Outline of Apostle Paul’s teachings.

The Epistles of Apostle Paul carries great importance in the composition of the New Testament,

because it is in them that we find a deep and all-encompassing revelation and elucidation

of the mysteries of the Gospel’s teachings. Apart from Apostle Paul’s individual, especially-

loved mysteries of Christ’s faith, for example: the meaning of the Old Testament law

in relation to the New Testament, the corruption and decay of human nature, the only means

of justification before God is through faith in Jesus Christ, it can be said that there is not one

point in the whole of Christian dogma that did not have its beginnings and affirmation in his

Epistles. The bulk of the Epistles are structured on the one and only plan. They begin with a

greeting to the readers and expression of gratitude to God for His providential activity about

the place it is addressed to. Further on, the Epistle is usually divided into two parts — religious

instructions (doctrinal) and moral directives. In conclusion, the Apostle touches upon

private matters, charges persons with commissions, discusses his personal circumstances,

expresses his kind wishes and sends greetings of peace and love. His language is lively and

bright — reminiscent of the ancient Prophets, and reflects a profound understanding of the

Old Testament.

Selected text from his teachings.

Because the opportunity to give a more detailed account of St. Paul’s many faceted

Christian teachings is constrained by time and space, we will limit ourselves to citing extracts

from his Epistles, which are essentially of a moral nature. As we will see in them, the Apostle

explains what constitutes a true spiritual life — that what every Christian should strive for.

For convenience sake, we bring these excerpts by subject order — in alphabetical sequence

— so that the reader may easily refer to them in Apostle Paul’s Epistles.

The grace of God and spiritual gifts: “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these

are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received

the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit Himself bears witness

with our spirit that we are children of God” (Rom. 8:14-16). “There are diversities of gifts,

but the same Spirit…But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of

all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge

through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings

by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another

discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of

tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually

as He wills” (1 Cor. 12:4-11). “For the grace of God that brings salvation has

appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying of godliness and worldly lusts, we should live

soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious

appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:11-13).

See also: Rom. 5:2; 1 Cor. 12:1-11; 2 Cor. 3:5; 4:7; 6:1-2; 8:9; Gal. 3:5; Ephes. 4:7-12;

Philip. 2:13; Heb. 4:16; 12:15.

About attitudes toward riches: “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with

such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”

(Heb. 13:5). See also: 1 Tim. 6:9-11.

Life is spiritual warfare: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand

against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against

principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual

hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole amour of God, that

you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore,

having girded your waist with truth, having put on a breastplate of righteousness, and having

shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith

with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the

helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephes. 6:11-17).

See also: 1 Thes. 5:4-8; 2 Cor. 10:3-5; Colos. 2:14-15.

Faith and its meaning: “through Whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which

we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Rom. 5:2). “For with the heart one

believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Rom.

10:10). “For we walk by faith not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7). “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision

nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love” (Gal. 5:6). “For

by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God”

(Eph. 2:8). “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must

believe that He is, and that He is a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Heb. 11:6).

See also: Rom. 3:28-30, 14:23; 2 Cor. 13:5; Gal. 2:16, 3:26; Eph. 6:16; Heb. 11:1.

On resurrection of the dead: 1 Cor. 15:12-57; 2 Cor. 5:1-10; 1 Thes. 4:13-18; Phil. 3:10-11,

3:20-21; Heb. 2:14-15, 4:1-11.

On the Second Coming of Christ: 1 Thes. 5:1-3; 2 Thes. 1:6-10.

On celibacy and marriage: 1 Cor. 7:1-17.

On good deeds: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall

reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially

to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:9-10). “Therefore, whether you eat

or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). “For we are His

workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that

we should walk in them” (Ephes. 2:10). “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with

such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Heb. 13:16). See also: Ephes. 6:8; Phil. 2:4; Col. 4:17; 1

Thes. 5:15; Titus 3:14; Heb. 13:1-3.

On gratefulness to God: “Now godliness with contentment IS GREAT GAIN. For we

brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food

and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation

and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction

and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have

strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows”

(1 Tim. 6:6-10). “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty,

nor to trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.

Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up

for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life”

(1 Tim 6:17-19).

Spiritual renovation and Christian life: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new

creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Cor. 5:17).

“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor

Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in

Jesus Christ. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the

promise”…. “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Gal. 3:27-29;

5:16). “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ

is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ Who is our life appears,

then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore put to death your members

which are on the earth: fornication, unseemliness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness,

which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of

disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you

yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of

your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and

have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who

created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian,

Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. Therefore as the elect of God, holy and

beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with

one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as

Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things, put on love, which is the

bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were

called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom,

teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with

grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of

the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him”

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to

all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication,

with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God,

which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are

just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report,

if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things, The

things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of

peace will be with you” (Phil. 4:4-9).

“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted,

uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but

always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without

ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not

quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain

from every form of evil” (1 Thes. 5:14-22).

Baptism is death to sin: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Jesus

Christ, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the

Spirit of life in Jesus Christ has made me free from the law of sin and death” (Rom. 8:1-2).

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those

who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death,

but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God;

for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh

cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God

dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is

in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness” (Rom.

8:5-10). See also: Rom. 8:1; 1 Cor. 5:7-8; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 3:27-29, 5:16-26, 6:8,

6:15;Ephes. 2:1-6, 2:14-15, 3:16-17, 4:22-5:11, 5:14; Col. 3:1-17, 3:23-24; Phil. 2:14-15,

3:8-15, 3:17, 3:20-21, 4:4-9, 4:11-13; Thes. 5:14-22. About death to sin and baptism, see also

Rom. 6:1-7, 8:1-17, 8:32-34; Gal. 2:19-20 and 3:27; Col. 2:11-14; 2 Tim. 2:11-13.

Singularity of the faithful: “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus

Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that

you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10).

“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of

the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being likeminded, having the same

love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or

conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you

look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in

you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:1-5). “But if you bite and devour one another,

beware lest you be consumed by one another” (Gal. 5:15). “If it is possible, as much as

depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Rom. 12:18). See also Ephes. 4:1-5, 4:13;

Phil. 1:27.

Deeds of the law does not justify a person: Rom. 3:19-5:2 and the Epistle to the Galatians.

Life and death: Phil. 1:21-24.

Redemption through Christ and about the Cross: 1 Cor. 1:18-24, 2:2; Gal. 6:14; Phi.

3:18-19; Rom. 5_10; Col. 1;20_23; Heb. 5:1-9; 2 Cor. 5:19-21; Gal. 3:13-14; Ephes. 1:7,

2:16; Titus 2:14; Heb. 9:11-28, 10:5, 10:14-22.

Qualifications and responsibilities of the God’s servants: Bishops (1 Tim.3:1-7), Priest

(Titus 1:5-9) and Deacon (1 Tim. 3:8-13).

Meekness and forgiveness: “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to

wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. Therefore: ‘If your

enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap

coals of fire on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom.

12:18-21). “Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand” (Phil. 4:5). See

also: Gal. 6:1; Col. 3:12; 2 Tim. 2:25.

Love towards God: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or

distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: ‘For

Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter’ (Psalm

43:23). Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us. For I

am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor Angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things

present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to

separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:35-39).

Love toward your neighbor: “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of Angels, but

have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the

gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith,

so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all

my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it

profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade

itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks

no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all

things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails, but whether there are prophecies,

they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will

vanish away” (1 Cor. 13:1-8). “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: ‘You

shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 9Gal. 5:14). See also 1 Thes. 4:9; 1 Tim. 1:5-6.

Prayer: “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” (Col. 4:2) See

also: Rom. 8:26-27; Ephes. 5:19-20, 6:18; 1 Tim. 2:1-3; Heb. 13:15.

God’s wisdom in man’s salvation: 1 Cor. 2:4-16, 3:18-21; Ephes. 1:17-19, 3:18-19, 5:15-

17; Col. 1:9, 2:3, 3:16.

Manhood: “And not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of

perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God” (Phil. 1:28). See also: 1 Cor. 16:13.

On worthlessness of those who live idle lives: Heb. 6:4-8, 10:26-31.

Reward for good deeds: Romans 2:6-17.

Justification by faith and grace: Gal. 2:16-21, 3:18-26; Titus 3:4-7.

Responsibility: Romans 2:6-17.

Christ and His two natures: Col. 1:15-20, 2:9; Phil. 2:5-11; Heb. 1:1-4; Heb. 2:7-11.

Last days and antichrist: 2 Thess. 2:1-12; 1 Tim. 4:1-2; 2 Tim. 3:1-5.

Ordeals, Lent and the deadening of sinful flesh: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the

mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God,

which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed

by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and

perfect will of God” (Rom. 12:1-2). “Do you know that those who run in a race all run, but

one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes

for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but

we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as

one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have

preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Cor. 9:24-27). “And those who

are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Gal. 5:24).

Holy Gospel Divinely inspired: 2 Tim. 3:15-16; Heb. 4; 12.

Knowing God: Rom. 1:19-32.

Help for the needy: “But this I say: he who sows sparingly (donates sparingly) will also reap

sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he

purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God

is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all

things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: ‘He has dispersed

abroad, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever’ (Psalm 111:9). Now may

he who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have

sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for

all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. For the administration of this

service not only supplies the needs of the Saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings

to God” (2 Cor. 9:6-12). See also: 1 Cor. 16:1-4; 2 Cor. 8:11-15.

Examples of faith of past righteous fathers: Heb. 11:1 — 12:3.

On happiness: “For the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and

peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:17). “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace”

(Gal. 5:22). “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Phil. 3:1, 4:4; 1 Thes.

5:16).

Christian freedom: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and

do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage…..For you, brethren, have been called to

liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one

another” (Gal. 5:1, 5:13). “But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling

block to those who are weak” (1 Cor. 8:9-13). See also Rom. 14:13.

Piety: “And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the

living God. As god has said: ‘I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God,

and they shall be My people’ (Lev. 26:12). Therefore ‘Come out from among them and be

separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you (Isa. 52:11) I

will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Mighty’ (Jer.

3:19, Hos. 52:11). Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from

all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Cor. 6:16 —

7:1). “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual

immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and

honor” (1 Thes. 4:3-4). See also: 1Cor. 6:15-20; 2 Cor. 6:16-7:1; Ephes. 1:4; Col. 1:22-23; 1

Thes. 4:3-4; Heb. 10:10, 10:14, 12:14-15.

Family and about the responsibilities of its members: Ephes. 5:22-23, 6:1-4; Col. 3:18-21;

1 Tim. 2:9-15.

Tribulations and temptations: “Through whom also we have access by faith into this grace

in which we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also

glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance

character; and character, hope” (Rom. 5:2-4). “For consider Him Who endured such hostility

from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You

have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. And you have forgotten the exhortation

which speaks to you as to sons: ‘My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor

be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and

scourges every son whom He receives’ (Proverbs 3:11-12). If you endure chastening, God

deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you

are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not

sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect.

Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they

indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may

be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but

painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who

have been trained by it. Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble

knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but

rather be healed” (Heb. 12:3-13). See also: Rom. 5:2-4; 2 Cor. 4:8-18, 1:3-6, 7:10, 12:10;

1Thes. 3:3-4; 2 Thes. 1:6-7; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 2:18, 4:15, 12:3-13.

Humility: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind

let each esteem others better than himself” (Phil. 2:3). See also: Rom. 12:16; 1 Cor. 1:26-31;

Col. 3:12.

Condescension and help one another: “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you

who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also

be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:1-2).

Conscience: “This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophesies previously

made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, having faith and a

good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck”

(1 Tim. 1:18-19). See also: Heb. 9:14, 10:22.

Do not litigate or altercate: 1 Cor. 6:1-7.

Christians — sons of God: Gal. 4:7; Ephes. 2:18.

Patience: “But as for you brethren, do not grow weary in doing good” (2 Thes. 3:13). “But

you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience,

gentleness” (1 Tim. 6:11). “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have

done the will of God, you may receive the promise” (Heb. 10:36, 12:1; Rom. 5:3).

Industriousness: “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thes. 3:8-12). See also: 1

Thes. 4:10-12; 1 Tim. 5:8).