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    apostle · New Testament

    Paul

    Apostle to the Gentiles

    Strong's G3972 — original-language name study

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    Who was Paul?

    Paul was a zealous persecutor of Christians until his dramatic conversion on the Damascus road. He became the most influential apostle, writing much of the New Testament and spreading the gospel throughout the Roman Empire.

    Saul of Tarsus was a Pharisee, trained under the renowned teacher Gamaliel, and utterly zealous for the traditions of Judaism. He considered Christians blasphemers and became a leading persecutor, even approving of Stephen's stoning and obtaining letters to arrest believers in Damascus. He was "breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord."

    On the Damascus road, a light from heaven blinded Saul and a voice asked, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" Jesus personally appeared to His fiercest enemy and transformed him into His most dedicated apostle. Blinded for three days, Saul was healed and baptized by Ananias, and immediately began preaching that Jesus was the Son of God—astonishing everyone who knew his former reputation.

    Paul's missionary journeys took him throughout the Roman Empire, planting churches in major cities. He faced beatings, stonings, shipwrecks, imprisonments, and constant opposition. He worked as a tentmaker to support himself while preaching, and he wrote letters to churches that now form thirteen books of the New Testament. His theology of justification by faith, the body of Christ, and the resurrection shaped Christian doctrine for all time.

    Paul was imprisoned in Rome at least twice. During his first imprisonment, he wrote Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Tradition holds that he was released, continued ministry, was imprisoned again, and was finally beheaded under Nero around AD 67. He finished well: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

    Life Timeline of Paul

    1. Birth in Tarsus

      Born a Hebrew of the tribe of Benjamin, a Roman citizen.

      Acts 22:3, 28; Philippians 3:5 (KJV)
    2. Persecutor

      Consents to Stephen's death; ravages the church.

      Acts 7:58; 8:3 (KJV)
    3. Damascus Road

      Confronted by the risen Christ; blinded for three days.

      Acts 9:3-9 (KJV)
    4. Baptism by Ananias

      Baptized at Damascus; sight restored.

      Acts 9:17-18 (KJV)
    5. Arabia & Antioch

      Withdraws to Arabia; later teaches a year at Antioch.

      Galatians 1:17; Acts 11:25-26 (KJV)
    6. First Missionary Journey

      Sent with Barnabas to Cyprus and Asia Minor.

      Acts 13:2-4 (KJV)
    7. Jerusalem Council

      Defends Gentile liberty before the apostles.

      Acts 15:1-29 (KJV)
    8. Macedonian Call

      Crosses into Europe; founds the Philippian church.

      Acts 16:9-12 (KJV)
    9. Arrest in Jerusalem

      Seized in the temple; appeals unto Caesar.

      Acts 21:33; 25:11 (KJV)
    10. Roman Imprisonment

      Preaches the kingdom in Rome under house arrest.

      Acts 28:30-31 (KJV)
    11. Final Charge

      "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course."

      2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)

    Key Scriptures

    "But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel."

    Also linked to: Barnabas, Dorcas (Tabitha)

    Context: Paul's personal creed — crucified with Christ, yet living by the faith of the Son of God.

    "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

    "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

    Also linked to: Luke, John Mark

    Lessons from Paul's Life

    • 1.No one is beyond the reach of God's transforming grace.
    • 2.God can turn our greatest passion—even if misdirected—to His purposes.
    • 3.Suffering for Christ is a privilege, not merely a burden.
    • 4.Finishing well requires faithfulness to the end.

    Books Featuring Paul

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