Acts of Paul and Thecla Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Acts of Paul and Thecla - Research Proposal Example   Ã¢â‚¬Å"In the Acts of Thecla for example, Paul gives a speech in which he recasts the part of the bible that we call the beatitudes. Thats the "blessed are the so and so...." Pauls version of this is all about blessed are the bodies of virgins ... blessed are the chaste. Its all about sexual chastity. That those are the people who are blessed in this new recasting of the Christian message†. (Elizabeth Clark. pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/religion/first/roles.html) "The Acts of Paul and Thecla" tell us of how a woman was instrumental in spreading the gospel. It clearly pictures her as being a very string minded and sincere. This depiction of an independent woman was not very apt during that time period when women were subdued and always in the background. Moreover her life after she meets Paul is seemed to be filled with miracles where she miraculously survives an attempt to burn her alive, or her confrontation with wild beasts where she survives unscathed. Further she escapes from some men through a crack in the rock made by God which was then closed behind her. As for Thecla we see her as a strong willed and faithful disciple of the Lord. Her celibacy and strong character shows up where she baptizes, preaches and heals and stands up to her faith amidst all hurdles. The path she had chosen is very unlike the women of her period. In a way these story was apparently used by women who wanted to preach the gospel and looked for a legitimate status as ministers of Gods word. This story certainly reads and sounds like a myth due to the various miracles in one person’s life which we do not see or hear in any other even the prophets.