A Day at a Time · Character

Paul

The apostle whose letters and missionary grit supply the book's vocabulary for Christ as Good Physician, accessible to outcasts and the sick alike.

supporting

Also known as the Apostle Paul, the Apostle Paul

First appearance: i a day at a time

As a supporting figure in A Day at a Time, Paul is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The chapter's epigraph is from Romans 1:17, 'The just shall live by faith.'

In the storyIII: A Triple BestOpen this moment free

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Paul stands behind much of the book's argument that Jesus deliberately aligned himself with publicans, sinners, and the unwell rather than the respectable. His image of Christ as physician, not priest alone, lets Alexander reach readers who distrust the Church but trust a doctor's self-sacrifice. Paul's presence gives the devotional reflections a scriptural spine, grounding their warmth in apostolic precedent rather than sentiment.

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See Paul in i a day at a time

Character Web

5 connections

A slice of how Paul sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Diverse Moral and Spiritual Illustrations
Protagonist
Exemplary Biblical Figures

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This chapter serves as the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where the pro…

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Relationships

Jesus Christ
friendship · positive
Jesus has a foundational relationship with Paul, who becomes a devoted apostle and… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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See Paul in i a day at a time

In the story

Paul appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

III: A Triple Best
The chapter's epigraph is from Romans 1:17, 'The just shall live by faith.'
VI: Well and Now
Referenced for his teaching in Colossians: 'Whatever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord.'
XI: Culpable Goodness
Quoted and cited as an example of Christian moderation and gentlemanly conduct, especially in his letter to Philemon.
XIV: The Day’s Darg
The Apostle Paul is cited for ordering the Thessalonians to continue their daily occupations even while expecting the Lord's return, showing that work is part of true religion.
XVII: “Unbelief Kept Quiet”
Quoted as advising Timothy to 'Fight the good fight of faith' (1 Timothy 6:12), and described as experiencing fightings and fears yet keeping the faith.
The Art of "Doing Without"
Paul is the central figure, cited for his ability to be content in both abasement and abundance, and for his inner life lived with Christ.

Chapter companion notes

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See Paul in i a day at a time

See Paul in III: A Triple Best