PAUL THE APOSTLE

Paul, The Apostle

Paul was not one of the original 12 disciples of Jesus. His first encounter with Jesus came after Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. In fact, before his conversion, Paul was persecuting the early church and considered himself an enemy of this person named Jesus. However, after his encounter, as described in Acts chapter 9, Jesus called Paul to be an apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13) and urged Paul to expand the church and write many of the New Testament books. The articles and resources we have gathered here will help encourage you to learn about this vital servant of the Lord.

Paul the Persecutor (Acts 8:1-3)

At the end of Acts 7, Stephen is stoned while a young man named Saul stands by, watching. Saul was Hebrew by birth, and his Greek name was Paul. He was a Pharisee (Philippians 3:5) and very zealous (Galatians 4) for his Jewish faith, and he dedicated himself to attacking the young church. In fact, he was ravaging the church, entering house after house, dragging off both men and women and putting them in prison. Paul was a vehement enemy of the church, but he had no idea how his life was going because of Jesus.

Paul on the Road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9)

Paul’s zeal for persecuting the church led him to travel to Damascus. While on his way, Paul was blinded by a bright light and confronted by Jesus’ voice. Paul obeyed Jesus’ instructions to go to Damascus and wait. This arrogant and zealous young man had met his match in the risen Christ. He was soon baptised and became a zealous follower of Jesus.

Paul the Missionary (Acts 13-28)

In Acts 13:1-3, God called, and the church set apart Saul (Paul) and Barnabas for the work God called them. Much of the Book of Acts is about Paul’s missionary journeys and the expachurch’s expansion to the Roman world and beyond the Jewish race.

Paul, the pastor and writer

Paul established many churches and ministries during his life. He continued to travel; however, this made it necessary for Paul to stay in touch with his beloved churches through the ministry of friends and letters he would write to specific congregations and individuals. I have 13 of these letters in existence today. In the New Testament, these letters are grouped together and begin with the Book of Romans, concluding with Philemon. So much of what we know about the early church and New Testament theology was shaped by and comes from the ministry and writings of Paul the Apostle. We can be thankful for the way God used this significant biblical figure.