TRIGGER WARNING from Pastor Gayle: In the presentation I briefly explain why I think 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 is taken out of Paul's context and used inappropriately in the Church's historical response to suicide. I only mention suicide briefly during the presentation, but it struck a chord with the class and there was some tender sharing and vulnerability during the discussion afterwards. I believe the discussion would be very healing to anyone who has experienced trauma related to suicide or severe depression, but if you are in a place where any discussion of the topic is painful to you, you may want to skip the discussion part of this video. We cover the very last point in Paul’s theology:

• Salvation, the Second Coming, and the Day of the Lord

In this class we cover the next three main points in Paul’s theology:

• How Israel and Gentiles share in Christ (and therefore how to adhere to the Law)

• The work of the Holy Spirit

• The function of faith and how the faithful live

Paul makes seven main theological points in his writings. We cover the first three today:

1. God’s overarching intent for humanity--the essence of the Good News

2. The purpose of the Law

3. The significance of Jesus--his life, death, and resurrection

Paul is shipwrecked while being transported to Rome for trial. Because of him the entire crew, the soldiers and all the other prisoners survive the shipwreck.

When Paul arrives in Rome he is kept under guard but continues to be well-respected and is allowed to preach and teach to visitors. It is during this imprisonment in Rome that he writes another letter to the Philippians (what we know as the first 2 chapters of the book).

After this, we don’t really know what happens to Paul. The Book of Acts ends. Some sources trace him to Spain but others say he is beheaded in Rome.

Philippians 1-2

Governor Felix never gives Paul a full trial. He lets him sit in jail for two years. Paul takes the opportunity to write several letters.

Paul is still there when Governor Festus arrives to relieve Governor Felix of duty. Festus can’t figure out what to do with Paul. He has a trial that goes sideways in a hurry and Paul appeals to bring his case before the Emperor, as is his right as a Roman citizen.

Festus knows he needs to appease the Jewish High Priests and religious leaders, but he can’t figure out what charges to bring against Paul but he’s got to send him to Rome anyway now that Paul has appealed to Caesar.

Acts 24:24-28:9

Philippians 3-4

Philemon