Saint Paul

It’s impossible to exaggerate the influence of the Apostle Paul in the world, and particularly in the West. Only Jesus the Nazarene has had a greater influence, and, trailing Paul, Aristotle, and Plato. That is quite the company.

Paul spread Christianity across the world. He founded churches in Asia and Europe, writing letters to them that are part of the Bible’s New Testament. The most famous is his letter to the church in Rome, titled Romans. In it, he explains God’s good news, which began to be explained in the Old Testament. He wrote:

…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God… (3:23 – English Standard Version)

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (6:23)

…But God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (5:8)

…if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. (10:9,10 – English Standard Version)

…So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. (13:12-14)

Paul’s life and letters changed the lives of millions of people, but also influenced the West’s commitment to human dignity. Their influence has been increasing worldwide.

Paul’s letters include Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and 1 and 2 Thessalonians. The cities mentioned in these letters are still visible today. I recently visited several and will share highlights over the next few weeks.

Paul’s New Testament letters ought to be part of every student’s reading plan. I recommend starting with the Gospel of Mark, then reading Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. (If you want a helpful guide to Romans, appropriate for students, I recommend Timothy Keller’s popular commentary: Part 1 and Part 2.)