CULTURAL WORLD OF ST. PAUL, THE

To understand Paul we must understand the culture he lived in and pursued his preaching. Dr. Pilch, a BIBLICAL ANTHROPOLOGIST reveals and sheds new light on Paul and the first Jesus communities. Paul belonged to that generation of the Jesus movement, which stood between the Jesus group and the Evangelists. His seven undisputed letters make it clear that Paul considered himself to be an Israelite prophet sent by the God of Israel to Israelites who were residing among non-Israelites. He had little to no interest in “Gentiles”, even those who believed in Jesus. Paul considered them to be like branches grafted “contrary to nature” on to Israel, the true root (Rom 11:24). This program will present Paul in a fresh perspective inviting participants to explore hi role as a change agent commissioned by God to proclaim and prepare for the forthcoming theocracy.