# Paul — A Day at a Time character guide

> Paul in A Day at a Time by Archibald Alexander.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** the Apostle Paul, the Apostle Paul

**First appearance:** 0003-i-a-day-at-a-time

## Snapshot

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

## Who they are

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.

## Relationships

### [Jesus Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_day_at_a_time_se/characters/jesus_christ)

_friendship_

Jesus has a foundational relationship with Paul, who becomes a devoted apostle and missionary.

## In the story

### [III: A Triple Best](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_day_at_a_time_se/chapters/iii-a-triple-best)

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

### [VI: Well and Now](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_day_at_a_time_se/chapters/vi-well-and-now)

Referenced for his teaching in Colossians: 'Whatever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord.'

### [XI: Culpable Goodness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_day_at_a_time_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_day_at_a_time_se/chapters/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”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_day_at_a_time_se/chapters/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"](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_day_at_a_time_se/chapters/xxvi-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.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_day_at_a_time_se/characters/paul
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_day_at_a_time_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_day_at_a_time_se/characters