This is a five-part Lesson wherein Student(s) will examine the Apostle Paul’s life and theology through primary texts of Acts, Galatians, Philippians, Romans, 1–2 and Corinthians, as well as historical‑critical scholarship. They will trace Paul’s rabbinic beginnings and formation, analyze the multiple accounts of his conversion, evaluate his missionary methods and understand his teaching on Law and Grace within the context of Second Temple Judaism. The Lesson integrates reading, discussion, textual analysis and reflective writing.
 
Paul’s writings shaped Christian theology more than any other early figure. Understanding him requires careful attention to history, culture and literary context. This Lesson helps Students to recognize Paul as a Hebrew/Jewish thinker, not a post‑Christian theologian. By understanding how rabbinic training influenced his argumentation (apologetics), it helps to better grasp the motivation behind Paul’s own claims and letters, but also Luke’s theological storytelling in Acts. Students will see how Paul’s message of grace emerges from a Jewish debate about covenant relationship, identity in Yahweh and righteousness through Yahshua. This will sharpen skills in critical reading, historical reasoning and theological reflection—something Paul did most every day.