There are five factors that have shaped Paul’s theology. First, Paul took great pride in his Jewish background and his Theology and Anthropology were both heavily influenced by it. The Jewish background explains why Paul quoted, thought, and expressed extensively through the Old Testament (LXX). The way Paul allegorized and decontextualized text from the OT resembles a lot the modern Jewish manner of interpretation.
Second, Paul’s Jewish background does not conceal a good Greek education and a Hellenistic background. Paul’s language style in his writing and expression clearly reveal a Hellenistic rhetoric. In addition, the word choice in Rom also show Paul’s Hellenistic Gnosticism exposure. Finally, there is also abundant references to the Greek culture, politics, and civics, especially in Paul’s ethical teaching.
Third, Paul’s experience near Damascus served as the revelation to him. The revelation, which is an encounter with Christ’s resurrection, inspired Paul to dedicate his life in Christ’s service for the sake of humanity salvation. The revelation also freed Paul’s mind from awaiting Messiah’s arrival with an alternative: the new age had already begun and Paul’s own apostolic experience turned into his mission and constructed his unique gospel.
Fourth, in addition to his revelation, Paul also learned about Christ and the Christian movement from the pioneer church traditions. Although this claim seems contradictory to Paul’s own expression, it only reveals the profound struggles of Paul with his Jewish identity and the public opinion at the time. written evidence such as Paul’s letters and earthly ministry, suggest Paul’s dependence on and inheritance from the apostolic knowledge, traditions, dictions, and even practices.
Finally, Paul’s experience being an apostle and missionary also partly shaped his theology. The unique experiences of preaching to the Jews and the Gentiles provided Paul new perspectives of the meaning of “church”, which was transcendental and universal. In terms of gnostic, there is little evidence of full-blown Gnosticism in Paul’s time.
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