Saul is sent to Jerusalem to be taught in a Pharisaic Rabbinical school. The school he attends is headed up by the well-known Rabbi Gamaliel (see Acts 5:34), who today Jews consider to be one of the greatest teachers ever of Judaism. Saul is personally taught by Gamaliel (Acts 22:3) and eventually becomes a Pharisee (Acts 23:6-8, 26:4-5; Philippians 3:5).
Stephen was one of the first deacons specially appointed by the early church to serve (Acts 6:1-6) and is considered the first Christian martyr. A young, zealous Saul (Paul) consents to and witnesses Stephen's death (Acts 7:58-8:1), after which he leads persecution against believers of Christ (Acts 8:1-4).
Saul (Paul) receives written permission from the High Priest (Sanhedrin) to search in Damascus' synagogues for those who believe Jesus is the Messiah. Saul is also given the authority to arrest and bring these believers to Jerusalem for trial and punishment. (Acts 9:1-2)
Saul, accompanied by several others, travels to Damascus. As he approaches the city a burst of light suddenly appears and causes him to fall to the ground (Acts 9:3-4). He then hears the booming voice of Jesus saying:
"Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" (Acts 9:4, NIV)
Saul is struck blind and led into Damascus by his traveling companions. Three days later Jesus inspires a disciple named Ananias to visit Saul and heal him of his blindness. After he is healed Saul is baptized and receives God's Holy Spirit. (Acts 9:4-18)
Saul (who is first referred to as Paul in Acts 13:9) stays in Damascus and powerfully preaches the gospel. After learning of the plot against his life, Paul flees the city at night by having Christians lower him down a gate wall using a basket! Once out of the city he travels to Arabia.
Paul is taught directly by Jesus Christ
Paul spends three years in Arabia being personally taught by Jesus Christ.
"But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, BUT IT CAME THROUGH THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST. . . "
"But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; BUT I WENT TO ARABIA, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days." (Galatians 1:11-12, 15-18, NKJV unless otherwise stated)
After three years in Arabia, Paul journeys back to Damascus in the Spring of the year (Galatians 1:17). He then travels to Jerusalem and stays fifteen days (Acts 9:26, Galatians 1:18-19). Although Paul tries to get to know other converted people in Jerusalem, the brethren are suspicious of him and stay away (Acts 9:26). Barnabas, a disciple known for encouraging others, takes Paul to the apostles and personally vouches for his converted character (Acts 9:27). Paul is then accepted by fellow Christians.
Paul's preaching once again infuriates some Jews to the point where they seek to kill him (Acts 9:29). When the brethren learn about the threat to Paul's life they escort him to Caesarea and then send him back to his hometown of Tarsus (Acts 9:30).
Paul stays in his hometown of Tarsus for four years.
Because of the continued growth of the Antioch church Barnabas travels to Tarsus to seek Paul's help with teaching the newly converted Gentiles. Paul and Barnabas journey from Tarsus back to Antioch and stay in the city for an entire year (Acts 11:25-26).
Apostle Paul conducts his First Missionary Journey
In the late Spring of 44 A.D. Paul and Barnabas are ordained by the brethren as apostles (Acts 13:1-3).
From Antioch Paul, Barnabas and John (surnamed Mark) begin Paul's first missionary journey (Acts 13:4-52, 14:1-25). They travel to Seleucia then sail to Salamis, the principle city and seaport of the island of Cyprus. Cyprus is where Barnabas was born and raised (Acts 4:36). In Salamis they preach the gospel in several synagogues. Paul and company then cross the island by foot and arrive at Paphos.
While in Paphos the island's Roman governor requests Barnabas and Paul meet with him so that he can personally hear the word of God. Accompanying the governor to the meeting is a sorcerer and false prophet known as Elymas the magician. Elymas resists the gospel and tries to prevent the governor from accepting the truth of God (Acts 13:6-8). Paul perceives Elymas' intentions, intently looks at him, then . . . :
“Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, 'O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.'” (Acts 13:9-11, NKJV throughout)
Elymas immediately goes blind and is unable to see for a period of time. The governor, astonished at what he sees, believes the gospel (Acts 13:11-12).
aul is the author of most of the books in the New Testament.
Topic: Bible Study - Class meets on Thursday from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM CST. (Read 133815 times)