,,IATĂ NE ÎNTOARCEM CĂTRE NEAMURI...” (F. AP. 13, 46). ASPECTE PREMERGĂTOARE PRIMEI CĂLĂTORII MISIONARE A SFÂNTULUI APOSTOL PAVEL
"BEHOLD, WE TURN TO THE GENTILES..." (Acts 13,46). ASPECTS PRECEDING THE FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY OF THE HOLY APOSTLE PAUL

Summary/Abstract: The present study addresses a topic of interest not only for newtestamentary theology but also for other related theological disciplines. In the contemporary context, the reminder of the missionary framework is imperative, given that the Apostle Paul, appealing to his disciple and associate Timothy, urged him to preach the word, persevering with time and without time (cf. II Timothy 4:2) such a vivid exhortation nowadays too. The Book of Acts provides us with the most comprehensive information about the vast ministry of preaching the Gospel of Christ to the Gentiles, and the Gentiles who are covered by the darkness of unbelief have thrilled to the message brought by the missionary preachers of the teaching of Christ. Not having much opportunity, the Apostle Paul, along with the other collaborators who formed the missionary group on the first missionary journey, Barnabas and John Mark, through the preaching, will succeed in transforming the pagan world into a people of the righteous. Actually, the missions of St. Paul the Apostle will be a particularly important element that will change the future of mankind, becoming the voice of the hopelessness hope. Though he considered himself the least importanat among the Apostles, he will consecrate himself as an Apostle of the Gentiles. He not only proclaimed the Gospel to them, but always tried by his presence, and when he failed, he kept trying, through his epistles, to return to the midst of those he converted, in order to keep alive and unaltered the doctrine of Christ. The versatility of the paulin genius left its mark forever on the teaching of the Church. Therefore, if an analysis of his missionary journeys is desired, it must be done in different ways. The devotion with which he had fulfilled the 36 Altarul Banatului mission entrusted to him has to be emphasized, regardless of the missionary journeys analysis. Although the present study only considers the preliminary aspects of the first missionary journey and not an exhaustive presentation in its entirety, we will find that the perspective and missionary work among the Gentiles as well as the formation of the first missionary group are landmarks that require a special attention.

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