THEME: LIFE AND WRITINGS OF PAUL

INTRODUCTION: Earlier in the cycle there were studies on the Early Church, dealing with the first years after the ascension of Christ. Now we begin a study, six months in length, describing the life and writings of the man, besides Christ, who did more than anyone else to set the pattern for the history of the Church, Again, as on other occasions during this cycle, non-narrative passages are interwoven into the structure of the lessons. For example, following the lesson which tells of Paul's experiences at Philippi, there is a lesson from the Book of Philippians. Other lessons from the epistles are interwoven and will help to make this series on Paul a rich experience of studying the Word of God. The Christmas lesson will be unusual in that the study text is composed of little-used references to the Incarnation. It will, however, provide a fresh appreciation for the coming Christ into the world.