Author: P Antonio Rivero LC known for the many letters of that period are preserved. This allows you to see that Paul took the form of his own time. Introduced, however, some significant changes, which resulted in his letters belonging to religious literature.
II. DOCTRINAL OBJECTIVE: know the core of Paul's thought.
III. LIVING OBJECTIVE:
Read and meditate on the letters of St. Paul, to make life of our life.
IV. THESIS:
St. Paul wrote the most famous fourteen letters that exist in the world and summarizes them all that the Catholic Church teaches about of faith and morals. They have two parts: a dogmatic
, ie truths of faith and other moral ,
ie, rules of good practice. The longest and doctrinal he wrote to the Christians of Rome. The shortest, Philemon. The most exciting and strong are the two that he wrote to the Corinthians, correcting some mistakes. The highest and most difficult is to the Ephesians. The most loving, Philippians. The last letters were written from prison, addressed to Timothy and Titus. The first letter to the Thessalonians has the distinction of being the first letter of the NT, it was written before the Gospels. All cards have the author, or directly to Paul, or disciples who heard directly from Paul.
V. EXPLANATION OF THE THESIS:
A) LETTERS kerygmatic: 1 and 2 Thessalonians (years 50-51) 1.
is a flourishing community sufficiently organized, strong in faith, hope and charity, despite the continuous persecution from their fellow citizens and Jews. Problems: what will become of the dead surprised by death before the glorious return of Jesus Christ? When will this coming?
2.
theological and spiritual content:
The first: addressed words of encouragement and consolation, I remember the deal and the anxieties of his preaching and his work, tries to correct some misconceptions about the imminent coming of the Lord , speaks of purity, of labor, the fate of the dead, surveillance.
The second: specifies the doctrine of the Parousia, saying it is not imminent, and therefore we must continue working, building the earthly city and not get caught in the nets of a sterile religious parasitism.
3. Style: notice the naturalness and simplicity, and the parenthetical tone, ie as hortatory and notices. B) BIG LETTERS: To the Corinthians, Galatians, Romans
* To the Galatians:
1.
situation of the Church:
The Galatians were a people of Celtic origin, related to the tribes of ancient Gaul. From Europe settled in central Asia Minor, now Turkey, and were subdued by the Romans in 180 BC Galatia was in serious crisis of Christian identity, brought from outside by some preachers gospel that challenged the validity and legitimacy of the Gospel made by Paul, liar and accused of preaching a gospel maimed, to be a mini-apostle. These agitators said that the true gospel is king faithfully observe the law of Moses, including the rite of circumcision. Hence the tone of Paul in this letter is polemical, even aggressive in parts.
2.
Scheme and division:
three well defined sections:
A section
A doctrinal section,
And a hortatory section,
where states what should be the attitude of man freed by Christ, as opposed to man after the flesh.
3. theological and spiritual content:
Human salvation (justification) comes from God, through Jesus Christ dead and risen. The law does not save.
Man belongs to accept, believing that Jesus Christ is the only savior.
This faith, not only intellectual assent, but above all love. Only then the man will become a new man and free.
This new man, recreated by God in the image of Jesus Christ will be able to overcome sin and death, causing the old man.
4.
Style: is perhaps the most genuine letter of Paul, for his biographical data, tone, style and ideas. Makes use of historical references, personal references, quotations from Scripture, exegetical procedures characteristic of the rabbinical schools, summoned personal barbs. Apostrophizes curses and violence, complains without human respect, asked softly. The heat of the controversy generated a beautiful mess and lack of structure in the letter. This letter has been a stumbling block and a sign of contradiction. Protestants hailed as the flag to criticize all laws and regulations has been given the Church, because "the law does not count," says Paul. To fully understand Paul's message must be read well the entire set of cards. Here, Paul simply puts us alert to not fall into legalism formulaic, empty and Pharisee, without love. But the Church does not fall into that: its laws and regulations are motivated by love. Therefore, our faith must be accompanied by works of love.
* First Corinthians:
situation of the Church:
Greeting and thanksgiving (1 Cor 1, 1-9). Divisions in the community (1 Cor 1, 10 - 4, 21)
Conclusion (1 Cor 16).
3. theological and spiritual content:
Given the division created, Paul proclaims the true wisdom of God, revealed in the mystery of the cross of Jesus Christ. Before
sexual disorders, Paul recalls that the creature is a baptized Christian new temple of God. Proposed values \u200b\u200bof celibacy and marriage, as two paths that God offers us to reach holiness. Paul extols the value of celibacy and virginity.
face of other issues (meat sacrificed to pagan feasts assistance, multiplicity of charisms ...), Paul expounds the lesson of practical ecclesiology, remembering that we are all part of the Church and we seek what is useful community, motivated by love.
incredible view of the degeneration which had come liturgical assemblies in which they celebrated the Lord's Supper, Paul makes a great teaching on the Eucharist and how celebrated and received with dignity and in a state of grace in the soul. Given the reluctance of some to accept the resurrection of the dead, Paul is a reflection on eschatology: the resurrection of Christ guarantees our resurrection.
Style:
* Second Letter to the Corinthians:
Scheme and division:
More than a letter are different cards: Greeting and thanksgiving (2 Cor 1, 1-11).
theological and spiritual content:
Deepens in apostolic ministry with its grandeur and misery, with its splendor and its weight, its risks and rewards. He states that his ministry received from Jesus Christ, who called him free to be the apostle to the Gentiles.
solidarity between the different Christian communities.
4. Style : is a letter we can see the human and Paul's apostolic
115. The style is a reflection of a mind in turmoil. The emotion is steals clearly written expression, with each step we encounter obscure allusions, complex grammatical constructions and disconcerting interruptions in their thoughts. But the passion with which it is written and naked sincerity, loyalty and moving it conveys, giving it a unique beauty with which the reader can not ignore.
* Letter to the Romans
Scheme and division:
Introduction (Rom 1, 1-15). Section doctrine (Rom 1-11)
3. theological and spiritual content: theological content: the saving power of God works in man through faith in Jesus Christ. It is the whole doctrine of justification or salvation from Christ, who liberates us from sin. Jesus offers us salvation and man, by faith, accept this salvation, and become open to that salvation.
The most precious fruit of salvation is the supernatural life that is, participation in the intimate life of the three divine Persons, whose work of art is the sanctification of our souls and the creation of the new man in us.
God's saving project will also reach the people of Israel.
4. Style
: homiletic style prevails or doctrinal theological exposition of the subject, interspersed with exhortations. Mix well liturgical style, hymns, and rabbinic show diatribe or controversy.
C) LETTERS OF THE CAPTIVITY: Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians
Between 58 and 63, Paul spends four years in prison, first in Palestine and then in Rome. Have time to meditate and deepen the mystery of Christ and the Church.
situation of the Church:
2. Scheme and division: this is the scheme
· Paul and the community of Philippi (1-2): news, projects.
· Invitation constant joy, even with the prospect of death.
• The concern for the spiritual growth and for harmony and unity of the community.
· Role centrality of Christ in the history of salvation and supreme model of Christian at all and everything. 4.
Style:
is a personal letter, attentive, warm and tender. Look no systematic doctrine. Use the call, referring to past and present.
* Letter to the Colossians
1. situation of the Church in Colossae
was a considerable Christian community, composed mostly of people converted from paganism. But should have a good number of Judeo-Christian, as is clear from problems mentioned in the same letter. Among the Christians of Colossae were some who taught highly dangerous errors, which embraced elements of Christians, Jews and pagans
. What were these mistakes?
Judaizing tendencies: Jewish converts to Christianity were trying to force everyone to circumcision, Sabbath observance, the abstinence from certain foods.
excessive Worship
the angels to make them a god.
rigid asceticism:
purification, abstinence from food, etc..
2.
Scheme and division:
Introduction
dogmatic party
(1-2): supremacy of Christ in Creation and Redemption. moral or hortatory Party
(3): encouraged to firmness in the faith against errors, and support of his Christian life on the resurrection of Christ.
3.
Later Paul presents Christ as "head of the body"
which is the Church. The Church, therefore, is presented as
having a head and received Christ from him vital momentum and is the Bride of Christ. Christ is the head of the body, because it is the first resurrection: the first to revive and resuscitate him on the other, to brief them on his death and resurrection through baptism.
4. Style: multiplication of synonyms, add-ins that occur in cascade. Pauline Vocabulary: head, body, mystery, wholeness, wisdom, wealth, knowledge, cosmic powers. Influence of the wisdom literature.
is a wealthy Christian of Colossae, cattle Paul and the gospel for some time who has escaped a slave named Onesimus. The slave is now with Paul, that would keep him close to each other. Knows that assist reasons for this, but does not force the issue, and with great delicacy leaves the decision in the hands of Philemon own. He returns to the slave, which makes this beautiful letter carrier.
theological and spiritual content:
is very simple and friendly. Is the shortest letter in the New Testament.
1.
situation of the Church: Ephesus, capital of the Roman province of Asia, was located on the west coast of the peninsula of Asia Minor. His major port and its large population it did in Paul's a very flourishing city. It is addressed to Christians of the second generation, which have been dazzled by some pagan philosophies
and need someone to help them deepen the mystery of Christ. There is division, permissiveness and attraction of the pagan world.
2.
Scheme and division:
A greeting.
doctrinal and theological Party
(1-3): Christ and the Church.
moral and hortatory Party
(4-6): invitación a la unidad y deberes del propio estado.
Conclusión
3.
Contenido teológico-espiritual :
La acción del Padre, del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo en el plan de la Salvación. El Padre nos elige para ser sus hijos. El Hijo nos obtiene la redención con su sangre. El Espíritu Santo nos sella y es la garantía de nuestra herencia. Entona un himno sobre el Plan salvador de Dios: a todos –judíos y paganos- nos ha llamado Dios a ser santos e irreprochables en el amor, hacernos hijos suyos, redimirnos en Cristo y darnos la fuerza del Espíritu. In the history of salvation, Jesus Christ is the center. The salvation that Christ has brought is a free gift
Unity of the Church as the body of Christ. The Church is the place where discrimination disappears, "I'm Jewish, I am pagan, where no particular or privileged racial, religious, cultural or social, where unity is not uniformity and passivity, but dynamics and collaboration. Christ has broken down the wall of the Act that formerly separated Jews and Gentiles.
Exhortation to new life in Christ.
D) Pastoral Letter: Timothy and Titus
1. Why
called pastoral letters?
2.
What year were written?
3.
He was also the need for local church leaders that would ensure the deposit of faith that Timothy and Titus had received from Paul. 4.
Why are so important pastoral letters?
They keep alive the legacy of Paul, as were currents that wanted a kind of return to Judaism.
defend the genuineness of the Gospel, to avoid becoming diluted in a kind of esoteric and sectarian intimacy, which evaded the world's problems, seeking pure spiritual inwardness, and a dualistic view of the world (Manichaeism). We give guidelines on the organization of the Church, with the functions of various ministries. Dan
rules of life for the faith community: true faith is taught by the apostles, and was aired at the beginning, the ministers should keep intact the deposit of faith received by the apostles, believers grow in faith, no useless speeches, but keeping the unity with apostles and implementing the goodness that Christ taught.
5. doctrinal What are these pastoral letters?
Christ, in whom revealing the saving plan of God is the only universal mediator. The new birth involves baptism is not due to our works, but the goodness of God.
Salvation by Christ brings a
requirements: first of all faith, hope and charity, the foundation of all Christian life. Besides prayer and fighting spirit, obedience, patience and gentleness, purity, fidelity to sound doctrine and practice of good works.
6. Let us now
* Letters to Timothy
1. Timothy Location:
Timothy was the son of a Jew and a Greek. He was the beloved disciple of Paul. Paul in this letter appears as the Shepherd who passed rules that would ensure the continuity of the Churches founded by him.
The second letter: Paul from prison
gives pastoral advice to Timothy to remain faithful to the ministry and keep sound doctrine. They are a testament to Paul, before his death.
4. Style:
is very friendly simple, passionate and at times, passionate.
* Letter to Titus 1. Tito
situation: it was Greek, I had been circumcised Paul on his journey to Jerusalem, where he wanted to get approval from the Apostles to the Gentiles freedom under the law of Moses. It seems that Paul instructed the Church of Crete, and is supposed to be in front of it when he wrote the letter.
2.
Scheme and division:
here is not a fixed, as in the letters to Timothy.
3.
theological and spiritual content:
doctrinal points: the sacrificial death of Christ and His glorious appearing at the end of time, love of God to men and universal salvific will, the renewal by the Spirit through baptism and the transforming action of grace that makes us heirs of eternal life. 4.
Style:
As in the letters to Timothy.
VI. CONCLUSION: San Pablo has been, is and will be the great apostle of Christ. All theology owes him their thoughts and main points of doctrine. Paul of Tarsus is a monument to the grace of God. Paul shows how God does not destroy our human nature, but the rises, turns, respecting our temperament and idiosyncrasies. God used Paul to systematize the doctrine of Christ. Christ left no writings, simply spoke and acted. But left to his apostles the task of announcing, orally or in writing, his message of salvation.
PRAYER: San Pablo, we ask the same passion you had for Christ. That we too, like you, go through the world preaching the gospel, because "Woe to us, if not proclaim the gospel." We spend and wears us out for souls, like you did. Amen. _____________________________
The letter to the Romans is the longest of those written by Paul. There is a complete and definitive synthesis of Paul's teaching and much less than Christian doctrine, but it is the great writing of Paul and the first major test in the history of Christian theology. Together with Galatians, the Romans has been the main reference point in the controversy between Catholics and Protestants, to the extent you could say that the Protestant Reformation Roman has made sacred text par excellence. Some have considered this letter as Paul's theological testament, as it was written in one of the most critical moments of his life
.
These Colossians seem to some believers today who rely more on private devotions not approved by ecclesiastical authority, in Christ, or take refuge in astrology, magic, superstition, horoscopes.
The word "all" is repeated eight times in the hymn.
- One of those philosophies is gnosticism. This current of thought amalgamated teachings originated in the religion of Iran, the Platonic philosophy, Judaism and ultimately Christianity. It was characterized by the dualism rejected matter as bad and accepted only the spirit as well. The soul, a spark of divinity imprisoned in the prison of the body, should be released by a redeemer to transmit knowledge (gnosis) savior. The redeemer had to communicate the knowledge of the ascetical by which the soul came to dominate the body, and could be released back to merge with the divine. It was characteristic of this thought scorn of the human body. They argued that he had an elaborate system of celestial beings and intermediaries between the divine and earthly, which governed the lives of men and which they attributed power and they should worship. These new lines of thought attempted to settle within the Church.
- ran out there and Gnostic tendencies, ie put some false teachers in the knowledge of salvation, the fruit of one's own personal effort.
- QUESTIONNAIRE 1. Paul shares with his own inner struggle Romans (Rom 7, 15-21) "I can not understand my behavior, I do not do what I want, but I do what I hate ..." What does Paul mean in this quote? 2.The
- quotes 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4, Paul gives us the first Christian creed. What are the parallels with today?