History of the Church #3

1. St. Paul was originally known as “Saul of Tarsus”.

He was a persecutor of the first Christians and he was present at the stoning death of St. Stephen.

2. [Acts 9: 3-9] While on a journey from Jerusalem to Damascus, Saul was knocked off his horse by a bright light out of the sky.

He heard a voice saying: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”

This was the voice of Jesus, who identified Himself with his Church.

3. This event changed Saul’s life forever. He converted from Judaism to Christianity and became one of the greatest defenders and proponents of Christian Faith.

4. St. Paul’s role within the Church was particularly to be a missionary to the “gentiles” (non-Jewish persons).

5. St. Paul, unlike most of the other Apostles, was well-educated and a gifted writer.

As an observant Jew, he knew sacred scripture (OT) very well and knew the Law.

6. St. Paul wrote many letters to the members of the early Church in different parts of Middle East.

These letters have become part of sacred scripture and are known as the “Epistles” of St. Paul [see examples].

7. In addition to writing, St. Paul was also a fierce debater and loved to have intense discussions with the gentiles, trying to persuade them of the truth of the Gospel message, of Christ and His divinity primarily.

8. St. Paul is one of the very greatest figures in the History of the Church.

He was single-handedly responsible for the conversion of thousands of people.

9. The Council of Jerusalem (A.D. 49/50) Acts 15: 7-11

When St. Paul converted thousands of gentiles to the Christian faith, they were not required to observe the Jewish law because they had never been Jews.

At the Council of Jerusalem in 49/50 AD, St. Peter, speaking with authority as the head of the Church (Pope) declared that those gentile converts did not have to observe the Mosaic (Jewish) Law.

They did not have to follow Jewish dietary laws or become circumcised.

10. The Council of Jerusalem was the first council of the Catholic Church.

A Council is an authorized gathering of Bishops, guided by the Holy Spirit, to discuss ecclesiastical matters with the aim of passing decrees on the themes under discussion. [Explain].

The Missionary Activity of the Apostles

11. The Apostles were firsthand witnesses to the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ and were sent by Him to preach the Gospel (Good News) to the whole world.

12. All of the Apostles, except St. John, were martyrs.

St. Peter was crucified in Rome during the persecution of Emperor Nero in the year 64 AD.

13. St. Paul was beheaded in Rome between 62-65 AD.

Sts. Peter and Paul (the first Pope and the Church’s greatest missionary) share a feast day: June 29.

14. St. Andrew was crucified in Greece and his feast day is: November 30.

Sts. Matthew and John were also evangelists (Gospel writers).

St. Matthew preached mainly to the Jews and wrote his Gospel in Aramaic.