Topical Encyclopedia The Apostle Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, is a central figure in the New Testament, renowned for his missionary journeys and theological contributions to early Christianity. However, his ministry was marked by significant persecution and expulsion, reflecting the challenges faced by early Christians in spreading the Gospel.Background and Conversion Paul was born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, and was a Roman citizen by birth. He was a Pharisee, educated under Gamaliel, and initially a zealous persecutor of Christians. His dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19) transformed him into a fervent apostle of Christ. This conversion marked the beginning of his mission to the Gentiles, as he later recounts, "But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not rush to consult with flesh and blood" (Galatians 1:15-16). Persecution and Expulsion Paul's ministry was fraught with opposition, often resulting in persecution and expulsion from various cities. His experiences are chronicled in the Acts of the Apostles and his epistles, providing insight into the trials he endured for the sake of the Gospel. 1. Antioch in Pisidia: During his first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas faced opposition from Jewish leaders in Antioch. After preaching in the synagogue, many Gentiles believed, but the Jewish leaders incited prominent city figures against them, leading to their expulsion. "But the Jews incited the religious women of prominence and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their district" (Acts 13:50). 2. Iconium: In Iconium, Paul and Barnabas again encountered resistance. Despite performing signs and wonders, the city was divided. A plot to stone them forced their departure. "But the people of the city were divided. Some sided with the Jews, and others with the apostles. But when the Gentiles and Jews, together with their rulers, set out to mistreat and stone them, they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe, and to the surrounding region" (Acts 14:4-6). 3. Lystra: In Lystra, Paul was stoned and left for dead after Jews from Antioch and Iconium incited the crowd against him. Miraculously, he survived and continued his mission. "Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, presuming he was dead. But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city" (Acts 14:19-20). 4. Philippi: In Philippi, Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned after casting out a spirit from a slave girl, which angered her owners. Despite their suffering, they sang hymns in prison, leading to a miraculous earthquake and the conversion of the jailer. "The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered that they be stripped and beaten with rods. And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely" (Acts 16:22-23). 5. Thessalonica and Berea: In Thessalonica, Paul's preaching led to a riot incited by jealous Jews, forcing him to flee to Berea. In Berea, he found a more receptive audience, but agitators from Thessalonica soon arrived, prompting his departure to Athens. "But the Jews from Thessalonica learned that Paul was also proclaiming the word of God in Berea, and they went there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds" (Acts 17:13). 6. Corinth and Ephesus: In Corinth, Paul faced opposition from the Jewish community, leading him to focus on the Gentiles. In Ephesus, his successful ministry threatened the local economy tied to idol worship, resulting in a riot. "But when some in their stubbornness refused to believe and maligned the Way before the congregation, Paul took the disciples and left the synagogue to conduct daily discussions in the lecture hall of Tyrannus" (Acts 19:9). Theological Reflections Paul's experiences of persecution and expulsion are not merely historical accounts but serve as theological reflections on the cost of discipleship and the power of the Gospel. He often wrote about suffering for Christ, viewing it as a participation in the sufferings of Christ Himself. In his letter to the Philippians, he expressed this sentiment: "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him" (Philippians 1:29). Paul's perseverance amidst persecution exemplifies the resilience and faith required to advance the Kingdom of God. His life and writings continue to inspire Christians to endure hardships for the sake of the Gospel, trusting in God's ultimate deliverance and reward. Nave's Topical Index Acts 13:50,51But the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. Nave's Topical Index Library Paul in Corinth. Petilianus Said: "Accordingly, as we have Said... Christianity and Slavery. Heralds of the Gospel Chapter iv. Historia Acephala. Letter x. --For 338. Coss. Ursus and Polemius; Pr??f. The Same ... part viii. Letter vi. --For 334. Easter-Day, xii Pharmuthi, vii Id. April ... Sources and Literature of the Apostolic Age. 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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