Saint Paul the Apostle, the greatest of the apostles

Summary (English literal translation):
1. Saint Paul’s position in Scripture:
His Holiness Pope Shenouda explains that Saint Paul the Apostle wrote more than anyone else in the New Testament — fourteen epistles containing 109 chapters, more than the four Gospels combined. He is the second largest writer in Scripture after King David.
2. His divine calling and apostleship:
Paul was neither among the twelve nor the seventy, but the Lord Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus and called him as a chosen apostle. Christ appeared to him four times after the Ascension — a unique honor.
3. His preaching and missionary work:
He preached in Jerusalem, Antioch, Cyprus, Asia Minor, Greece, Europe, and Rome, where he founded the Church. His ministry spread throughout the world with great faith and zeal.
4. His miracles and spiritual service:
God performed many miracles through him — healing the sick, casting out evil spirits, and raising Eutychus from the dead. His life became a source of blessing for many.
5. His epistles and teachings:
He wrote about grace, faith, works, spiritual gifts, love, resurrection, the second coming, and church ministry. He laid the foundations of Christian theology and established order among bishops, priests, and deacons.
6. His defense of apostleship:
Though some questioned his authority, he defended his apostleship — not for personal glory but to confirm his divine mission. He repeatedly affirmed: “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God.” He wisely used his Roman citizenship to defend himself and his service.
7. His humility and ascetic spirit:
Despite his greatness, he was deeply humble, saying, “I am the least of the apostles and not worthy to be called an apostle.” He considered himself the chief of sinners, shown mercy to be a pattern for those who would repent.
8. Final spiritual teaching:
Pope Shenouda presents him as a model of preaching, faith, struggle, and humility. In Saint Paul, we see the wise and zealous servant who laid the theological foundation of Christianity and witnessed for Christ to the end.
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