Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, is one of the most influential figures in early Christianity. His life and teachings have had a profound impact on Christian theology and the spread of the Gospel. Born a Jew and a Roman citizen, Paul was a Pharisee who initially persecuted Christians before experiencing a dramatic conversion to Christianity. He is credited with writing many of the New Testament epistles and played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity among the Gentiles. Early Life and Background: Saul was born in Tarsus, a city in the Roman province of Cilicia (Acts 22:3). He was a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin and was educated under Gamaliel, a respected teacher of the law (Acts 22:3). Saul was a zealous Pharisee, deeply committed to the traditions of his ancestors (Philippians 3:5-6). His Roman citizenship afforded him certain privileges, which he later used to his advantage in his ministry (Acts 22:25-29). Persecution of Christians: Before his conversion, Saul was a fervent persecutor of the early Christian church. He approved of the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr (Acts 7:58-8:1), and actively sought to imprison Christians, both men and women, in Jerusalem and beyond (Acts 8:3; 9:1-2). His zeal for the Jewish law drove him to attempt to eradicate what he saw as a heretical sect. Conversion Experience: Saul's life changed dramatically on the road to Damascus. As he traveled to arrest Christians, he encountered a blinding light and heard the voice of Jesus asking, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?" (Acts 9:4). This divine encounter led to his conversion, and he was baptized by Ananias in Damascus (Acts 9:17-18). From that point on, Saul became known as Paul and began preaching that Jesus is the Son of God (Acts 9:20). Missionary Journeys: Paul embarked on several missionary journeys, spreading the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire. His travels took him to regions such as Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome. He established numerous churches and wrote letters to them, many of which are included in the New Testament. These epistles address theological issues, provide guidance for Christian living, and offer encouragement to believers. Theological Contributions: Paul's writings have significantly shaped Christian doctrine. He emphasized salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from works of the law (Ephesians 2:8-9). He taught about the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ (Galatians 3:28) and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9-11). His letters also address practical matters of church life, spiritual gifts, and the return of Christ. Imprisonments and Trials: Paul faced numerous hardships for the sake of the Gospel, including imprisonments, beatings, and shipwrecks (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). He was arrested in Jerusalem and eventually appealed to Caesar, which led to his journey to Rome (Acts 25:11-12). While under house arrest in Rome, Paul continued to preach and write letters to the churches (Acts 28:30-31). Legacy: Paul's legacy is enduring. His epistles form a substantial portion of the New Testament and continue to be foundational texts for Christian theology and ethics. His life exemplifies the transformative power of the Gospel and the call to spread the message of Christ to all nations. Through his writings and missionary efforts, Paul has left an indelible mark on the history of Christianity. Nave's Topical Index Acts 8:1And Saul was consenting to his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. Nave's Topical Index Acts 9:1 Acts 13:9 Library Why Saul Became Paul Paul The Apostle Paul. Introductory the Apostle Paul Himself not the Preacher of a New ... Petilianus Said: "The Lord Christ Cries Again from Heaven to Paul. ... The Conversion of Paul. Paul a Pattern of Prayer Effectual Calling Acts xiii. 4, 5 The Christian Church at Antioch Resources Are the writings of the Apostle Paul inspired (see 1 Corinthians 7:12)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from what the Bible says about Paul and Timothy? | GotQuestions.org What should we learn from the account of Paul and Barnabas? | GotQuestions.org Paul: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Paul Escapes to Derbe, where he Preaches the Gospel, and Returns to Lystra Paul is Bitten by a Viper and Miraculously Unharmed Paul is Brought Before the Sanhedrin; his Defense Paul is Confined in Herod's Judgment Hall in Caesarea Paul is Confined in the Fortress Paul is Delayed in Melita for Three Months Paul is Encouraged by a Vision from God, Promising Him That he Will Give Testimony in Rome Paul is Escorted to Caesarea by a Military Guard Paul is Persecuted by Certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, and is Stoned Paul is Persecuted by the Jews Paul is Received by the Brethren Gladly Paul is Released by the Civil Authorities on the Grounds of his Being a Roman Citizen Paul is Returned to the Fortress Paul is Taken to Rome in the Custody of Julius, a Centurion, and a Detachment of Soldiers Paul is Welcomed at the Household of Lydia Paul: Appeals to be Heard by Caesar Paul: Born in the City of Tarsus Paul: Caught up to the Third Heaven Paul: Chooses Silas As his Companion Paul: Contends With Elymas (Bar-Jesus) the Sorcerer Paul: Contends With the Judaizers Against Their Circumcision "Theology" Paul: Conveys the Contributions of the Christians in Antioch to the Christians in Jerusalem Paul: Debates on Mars' Hill (At the Meeting of the Areopagus Council) With Greeks Paul: Declares he Was Going Bound in Spirit to Jerusalem Paul: Educated at Jerusalem in the School of Gamaliel Paul: Enters the Temple Courtyard Paul: Escapes by Being Let Down from the Wall in a Basket; Goes to Jerusalem Paul: Escapes to Berea by Night Paul: from the Tribe of Benjamin, Paul: Goes Through Phrygia and Galatia Paul: Goes to Troas, where he Has a Vision of a Man Saying, "Come Over Into Macedonia Paul: Has "A Thorn in the Flesh" Paul: Has Barnabas As his Companion Paul: Heals the Ruler's Father and Others Paul: His Examination Before Herod Agrippa Ii Paul: His Independence of Character Paul: His Message Received Gladly by the Gentiles Paul: His Resolute Determination to Go to Jerusalem Despite Repeated Warnings Paul: His Trial Before Governor Felix Paul: His Trial Before Governor Festus Paul: His Vision and Conversion Paul: Jewish Leaders Conspire Against his Life Paul: John (Mark), a Companion of, Departs for Jerusalem Paul: Kind Treatment by the Inhabitants of the Island Paul: Lives in his own Rented House for Two Years, Preaching and Teaching Paul: Makes his Second Tour of the Congregations Paul: Meets some Brethren Who Accompany Him to Rome from Appii Forum Paul: Persecuted by Jews, Drawn Before the Deputy, Charged With Wicked Lewdness Paul: Persecuted by the Jews Who Come from Thessalonica Paul: Persecuted, Beaten, and Cast Into Prison With Silas Paul: Persecutes the Christians; Present At, and Gives Consent To, the Stoning of Stephen Paul: Preaches in Damascus for the First Time Paul: Predicts Misfortune to the Ship; his Counsel not Heeded, and the Voyage Resumes Paul: Proceeds to Macedonia After Strengthening the Congregations in That Region Paul: Reasons in the Synagogue Every Sabbath Paul: Received by the Disciples in Jerusalem Paul: Refers the Question of Circumcision to the Apostles and Elders at Jerusalem Paul: Remains in Custody for Two Years Paul: Returns to Antioch, Accompanied by Barnabas, Judas, and Silas, With Letters to the Gentiles Paul: Returns With the Apostle John to Antioch (Of Syria) Paul: Re-Visits Pisidia, Pamphylia, Perga, Attalia, and Antioch, in Syria, where he Lived Paul: Sends for the Elders of the Congregation of Ephesus Paul: Sends Timothy and Erastus Into Macedonia, But he Himself Remains in Asia for a Period of Time Paul: Sent to Damascus With Letters for the Arrest and Return to Jerusalem of Christians Paul: Sergius Paulus, Governor of the Country, is a Convert of Paul: Summons the Local Jewish Leadership Paul: Teaches at Antioch (In Syria) for One Year Paul: The People Attempt to Worship Him Paul: The Ship Encounters a Storm Paul: The Ship is Wrecked, and all on Board Take Refuge on the Island of Melita (Malta) Paul: The Spread of the Gospel Through his Preaching Interferes With the Makers of Idols Paul: This Plan is Thwarted by his Nephew Paul: Transferred to a Ship of Alexandria Paul: Visits Amphipolis, Apollonia, and Thessalonica; Preaches in the Synagogue Paul: Visits Antioch (In Pisidia), and Preaches in the Synagogue Paul: Visits Assos, Mitylene, Chios, Samos, Trogyllium Paul: Visits Coos, Rhodes, and Patara; Boards a Ship Bound for Tyre Paul: Visits Ephesus, where he Leaves Aquila and Priscilla Paul: Visits Iconium, and Preaches to the Jews and Non-Jews Paul: Visits Lystra; Circumcises Timothy Paul: Visits Much of the Island of Cyprus Paul: Visits Perga in Pamphylia Paul: Visits Samothracia and Neapolis Paul: Waits at Tyre for Seven Days Select Readings: Paul and Silas in Prison Select Readings: Paul in Front of Agrippa Select Readings: Paul in Front of Governor Felix Select Readings: Paul on Mars' Hill Related Terms |
    |