How did an old man’s trip to the market to buy fish and vegetables lead to a chain of cause and effect events that would change the religious face of the world forever? Who was Paul of Tarsus? A fanatical Pharisee and ruthless persecutor of Christians and the newborn Christian doctrine? Or a being predestined by divine choice, who converted upon receiving the gift of the apparition of Jesus in a glorious vision at the gates of Damascus? This book will show the reader the greatness of Paul of Tarsus, a courageous, daring and sincere man, who repented for his radical posture that culminated in the stoning of Christianity’s first martyr, Stephen, and who humbly undertook the accelerated revision of his ideas in answer to Jesus’ call. Amid persecutions, in¬rmities, mockery, disillusionment, desertions by friends, stonings, beatings and imprisonments, he transformed his life into an example of labor through dozens of years of struggle by founding churches and rendering them assistance. At some point in our lives, we all receive Christ’s call. What have we done? Paul and Stephen will enable the reader to understand how love erases a multitude of wrongs.

Acts is the sequel to Luke's gospel and tells the story of Jesus's followers during the 30 years after his death. It describes how the 12 apostles, formerly Jesus's disciples, spread the message of Christianity throughout the Mediterranean against a background of persecution. With an introduction by P.D. James

The monetary fund that the apostle Paul organized among his Gentile congregations for the Jewish-Christian community in Jerusalem was clearly an important endeavor to Paul; discussion of it occupies several prominent passages in his letters. In this book David Downs carefully investigates that offering from historical, sociocultural, and theological standpoints. Downs first pieces together a chronological account of Paul's fund-raising efforts on behalf of the Jerusalem church, based primarily on information from the Pauline epistles. He then examines the sociocultural context of the collection, including gift-giving practices in the ancient Mediterranean world relating to benefaction and care for the poor. Finally, Downs explores how Paul framed this contribution rhetorically as a religious offering consecrated to God.

Why did Peter cease eating with the Gentile Christians at Antioch (Gal 2:11-14) after defending his decision to eat with Cornelius before the entire Jerusalem church (Acts 11:1-18)? Beginning with a character study of Peter throughout the Gospels and Acts, Jack Gibson demonstrates that Peter is consistently portrayed as being a faithful disciple whose pre-Pentecost impetuosity is due to a lack of understanding of the message of Jesus and his post-Pentecost boldness is due to his newly-revealed understanding of this message. The historical background to the Antioch incident is considered, with special consideration given to the Jewish response to Roman rule. Peter's relationship with James and Paul is analyzed, culminating in an evaluation of Peter's motivations for ceasing to eat with the Gentiles.

The Apostle Paul is one of the most important teachers in the New Testament, authoring a large portion of the New Testament. His life and letters have guided, inspired, encouraged, and challenged the church for two millennia. But what makes Paul tick? The author contends that Paul's essential genius lies in his passion to know Jesus deeply and intimately. We can get ahold of this passion by exploring Paul's life and ministry over the course of 11 lessons. The narrative of the Book of Acts forms the basis of a chronological account of his life, with biographical elements included from Paul's letters. In addition, each lesson examines one or more of Paul's passions and key teachings, and how they can impact a believer's life, values, and commitments today. Some of these include: - Salvation by grace through faith, rather than by strict observance of the Law. - The passion to proclaim Jesus despite opposition and persecution. - Being totally surrendered to Christ, in Paul's words, "Crucified with Christ." - Knowing Jesus intimately -- in a way that surpasses everything else. Initially developed as an online study, this book is ideal for personal spiritual development, use by teachers and small group leaders, and for sermon development.

"Sketches from the Life of Paul" is a spiritual book by Ellen G White that features the life of the Apostle Paul. It portrays the passionate spirit of Apostle Paul after accepting Christ and working in the line of the gospel. This book covers the unwavering service of Paul with faithfulness to the cause in his ministry without any abominable beliefs or mentalities.