Unlocking the Mystery of the Ages

The story of how Paul the Apostle caught and taught the key to experiencing what he meant when he wrote: “For me to live is Christ!”

His first mentor was his human father. His second, the Old Testament Scholar, Gamaliel. His third, Barnabas, who initiated him into the leadership position he eventually received. His fourth, the ultimate, intimate, transformative Master Teacher, JESUS. The protégé Paul encapsulated, essentialized and explained CHRISTIANITY.

Think of what it must have been like to sit in the Lecture Hall of Tyrannus in the city of Ephesus where Paul had discussions every day for two years.  During that time, I’m sure Paul was sharpening his ability to explain what Christianity truly is.  And the impact on people who attended was so life transforming that it resulted in the message spreading in word and dead, ultimately touching the population in all of Asia (Acts 19:1-10).

Paul’s vision statement was ultimately to reach Rome and beyond.  But to be sure all that he wanted to share with the Christians in Rome would get to them, in case he never got there in person, he wrote this classic book.  It encapsulates TEXTBOOK CHRISTIANITY.