Abstract This paper is an in-depth exploration of the role of the Apostles after Christ's resurrection. The author details 'The Acts' and its teachings, which marked the beginning of Christianity. The Apostles' goals in the aftermath of Christ's death and resurrection and the roles they played in shaping the development of Christianity is examined in detail. Some of the topics discussed include the sins of the people, the life of Saul, who became Paul, and many of the issues surrounding Baptism and the occurrence of miracles.
From the Paper "As well the apostles are required to help the world understand the teachings of Christ and to encourage them to carry forward the word of the Lord themselves, that is, in order to be converted and Saved. To that end, Peter performs a miracle, and both he and John preach the word of God to the people; as a result, the people begin to sell their possessions and give their lives over to Christ. An enraged Jewish authority then arrest the apostles for their heresies about resurrection and their apparent threat to what the authorities would have felt was their own just and rightful leadership. The apostles proclaimed Christ to be the one true power, and though the authorities were swayed by their "notable miracle" (4:16), they chose to contain their voices by commanding them not to speak, nor teach, the Word of the Lord. Of course, the apostles would return to their teachings in the temple, performing miracles, and would again face conflict with the authorities."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth exploration of the role of the Apostles after Christ's resurrection. The author details 'The Acts' and its teachings, which marked the beginning of Christianity. The Apostles' goals in the aftermath of Christ's death and resurrection and the roles they played in shaping the development of Christianity is examined in detail. Some of the topics discussed include the sins of the people, the life of Saul, who became Paul, and many of the issues surrounding Baptism and the occurrence of miracles.
From the Paper "As well the apostles are required to help the world understand the teachings of Christ and to encourage them to carry forward the word of the Lord themselves, that is, in order to be converted and Saved. To that end, Peter performs a miracle, and both he and John preach the word of God to the people; as a result, the people begin to sell their possessions and give their lives over to Christ. An enraged Jewish authority then arrest the apostles for their heresies about resurrection and their apparent threat to what the authorities would have felt was their own just and rightful leadership. The apostles proclaimed Christ to be the one true power, and though the authorities were swayed by their "notable miracle" (4:16), they chose to contain their voices by commanding them not to speak, nor teach, the Word of the Lord. Of course, the apostles would return to their teachings in the temple, performing miracles, and would again face conflict with the authorities."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth exploration of the role of the Apostles after Christ's resurrection. The author details 'The Acts' and its teachings, which marked the beginning of Christianity. The Apostles' goals in the aftermath of Christ's death and resurrection and the roles they played in shaping the development of Christianity is examined in detail. Some of the topics discussed include the sins of the people, the life of Saul, who became Paul, and many of the issues surrounding Baptism and the occurrence of miracles.
From the Paper "As well the apostles are required to help the world understand the teachings of Christ and to encourage them to carry forward the word of the Lord themselves, that is, in order to be converted and Saved. To that end, Peter performs a miracle, and both he and John preach the word of God to the people; as a result, the people begin to sell their possessions and give their lives over to Christ. An enraged Jewish authority then arrest the apostles for their heresies about resurrection and their apparent threat to what the authorities would have felt was their own just and rightful leadership. The apostles proclaimed Christ to be the one true power, and though the authorities were swayed by their "notable miracle" (4:16), they chose to contain their voices by commanding them not to speak, nor teach, the Word of the Lord. Of course, the apostles would return to their teachings in the temple, performing miracles, and would again face conflict with the authorities."
Abstract This paper will discuss the teachings of the Apostle Paul on how not to teach wrongly in spiritual matters. The scriptures will be used to explain how and why he taught this way. An analysis will be given on what he preached and why.
Abstract In this article, an analysis of sections of the New Testament is provided. In this analysis, the writer demonstrates that the role played by Peter the Apostle in the work and for Christianity is one of primacy. The writer explains that this is due to Peter representing the primary model of Christian faith and behavior.
From the Paper "In the New Testament, Peter the Apostle is one of the most significant of Jesus' twelve apostles. Simon ben Jonah is Peter's original name but when Jesus encountered Simon and his brother fishing, he said Thou art Simon the son of Jona thou shalt be called Cephas, which is interpreted Peter. There are numerous mentions of Peter, later Saint Peter, during his apostolic life in the New Testament Gospels and Acts. It is in ... "
Abstract This paper examines the life of the Apostle Paul. The paper provides a biography of Paul's life and discusses Paul's qualifications for the work which God called him to perform. The paper also discusses Paul's first, second and third mission within the timeline of his life.
Outline:
Introduction
His Life
Significance of Paul
Conclusion
From the Paper "Paul has often been credited with making sure that the Christian faith became a universal faith. While there were many important names in the bible who helped to create the foundational universal nature of the Christian faith, Paul traveled the world to do it and the fact that he had been a rabbi gave his word a significant amount of creditability during the process. "
"Another contributor to the great significance that Apostle Paul had when it came to the Christian faith was his writing ability. While many of the Lord's followers were able to produce speeches and talks that were guided by the Lord, Paul had an extremely talented writing ability. This was during a time in which educated people who could write well were highly regarded, respected and revered. Paul was one of those people so much so that even from his house arrest status and his time in jail he was able to write down the things that he wanted the world to know about the Christian faith and have it spread in that manner . "
Abstract This paper discusses the life and works of the Apostle Paul, focusing specifically on the work that is attributed to him: "Romans." The paper goes on to analyze and describe the theme of "Romans," chapter ten. The paper then analyzes each verse from chapter ten, verse nine to seventeen. The paper concludes that the "Book of Romans" gives all the information that is necessary for someone to be saved.
From the Paper "As a messenger of the gospel, Paul viewed his mission as a great privilege. He also thought that the Jews had missed the rights and opportunities to be a messenger. Israel was to be God's messenger of good news for the world. The good news of God's grace was to be proclaimed among the Gentiles, by the Jews. This did not happen. Not only did the Jews reject the message and the Messenger, they rejected their calling to be a messenger as well. In the text of Isaiah, it is God who speaks saying, "Here I am." In Isaiah 52:7, the messenger is singular, "the feet of him." In Paul's citation, the messengers are plural. When Paul speaks of the messengers being sent, he wants the people to understand that God Himself, not the church, is sending the messengers of the gospel."
Abstract This paper begins by describing the 12 apostles chosen by Jesus to preach the Gospel. It talks of the high expectations Jesus had of these ordinary men and how he expected them to carry out these expectations. The paper looks at Jesus's teachings, how he wanted his followers to act and live their lives, and discusses what John wrote about the relationship between Jesus and His apostles. Finally, the paper looks at why Jesus expected so much from his apostles and his followers.
From the Paper "While on earth, Jesus Christ chose His 12 apostles to preach the Gospel and complete His mission of salvation. These apostles and the rest of His disciples were fishermen, carpenters, a tax collector and ordinary men with character flaws and weaknesses, of which He was perfectly aware. He even rebuked them for these weaknesses, errors of judgment and pretenses. But because these followers were to become the leaders of His Church, Jesus commanded them to do superhuman tasks and expected them no less than to be perfect, completely trusting, fearless and selfless. In other words, He set standards that they themselves found impossible to achieve, but He ordained them to live by these standards in preaching the Gospel to the very last creature (Mk 3:13)."
Abstract The role of women in church as laid out by the Apostle Paul has always been controversial. There are those who say that Paul hated women and created restrictive, secondary roles for them in the church because of it. Others, however, maintain that Paul loved women and that the roles he created for them in the Christian church were very liberating for them. Still others acknowledge that the roles for women that Paul created for the Christian church are somewhat restrictive and secondary, but say that this is because of the status of women in society at that time, not because Paul hated women. The role of women in the Christian church as ordered by Paul continues to be controversial and a matter of scholarly interpretation and study today. This paper takes a look at the role of women in the Christian church as ordered by the Apostle Paul.
From the Paper "Probably the passage in the Bible referred to most frequently when citing how Paul hated women is the passage in 1 Corinthians, Chapter 14 which states that women must be silent in the church. This passage also states that Paul will not allow a woman to teach in church, as man was put on earth to be the head of the woman. This passage has raised the ire of more than one feminist, and is frequently pointed to as positive proof that Paul had no use for women. It certainly seems that way on just a cursory glance. Paul wants women in church to be silent. This is almost akin to saying that women should be seen and not heard, much like the old saying about children. One gets the impression that whatever women might have to say, Paul did not think it was important".
Abstract This paper looks at how the major difference between the Apostle Paul and the other apostles is that Paul had not known Jesus while he was on earth as the Son of God. It examines how Paul's conversion occurred only after the Ascension and how this fact plays a prominent role in his teachings about Jesus and about the apocalypse. It discusses this aspect of Paul's Christianity together with specific aspects of the apocalypse that Paul deals with in his writings. The three ages of the apocalypse as seen by Paul are also examined.
Outline
The End of the World (1 Cor. 15)
The Resurrection (1 Cor 15 continued)
The Restoration of the World (Romans 8)
The Coming of Christ (1 Thessalonians 4)
From the Paper "First, the end of the world as depicted by Paul in his first epistle to the Corinthians (Chapter 15:20-28) is considered. This is a celebration of God, who will come and reign over everything and everyone. Secondly, and closely related to this is Paul's view of the resurrection (1Cor15:20-28), during which the earth and human beings are made new to conform to the spiritual realm. Thirdly Paul's description of the restoration of the world in Romans 8:18-25 is considered. Here the premise is the hope that every Christian lives in that the suffering experienced in the world will end in glory. Finally, the way in which Paul deals with the coming of Christ in his first epistle to the Thessalonians (Chapter 4:13-18) is considered. Here Paul continues the theme of hope in terms of being reunited with those who have passed away."
Abstract The paper argues that Saul's conversion serves as a vital event in Acts because it illuminates the validity of Paul's authority or apostleship; hence to be an apostle is to be converted. The paper also critiques Saul's Christophany and in particular, Saul's call, conversion and commission. The paper then links these essential events to what seems to be Luke's chief objective: validating Paul's authority as a suitable apostle.
From the Paper "In conclusion, Luke seeks to validate Saul's apostleship through dramatic detailed events found in Acts 9:1-31. The sequences of events are distinct but very similar to Mediterranean literature concerning the conversion of one who "turns" from one perception of life to another perception of life. First, he presents Saul as one who is chosen. Saul is chosen among group members; he hears the voice of the divine. Note here the relationship between the chosen and the divine: there is direct communication. Second, Luke presents Saul has one who is first chosen then converted. To be chosen only is insufficient, conversion is vital as it serves as a period of preparation for one who will proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Lastly, Saul is commissioned; his commissioning is the final piece that signifies one who is sent out to proclaim the risen Christ."
From the Paper "Formerly Saul of Tarsus, a well-educated Pharisaic Jew who persecuted the early Christian churches, which he considered blasphemous, Paul the Apostle converted to Christianity after direct divine intervention. Having seen and heard the arisen Jesus, Paul rejected his former views to become among the most significant proselytizers of the early Christian church. Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles, created several Christian communities in Asia Minor and Greece. Paul's letters, canonical writings of the New Testament, demonstrate his commitment to permanently influencing the communities so that the new converts would adopt practices that Paul considered correct. Of course, Paul's need to exert influence against competing Christian practices demonstrates that early Christian practice was neither well defined nor monolithic. Paul's writings substantively influenced these early Christian communities, and his theology, which preaches Christ crucified, facilitated the growth of Christianity as a religion. Paul is best understood, therefore, as a missionary who advanced Christians? understanding of the significance of Jesus, and not as the founder of a new "Paulist" version of Christianity."
The following paper examines the way in which Paul the Apostle managed to herald a radical break between Christianity and the world that provided the fertile religious soil of thought from which it sprung.
Abstract This paper explains Paul's theory that Jesus's sacrifice on the cross rendered Mosaic Law invalid. It suggests that the formation of this idea was the fundamental break between Christianity and Judaism.
From the Paper "This philosophic shift of thought both made the Jesus sect that emphasized Jesus' life rather than his words more important in the Early Christian tradition as well as heralded a radical break between Christianity and the world that provided the fertile religious soil of thought from which it sprung."
Abstract This paper traces the history of the Roman Catholic Church, the largest Christian Church, through its formation by the apostles of Jesus Christ, the Council of Trent and Vatican I. The author continues a discussion of the beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church. Next, the paper focuses on the Church of the Nazarene by presenting its founding by Phineas Bresee in Texas in 1908. The author states that the Church of the Nazarene is Protestant (Methodist), part of the Holiness Movement, based on the teachings of John Wesley and broke off from the Pentecostal Church. The paper concludes by comparing the two religions.
From the Paper "In 313, the Roman Catholic Church was legally recognized by the Roman Emperor Constantine in 313, and it became the official religion of the Roman Empire in 380. (Religious Movements Home Page) In 1054, there was a major schism involving the Pope's claim of primacy over the church, and the Eastern Orthodox Church split off from what thereafter was know as the western Church. (The Religious Movements Home Page)"
Shows that although it is a comedy, Shakespeare's play, "The Comedy of Errors" contains a great deal of insight into the religious state of Shakespeare's era.
Abstract This paper explains in what ways Shakespeare was quite critical of the practice of Christianity and its hypocrisies. Ephesus, the town where "The Comedy of Errors" is set, contains a great deal of religious history. It is one of the places where St. Paul preached Christianity, as told in Acts of the Apostles in the Biblical New Testament. Ephesus was the source of much witchcraft and sorcery, and subsequently much Christian reform. It shows how through scene setting, Shakespeare had many things to say about Christianity in his play. We see the way in which the characters deal with the Christian hypocrisy of their time. The church focuses power in a patriarchal way; the men abuse this power while the women and servants (Adriana, Dromio) are expected to abide by biblical ideals. The paper addresses all these themes, including detailed adverse effects of the Christian society on the female and lower-class characters. Included are an overabundance of textual quotes, as well as some direct biblical references.
From the Paper "In moving the location of Plautus's play, The Brothers Menaechmus, from Epidamium (in Ancient Greece) to the Turkish city of Ephesus, Shakespeare placed the action in a newer and more dramatic religious environment for The Comedy of Errors. The missionary St. Paul, whose travel and imprisonment in Ephesus are recorded in the Christian Bible's ?Acts of the Apostles,? associated the city with witchcraft and evil sorcery, but also sought to refine it. There are several places in Ephesus whose names hark back to the mythology of Ancient Greece, such as the "Centaur" (Antipholus of Syracuse's inn) and the "Phoenix" (Antipholus of Ephesus's home). Yet this sets up a religious conflict within the city of Ephesus, for most of the characters indicate themselves to be Christian. Antipholus of Syracuse directly states, "I am a Christian"? (23), while characters like Luciana and Adriana suggest it in their moral counsel, or even simple exclamations (LUCIANA: "God for Thy mercy"!? (123)). At the beginning of Act IV, the Second Merchant reminds Angelo the goldsmith, "You know since Pentecost the sum is due" (87), demonstrating that the Christian calendar is instituted so that it guides even business dealings. However, Shakespeare does not praise Christianity in this play; at times, the manipulation of Christianity is equally as bad (if not worse) than the paganism that St. Paul had originally set out to dispel. It serves as an oppressor to selected characters throughout the play."
