Description
This course, St. Paul the Pharisee: Jewish Apostle to All Nations, offers a unique exploration of the life and writings of one of Christianity’s most pivotal figures. Led by Father Stephen De Young, the course will delve into the true historical context of St. Paul, challenging the post-Reformation reinterpretations that have distanced him from his Jewish roots. Throughout his life, Paul remained a faithful Pharisee, and his epistles reflect the Roman Jewish world he inhabited.
Drawing from his book, Saint Paul the Pharisee, Father Stephen will help participants rediscover Paul’s teachings through the lens of Orthodox Holy Tradition. His interpretive translation of the epistles avoids familiar terminology, using words rooted in first-century Judaism to encourage a reassessment of St. Paul’s mission and message. Throughout the five weeks, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, engage in discussions, and gain new insights into the profound legacy of St. Paul.
Instructor
The V. Rev. Dr. Stephen De Young is pastor of Archangel Gabriel Orthodox Church in Lafayette, Louisiana. He holds master’s degrees in theology, philosophy, humanities, and social sciences, and a PhD in Biblical Studies from Amridge University. Father Stephen is also the host of the Whole Counsel of God podcast from Ancient Faith and author of four previous books: Apocrypha, The Whole Counsel of God, God is a Man of War, and The Religion of the Apostles. He co-hosts the live call-in show and podcast Lord of Spirits with Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick.
Course Modules
Class 1: The Early Life of Saul of Tarsus
Class 2: St. Paul’s “Conversion”
Class 3: Missionary Journeys
Class 4: St. Paul’s Epistles
Class 5: The End of St. Paul’s Course
Course Details
Dates/Times: December 1st, 2024, 5pm PST
Length of course: 5 weeks
Class length: 60 Minutes of Lecture, 60 Minutes of Discussion
Prerequisite: Open to all people, no prerequisites
