A Historical Introduction to Paul and His Letters

Next to Jesus himself, the Apostle Paul was almost certainly the most influential figure in early Christianity. Nearly half of the New Testament books are attributed to him, but questions remain: Did Paul really write all of them? And what exactly did he teach? This 8-week Zoom course explores Paul’s life and writings, examining how his dramatic conversion sparked a movement that would grow into one of the world’s major religions. We’ll consider what can be known about Paul from Acts and his own letters, the challenges of identifying which letters are authentically his, and how his message compares to Jesus’ teachings in the Gospels. Along the way, we’ll dive into major themes like faith, grace, and freedom from the law, while also grappling with Paul’s more difficult views on gender and slavery. By the end of the course, participants will gain new perspectives on Paul’s complex legacy and the ways his ideas continue to influence faith and society.

Dr. Lennin Prado holds a PhD from Brandeis University in biblical studies.His specialization includes the books of the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible, Dead Sea Scrolls, and New Testament writings as well. Applying a critical perspective, and situating these writings in their social, political, and historical contexts his classes open up the historical and literary world of the ancient near east.