Paul: His Life and Teaching

Paul: His Life and Teaching

The highlights of his life and the core teachings in his writings

Overview

The apostle Paul led a dramatic and fascinating life from his conversion on the road to Damascus to his imprisonments to his speeches in the public square. His letters shaped the believers in the early church just as they do today. These 10 studies by Jack Kuhatschek survey both the highlights of his life and the core teachings in his writings.

Introduction

Getting the Most Out of Paul
This section introduces the topic, explains the structure followed in each study and offers tips for those approaching the study on their own as well as those participating in a group.

Session One

Blinded by the Light
Saul's blindness was real but also symbolic. What do you think he learned about himself and the Lord during his period of blindness? How was your life different before and after meeting the Lord?
Acts 9:1-31

Session Two

Proclaiming God's Promises
Luke, who is the author of the book of Acts, tells us, "When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying." What may have formed the basis of their jealousy and hostility? What are some of the reasons people today are hostile toward the gospel?
Acts 13:13-52

Session Three

Poor Yet Rich
How does Paul portray the life of an apostle? How do you think you would feel toward God if he allowed you to be homeless, hungry and thirsty, ill-clad, and brutally treated?
1 Corinthians 4:8-13; 2 Corinthians 6:3-10

Session Four

The Power of Praise
What are the immediate effects of the earthquake and its "aftershocks" throughout the night? Why do you think Charles Wesley viewed the events of verses 26-30 as a beautiful illustration of what happens during conversion?
Acts 16:16-40

Session Five

Becoming a Spiritual Mentor
Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders concludes with prayer, tears and affection. What does this scene reveal about Christian relationships?
Acts 20:13-38

Session Six

The Truth on Trial
Paul's carefully constructed speech fails to convince Agrippa. Why are logic, argumentation and even testimony not enough to bring people to Christ? What else is needed?
Acts 25:23-26:32

Session Seven

Strength in Weakness
Like Paul, we often assume that God's power is best displayed by him removing our weaknesses. Why does the Lord sometimes refuse to remove our "thorns"?
2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Session Eight

Feeling Safe in a Storm
If you had been one of the soldiers or sailors on board the ship, how would you have been encouraged by Paul's calm trust in God?
Acts 27:1-44

Session Nine

Finding Hope in God's Kingdom
Paul quotes from Isaiah 6, mentioning the eyes, the ears and the heart. What is the difference between hearing God's words with our ears versus truly hearing him? How should this be a warning to us as we study the Scriptures?
Acts 28:11-31

Session Ten

Experiencing Joy in Sufferings
Paul appears to value death even more than life. Assuming that he does not have a morbid death wish, why might he look forward to what most people fear? How should knowing Christ transform our views of both life and death?
Philippians 1:12-26

Total number of pages63 pages

Jack Kuhatschek is an executive vice president and publisher for Baker Books (Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan). He is the author of the books Applying the Bible and The Superman Syndrome and of many Bible study guides including the LifeGuide® Bible Studies Abraham, David, Galatians, God's Comfort, Hope, Pleasing God, Romans, Self-Esteem and Spiritual Warfare.

$39.95
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