Discuss what it meant to be a Roman citizen in Paul’s day. How were citizens better off than the slave class?

0. Discuss what it meant to be a Roman citizen in Paul’s day. How were citizens better off than the slave class?

0. Summarize Saul’s conversion experience and how he describes himself in various New Testament texts. In what ways do you see this as a dramatic life change?

0. Who was Barnabas? List and detail his appearances in the Book of Acts. Describe his importance in assisting Paul to get acquainted with Christians.

0. Discuss social, political, and religious factors that contributed to the rapid spread of Christianity during the first century.

ANSWER

Being a Roman citizen in Paul’s day offered certain legal protections and privileges. Roman citizens had the right to a trial before a Roman tribunal and could not be punished without one. They also had the right to appeal their case to the emperor and could not be tortured or sentenced to die on a cross. Roman citizens were also exempt from certain taxes and could not be forced to do manual labor.
In his conversion experience, Saul (later known as Paul) was on the road to Damascus to persecute Christians when he was struck blind by a bright light. He heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4) Saul then converted to Christianity and began preaching about Jesus. In his writings, Paul often refers to himself as a “servant” or “slave” of Christ. This conversion marked a significant change in his life, as he went from being a persecutor of Christians to one of their most ardent defenders.
Barnabas was a Christian from the island of Cyprus and one of the first to believe in Jesus after his resurrection (Acts 4:36). He is mentioned several times in the Book of Acts, including when he brought Paul to the apostles to be accepted by the Christian community in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26-27) and when he and Paul were sent on a mission to Antioch (Acts 11:22-26). Barnabas played an important role in helping Paul become accepted by the early Christian community and in supporting his ministry.
There were several social, political, and religious factors that contributed to the rapid spread of Christianity in the first century. One factor was the extensive network of trade routes that crisscrossed the Roman Empire, which allowed the gospel to be spread quickly to new areas. Additionally, the Roman Empire was a multicultural and multilingual society, which made it easier for the gospel to be translated and understood by different groups. Additionally, the first century was a time of great religious upheaval, with many people searching for a new religious identity. Christianity offered a compelling message of salvation and a sense of community, which attracted many people.

Discuss what it meant to be a Roman citizen in Paul’s day. How were citizens better off than the slave class?

ANSWER

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