This is the first of a three-volume biographical commentary that will capture and hold your interest as it relates the times and events of Paul's life. You will observe Paul's bitter hatred, strong-willed pride and cruelty that was followed by a shock that shook him down to the foundation of his soul, leaving him humbled, bewildered, disillusioned, laden with guilt and remorse that marked the turning point of his life. Ever after that Paul the church-destroyer became Paul the church builder. You will sense the drama and suspense that Paul experienced through his journeys, dangers, fears, brushes with death, flights, and his intense concerns for the churches he founded and the Christians within them that took him through the depths of depression to the heights of joy and songs of praise to God.
"Rev. JC", the author, has written a solid, practical, encouraging and edifying commentary about the life and letters of Paul. Rev. JC digs into the text. He expounds with rich insight what the New Testament teaches. He also gives extensive historical background about the cities Paul visited, which opens up the events described in the Book of Acts. His commentary reveals that Paul used every situation as a platform to exalt Christ – whether a stoning in Lystra, a beating in Philippi, a riot at the temple in Jerusalem, a shipwreck on Malta, or years of imprisonment in Caesarea and Rome.
In this first volume you will:
• Find the dating of Paul's life from his birth to his martyrdom, set among Roman historical events and reigns of the Caesars.
• Come to know what Paul's infancy, early childhood, upbringing, and education would have been like.
• Learn what Paul's conversion was like for him spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically.
• Follow Paul through the initial eight years of his apostolic work that are only alluded to in Acts 9:30 and Galatians 1:21.
• Travel with Paul through the cities and events of his first missionary journey on Cyprus and in Galatia before attending the Apostolic Council in Jerusalem.