Why the Need to Study Paul and His Letters

1. There is a value because we miss a lot of our Christian Tradition

qualitatively - they represent a canonical theology, a formative one
2. There is a historical Value - it presents us the earliest reports of the events in the early church
e.g. Acts 15; Gal 2, 1-10
- earliest statements of the kerygma
-earliest account of the eucharist 1 Cor 11
-earliest information about God
-earliest idea of parousia
-early idea of christian Morality 1 Cor 5, etc

3. There is a value in the liturgical and Spirtual Value
e.g. the grace of our Lord.. 2 cOr 13:3
formula of consecration 1 Cor 11:23

4. There is a Theological Value

Galatians and romans
Kenosis Phil 2,6-10 Christology, Fredom

5. There is Ecclessiological Value
- many of the first moments in the church are inspired by the letters of paul
e.g. Ecumenical Movement (It was Luther's readingf of Gal, and romans etc.)

Charismatic Movements 1 Cor 12/14 Gal 5

Do they resemble the real community 1 Cor 12 14 - charismatic Issue
agape LOVE
oikodon Building (edification of the community)

Study Paul to avoid abuse in the charismatic groups

Difficulties:
1. Reading a Scripture

Literary Form
Distance
Context

2. The NT/Bible is really a small library of Christian Faith, and the Letters is just a part of this mini library

There are times that they are not in harmony
e.g. Rom 3:28
James 2:24

Rom Christ is the end of the law contrary to Mt 5:17-18

One needs to be cautious in reading and in interpreting

Challenge: How to read Paul together with the Other Books
1. Address to community
2. Address to Individual

Current bible
Arranged by Length - Romans
- indicates that the letters were edited

Rom 16 is a late addition
How come he knew a lot of people in Rome?
Gloss - marginal note that has crept into the text e.g. 1 Cor 1:12

Read J. Fitzmayer, art 79 New Jerome Bible Commentary