Jump to: Hitchcock's • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:Paulus, more commonly known as Paul the Apostle, is one of the most influential figures in early Christianity. Originally named Saul of Tarsus, he was a Jewish Pharisee who became a fervent follower of Jesus Christ after a dramatic conversion experience. His missionary journeys and epistles have significantly shaped Christian theology and the spread of the Gospel. Early Life and Conversion: Paul was born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, and was a Roman citizen by birth (Acts 22:28). He was educated under Gamaliel, a respected teacher of the Law, which provided him with a strong foundation in Jewish traditions and the Hebrew Scriptures (Acts 22:3). Initially, Paul was a zealous persecutor of Christians, believing he was upholding the Jewish faith (Acts 8:3; Galatians 1:13). Paul's conversion occurred on the road to Damascus, where he encountered the risen Christ in a vision. This transformative event is recorded in Acts 9:3-6: "As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?' 'Who are You, Lord?' Saul asked. 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' He replied." This encounter led to Paul's baptism and his commission as an apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15). Missionary Journeys: Paul embarked on several missionary journeys, spreading the Gospel across the Roman Empire. His travels took him to regions such as Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome. Paul established numerous churches and maintained correspondence with them, offering guidance and theological insights. His first missionary journey, alongside Barnabas, took him to Cyprus and southern Asia Minor (Acts 13-14). The second journey included Silas and Timothy, during which Paul received the Macedonian call and brought the Gospel to Europe, notably Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth (Acts 16-18). The third journey focused on strengthening the churches in Asia Minor and Greece, culminating in a lengthy stay in Ephesus (Acts 19-20). Theological Contributions: Paul's epistles form a substantial portion of the New Testament and address various theological and practical issues. Key themes include justification by faith, the role of the Law, the nature of the Church, and the return of Christ. In Romans 1:16-17, Paul writes, "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the Gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last." Paul's teachings on grace and faith have been foundational for Christian doctrine. In Ephesians 2:8-9, he emphasizes, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." Imprisonment and Martyrdom: Paul faced significant opposition and persecution throughout his ministry. He was imprisoned multiple times, with his letters from captivity, such as Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, often referred to as the "Prison Epistles." Despite his hardships, Paul remained steadfast in his mission, declaring in Philippians 1:21, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Tradition holds that Paul was martyred in Rome under Emperor Nero, likely by beheading, around AD 64-67. His unwavering commitment to Christ and his extensive writings continue to inspire and instruct believers worldwide. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary PaulusEaston's Bible Dictionary Sergius Paulus A "prudent man" (R.V., "man of understanding"), the deputy (R.V., "proconsul") of Cyprus (Acts 13:6-13). He became a convert to Christianity under Paul, who visited this island on his first mission to the heathen. A remarkable memorial of this proconsul was recently (1887) discovered at Rome. On a boundary stone of Claudius his name is found, among others, as having been appointed (A.D. 47) one of the curators of the banks and the channel of the river Tiber. After serving his three years as proconsul at Cyprus, he returned to Rome, where he held the office referred to. As he is not saluted in Paul's letter to the Romans, he probably died before it was written. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PAULUS, SERGIUSpo'-lus, sur'-ji-us (Sergios Paulos): The Roman "proconsul" (Revised Version) or "deputy" (the King James Version) of Cyprus when Paul, along with Barnabas, visited that island on his first missionary journey (Acts 13:4, 7). The official title of Sergius is accurately given in Acts. Cyprus was originally an imperial province, but in 22 B.C. it was transferred by Augustus to the Senate, and was therefore placed under the administration of proconsuls, as is attested by extant Cyprian coins of the period. When the two missionaries arrived at Paphos, Sergius, who was a "prudent man" (the King James Version) or "man of understanding" (Revised Version), i.e. a man of practical understanding, "sought to hear the word of God" (Acts 13:7). Bar-Jesus, or Elymas, a sorcerer at the court of Sergius, fearing the influence of the apostles, sought, however, "to turn aside the proconsul from the faith," but was struck with blindness (Acts 13:8-11); and the deputy, "when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord" (Acts 13:12). The narrative indicates that not only the miracle but also the attention with which Sergius listened to the teaching of Paul (compare Acts 13:7) conduced to his conversion (Bengel). Attempts have been made to trace some connection between the name Sergius Paulus and the fact that Saul is first called Paul in Acts 13:9, but the joint occurrence of the two names is probably to be set down as only a coincidence. SERGIUS PAULUS sur'-ji-us po'-lus. Greek 3972. Paulos -- (Sergius) Paulus (a Roman proconsul), also Paul ... ... 3971, 3972. Paulos. 3973 . (Sergius) Paulus (a Roman proconsul), also Paul (an apostle). Part ... Word Origin of Latin origin Definition (Sergius) Paulus (a Rom ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3972.htm - 6k Library Paulus, Bishop of Constantinople. Epistle ii. To Paulus, Bishop . Epistle x. To Paulus, Bishop of Naples . The Life of Paulus the First Hermit. From the Work on the Passover. When Servilius Paulus was Proconsul ... Letter cclvi. To the Very Well Beloved and Reverend Brethren the ... Sources and Literature on St. Paul and his Work. Epistle xxi. Lucian Replies to Celerinus. Epistle xxii. To the Clergy Abiding at Rome, Concerning Many of ... Preface to the Treatise on Man's Perfection in Righteousness. Thesaurus Paulus (1 Occurrence)... Sergius Paulus. A "prudent man" (RV, "man of understanding"), the deputy (RV, "proconsul") of Cyprus (Acts 13:6-13). ... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. PAULUS, SERGIUS ... /p/paulus.htm - 9k Sergius (1 Occurrence) Bar-jesus (1 Occurrence) Barjesus (1 Occurrence) Paphos (2 Occurrences) Pause (4 Occurrences) Paul's (34 Occurrences) Chronology Keen (3 Occurrences) Intelligent (47 Occurrences) Resources Who was Bar-Jesus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened on Paul's first missionary journey? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Cyprus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Paulus (1 Occurrence)Acts 13:7 Subtopics Related Terms |
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