Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- Why are these letters letters?
- Paul claims to have been sent directly by Jesus. Why is this important for his ministry?
- How does Paul stack up when compared to the original apostles in Jerusalem? If you had a choice, would you rather follow someone who knew Jesus in life or someone who didn't?
- Why does Paul stay away from Jerusalem for so long?
- Do you think Peter and Paul had a difficult relationship? Why or why not?
- Why does Paul need the buy-in of the Jerusalem church? Or does he?
- What do you think of Paul's ideas about the Spirit and the law? Is he right that rules can be oppressive? Or do rules have a place?
- Why is Paul so into Christ's crucifixion? Why is the fact that Jesus died such a big deal?
- Head back to Genesis 16 and 21 and take a look at the story of Hagar and Sarah. Do you think Paul's interpretation of this tale in Galatians 4 makes sense?
- Why is Paul's relationship with the Galatians so contentious, while his relationship with the Philippians is so warm and fuzzy?
- Is the fact that Paul is in prison embarrassing for Christians? How does Paul spin this?
- Does Paul's letter to Philemon support slavery or call for the practice to end?
- Why doesn't Paul directly call for Onesimus's release from captivity?
- How were attitudes toward slavery different back in the first century? Could someone be a good guy (like Philemon seems to be) and still own other human beings?
- How do these three letters compare to the other ones by Paul? Check out Romans and 1 and 2 Corinthians for a comparison.