Paul the Apostle original name Saul of Tarsus (Greek: Σαῦλος Ταρσεύς SaulosTarseus), was an apostle (though not one of the Twelve Apostles) who taught the gospel of Christ to the first-century world. Actually he is considered one of the most important figures of the Apostolic Age. In the mid-30s to the mid-50s, he founded several churches in Asia Minor and Europe. (Griggs p.1) In fact, Paul used his status as both a Jew and a Roman citizen to advantage in his ministry to both Jewish and Roman audiences. Fourteen of the twenty-seven books in the New Testament have traditionally been attributed to Paul, and approximately half of the Acts of the Apostlesdeals with Paul's life and works. Furthermore,the last book in the Bible written by the apostle Paul is 2 Timothy. At this point in his life, he was locked away in a prison in Rome for preaching the Gospel. Paul knew that he was nearing the end of his life, and he sent one last letter to his friend Timothy. (Spong p.23) Actually, this talks all about 3 major values faith, love and forgiveness. In fact, he valued this so much he preached about them in his everyday life. Moreover, he did not complain or ask God why he is being put to death but he just wrote his last letters to his friend about his values. “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (Vss. 6-8) As Paul grew closer and closer to his last days, he had no fear of death. (Spong p.45) He had no doubts about where he was going or about the reward that was awaiting him in Heaven. In the face of death, Paul had the same unshakable faith that he had during his entire life. This is emphasizes one of
Paul the Apostle original name Saul of Tarsus (Greek: Σαῦλος Ταρσεύς SaulosTarseus), was an apostle (though not one of the Twelve Apostles) who taught the gospel of Christ to the first-century world. Actually he is considered one of the most important figures of the Apostolic Age. In the mid-30s to the mid-50s, he founded several churches in Asia Minor and Europe. (Griggs p.1) In fact, Paul used his status as both a Jew and a Roman citizen to advantage in his ministry to both Jewish and Roman audiences. Fourteen of the twenty-seven books in the New Testament have traditionally been attributed to Paul, and approximately half of the Acts of the Apostlesdeals with Paul's life and works. Furthermore,the last book in the Bible written by the apostle Paul is 2 Timothy. At this point in his life, he was locked away in a prison in Rome for preaching the Gospel. Paul knew that he was nearing the end of his life, and he sent one last letter to his friend Timothy. (Spong p.23) Actually, this talks all about 3 major values faith, love and forgiveness. In fact, he valued this so much he preached about them in his everyday life. Moreover, he did not complain or ask God why he is being put to death but he just wrote his last letters to his friend about his values. “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (Vss. 6-8) As Paul grew closer and closer to his last days, he had no fear of death. (Spong p.45) He had no doubts about where he was going or about the reward that was awaiting him in Heaven. In the face of death, Paul had the same unshakable faith that he had during his entire life. This is emphasizes one of