Paul’s travels greatly affected early Christianity because of how he spread the Word of God. He chose from the most religious, then taught the teachers, and left them to build on the foundation he had laid. Those he taught then taught others and the message of God’s love spread. After he left a town, he came back to see how the church had grown and spread. In this way, Paul was able to move on, cover new ground and spread the word over a wider area. People from all different regions and countries could hear the good news and start or build up their faith.
Paul’s method of teaching was in three major steps. First, he preached a simple gospel of love and forgiveness. He then developed close relationships with them to gain their trust. Finally, to convince the people of God’s power, he performed miracles. From a personal standpoint, Paul could speak about what it was like to suddenly know about Jesus, having first-hand experience of changing from persecuting Christians to preaching Christ’s message. Paul told people how great Jesus was, transforming his life in such a dramatic way and that this was possible for everyone.
People said that “His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing”. Perhaps Paul’s letters better enabled him to preach the Word of God to those he could not visit or see face to face. His letters were intended for public speaking and they gave much practical advice to those who heard it. His letters acknowledged the difficulties that the communities were experiencing and he encouraged them to imitate Christ in how to deal with these difficulties. In all of this, he always showed great enthusiasm in his writings. As a great example, some of his last letters were written while he was in prison. He reassures the people not to worry about what is challenging and difficult to them but to put their fears and anxieties before the Lord in prayer.
Paul’s method of teaching was in three major steps. First, he preached a simple gospel of love and forgiveness. He then developed close relationships with them to gain their trust. Finally, to convince the people of God’s power, he performed miracles. From a personal standpoint, Paul could speak about what it was like to suddenly know about Jesus, having first-hand experience of changing from persecuting Christians to preaching Christ’s message. Paul told people how great Jesus was, transforming his life in such a dramatic way and that this was possible for everyone.
People said that “His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing”. Perhaps Paul’s letters better enabled him to preach the Word of God to those he could not visit or see face to face. His letters were intended for public speaking and they gave much practical advice to those who heard it. His letters acknowledged the difficulties that the communities were experiencing and he encouraged them to imitate Christ in how to deal with these difficulties. In all of this, he always showed great enthusiasm in his writings. As a great example, some of his last letters were written while he was in prison. He reassures the people not to worry about what is challenging and difficult to them but to put their fears and anxieties before the Lord in prayer.