Paul was the first great preacher and theologian of the Church. We discover his background, dramatic conversion, the challenges he faced in founding new churches, and why he continues to influence our faith today.
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
In the Preface to the Eucharistic Prayer for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul on the 29th June, Peter is described as being ‘foremost in confessing the faith’, and the one ‘who established the early Church from the remnant of Israel’. Paul is described as ‘the outstanding preacher (of the faith), master and teacher of the Gentiles’. ‘Each in a different way gathered together the one family of Christ, and revered together throughout the world, they share one Martyr’s crown’.
Paul was the first great preacher, pastor and theologian of the Church. Paul’s missionary strategy was to sow the seeds of the gospel in as many towns and cities as he could reach. It is estimated that in the course of his travels he walked some 10,000 miles across what are now the countries of Turkey and Greece. Acts 13-21 organises his travels with various colleagues and co-workers into three missionary journeys, the last of which sees him on his way to Rome.
Here we discover his background, dramatic conversion, the many challenges he faced in founding new churches, and why he continues to influence our faith today.
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