How to Understand the Apostle Paul

How should we understand the apostle Paul? It seems that his doctrines opposed those of other apostles. Or does it? Can we make sense of it?

The Apostle Paul's writings are often quoted by many who think we can ignore all Biblical law, which is not a modern trend. It started even in the first century. The apostle Peter had to write to the churches to beware of misunderstanding Paul's epistles, leading to their demise.

"as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which the unlearned and unstable pervert, as also they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction."
(2 Peter 3:16, MKJV)

This book provides background information to help understand what Paul was talking about. The following chapters help to get a clearer picture of what the apostle Paul meant in his epistles:

1. Chapter one looks at the misunderstood scriptures and some that seem to contradict each other.
2. A look into Paul's early history helps to understand his experience as a young man and how he misunderstood scripture.
3. After a dramatic experience, Paul reconsidered his understanding, leading to his conversion and repentance. What was his conversion all about? What changed? And what had he repented of? These are essential factors to remember when reading about his experience and his writings to the churches of God.
4. What was Paul's specific mission in Christ? He was called to fulfill a particular role, and the Holy Spirit groomed him to fulfill it. Chapter 4 carefully examines his position in the growing Church.
5. Paul began to meet serious opposition, which he had to deal with. This chapter shows the specific role players and their arguments against Paul's work in Christ.
6. Did Paul abolish the Ten Commandments? This is a very serious question-the salvation of millions of Christians is at stake! Chapter 6 answers this crucial question and also deals with difficult and misunderstood concepts, such as faith versus works, repentance, grace, and justification.
7. In this chapter, we examine seriously what was happening in the growing and expanding Church, the details of some falling away, and the two main aspects of their falling away from the true Gospel.
8. In the final chapter, the misunderstanding of Paul's writings concerning observing times and keeping the Sabbath and Holy Days is resolved.

By now, the reader will have a far better understanding of what Paul meant in his epistles. He was dealing with specific issues and trends. The apparent contradictions in New Testament scriptures will now be resolved, and the reader will understand that the Bible is a unified body of scriptures. Apparent Biblical contradictions are mere misunderstandings.