The text discusses the transformation and missionary journeys of Paul, who was initially born as Saul in Tarsus. As a Pharisee, Saul strongly opposed the Christian movement, seeing it as a threat to Judaism. He relentlessly persecuted Christians and sought to capture them for imprisonment in Jerusalem. However, during his journey to Damascus, Saul encountered a heavenly light that blinded him, and he had a life-changing encounter with Jesus. Jesus instructed a disciple named Manias to restore Saul's sight.
When Manias expressed concerns about Saul's previous actions of harming believers, Jesus commanded him to go see Saul anyway. Manias, despite his reservations, obeyed God's command. The Holy Spirit then filled Saul, who became Paul, transforming his life and enabling him to bear witness to the power of the Holy Spirit within him.
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With his newfound faith, Paul embarked on a series of missionary journeys. His first journey began in Antioch, Syria, which served as his headquarters. Paul traveled with a companion named Barabbas and took advantage of the well-established Roman empire roads to facilitate easier travel.
They went to the most populous cities and spoke to the Jews about the Messiah initially, hoping to spread the Good News through them first. They brought along a young man named Mark, who was wise and knowledgeable but lacked the courage to speak about the Gospel.
From Antioch, they journeyed to "Salamis, a small island in Cyprus, to establish a synagogue; Modus Operandi" (Canyon, Paul's First Journey). It was here that Paul changed his name from Saul to Paul. Upon their arrival in the city of Paphos, the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, approached them to hear the word of
God. However, a sorcerer named Elymas tried to deceive the proconsul and lead him astray from his faith in Jesus. Paul confronted Elymas about his sinful ways and informed Sergius of his deception. As a result, Sergius chose to convert to Christianity.
From Paphos, they proceeded to Perga, Attalia, and lastly Antioch. In Antioch, Paul healed a lame man and was also mistaken for being stoned to death. "Luke does not indicate that Paul actually died from the stoning but only that the crowd thought he was dead, although some interpreters believe that Paul did in fact die and then miraculously come back to life" (Missioner, 1992, p.214). Paul got up with Barnabas and continued preaching the Good News. In his actions, Paul demonstrated complete dedication, recognizing that as Christians we no longer belong to ourselves but to God.
From there, they traveled back towards Pamphylia and returned to Antioch.Pall's second Journey covered some of the same ground as the first. Paul and Barabbas disagreed about taking Mark with them on the Journey because Mark had left them previously. As a result, the team split and Paul joined Sills on the mission Journey this time. They delivered the four decrees at the first Jerusalem church conference in Cilia, emphasizing that laws and traditions were not essential for salvation, but rather the blood of Jesus Christ. It was important for both Jews and Gentiles to become tolerant, understanding, and accepting of each other in order for the churches to grow. From there, they went to Trots with anxiety about the Corinthian church. Paul left Corinth and went to Philipp because Titus was delaying his return from
Corinth (Campbell, 1955, p.84). In Philipp, Paul converted an equines woman, a soothsayer slave girl, and a Jailer to Christianity. However, in a city known for greed, idolatry, and worldliness, Paul and Sills were stripped, beaten, and placed into stocks as an example. Despite the lack of concern for their salvation or souls, the Jailer prayed and set them free due to their reputation. They then continued their journey to Thessalonians, Berea, Athens, and Corinth. In Corinth, they met Priscilla and Quail and Paul worked with them in tent-making until Sills arrived. It is believed that this is where Paul wrote Thessalonians I and II (Canyon, Pall's Second Journey).From here, they traveled to Cancer, Ephesus, Jerusalem, and then returned to Antioch. Paula's third journey followed that of the second journey but went south towards Ephesus. Paul met with twelve disciples who were baptized by John the Baptist but knew nothing of the Holy Spirit. They were eager to learn about the message, so Paul laid his hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. Paul wrote I and II Corinthians in Macedonia. It is worth noting that during this time, Paul had preached the gospel in Corinth, and the gospel was just beginning to make headway at Ephesus, from where he wrote I Corinthians (Campbell, 1955, p.3). From here, Paul goes to Greece/Athens, where he writes Galatians/Romans. He then returns back through Macedonia into Milieus, goes to Tire, goes to Caesar, and then moves on to Jerusalem. In Jerusalem, Paul is falsely accused of bringing Greek Troopships into the Jewish part of the temple (Canyon, Paula's Third Journey). Paul learns of a plot to
kill him and tries to appeal to Caesar. However, Grippe hears of this and does not allow him to go. In conclusion, the life of a believer is not an easy road. Being a Christian does not solve problems. Paul served humbly and sometimes with tears but never quit or gave up. He never missed an opportunity to share the message.Despite Paul's strong convictions, he was willing to compromise on non-essential matters in order to relate to various individuals. He risked his life for a message that was heartfelt to the Jews but unbelievable to the Gentiles. To those who prioritize material wealth, it may appear foolish to take such great risks for minimal gains. However, as one follows Christ, they quickly realize that their temporary possessions pale in comparison to the immeasurable eternal reward.
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