’s theological thinking, as expressed in his letters and work. To achieve this we will begin by addressing the call and/or conversion debate, arguing that the term ‘conversion and call’ best encapsulates Paul’s experience as reported. From there we will explore the theological implications of this conversion and call, particularly the way in which a distinctive Christocentrism develops and forces new understandings and revisions of his past theological insights
Before we begin this essay proper, it is important to first justify our argument that Paul should be considered as both called and converted. This is by no means a consensus position, as within Pauline studies and primarily stemming from discussions on the New Perspective on Paul, there is contestation of the terminology of, and meaning behind, the word ‘conversion’ and whether it is in fact applicable to Paul at all. A prime example of this is in the work of Krister Stendahl. Stendahl argues very strongly that to place the label ‘convert’ upon Paul suggests a disconnection, a thorough turning away from his previous religious life and the adoption of something new. This, he argues, is not evident in the personal accounts Paul gives, ...
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After having his mother deliver a message to Agnes stating, “do not expect me again” (Deledda 81), Paul seeks to consume his mind with Antiochus and his desire to become a priest. As the village priest, Paul intend...
In these letters Paul provides the most complete statement of the doctrine in the New Testament. If want to know the ins and outs of Christianity, let people check out the writings of Paul to the Romans. So says a notable interpreter. Because of that this note on Romans should earnestly by every Christian, as very important and contains the full spiritual object.
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