Note: The three lessons in this series were developed for the Seminario Baxter during the spring of 2000. They were presented at the Baxter Institute in Tegucigalpa, Honduras during May, 2000. The three lessons treat the life of Paul through an overview, a survey of the early life of Paul, and conclusions from the later, more spiritually mature Paul. In reality, the first lesson was presented in two parts due to time constraints, and lessons #2 and #3 were presented in a single session. Thus lesson #1 has been divided into two parts.
Because of the context for which the lessons were prepared, the thrust is evangelistic and missionary, thus the specific title of the series. Paul's letters have served as a primary source of information, coupled with background knowledge of early Christianity, and selected missions resources.
Paul, Apostle of the Heart Set Free by F. F. Bruce has been helpful in determining the outline of this series and some of the content to be included.

Introduction and Background
Briefly recount the Pauline history from Acts 13-16.

Thessalonica
Largest city of Macedonia, Jewish colony with synagogue.. Three Sabbaths. Four unique words to describe the process: Acts 17.
Even when no longer welcome in synagogue, missionaries continued evangelistic activity among pagans, and by the time they left, appears to be Christian community composed primarily of former pagans (1:1:9). But trouble, riots, false charges, and Paul makes hasty departure. He left reluctantly, and eventually saw that the effort was of Satan himself (1:2:18).

Paul's Missionary Motivation and Enthusiasm
Primary interest in this session is in the missionary motivation and enthusiasm of the early Paul. Our primary will be the first Thessalonian letter.

• Paul was motivated by the parousia.
• Paul was motivated by the possibilities of deep relationships.
• Paul was motivated by the presence of God/Christ himself.