The apostle Paul was probably the most influential leader and writer of the early Christian movement. Thirteen letters (epistles) in the New Testament have been traditionally attributed to Paul.

Just who was Paul, and how should we think of him? Were some of his letters more important than others? Which churches did he found? How do we understand some of his apparently contradictory statements? Was he in favor or not of women's leadership in the early church?

This study pack consists of three multiple-session studies. They may be studied in any order; however, we recommend you use them in the following order:

"Paul: His Life and Thought," by Michael Cosby. This three-session study provides a summary of who Paul was, his conversion experience, and some of the main beliefs he had about who Christ was and how Christians should live.

"Paul's Journeys," by David Otto. This three-session study takes participants on a tour of Paul's three missionary journeys. What he saw and what he did on each of the journeys will be discussed.

"Paul and the Role of Women in the Church," by Sandra Hack Polaski. This two-session study examines Paul's statements and actions in order to conclude just what Paul really thought about women and their role in the church.