What resources did the apostle Paul have to write his epistles and letters? Was Paul’s inspiration divine revelation or did he have other apostolic writings? From my reading of the Book of Acts he appeared to have limited personal interaction with the other apostles.
Tag: Paul
Paul’s Gospel
Was Paul a self-appointed apostle and a liar? Or should Christians be studying his stuff as the basis for their faith?
A site reader told us that her pastor taught only the Pauline epistles. The pastor went so far as to say that Christians only need study Paul’s writings. But then the reader also heard others claim that Paul was a self-appointed apostle and a liar. So which is it?
What Law is Paul Referencing in Romans 2?
All those under the law will be declared righteous. It says so in Romans 2. What law is Paul talking about?
In Romans 2:13, Paul says that those who obey the law will be declared righteous. Well, if we’re no longer under the law, then what in the world is Paul talking about here? What law?
Whose Gospel is it Anyway?
Paul refers to the gospel as “my gospel” in Romans. Why?
A couple times, in Romans, Paul refers to the gospel as his own. “My gospel,” he calls it. Why does he refer to the gospel in this manner?
My Life Before Jesus
Brooke’s testimony tells of God’s mercy. He listens to those who call on His name.
Brooke’s testimony is powerful.
It’s an illustration of God’s promise to never leave or forsake us.
Brooke ran as far from Him as she could. But when she needed Him, she cried out to Him and He answered her. He came to her in her time of need.
Not only that, but Brooke had a network of Christians praying for her. God listened to those prayers and he responded to them in a powerful way. The prayer of the saints is effective (James 5:16).
I rejoice with Paul, knowing that the gospel of God is being preached through Brooke and her story. Praise God! I’m thankful to serve One who will never leave or forsake us . . . One who will always welcome us home.
Did Paul Know of the Virgin Birth?
Paul probably knew of the virgin birth.
What Paul knew about Mary, Joseph and the birth of Jesus is somewhat unclear from Scripture. However, there are a couple passages which seem to speak (however indirectly) of this topic.
Read our short article:
Did Paul Know of the Virgin Birth?
Psalm 19 – A Psalm About God
Psalm 19 is about God. We can know of HIm through nature and through His holy Word.
In November, I went to the Oregon Coast and beheld the most unbelievable sunset.
It made me think of Romans 1:18-20, where Paul says that everyone is without excuse, because God’s attributes shine through clearly in nature. I think David must have been watching a similar sunset when he wrote this Psalm, because he says about the same thing.
1The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
2Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.
3There is no speech, nor are there words,
whose voice is not heard.
4Their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.Psalm 19:1-4 (ESV)
We don’t need to physically hear God’s voice thundering out of the sky or see Him levitate someone to believe He’s real. We can look around and know.
The second half of the Psalm talks about the Bible. David didn’t have the entire Bible, but what he did have satisfied him. The Bible spoke to him of God, just like nature spoke to him of God. We have God’s entire Word, so we should never complain. If David found rest for his soul in the limited portion of God’s Word he had available to him, we should find complete and total satisfaction knowing that God’s mysteries have been revealed to us.
David knew that in God’s Word life and contentment could be found. We rely on our “progressive” universities filled with all-wise professors, our enlightened media, and the latest scientific advances for our wisdom. Well, scrap all that crap. God’s Word contains all we need for life and contentment.
7The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the LORD is sure,
making wise the simple;
8the precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
9the fear of the LORD is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the LORD are true,
and righteous altogether.
10More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
11Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.Psalm 19:7-11 (ESV)