Prepare to discuss the following aspects of the nature of Paul’s person, message and mission.  Work to develop a holistic image of Paul based upon what you glean from each passage above.  The following ideas can be used as a guide to facilitate discussion. 

• The nature of Paul as an Apostle:
  • How was his calling unique?
  • From where did he receive his teaching in the gospel?
  • What made him different as an Apostle from the 12 Apostles of Christ?
• The nature of Paul’s message:
  • What did the “gospel” consist of according to Paul?
  • Did this message differ from the message of the 12 Apostles? 
  • What are its unique characteristics?
• The nature of Paul’s mission:
  • What was Paul’s focus? 
  • To whom did he desire to take his message? 
  • What is the Body of Christ and how does Paul describe it?

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