St Paul

Welcome

I love to travel, and often I’m stuck for ideas and purpose.  Recently I decided to go on a journey and learn more about St Paul who has always interested me.  Below I will let you know more about St Paul and some of his journeys that I will use to guide me with my own journey.  I felt it was best to share my learning with you all in case it interests any of you.  So here is the info.

 Who is Saul?

This is a lovely stained art piece which you would find in a Roman Cathedral. I would really recommend on going I think this is the prettiest one in the world.

Around 5AD, Paul was born of Jewish parents. Saul is what his parents named him.

He was born in Tarus Ofcilicia (Southern Turkey), and his Roman name was Paul. Before his first mission, Paul worked as a tent maker and attended the School of Gamaliel for his formal education.

Acts 22:3: "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day."

Saul, also known as the Apostle Paul, was a religious leader who used to hurt Christians. One day, he saw a vision of Jesus and changed his ways. He then became a Christian and helped spread Christianity. 

Philippians 3:4-6: "though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless."

Birth and Family

Around the beginning of the first century AD, Saul was born in the city of Tarsus, which is now in the country of Turkey. He belonged to the Benjamin tribe and was of Jewish descent. The Jewish sect famed for its strict commitment to religious precepts, the Pharisees, also claimed Saul as one of their number.

Education 

In Jerusalem, Saul studied under the legendary teacher Gamaliel and obtained a full education in Jewish law and customs. He learned the scriptures and customs of the Hebrew people, which later shaped the way he understood Christianity.

What happened during his life?

The New Testament of the Bible contains significant documentation of Saul's life, including his own writings in the Epistles and the Acts of the Apostles. Saul later took on the name Paul. The following list includes significant events and features of Saul's life:

Acts 9:3-6: "As he [Paul] 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. 'Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.'"

The Road to Jerusalem Conversion

Saul's meeting with a vision of Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus was the turning point in his life. His remarkable transformation to Christianity was the result of this encounter. Saul, who had been persecuting Christians, converted to Christianity, and promised to spend his life in service to the Gospel.

Missionary Journeys

Saul's meeting with a vision of Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus was the turning point in his life. His remarkable conversion to Christianity was the result of this experience.  Saul, who had been persecuting Christians, converted to Christianity and vowed to dedicate his life in service to the Gospel.

Arrest and Imprisonments

Paul faced criticism from both Roman and Jewish authorities during his ministry. He was taken into custody numerous times and served time in jail. Despite these difficulties, Paul preached and wrote letters even while in captivity.

The early Christian movement was greatly influenced by the life and teachings of Paul. His missionary journeys assisted in establishing numerous Christian communities throughout the Roman Empire, and his works continue to have an impact on developing Christian beliefs and practice.

Saul’s conversion to Paul

Acts 9, NIV: The Important Moment in Saul's Conversion

Jesus said, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" as a shining light appeared. In response, Paul questioned, "Who are you, Lord?" Then Christ introduced himself, saying, "I am Jesus, whom you are crucifying. Now get up and head towards the city, where you will be given instructions.

Acts 22:6-8: "About noon as I [Paul] came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?' 'Who are you, Lord?' I asked. 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,' he replied."

Acts 26:12-15: "On one of these journeys I [Paul] was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. About noon, King Agrippa, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' 'Then I asked, 'Who are you, Lord?' 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' the Lord replied."

Who was there for his arrest and death?

• Timothy – was there when he died, and he was who Paul wrote to when he was in jail in Rome.
• 1st time arrested – he tried to release a spirit out of a demon lady. Cilas who was the demon lady also got arrested. They spent less than a day in jail because of an earthquake which freed them.
• 2nd time he was arrested – there was no one with him.
• 3rd time – Timothy was there and apparently when he died.
• Nero, the Roman emperor was accused of killing him.

Where did his arrest and death take place?

Beheaded in Rome, Italy

Basilica Papale San Paolo Fuori le Mura – where he got buried.

When did St Paul get arrested and die?

• c. 64/65 AD Rome, Italia, Roman Empire
• 61-65 years old when he was thought to have died. 

Why did it happen in the time period?

There was a lot of civil unrest between the Christians and Romans in 64CE.

Bible Story 

Paul Arrested

27 When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, 28 shouting, “Fellow Israelites, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.”29 (They had previously seen Trophimusthe Ephesian in the city with Paul and assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple.)30 The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut. 31 While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar. 32 He at once took some officers and soldiers and ran down to the crowd. When the rioters saw the commander and his soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.33 The commander came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done. 34 Some in the crowd shouted one thing and some another, and since the commander could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks.35 When Paul reached the steps, the violence of the mob was so great he had to be carried by the soldiers. 36 The crowd that followed kept shouting, “Get rid of him!”

How did this part of Paul’s journey make him an important figure?

Paul's death is unknown, but tradition holds that he was beheaded in Rome and thus died as a martyr for his faith. His death was perhaps part of the executions of Christians ordered by the Roman emperor Nero following the great fire in the city in 64 CE.

First missionary journey

When they took place?

St. Paul went on his first missionary journey around 47CE.

Who was involved?

St Paul went with his two friends named Barnabas and John Mark

Source 1 

This picture shown in source 1 shows each of the locations they travelled to on there first mission. They started in Antioch which is now known today as Southern Turkey. During this time St Paul travelled there when it was the Capital of Ancient Syria and the leading city of the Roman East. Many other places he travelled to were Salamis, Paphos, Antioch, Iconium, and Derbe. They went on to do a bit more travelling then went back to Antioch in 49CE. His last travels were in Jerusalem.

The only people involved in the first missionary include; St Paul, Barnabas and John Mark. There were also people in each city and town that they travelled to who they would talk to by telling them the good news.

What occurred on these travels?

Paul and Barnabas experienced opposition from both Jewish opponents and Gentile crowds on their first missionary journey.  Additionally, they witnessed acceptance and the expansion of Christian communities in numerous places. The tour served as a model for Paul's following missions and created the groundwork for the spread of Christianity among Gentile populations.

Second missionary journey

The map pictured above has dots on each location I traveled to and which pathway feel free to use this as a guide on your travel.

What was the details of the event? 

The book of Acts in the New Testament of the Bible describes the Apostle Paul's journey as his second missionary journey. The mission, which was one of three significant missionary travels Paul completed, is said to have occurred sometime between 49 and 52 AD. In the early history of Christianity, Paul's second missionary tour played a key role in extending the Christian faith beyond Jerusalem's walls and into the larger Mediterranean region.

When they took place?

St. Paul went on his second missionary journey around 49-53 AD, as recorded in the book of Acts in the New Testament of the Bible.

Where they took place?

The second missionary journey left Antioch one year later. Barnabas and John Mark went to Cyprus while Paul and his assistants visited the Christian communities in South Galatia and Lystra. They travelled north along Galatia's western border, through Mysia, Phrygia, and finally a coastal city called Troas before Luke joined them. Before crossing the Mediterranean, Paul established Christian communities in Macedonia's Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. He eventually travelled to Corinth through Athens, where he founded a substantial Christian population. In this place, Paul wrote the two Epistles to the Thessalonians. Paul returned to Antioch in 52 CE.

Who was involved?

Silas: On his second missionary tour, Paul brought Silas along with him. One of the leaders who accompanied Paul and Barnabas to the Council Acts 15:22–40.

Timothy: Paul's youthful follower Timothy accompanied him on his second voyage. In Lystra, Paul first met Timothy, who went on to become one of his most reliable friends and co-workers.

Luke: Luke, who was a doctor, accompanied Paul on his second missionary voyage. He is thought to be the author of the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel of Luke.

These people were essential to Paul's second missionary tour because they assisted him in starting new churches and promoting Asia Minor.

What occurred on these travels?

Paul faced numerous difficulties, resistance, and even jail during his second missionary voyage. He remained consistent in his dedication to spreading the Good News and founding Christian communities, nevertheless. His expedition established the groundwork for the spread of Christianity in Macedonia, Greece, and Asia Minor, having an impact on the early Christian movement's expansion.

Third missionary journey

The map pictured above has dots on each location I travelled to and which path was taken

When they took place?

After allowing the winter season to pass, Paul started his 3rd missionary journey in the spring of 52AD.

Where they took place?

Paul’s journey brought him to Ephesus where he stayed for 2 years and 3 months. Traveling through Galatia and Phrygia in Asia Minor, visiting the churches in Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, and Pisidian Antioch—churches he’d established during his first trip (Acts 18:23).

Who was involved?

Trophimus the Ephesian, was a Christian who accompanied Paul during a part of his third missionary journey.

What occurred on these travels?

Paul didn't set out to begin founding churches on his third missionary tour, unlike his first two. His goal was to support and strengthen already-existing churches.  Although Paul addressed his writings to the churches, he was aware that some advice was best offered in person.

Why is St Paul considered an important figure for Christianity? 

Paul was an important figure in the early years of Christianity. He helped spread the faith by preaching to non-Jewish people, establishing churches in different cities, and providing guidance and instruction through his letters. His teachings on important theological concepts like grace, justification by faith, and law and faith continue to influence Christianity today.

The letters Paul wrote

Examples of evidence from Scripture regarding Paul's letters:

1. Pauline Authorship: The letters themselves often begin with a clear indication of authorship, such as "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus" (e.g., Romans 1:1). Additionally, within the letters, Paul refers to himself in the first person, using phrases like "I, Paul" (e.g., Galatians 5:2).

2. References to Specific Events: Paul's letters make references to specific events and circumstances, both personal and communal. For instance, in Galatians 2:1-10, Paul recounts his visit to Jerusalem and meeting with other apostles. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, he refers to the appearances of Jesus after His resurrection.

3. Instructions and Teachings: Paul's letters provide guidance and teachings on various theological and practical matters. For example, in Romans 12:1-2, Paul urges believers to present themselves as living sacrifices and be transformed by the renewing of their minds. In 1 Corinthians 13, he expounds on the nature and importance of love.

4. Greetings and Personal Remarks: Paul's letters often contain greetings, references to specific individuals, and personal remarks, indicating his familiarity with the recipients. For instance, in Philippians 4:21, he sends greetings from "all the saints" and specifically mentions individuals like Timothy and Epaphroditus.

St Paul wrote 13 letters, these include;

Romans 1 – He emphasises the importance of the Gospel, the results of idolatry, the widespread nature of sin, and the approaching day of God's judgement. Paul's further explanations of God's plan of redemption and the significance of trust in Christ are clearly  in the letter. The most important verse in the Romans 1 was “But the righteous man shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17)

Romans 2 - Contains lessons about the fairness of God's judgement, the importance of sincere repentance, the risk of dishonesty, and the significance of faith in redemption. Paul places a strong emphasis on the transformation of the heart and the requirement for personal integrity in the exercise of faith.

Corinthians - It highlights the value of harmony, love, spiritual gifts, moral behaviour, and the hope found in Christ's resurrection. It offers the Corinthian Christian community helpful direction and inspiration, and it is still applicable to Christians today.

Galatians - It challenges judgemental habits while reinforcing the fundamental concepts of grace, freedom, and faith in Christ. The significance of Christ's work on the cross is emphasised, as well as the transformation that results through trusting in Him. The letter emphasises how crucial it is to uphold the equality and unity of the body of Christ while living in the freedom and power of the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians - It sends an effective message of harmony, mercy, and the transforming influence of Christ. In addition to reminding believers of their spiritual blessings and emphasising the value of remaining steadfast in the face of spiritual resistance, it offers advice on how to practise living out one's religion in concrete ways.

Philippians -  gives out signals of happiness, harmony, modesty, endurance, contentment, and confidence in Christ. It encourages believers to find their greatest joy and purpose in their relationship with Jesus Christ and offers helpful advice for doing Christianity.

Colossians - is to increase believers' awareness of Christ's power, warn against false teachings, promote shared love and unity, offer advice on how to live morally, and place emphasis on the value of prayer and thankfulness. It acts as a pastoral letter intended to encourage the Colossian believers to grow in their faith and their intimacy with Christ.

Thessalonians 1 - provides a message of inspiration, exhortation, and helpful advice for living a Christian life. It places a strong emphasis on the expectation of Christ's second coming, the value of love and unity among Christians, and the necessity of leading a diligent and responsible life in view of the oncoming judgement.

Thessalonians 2 - conveys themes about the value of prayer and thankfulness, the encouragement to labour and avoid laziness during times of persecution, clarification of the second coming of Christ, warnings against lies, and suggestions to work and avoid laziness.  The main objective is to increase the Thessalonian believers' faith and help them live in obedience to Christ's teachings.

Timothy - Draws attention to Paul's concern for the well-being of the church, the safeguarding of true teaching, the growth of strong Christian character, and the support of obedient leadership. The letters to Timothy give instruction for Christian leaders and followers throughout the ages and provide insightful analysis of Paul's beliefs.

Titus - serves as a pastoral letter that offers direction and helpful advice for church leadership, communal living, and incorporating faith into daily life. It exhorts believers to live out their faith via deeds while emphasising the value of sound philosophy, godly living, unity, and interaction with the culture.

Philemon - Paul's dedication to love, forgiveness, and the transformative power of Christ's teachings appear here. In the context of Christian community, it encourages believers to accept forgiveness, put aside societal differences, and treat one another with grace and equality.

Hebrews - combines significant religious insights with practical suggestions with the goal of enhancing the readers' faith and resilience.  Its theme emphasises the power of Christ, the value of faith, and the necessity of leading a holy life and persevering in the Christian life.

The pictures of the letters from St Paul pictured above are from some of the museums I visited during my trip.

Paul's Legacy

St. Paul is remembered for three things. First, he travelled a lot and told people about Jesus, helping Christianity grow. Second, he wrote letters that talk about important Christian topics, like salvation and faith, which are still studied today. Third, he himself changed from someone who hurt Christians to someone who loved Jesus, showing that faith can change people. Overall, St. Paul was an important person in the early Christian movement.

1. Writings of Paul: The letters attributed to Paul in the New Testament are a significant part of his enduring legacy. They comprise a substantial portion of the New Testament canon and continue to be studied, referenced, and followed by Christians worldwide.
2. Apostle to the Gentiles: Paul is often referred to as the "Apostle to the Gentiles" (Romans 11:13, Galatians 2:8). His missionary journeys, documented in the Book of Acts, demonstrate his tireless efforts to bring the message of Christ to the Gentile (non-Jewish) communities throughout the Mediterranean world.
3. Founding and Nurturing Christian Communities: Paul played a crucial role in founding and nurturing numerous Christian communities. His letters frequently address specific groups of believers, offering them encouragement, guidance, and correction. For example, his letters to the Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Thessalonians demonstrate his pastoral concern for these communities.

Bibliography 

Answers, B. (2018). What happened on Paul’s third missionary journey? [online] GotQuestions.org. Available at: https://www.gotquestions.org/Paul-third-missionary-journey.html.

bible, mission (2011). Saul (Paul) Becomes a Christian. [online] Mission Bible Class. Available at: https://missionbibleclass.org/new-testament/part2/acts-the-church-begins/paul-saul-becomes-a-christian/#:~:text=Saul%20was%20a%20zealous%20Jew [Accessed 22 May 2023].

MaCallum, D. (2005). A Chronological Study of Paul’s Ministry | Dwell Community Church. [online] dwellcc.org. Available at: https://dwellcc.org/learning/essays/chronological-study-pauls-ministry#:~:text=The%20Third%20Missionary%20Journey%E2%80%94After [Accessed 22 May 2023].

www.pureflix.com. (n.d.). Saul to Paul? The Conversion That Transformed Human History. [online] Available at: https://www.pureflix.com/insider/saul-to-paul-the-conversion-that-transformed-human-history#:~:text=The%20Moment%20of%20Saul%27s%20Conversion%3A%20Acts%209%2C%20NIV&text=A%20sudden%20light%20emerged%20and [Accessed 22 May 2023].

Thankyou so much for reading my blog be sure to stay updated with me and all of my travel adventures.  I will post more as I visit each location and let you know how good the experiences are.