How to Study the Apostle Paul’s Letters with Logos Bible Software

In a recent training webinar, Dr. John Fallahee walked through practical methods for studying the Apostle Paul’s letters using Logos Bible Software. The focus was on building a clear, structured understanding of Paul’s life, theology, and ministry—not just reading the letters in isolation.

Start with the Person: Using the Paul Person Tool

Dr. Fallahee began by showing how to search for Paul without relying on simple name searches. Instead, he used the “Paul Person” tool, which generates a comprehensive list of all 1,445 biblical mentions of Paul—even when he’s referenced indirectly (like “the disciple” in Acts). Right-clicking on “Saul” and selecting “Paul Person” revealed connections across Acts, Romans, and other books, including those written by Luke. This step helps avoid missing key references and builds a fuller picture of his story.

Build a Biography with the Fact Book and Notebooks

To organize what you learn, he recommended using the Fact Book. This tool organizes information into categories: People, Places, Things, and Biblical Events. For example, the “Paul Person” entry shows his relationships (like his sister’s son who warned of a plot), the places he visited (Mars Hill, Athens), and events like his conversion. He also created a personal notebook titled “Paul’s biography,” where he added pages like “Paul’s Conversion” and linked verses directly using the chain link icon. This keeps related passages together in one place.

Save Insights with Clippings Documents

Dr. Fallahee showed how to create a “clippings document” to collect key insights from commentaries or study bibles. By copying text and pasting it into the notebook via the chain link, users can build a hub for cross-references. He suggested adding a section called “additional cross references” to keep everything organized. This is especially helpful when studying how Paul connects Old Testament themes to New Testament teachings.

Use Smart Searches and AI for Efficient Study

He demonstrated pasting a sentence like “Paul’s conversion, divine calling, sufferings, and imprisonments” into the search bar. Logos grouped related verses, making it easier to study themes. He also mentioned using AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini to refine search terms, then pasting those results into Logos. This hybrid approach saves time and deepens understanding.

Explore Paul’s Journeys with Maps and Timelines

Using the Atlas tool, he showed how to trace Paul’s missionary journeys visually. Searching for “Aquila” led to a map showing where Paul met them, with travel routes highlighted. The Fact Book also links to media like maps and videos. For timelines, the “Advanced Timeline” tool lets you type “Paul” and see a collapsible timeline of his life, including his conversion and missionary trips, with links to external resources like HarperCollins books.

Link Passages with the Passage Guide

The Passage Guide is a powerful tool for cross-referencing. By entering a verse like Romans 4:3, users can see Old Testament connections (e.g., Genesis 15:6) marked with ▲ symbols. Tools like the “Parallel Passages” feature help trace how Paul uses Old Testament themes. He also recommended using the “Bible Browser” to filter verses by tags like “author” or “event” to narrow focus.

Organize with Collections and Subject Tags

To keep resources together, he showed how to create a collection like “Apostle Paul Resources.” Users can add books, verses, and even AI-generated insights. Searching within the collection for terms like “conversion” or “imprisonment” helps find specific content quickly. Checking book details, like the table of contents or tagged dates, also supports timeline building.

Understand Context with Background Tools

When studying topics like slavery in Paul’s letters, he advised using the Fact Book and Topic Guide for historical context. He clarified that biblical slavery was different from the transatlantic slave trade, often tied to debt or family support. Tools like the “Treasury of Scripture Knowledge” provide quick cross-references, while AI can help trace argument flow in letters like Ephesians.

With Logos’ tools—personal books, Fact Book, collections, and AI—you can move from scattered notes to a structured, insightful study of Paul’s letters. The goal isn’t just information, but knowing God through His Word.

Practical Next Steps

• Search for “Paul” using the “Paul Person” tool to get all references.
• Create a personal notebook for your study, using headings and linked passages.
• Use the Passage Guide to explore cross-references in Paul’s letters.
• Build a collection of resources on Paul’s life and theology.
• Explore maps and timelines to see his journeys visually.

Dr. Fallahee reminded viewers that these tools are meant to help you grow in your knowledge of God and His Word. For more training, check the 2026 schedule at learnlogos.com/events or submit topic requests to [email protected].