Pauline Christianity refers to the form of Christianity based on the teachings of the Apostle Paul as found in the New Testament books traditionally attributed to him. Paul was a major figure in the early Christian church, preaching the gospel to gentiles (non-Jews) across the Roman Empire and writing letters to the churches he founded. His writings make up a significant portion of the New Testament and have been profoundly influential in the development of Christian theology and practice. Here is an overview of some of the key themes and characteristics of Pauline Christianity:
Salvation by Grace Through Faith
A core teaching emphasized by Paul is that salvation comes through faith in Christ, not by works of the law. Paul taught that humans are justified and redeemed from sin through God’s grace as a gift, received through faith in Jesus Christ. This contrasts with an emphasis on obedience to the Mosaic Law for salvation, which was commonly held by other early Jewish Christians. Paul argues extensively for his gospel of grace in letters like Romans and Galatians.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
The Inclusion of Gentiles into the People of God
Paul’s missionary work focused on bringing the gospel to the Gentiles (non-Jews). He taught that Gentiles could be included among the people of God through faith in Christ without needing to first convert to Judaism and obey the Jewish law. The early church struggled with this concept, but Paul persuaded them that circumcision and other ritual aspects of the law were not requirements for Gentiles.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)
All Have Sinned and Fall Short of God’s Glory
In his letter to the Romans, Paul argues that all humanity, both Jew and Gentile, is in a state of sin, guilty and separated from God. No one is righteous through their own works. But the gift of righteousness comes through faith in Christ, who bore the penalty for sin on the cross. This doctrine of universal sin and human depravity is a foundation of Paul’s theology.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)
The Transforming Power of the Holy Spirit
Paul taught that those who put faith in Christ receive the Holy Spirit, which works within believers to transform them, producing qualities like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and self-control. Living by the Spirit’s power enables believers to overcome sinful desires and live righteous lives.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)
The Second Coming of Christ
Paul conveyed the hope of the return of Jesus Christ. He taught that Christ would come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. Believers who died would rise again immortal, while unbelievers would face eternal destruction. This expectation created a sense of urgent mission in the early church.
For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
Call to Mission and Evangelism
Paul embarked on extensive missionary journeys to spread the gospel, going primarily to the Gentiles. He taught that believers had an obligation to preach the gospel everywhere, making disciples of all nations. His letters encouraged and strengthened the churches he planted, and his example inspired future generations of missionaries.
But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? (Romans 10:14)
Instructions for Christian Living
Paul offered practical instructions to the churches on how to live as Christians within the surrounding culture. This included teachings on subjects like sexual immorality, marriage roles, worship gatherings, spiritual gifts, giving, and submitting to governing authorities. His letters addressed specific issues faced by churches of his day.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)
Christology: Jesus as Preexistent, Divine, and Exalted
Paul’s writings reflect a very high Christology, identifying Jesus as divine and exalted. He asserts Jesus’ preexistence and miraculous birth, obedience unto death, and resurrection by the Father. After the ascension, Jesus was given the name above all names and rules over all creation. These themes exalt Christ as a central figure of devotion and worship.
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. (Philippians 2:5-7)
Church Leadership Structure
Paul’s letters provide instructions for the leadership structure of churches, which included roles like overseers, elders and deacons. The qualifications and duties of these roles are outlined. There is also evidence of apostolic authority over churches, spiritual gifts, church discipline practices, and the purpose of communion. These show the development of church polity in early Christianity.
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. (Acts 20:28)
Expectation of Suffering and Persecution
Paul did not portray the Christian life as one of health, wealth, and prosperity. He often reminded believers that persecution and suffering was to be expected for following Christ in a hostile world. Difficulties refine faith and build Christlike character. Many of Paul’s letters were written from prison.
Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12)
Centrality of the Resurrection
Paul emphasized the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead as a central doctrine of the Christian faith. His letters indicate that some Corinthians denied the future general resurrection. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul gives extensive theological weight and evidential support to the resurrection as the basis for Christian hope.
And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:14)
Adam and Christ as Representatives of Humankind
Paul draws a parallel between Adam and Christ as representatives and Federal heads of humanity. Adam’s disobedience led humanity into sin and death. But Christ’s obedience and righteousness leads to acquittal and life for those who belong to Him. Adam embodied human rebellion, while Christ embodied human restoration.
For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. (Romans 5:19)
Union with Christ through Baptism
Paul connects Christian baptism with dying and rising with Christ. Going under the water represents dying and burying the old self. Emerging from the water signifies being united and resurrected with Christ to new life by the Spirit. Baptism serves as a physical embodiment of the believer’s spiritual conversion and regeneration.
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4)
Await Christ’s Return with Readiness and Self-Control
Paul calls believers to live in readiness for Christ’s return, conducting themselves with self-control and sobriety. Since no one knows the timing, Christians must remain steadfast in faith, avoiding behaviors like drunkenness, laziness and licentiousness. Instead, they should fill their lives with good works while waiting for their Lord.
But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. (1 Thessalonians 5:8)
Collection for the Church in Jerusalem
Paul organized a collection among the Gentile churches he planted to provide financial aid for the poor Christians living in Jerusalem. Despite tensions between Jewish and Gentile Christians, this gift demonstrated care, support, and unity. It reminded them that they were all one body under Christ.
For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. (Romans 15:26)
Spiritual Gifts for Edifying the Church
Paul encouraged believers to use their diverse spiritual gifts for the purpose of building up the church. Gifts like prophecy, teaching, healing, tongues and others are given by the Spirit to equip Christians for ministry. But they must be used in love to strengthen the whole body of Christ.
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:7)
The Mystery of God’s Plan Revealed in Christ
Paul speaks of the “mystery of Christ” being revealed through the gospel. This mystery encompasses God’s hidden plan to unite all things in heaven and earth under Christ. Gentiles are now included as co-heirs and members of the body of Christ. God’s eternal purposes are accomplished in the church.
Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 3:7-10)
Paul’s teaching and influence was foundational in giving shape to Christianity in its initial years. Core Christian doctrines like the person and work of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, the inclusion of Gentiles into God’s people, and the transforming work of the Spirit all receive major development in Paul’s letters. His missionary fervor established churches across the ancient world and inspired generations of subsequent Christian mission work. The mark of Paul’s tireless labor and theology is stamped deeply on Christianity as we know it today.