From personal study of Paul in the New Testament and from articles others have written over the past decades concerning Paul - Keith Hunt

About .... the apostle Paul

His Life and Work

THE LIFE OF THE ASPOSTLE PAUL Shipwrecked. Attacked by murderous mobs. Beaten. Starved. Imprisoned. Betrayed by friends... All to serve the one thing he sought to destroy... ... Christianity. Who was Paul? Paul was an arch-enemy of Christianity, who amazingly became the greatest Christian missionary of all time. He authored more books of the Bible than anyone else and is called the "Apostle to the Gentiles." Born an Israelite, from the tribe of Benjamin, a Roman citizen in Tarsus of Celicia, given the Hebrew name of Saul (Acts 7:58; 22:25-29). Receives the best of Roman education in Tarsus; studies under the Jewish scholar Gamaliel. Background Paul came from a well-respected family in Asia Minor (Turkey today) where his father was an official. He excelled in his studies and became a devout Pharisee. As a young man Paul - whose Jewish name was Saul - was sent to Jerusalem to study under the great teacher Gamaliel. He hated Christians and participated in the first execution of a Christian leader, a man named Stephen. Paul was determined to murder all those who followed Jesus, not just in Jerusalem, but elsewhere (Acts 7:54-8:3). Persecution of Christians. AD 30-35 Watches with approval the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:57-60). AD 32 or 33 What was a Pharisee? The Pharisees were a group of Jewish religious leaders who believed a person must keep every one of the traditions of Judaism, as well as the biblical commandments. The Pharisees were respected, but were legalistic. Jesus condemned them for being self-righteous and hypocritical (Matthew 23). Pharisees plotted to kill Jesus because of his popularity and claim to be God. How did Paul become a Christian? Paul asked the chief priest in Jerusalem to give him authorization to arrest any follower of Jesus in Damascus (about 100 miles away). On his way from Judea to Damascus, a light from heaven blinded him. He fell to the ground and a voice said, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" He answered, "Who are you?" The voice said, "I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. Get up! Go into the city, and you will be told what to do." Paul was told to go to a house and wait or a Christian man named Ananias to come restore his sight (Acts 9:1-12). What did other Christians think? The Lord spoke to Ananias, and Ananias was afraid. He knew Paul's reputation, but went to the house anyway. The Lord said that Paul was chosen to take the Lord's name to Gentiles, their kings, and to the Jews. Ananias placed his hands on Paul and his sight was restored. Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit and was baptized. He started speaking in synagogues and convincing people that Jesus was the Messiah. People were amazed and confused. The believers back in Jerusalem refused to believe he had changed. until one of their leaders, Barnabas, vouched for him (Acts 9:13-28). What did the Pharisees think? Because the Lord, had spoken to him, Paul kept preaching in the synagogues in Damascus, saying that Jesus was the Son of God. He gave proofs from the Scriptures to show that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Bible prophecies. To the Jews, this was blasphemy and they were outraged. They plotted to kill Paul as he walked out of the city gates. Paul learned of the plot. His friends put him in a basket and lowered him down the city wall to escape (Acts 9:20-25). Life as a Fugitive? Instead of hiding out, Paul went to Jerusalem and boldly preached in the synagogues. He tried to convince people about Jesus. He preached fearlessly and debated at every opportunity. He received death threats and the Christians brought him out of Jerusalem. He went back home to Tarsus (Acts 9:28-30). Persecuted for Jesus Christ: Stoned and left for dead Beaten with rods three times Whipped with 39 lashes five times Attacked by angry mob Death threats Is Jesus for the Jews Only? During the early years of Christianity, most of the converts were Jewish. Jesus' disciples preached only to Jews. Yet as Jewish people scattered throughout the Roman Empire, they told their neighbors about Jesus. Many of these Gentiles (non-Jews) became followers of Jesus too (Acts 11:19-21). Barnabas Finds Paul Barnabas went to Tarsus and together he and Paul preached to non-Jewish people. At the city of Antioch, these believers were first called Christians. A famine hit Jerusalem and the Christians wanted to send relief to their fellow believers. They sent Barnabas and Paul back to Jerusalem with gifts. When their mission was accomplished, Barnabas and Paul, along with a young man named John Mark, headed back north to start a missionary journey throughout Asia Minor (Acts 11:22-30). Paul's First Missionary Journey AD 47-49 Acts 13:1-14:28 Travelers: Paul, Barnabas, John Mark Main route: Cyprus and Turkey Cities/places: (1400 miles) 1. Antioch In Syria: The Holy Spirit sets apart Paul and Barnabas for the missionary ministry. John Mark goes along as their helper. 2. Sailed from Seleucia to Salamis and Paphos (on Cyprus): Paul confronts a sorcerer named Elymas and blinds him. (From this point the Bible calls him Paul, rather than Saul.) 3. Perga in Pamphylia: John Mark deserts the group and returns to Jerusalem. 4. Antioch of Pisidia (Turkey today): Paul preaches his longest recorded sermon, and many respond. Jewish leaders drive them out of the city. The Lord calls Paul to focus his ministry on Gentiles. The Gentiles are glad and many become believers. 5. Iconium: More plots force them to flee. 6. Lystra: When Paul heals a lame man, the townspeople think he and Barnabas are Greek gods. Jews from Antioch stir up the crowd, and Paul is stoned and left for dead. 7. Derbe: Paul preaches and many disciples are added to the church. 8. Lystra, Iconium, Antioch of Pisidia, Pamphylia, Perga, Attalia: On the return trip, Paul and Barnabas appoint elders in the churches they had planted. 9. Antioch (Syria): Paul remains there for a while, reporting what God had done. Paul writes Galatians. 10. Jerusalem, via Phoenicia and Samaria: In AD 49, Paul and Barnabas report to the leaders of the Jerusalem church. This meeting is known as the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:1-35). Paul's Second Missionary Journey AD 49-51 Acts 15:36-18:22 Travelers: Paul, Silas, Timothy, Priscilla and Aquilla, Luke Main route,: Syria, Turkey, Greece, Jerusalem Cities/places: (2800 miles) 1. Antioch in Syria: Paul and Barnabas decide to visit the churches again, but disagree about who should go with them. Paul doesn't want to take John Mark because he left them on their first trip. Barnabas takes John Mark with him to Cyprus; Paul takes Silas. 2: Syria and Cilicia: Paul and Silas take a letter from the Jerusalem church for the churches in this region. 3. Derbe, Lystra, Iconium: While visiting these churches, Timothy joins them. 4. Troas: While in this seaport, Paul has a vision of a man from Macedonia calling him to come help them. Acts 16:10 uses the word "we," - indicating that Luke was with Paul. 5. Samothrace, Neapolis, Philippi: Lydia, a wealthy businesswoman, is converted in the Macedonian city of Philippi, and the group stays in her house. When a fortune-telling slave girl is converted, her owners start a riot, and Paul and Silas are thrown in jail: In the middle of the night, as they are singing, there is an earthquake and their chains fall off. The jailer is converted. When the magistrate discovers Paul and Silas are Roman citizens, he apologizes and they are escorted out of town. 6. Amphipolis, Apollonia, Thessalonica: Jews in Thessalonica try to have Paul and Silas arrested after they gain some converts. 7. Berea: The people in the synagogue receive the message eagerly. Silas and Timothy stay here while Paul goes on. 8. Athens (Mars Hill, or Areopagus): Paul sees an altar to an unknown god, and preaches to the thinkers of Athens. A number of them believe. 9. Corinth: Paul meets Aquila and Priscilla, who join him. People try to get Paul arrested, but the authorities refuse. He writes 1 and 2 Thessalonians here. 10. Cenchrea: He gets his hair cut because he had taken a vow (Acts 18:18). No more details are given. 11. Ephesus: Paul leaves Priscilla and Aquila here. 12. Caesarea in Syria, Jerusalem, Antioch in Syria: After visiting these churches, Paul returns to his home base of Antioch. When Bad Thing Happen to Good People "Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 2:3 Shipwrecked three times and floated 24 hours Criticized by other Christians Under arrest for two years without a trial Bitten by a viper Paul's Thorn in the Flesh: The Apostle Paul endured great hardships to serve the Lord (2 Corinthians 11:23-29). Yet something tormented Paul and was an incredible burden for him. Paul referred to this burden as "a thorn in the flesh" (2 Corinthians 12:7). No one knows exactly what this "thorn" represented. Some suggest that Paul had a chronic physical weakness such as an eye problem (Galatians 4:15), a speech problem (2 Corinthians 10:10), or a disease. Others suggest that Paul was continuously battling addiction, temptation, or regret for past sins (Romans 7:14-25; see also Numbers 33:55; Joshua 23:13; Judges 2:3). Several scholars say Paul's "thorn" was the, persecution he endured from the Jews wherever he traveled. (Acts 20:19; 2 Corinthians 12:1-7). He prayed three times that this problem would leave him (2 Corinthians 12:8), The Lord told him, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). Paul said his "thorn in his flesh" made him humble before God and kept him from exalting himself. He was content with weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities because when he was weak, the Lord's strength and power were made evident (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Paul's Third Missionary Journey AD 52-57 Acts 18:23-21:16 Travelers: Paul, Timothy, Luke, others Main route: Turkey, Greece, Lebanon, Israel Cities/places: (2700 miles) 1. Region of Galatia and Phrygia: Paul decides to visit the churches again. 2. Ephesus: Paul stays here two years. He writes 1 Corinthians. So many people convert that the silversmiths who manufacture idols start a riot. 3. Macedonia and Greece (Achaia): Paul writes 2 Corinthians and Romans. 4. Philippi (Macedonia) and Troas: While Paul is preaching, a young man falls asleep, falls from a third-story window, and dies. Paul revives him. 5. Assos, Mitylene (near Chios), Samos, Miletus: Elders from Ephesus meet the ship at Miletus; Paul tells them he expects to be imprisoned in Jerusalem. 6. Cos, Rhodes, Patara, Tyre: Disciples warn Paul not to go to Jerusalem. 7. Ptolemais and Caesarea: A prophet predicts that Paul will be imprisoned and handed over to the Gentiles. 8. Jerusalem: The missionaries report to the church leaders, who urge Paul to participate in a purification ritual at the temple to counteract rumors that Christianity is anti-Jewish. Paul's Journey to Rome AD 57-62, Acts 21:17-28:31 Travelers: Paul, Roman guards, Luke, others Main route: Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, Crete, Malta, Sicily, Italy Cities/places: (2250 miles) 1. Jerusalem (Acts 21:27-22:30): The Roman commander arrests Paul to save him from a Jewish mob. When the commander learns of a death threat against Paul, he orders an armed escort to take him to Caesarea. 2. Antipatris and Caesarea (Acts 23:23-26:32): Paul is tried before Felix, the governor of Judea. Felix leaves Paul in prison for two years, and he is tried again before Festus, who was appointed governor after Felix. The Jews try to get Paul transferred to Jerusalem where they plan to have him killed. Paul demands his right as a Roman citizen and appeals his case to Caesar. King Agrippa visits Festus, and Paul appears before him as well. 3. Sidon: The centurion in charge of Paul lets him visit with friends here. Then Paul boarded a ship, and set sail for Italy. 4. Myra, Cnidus, Fair Havens (Crete): Paul recommends that the ship stay in safe harbor, but the centurion orders the ship to sail on. 5. Clauda and the Island of Malta (shipwrecked): After a two-week storm, the ship is wrecked near the island of Malta. Everyone on the ship makes it to shore after the shipwreck. While putting wood on a campfire, Paul is bitten by a venomous snake, but it does not harm him. 6. Syracuse (Sicily), Rhegium, Puteoli: Paul stays with believers for seven days. 7. Appii Forum, Three Taverns: Paul is met by Christians from Rome. 8. Rome: Paul remains under house arrest for two years, where he writes Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, and Philippians. Paul's Other Journeys AD 62-68 Paul was released after two years of house arrest and traveled again. Cities/places: (order unknown) Macedonia (1 Timothy 1:3) Troas and Miletus (2 Timothy 4:13, 20) Crete (Titus 1:5) Planned to go to Spain (Rom.15:28) Nicopolis (Titus 3:12) Historical writings record Paul went to Britain Back to Rome: Execution Paul's Death Paul was beheaded in Rome, in AD 68, while Nero was the emperor of Rome. God's Strength and Paul's Personality Paul was a strong, driven person, even before he became a Christian; yet when the Lord chose him to preach the Gospel throughout the world, Paul knew he could not rely on his own power to face the angry mobs, the miles of travel, and the other hardships. Paul prayed for strength, courage, and boldness. He prayed that people would listen to the Lord's message and be saved. He asked the Lord for safety and for more opportunities to tell about Jesus Christ. Paul asked others to join in the struggle by praying for him. He was grateful for their faithful love and support. He knew that he was weak and needed God's power (Acts 9:15, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Ephesians 6:20, Philippians 1:19). "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." - 2 Timothy 4:7-8 PAUL'S BASIC TEACHINGS Sin: The universal human condition; no one can claim perfection (Romans 3:9-23). Law: It shows us our sin, but can't save us (Romans 3:20,27,28; Galatians 3:1-14,21,22). Righteousness: We can't make ourselves good enough to be accepted by God; we must be given His righteousness (Romans 3:21-26; 8:3,4; Philippians 3:9; Galatians 5:5,6). Mercy: God doesn't give us the punishment we deserve (Romans 9:18). Grace: God freely gives us the divine favor we don't deserve (Ephesians 2:1-10). Covenant: God has made a new agreement with us, declaring that we are His people. The old covenant was written on tablets of stone; the new one is written by the Spirit on our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33,34; 1 Corinthians 11:25; 2 Corinthians 3:6-18). Justification: God declares us righteous in His sight. We are justified by grace through faith (Romans 3:28-30; 5:1,2). Sanctification: The Holy Spirit works within us to make us more like Christ (Romans 8:29;1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Thessalonians 3:13). Trinity: Paul refers to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. But he did not teach the Holy Spirit was a "person" with a body separate from the Father and the Son. Holy Spirit: We are to live by the power of God's Spirit (Romans 8:1-17; Galatians 5:16-26; 2 Corinthians 5:5). Messiah: Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies (Galatians 4:4,5). Lordship of Christ: Jesus is Lord of all (Romans 10:9-17; 1 Corinthians 12:3; Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 1:15-20). "In Christ": Paul's description of our relationship to Jesus. He uses it over 80 times. Crucifixion: We are saved by Jesus' death on the cross, because He is the only perfect One who could die in our place to take the punishment for our sins (Romans 5:8,15; 1 Corinthians 1:22-25; 2 Corinthians 5:14,19; Colossians 1:21,22). Return of Christ: This future event gives us hope - to face today (1 Thessalonians 4:16,17; 1 Corinthians 15:20-28; Romans 8:18-21). Gentiles (non-Jews): No longer excluded from the people of God (Ephesians 2:11-22; Romans 3:29). Jews: Not abandoned by God, in spite of their unbelief (Romans 11:25-32). Spiritual gifts: The Holy Spirit has given us gifts to use in Christ's service (Romans 12:4-8; 1 Cor.12; Ephesians 4:11-13). Church: God has created a unique community of people who worship Him, love each other, and witness to the world (Ephesians 2:11-22; 4:1-6; Galatians 3:26-28; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 Timothy 3:15). Church leaders: God has equipped them to help us in our spiritual development. Paul spells out the requirements leaders must meet (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:6-9; Ephesians 4:11-13). Marriage and singleness: Paul says singles can focus on serving God; marriage is a calling. The main point is that whether we are married or single, we are to be committed to Christ (1 Cor.7). Family life: Our families are to reflect our loving relationship to God (Ephesians 5:22-6:4; Colossians 3:18-21). Masters and slaves: They are equal before God (Ephesians 6:5-9; Colossians 3:22-4:1). Husbands and wives: Christian marriages should exhibit submission and love (Ephesians 5:21-33; Colossians 3:18,19). Parents and children: Parents are to treat their children with gentleness and respect; children are to honor and obey their parents (Ephesians 6:1-4; Colossians 3:20,21). Prayer: Paul teaches about prayer and describes his own prayers (Ephesians 1:15-19; 3:14-21; 6:19,20; Philippians 1:3-6; 4:6; Colossians 1:3-14; 4:2-4; 1 Thessalonians 1:2,3; 5:17; 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12; 2 Timothy 1:3; Philemon 4). ................ PAUL'S TRIUMPHS by Devon A. Blackwood When Paul, who became the greatest apostle of all time, set out on his journey to Damascus, he was confronted by raw truth in the person of Jesus Christ. No longer would he persecute the saints. God stopped him in his tracks and appointed him a chosen vessel to bear His name to the Gentile nations and also to great kings and rulers. Paul's boldness and zeal for ministry took him through dire circumstances that would strip the rest of us of every ounce of pride, respect, or dignity. Here are some things he faced by way of trials: He faced continual confrontation and trouble from the Jews. He was expelled or banned from entering certain cities. He was stoned, flogged. and openly humiliated. He faced contention even with his own fellow workers in ministry. He was accused of unlawful and blasphemous teachings. He was imprisoned and kept in jailhouses for preaching and teaching. He faced persistent hunger and thirst. He risked being robbed or attacked. He suffered shipwrecks and had to swim his way to shore. He suffered through inclement and cold weather. He was forced to defend himself before many councils and governments. He was often deserted, without family or friends. He had to sort out church related conflicts and infightings, barely catering to his own personal needs. Buffeted by problems on all sides, and sometimes discouraged in the struggle, Paul focused on God and blocked out the negativity that surrounded him. He saw God's miraculous workings before his very eyes, healing the sick and bringing deliverance to the poor. He could personally attest to the power of God! This confidence in his Lord and in his calling kept him motivated and he fixed his eyes on Jesus in his trials. In moments of anxiety, weakness or fear, God reassured him that He would not desert him. When Paul sailed to Italy just before the devastating shipwreck, he remembered God telling him that he would suffer shipwreck but that he was to be of "good cheer." Every time that Paul became discouraged. God strengthened him with a word of reassurance. Paul says in his second letter to the Corinthian church: And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Paul projected a positive spiritual attitude and succeeded in his ministry. Many souls have come to know the Lord because of his commitment to spread the gospel message, regardless of epidemics, tumults, and even giving up his own life. When his trials were over, and he had come to the end of his ministry, Paul resigned himself to the fact that his life rested completely in the hands of God, and that he was just a mortal man, a vessel God had called upon to do His work on earth. Paul looked to eternity, for a greater reward than he could gain on earth. Toward the end of his ministry on earth, Paul wrote a very personal letter to Timothy: But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering. and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day; and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and pre serve me (2 Timothy 4:5-8,18). We are not always privy to see what God sees; He only wants us to follow him along the paths He takes us on and trust Him completely along the way. He led Moses, Hannah, Job, Joseph, and Paul. He will lead us too. But we must be willing to wait on Him, knowing His purposes will be fulfilled in us and for us. ...... Devon A. Blackwood is the author of the book "Planted By Water: Deepening Your Spiritual Connectedness to God." He and his wife, RoseMarie, are members of the Shiloh Church of God 7th day in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. THE WRITINGS OF PAUL I believe there is enough evidence to show that Paul was the author of the book called "Hebrews." See the introduction to that book under "The New Testament Bible Story" on my Website. Hence Paul wrote 14 - FOURTEEN - books of the New Testament. The number "fourteen" is used by God in His word to denote SALVATION. It was on the 14th day of the 1st month that the children of Israel were delivered from Egypt. There is much more to the number 14. See the studies under "The Numbers of God" section recently uploaded. It is right and fitting that Paul wrote 14 books of the New Testament. Keith Hunt