This session has not been translated into your language yet, so it is shown in English.

Paul, the Apostle

1. READ

   Acts 13-15; Galatians 1:1-10

2. CONNECT

   10min
   In the last session, we saw how Paul’s life and education as a Jew formed the foundation of his theology. We also looked at how his exposure to Gentile culture allowed him to minister to Gentiles inside and outside of the Church. We saw that Paul was able to navigate both of these very different environments without compromising the gospel because his primary identity came from his position in Christ. In this session, we are going to explore Paul’s God-given mission as an apostle.

3. Reflection

   Choose an object you have with you and explain to the group how it relates to some aspect of your mission in life.

4. WATCH

   20min

5. DISCUSS

   10min
   • What is something new you learned from the video?
   • In his time, Paul could be a controversial figure, and the same is true today. What are your feelings about him?
   • Read Galatians 1:1-10. List different things Paul points to that support the truth of his position.
   • What was Paul’s God-given mission according to Acts 9:15, 16 and Acts 13:1-4?
   • What part did Paul’s letters play in that mission?
   • Considering what you have seen in the video and in the Bible passages, how would you describe the authority behind Paul’s ministry?

6. Straight from the Heart

   15min
   Purpose for This Life It’s easy to think that Paul lived such an extraordinary, missionary lifestyle because he received his commission straight from Jesus. But you too have been commissioned by the risen Lord himself: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:18-19). When Jesus ascended to heaven, some of his followers thought he would be coming back soon. But when we pay close attention to the metaphors Jesus used about the growth of God’s kingdom—a seed becoming a great tree and yeast working its way through dough—we see that the process is a slow, incremental one. Paul’s life is a picture lesson of how to live in the time between Jesus’ first and second comings. In Thirdmill’s video Paul and His Theology, the section about Divine Purpose tells us:

   This is not a time for simply waiting for Christ to bring the fullness of the age to come at his return. On the contrary, God has designed this period of time for great activity. We are to build the church in every nation on earth. Paul devoted his own life to spreading the gospel and building up the church in unity and love. And he called others to join him in that service as well.

   1. Summarize Paul’s view of his life and ministry as he expressed it in Philippians 1:21-25.
   2. Read Ephesians 4:11-16.
      • What does Paul say about how God wants us to carry out our mission?
      • List the various ways Paul describes the goal of our mission.

7. APPLY

   Take some time to consider the following questions:

   • Is there anything you would like to add to or change about your mission or purpose for your life that you stated earlier? If so, what?
   • What do you need to be better equipped for works of service and for building up the body of Christ in unity and maturity?
   • How do you equip God’s people for works of service?
   • How has this study encouraged you in your faith?
   • Where has it challenged you? What do you want to do as a result?