24th June, Pualine Theology class

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We explore the life of Paul base on his writing. He was the citizen of Tarsus. In those days, Romans granted citizenship to those who worked for them even if they are Jewish or any others races. So, Paul parents must have been working for Romans. He was Roman by citizenship, Benjamite by tribe and he his education wasfrom Greek tradition. So he was exposed to three worlds: Romans, Jewish, and Greek. Paul conversion to Christianity was rather dramatical according to ACTS account. However, his own version of his conversion in his writing was somewhat less fancied. However, having said that, I don't mean to negate what is written in the ACTS. My point is the differnece in describing the same event. Alright, that should not be an issue here. The more interesting fact about Paul is that he influences the Christian more than any others. Some even go to the extend that they did not bother to consult the historical Jesus, who is our only Founder. So, let us be careful to read side by side with Epistles and Gospels account. In regards to his "thorn in the flesh", it is still open for discussion. One of the intriguing statement of Paul is "For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me". Can we relate this to the "thorn in the flesh"?.

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