Topical Encyclopedia Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, is one of the most influential figures in early Christianity and the New Testament. His calling to be an apostle is a pivotal event in Christian history, marking a significant expansion of the Gospel to the Gentile world. Paul's life and ministry are chronicled in the Acts of the Apostles and his epistles, which form a substantial portion of the New Testament.Background and Early Life Saul was born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, and was a Roman citizen by birth (Acts 22:28). He was a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin and was educated under Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee teacher (Acts 22:3). Saul was zealous for the traditions of his ancestors and initially became a fierce persecutor of the early Christian church, believing it to be a heretical sect within Judaism (Galatians 1:13-14). The Damascus Road Experience Paul's transformation from persecutor to apostle began on the road to Damascus. As he traveled to arrest Christians, a light from heaven suddenly surrounded him, and he fell to the ground. He heard a voice saying, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?" (Acts 9:4). When Saul asked who was speaking, the voice replied, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting" (Acts 9:5). This divine encounter left Saul temporarily blinded, and he was led into Damascus. Ananias and the Commissioning In Damascus, a disciple named Ananias received a vision from the Lord instructing him to visit Saul. Despite his initial hesitation due to Saul's reputation, Ananias obeyed. He laid hands on Saul, and something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, restoring his sight. Saul was then baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17-18). The Lord revealed to Ananias that Saul was "a chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel" (Acts 9:15). Paul's Apostolic Mission Following his conversion, Paul spent time in Arabia and then returned to Damascus. He began preaching that Jesus is the Son of God, astonishing those who knew of his previous persecution of Christians (Acts 9:20-21). Paul later traveled to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles, where Barnabas vouched for his genuine conversion and calling (Acts 9:26-27). Paul's apostolic mission was characterized by extensive missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire. He established churches, preached the Gospel, and wrote letters to various Christian communities. His epistles, such as Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, and others, address theological issues, church practices, and Christian living. Paul emphasized salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and the inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive plan. Paul's Self-Understanding as an Apostle Paul frequently referred to himself as an apostle, underscoring his divine calling and authority. In his letter to the Romans, he introduces himself as "a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God" (Romans 1:1). He defends his apostleship in several letters, asserting that he received the Gospel not from man but through a revelation of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:11-12). Paul's apostleship was marked by suffering and perseverance. He endured hardships, imprisonments, and opposition, yet remained steadfast in his mission. He viewed his sufferings as a participation in the sufferings of Christ and a testament to his commitment to the Gospel (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). Legacy Paul's calling as an apostle had a profound impact on the spread of Christianity and the theological foundation of the Church. His writings continue to be a source of doctrinal teaching and spiritual encouragement for believers worldwide. Through his life and ministry, Paul exemplified the transformative power of God's grace and the call to proclaim the Gospel to all nations. Nave's Topical Index Acts 22:14-21And he said, The God of our fathers has chosen you, that you should know his will, and see that Just One, and should hear the voice of his mouth. Nave's Topical Index Acts 26:16-18 Romans 1:1 1 Corinthians 1:1 1 Corinthians 9:1,2 1 Corinthians 15:9 Galatians 1:1,15,16 Ephesians 1:1 Colossians 1:1 1 Timothy 1:1 1 Timothy 2:7 2 Timothy 1:1,11 Titus 1:1,3 Library Introductory the Apostle Paul Himself not the Preacher of a New ... The Apostle Paul. Paul Writes to the Christians at Rome Paul Writes to his Friends in Corinth Of the Church Homilies of St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, on ... Paul's Missionary Labors. The Fraud, Pride, and Tyrannical Kingdom of Antichrist, as ... He Produces Testimonies to the Same Doctrine from the Apostle Paul ... St. Paul's Phraseology Often Suggested by the Jewish Scriptures ... 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 |
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