IndexIntroductionPaul's Contribution to ChristianityConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionPaul's teachings and doctrines pave the way for Christianity to become the world religion it is today and, in this way, the impact and Paul's contributions to Christianity are extremely significant, Paul challenged the concept that the Jews were the "chosen" and allowed Christianity to flourish. He also played a crucial role in founding churches and developing Christian communities in places such as Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, and Philippi. Paul exemplified how a Christian should live his or her life, providing inspiration to new followers that it is possible to undergo a "metanoia" experience and repent of previous actions; these teachings continue to impact the Christian community today. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Paul's Contribution to Christianity Throughout his life Paul wrote many letters to churches and individuals he had converted during his travels. There are 13 letters written by Paul that laid the foundation for much of Christian faith and practice that are still referenced today and used as guidelines for modern Christian adherents. One of the most important themes in Paul's writings is “agape,” or selfless love, such as that described in his first letter to the Corinthians, 13, “Love is patient and kind… Love is everlasting,” etc. Paul emphasizes that without this vision of life and love, humanity is devoid of essence and goodness. Paul's other letters also ask for God's support in overcoming the difficulties of the new sect, as well as expanding on Jesus' teaching in a variety of different contexts. His writings aimed to support, help, encourage and inspire the early followers of Jesus to thrive in Christian communities and spread the message of peace and love. Through his behavior and writings, Paul exemplified how a Christian should live his or her life, providing inspiration to new followers that it is possible to undergo an experience of “metanoia” and repent of previous actions. The clear fact that Paul not only changed his beliefs but also his behavior is the essence of religious adherence and has retained its importance in the lives of contemporary Christians. Paul undertook three long journeys in his life - in 44, 48 and 55 AD which geographically spread Christianity throughout the massive Roman Empire - modern countries such as Cyprus, Turkey, Greece and Italy, cities known as Antioch, Philippi, Corinth, Thessaloniki, Rome and as recorded in Acts 15:41, “Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.” Unlike other small sects that faded away, the followers of Jesus strengthened and flourished in numerous places under the influence of Paul, unlike the small community in Jerusalem under the institution of Peter who did not believe in the conversion of Gentiles. In opposition to the beliefs of Peter and others, Paul was an advocate of including Gentiles in the Church rather than expecting them to convert to Judaism first. This conflict of beliefs between Peter and Paul led to a confrontation, as Paul wrote in Galatians 2:11-14: “I opposed him to his face, because he was condemned…he ate with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated, fearing the party of circumcision. Remembering the behavior and actions of Jesus, Paul's determination led him to cause trouble on his missionary journeys. After his third journey Paul was accused of teaching against Jewish law in Rome and was physically attacked and imprisoned by the Romans, and it is generally believed that.