Paul the Apostle was one of the foremost figures in early Christianity and his legacy is a significant one. Born as Saul of Tarsus, his mission to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ across the Mediterranean has come to define Christianity as we know it today. His impact was so profound that writers throughout the ages have gone to great lengths to research and discuss his life, motivations and impact. In this article, we will focus on Paul’s immense influence on the early years of Christianity.
Paul was a Jewish Pharisee by birth who initially fought against the Christian faith before devoting his life to the cause. Yet, within a short amount of time he had become the chief missionary and teacher of Christian truth, visiting numerous cities and towns throughout the Mediterranean to spread the good news. He was an innovative, persuasive speaker and was able to convert countless people to the Christian faith. His deep knowledge of the Bible allowed him to present complex theological concepts in a way that was understandable to all listeners.
One of the most important milestones of Paul’s ministry was his journey to Corinth, where he preached for eighteen months, winning many converts. He made the momentous decision to accept gentiles into the faith, a concept that drastically differed from the prevailing Jewish tradition of the time. Unsurprisingly, this made Paul very unpopular with the Jewish elders, yet his popularity among the Gentiles and the overall success of his missionary work rendered this concern irrelevant. Paul’s establishment of the Christian communities in Corinth, thus becoming the founder of a new faith, is considered one of his most significant contributions to Christianity.
Paul’s discussion of themes related to righteousness, faith, and ethics, which he first put forth in the book of Romans, and later elaborated in other letters, formed the basis of Christian doctrine and have had an immense impact on Christianity both in the past and to this day. He also redefined the concept of the believer’s life, free of the burdens of Judaism, coming to the conclusion that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, and not through one’s works. This was revolutionary, as it afforded a new path of spiritual development that all could follow.
Equally prominent are Paul’s religious writings, which provided an explanation of the relationship between man and God, and a source of consolation to all believers in their respective endeavors. His sermons were not just sophisticated theological texts, but rather an offering of hope and eternal life for the salvation of souls. He encouraged the faithful to consider following a moral lifestyle, staying away from sexual immorality, anger and violence, hoping to bring about a more harmonious communal life in the young Christian communities.
Lastly, it cannot be overlooked that Paul was one of the primary figures behind the formal organization of early Christianity as a major religion. His numerous journeys, letters, and legislative efforts towards constructing the Christian canon significantly furthered the cause of Christianity and helped it to take root and spread in all parts of the known world.
Paul’s Influence on Worship and Devotion
Paul’s greatest influence on early Christianity was arguably in the area of worship and devotion. He established a new form of worship in the Christian communities he visited. He ate and drank with his followers, treating them like family and on the same level of importance as himself. He used this time to read passages from the Bible and to preach the Gospel. He held the Eucharist – the ritual of taking in bread and wine – and encouraged his followers to spread the news of Jesus Christ.
Paul’s teachings also influenced the literary composition of hymns and hymnody of the period. These hymns were significant in giving words to devotional expressions and as a form of prayer. Paul also introduced a form of chant to worship services, encouraging a more communal aspect of worship.
Paul was ahead of his time with his attitude towards women, allowing for more equality for them within the church. He even encouraged women to be active contributors to the early church, taking on the role of leaders, teachers and deacons.
Paul’s Influence on Christian Communities
In the early years of Christianity, Paul’s influence was evident in the growth and organization of the various Christian communities. Paul was the founder of Christian communities in the cities of Corinth, Thessalonica, Ephesus and Philippi. He guided many of these communities to adopt his teachings and become a Christianized community. Paul introduced the concept of a spiritually unified congregation of believers that sought to live life in a Christian manner.
In Paul’s letters to these churches, he laid down fundamental rules and commandments such as the keeping of Christian ethics and moral codes. He also laid down rules concerning the organization of the communities such as the appointment of elders and deacons, and the setting up of rules and regulations of membership. Paul’s influence on the early Christianity was credited with the establishment of these Christian communities which later became powerful strongholds of Christendom.
Paul also laid the groundwork for a unified Christian church throughout the Mediterranean. His efforts towards establishing an administrative organization to assist and communicate between the various churches resulted in synods – a council of bishops- becoming the standard practice for Christians of the time. These synods were managed by bishops and religious leaders who were appointed by the apostles, and this administrative structure helped to spread the teachings of Jesus to many more people in a much larger geographic area.
Paul’s Legacy in History
Paul’s legacy in the world of early Christianity is significant and held in high regard even today. All early Christian literature and creeds cite him as a major source of inspiration and guidance. Similarly, the spread of Christianity throughout Europe and Africa in the centuries following Paul’s life was in no small part due to his dedication to the cause and subsequent influence.
Paul was and continues to be a symbol of courage, as his willingness to go against the grain of society and preach the teachings of Jesus despite the danger involved has been an inspiration to countless believers throughout the ages. His works still influence our understanding of what it means to be a Christian and his legacy continues to shape our understanding of the history and development of the Christian faith.
Paul’s Impact on Literature and Art
Paul has also had an indelible effect on literature and art that has existed in the centuries following his life. Numerous literary works – from plays to novels, poems to hymns – were all shaped by his teachings, and his influence can still be found in many of today’s literary pieces. The writings of John and Augustine, in particular, have drawn much inspiration from the works of Paul.
Likewise, Paul’s influence can be seen in several pieces of art including Michelangelo’s ‘The Conversion of Saint Paul’ and Botticelli’s ‘The Temptations of Christ’. Paul’s ideas can also be found in various paintings and sculptures across Europe, many of which still hang in churches today.
Paul’s Decisive Role in the Early Development of Christianity
Paul has played an integral role in the development of Christianity and has become a figure of importance for the Christian world. His letters, sermons, and writings have served as a source of information and enlightenment for believers of all ages. His instructions to the churches and the rules and regulations he imposed upon the Christian communities served to unify the various Christian denominations and help to develop a more holistic faith. Paul’s willingness to reach out to gentile believers also opened up the doors of Christianity to many more people who, until then, had been excluded from the faith.
Paul’s legacy will continue to be felt for many years and centuries to come, as his teachings remain relevant and applicable to many of the issues we face today. He has become an integral part of Christianity and his influence on this time in history stands as a testament to his greatness.
Paul’s Influence on Today’s Christianity
Paul’s influence can still be felt in many aspects of Christianity today. His teaching on grace, mercy, and redemption, for example, remains at the center of many of the beliefs and values of modern-day Christianity. Other teachings of his, as listed in his epistles, are still practiced in many denominations today and remain to a large extent the same as they were over two thousand years ago. Paul’s letters and writings continue to be referenced in modern religious texts, providing guidance and guidance to believers of all ages.
Similarly, Paul’s missionary journeys and his willingness to spread the good news of Jesus across the known world; despite the possible dangerous consequences, have taken on a mythical aspect and are used to inspire believers to evangelize and reach out to others. His words and actions continue to serve as a shining example of faith, courage and devotion.
From this, it can be easily seen that Paul was a major figure in paving the way for Christianity to become the world’s largest religion. His words and teachings still resonate with believers to this day, and it is clear that his legacy will remain for many more centuries.
