St Paul – the man and his message

Songs

Richard Rice-Oxley has written a new set of songs focusing on St Paul – the Man and his Message. The songs have been recorded by Tom Nicholls and may be listened to here. A short biography of St Paul based on the New Testament Book of Acts is below this list of the songs and their themes.

Part 1: The Teaching of St Paul

  1. You know the grace – the work of Christ 
  2. Humbled and exalted – the majesty and example of Christ
  3. The body of Christ – the Church 
  4. The fruit of the Spirit – Christian virtues
  5. Love is patient – the nature of Christian love
  6. Rejoice in the Lord – the way to peace and joy

Part 2: The Life of St Paul

  1. Conversion – the call
  2. Take my mind – commitment
  3. Weak and strong – acceptance
  4. I’m sure – confidence 
  5. The race of faith – perseverance 
  6. I have known – summary
  7. The Grace – prayer of blessing 

St Paul – a short biography based on the Book of Acts

St Paul was probably born in the early years of the first century AD.  His Hebrew name was Saul and his home town was Tarsus in Cilicia (now Turkey).  He belonged to the tribe of Benjamin, and was a Roman citizen.  

He was brought up as a Pharisee, and had at least part of his education in Jerusalem, where he was taught by the famous Rabbi Gamaliel. And he learned Greek, the language of all his letters.  We also know that he was a tentmaker by profession. 

Within a few years of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, he encountered Christian believers and became violently opposed to them.  

He witnessed and approved of the stoning of Stephen, a Deacon of the Early Church.  On his way from Jerusalem to Damascus, with the intention of bringing Christians back for trial, he met the risen Christ on the road.  In this encounter Paul received his call to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles, whom most Jews considered to be beyond the scope of God’s grace. 

After some years, Barnabas, who had introduced Paul to the Apostles in Jerusalem, brought Paul to Antioch in Syria where they stayed for a year building up the young Church. 

It was from Antioch that the two men, accompanied for some of the time by John Mark a cousin of Barnabas, set out on their first missionary journey.  Having gone through Cyprus, they landed in Asia Minor (modern Turkey), and preached in a number of towns finding a better reception from the Gentiles than from the Jews. 

On their return to Antioch they faced a problem from Jewish Christians, who taught that Gentiles who became Christians must be circumcised and keep the whole of the Law.  A special meeting was called in Jerusalem at which Paul, supported by Peter, spoke in favour of admitting Gentiles to the faith as they were.  It was agreed that only a few tenets of the Law needed to be adopted. 

Back in Antioch Paul soon set out on his second missionary journey accompanied by Silas.  They revisited churches in Asia Minor founded on his first journey, and then in response to a dream vision crossed to Macedonia (modern Greece) where they founded several churches.  They went on to Achaia (southern Greece) visiting Athens, and Corinth where they stayed for eighteen months building up a flourishing church. 

Soon after returning to Antioch Paul set off on his third missionary journey. Arriving at Ephesus, he stayed for two years preaching and performing miracles.  He may have helped to found other churches inland at this time. 

He returned to Macedonia and Achaia, from where he set out with friends to deliver contributions collected for the mother church in Jerusalem.  Once there, he was falsely accused of bringing Gentiles into the Temple, and set upon by a mob.  He was rescued by a squad of Roman soldiers.  Having spoken to the Sanhedrin Council, a plot was made to kill him, so the Roman Commanding Officer sent him to the Governor Felix at Caesarea.  His trial was inconclusive. 

After two years, Paul was again accused by the Jewish leaders before Festus, the new Governor.  He then appealed to Caesar, which meant that his case would be heard in Rome.  

He endured a perilous journey to the Roman capital which included being shipwrecked off Malta.  Once he had reached Rome, he was allowed to rent his own house and receive visitors. Here the book of Acts ends. 

There is some evidence that Paul was released and visited Spain as well as his former churches in Ephesus, Macedonia and Greece.  It is also probable that he was later rearrested, taken back to Rome, and beheaded during the persecution of the Emperor Nero.

Select Bibliography

  • The Gospel according to St Paul by A.M. Hunter
  • St Paul – the man and his mind by Ernest White
  • The Apostle – a life of St Paul by John Pollock
  • The Theology of Paul the Apostle by James D.G. Dunn
  • Paul – a biography by N.T. Wright
  • Phoebe by Paula Gooder
  • The Lost Message of Paul: has the Church misunderstood the Apostle Paul by Steve Chalke
  • What St Paul really said by Tom Wright
  • Meeting God in Paul by Rowan Williams
  • The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church
  • The New Bible Dictionary

St Paul: the man and his message – songs

Love is Patient (from ‘St Paul – the man and his message’, written by Richard Rice-Oxley; sung by Tom Nicholls)

Listen to songs by Revd Richard Rice-Oxley about the teaching and life of St Paul, sung and played by Tom Nicholls.

Part 1: The Teaching of St Paul

You know the Grace

You know the Grace (written by Richard Rice-Oxley; sung by Tom Nicholls)

You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
though he lived with God in heaven
yet he came down to this earth for us
that we might be lifted to heaven.

Grace and mercy flow from him
Let everybody praise his holy name

You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
though he was rich
yet he became poor for us
that we might be rich through him.

Grace and mercy flow from him
Let everybody praise his holy name

You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
though he was without sin
yet God made him sin for us
that we might be God’s righteousness.

(2 Corinthians 8:9; 5:21)

Humbled and Exalted

Humbled and Exalted – version 1 (written by Richard Rice-Oxley; sung by Tom Nicholls)
Humbled and Exalted – version 2 (written by Richard Rice-Oxley; sung by Tom Nicholls)

Think the way that Jesus thought
though he was in the form of God
he emptied himself,
took the form of a slave
born in human likeness
he humbled himself
accepting death, even death on a cross.
Therefore God has lifted him
given him the name above all names
that every knee will bow
at the name of Jesus
and every tongue confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord
to the glory of God, God the Father.
Amen.

(Philippians 2:5–11)

The Body of Christ

The Body of Christ (written by Richard Rice-Oxley; sung by Tom Nicholls)

Nobody’s a no no, nobody’s a zero
Nobody’s a reject in the body of Christ.
Everyone is precious, everyone is special
Everyone is needed in the body of Christ.

We are the church, members of Christ’s body,
inspired by the Spirit, sent from above.
So let’s join together, united in that body,
as we serve one another, we’ll grow in love 

If one member suffers, all hurt together
Everyone cares in the body of Christ.
If someone is honoured all cheer together,
for everyone shares in the body of Christ.

We are the church, members of Christ’s body,
inspired by the Spirit, sent from above.
So let’s join together, united in that body,
as we serve one another, we’ll grow in love 

Some heal the sick, and some preach the Word,
The Spirit gives to all in the body of Christ.
Some are generous givers, some are encouragers,
All have a gift in the body of Christ.

We are the church, members of Christ’s body,
inspired by the Spirit, sent from above.
So let’s join together, united in that body,
as we serve one another, we’ll grow in love 

(1 Corinthians 12)

The Fruit of the Spirit

The Fruit of the Spirit (written by Richard Rice-Oxley; sung by Tom Nicholls)

The fruit of the Spirit is
love that flows
joy that glows
peace that shows
the presence of God in a stormy world.

The fruit of the Spirit is
patience that forbears
kindness that cares
goodness that shares
the presence of God in a wayward world.

The fruit of the Spirit is
faith to endure
gentleness that’s pure
self control to secure
the presence of God in a violent world.

[Repeat verse 1]

(Galatians 5:22)

Love is Patient

Love is Patient (written by Richard Rice-Oxley; sung by Tom Nicholls)

Chorus:
Love is patient, love is kind.
Love’s not boastful, love’s not blind
Love is faithful, love is true,
Love keeps smiling, love wins through

Love doesn’t think of itself
is not quick to take offence.
Love keeps no score of wrongs
doesn’t gloat over others’ sins
[Chorus]

There’s nothing that love cannot face
There’s no limit to its endurance
Its faith and hope will never fail
Love will never come to an end
[Chorus]

Faith, hope and love, these three
will last for ever
But the greatest of them all
is love, so make love your aim.
[Chorus]

(1 Corinthians 13)

Rejoice in the Lord always

Rejoice in the Lord always (written by Richard Rice-Oxley; sung by Tom Nicholls)

Chorus:
Rejoice in the Lord always
Your good humour apparent to everyone’s gaze.
Don’t fret and don’t fuss, the Lord is near
hand over your worries, to him you are dear.

Whatever happens, remember to pray,
let your requests be made known to God,
and as you thank him for all he has done,
his peace will guard your hearts in the Lord.
[Chorus]

Whatever is true, whatever is good,
what is just, pure and worthy of praise,
whatever is excellent, and what is fine,
think of these things all of your days.
[Chorus]

The lessons I taught you, the tradition I passed on,
all that I said, all you saw me do,
keep in mind, follow my lead,
and the God of peace will go with you.
[Chorus]

(Philippians 4:4–9)

Part 2: The Life of St Paul

Conversion

Conversion (written by Richard Rice-Oxley; sung by Tom Nicholls)

(God said) You’ll be my witness, the one that I choose
to bring to the Gentiles this wonderful news:
My son is living, raised from the dead,
sin and death slain by the blood he has shed

As a Pharisee I was aflame with the zeal
of one who thought only he knew what was real,
defending the faith I had learned as a child,
so those who questioned it made me go wild!

On my way to Damascus, those Christians to find,
I was struck by a light which made me go blind.
I heard a voice saying: Why d’you persecute me?
You’re rejecting the way that will set you free.

Who are you Lord? I cried out in my pain,
I am Jesus of Nazareth whom you disdain.
But go to the city, your men will lead you,
it’s there you’ll be told what you have to do.

A man Ananias laid hands on me,
scales fell from my eyes – once again I could see.
I received a commission, the Gospel to share,
that people might know we belong in God’s care.

(God said) You’ll be my witness, the one that I choose
to bring to the Gentiles this wonderful news:
My son is living, raised from the dead,
sin and death slain by the blood he has shed

(Acts 9:22,26)

Take my Mind

Take my Mind (written by Richard Rice-Oxley; sung by Tom Nicholls)

Take my mind, Jesus, 
Take my mind, Jesus
Take my mind and I’ll think for you
Think Jesus, speak Jesus, act Jesus, live Jesus now.

Take my mouth, Jesus, 
Take my mouth, Jesus 
Take my mouth and I’ll speak for you
Think Jesus, speak Jesus, act Jesus, live Jesus now.

Take my will, Jesus, 
Take my will, Jesus
Take my will and I’ll act for you
Think Jesus, speak Jesus, act Jesus, live Jesus now.

Take my life, Jesus, 
Take my life, Jesus,
Take my life and I’ll live for you
Think Jesus, speak Jesus, act Jesus, live Jesus 
Think Jesus, speak Jesus, act Jesus, live Jesus now.

Weak and Strong

Weak and Strong (written by Richard Rice-Oxley; sung by Tom Nicholls)

My grace is enough for you
this is what you must seek.
Yes my grace is sufficient for you,
my power is most strong in the weak.

God gave me a vision,
when caught up on high,
a sight beyond compare,
and he spoke to me when
I was in Paradise
in words too sacred to share

But then came Satan’s torment
a stake in the flesh
to stop me from spiritual pride.
Three times I asked God:
Please take it away
But each time this is how he replied

My grace is enough for you
this is what you must seek.
Yes my grace is sufficient for you,
my power is most strong in the weak.

So now I will boast of my weaknesses,
the power of Christ is my song.
Pain and persecution I accept
when I’m weak, it is then that I’m strong.

My grace is enough for you
this is what you must seek.
Yes my grace is sufficient for you,
my power is most strong in the weak.

(2 Corinthians 12:1-10)

I’m Sure

I’m Sure (written by Richard Rice-Oxley; sung by Tom Nicholls)

Chorus:
I’m sure that the Father is reigning in heaven
I’m sure that Christ is living here on earth
I’m sure that the Spirit is working good in all things
I am sure of Him.

Though the storms of life may assail me
Though the skies may be threatening and grim
Though the winds of change may buffet me
I am sure of Him.
[Chorus]

Though my heart may be breaking with sorrow
Though my body may ache in every limb
Though my mind may be troubled by my enemies
I am sure of Him.
[Chorus]

In the wonder of new life all around me
In the splendour of joy that is born of pain
In the fervour of hearts tried by fire
I am sure of Him.
[Chorus]

The Race of Faith

The Race of Faith (written by Richard Rice-Oxley; sung by Tom Nicholls)

Chorus:
Let’s run the race God sets before us,
the race of faith we run each day
looking to Jesus, our guide and leader,
who, by his life, has shown us the way.

Let’s run this race with perseverance
though, through suffering, the going may get tough,
strengthened by training in Christian living
to tackle the road that’s steep and rough (Repeat)
[Chorus]

There are times as we run when our steps will falter
hampered by the sin which tries to make us fall.
With God’s protection, help and guidance
we can press forward, following his call (Repeat)
[Chorus]

In the Olympics each race has a winner,
only one athlete gains the gold.
If we keep the faith, right to the finish line,
a winner’s medal we’ll all of us hold (Repeat)
[Chorus]

I have known

I have known (written by Richard Rice-Oxley; sung by Tom Nicholls)

I have known your hand on my life (x3)
Lord, keep me seeking your hand on my life (x2)

I have felt your love in my heart (x3)
Lord, keep me seeking your love in my heart (x2)

I have found the truth in your word (x3)
Lord, keep me seeking the truth in your word (x2)

I have seen your joy in my friends (x3)
Lord, keep me seeking your joy in my friends (x2)

I have known your hand on my life (x3)
Lord, keep me seeking your hand on my life (x2)

The Grace

The Grace (written by Richard Rice-Oxley; sung by Tom Nicholls)

May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the love of God our Father,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
be with you all.

(2 Corinthians 13:13)