LIFE AND MINISTRY OF PAUL-SHORT OUTLINE for class

LIFE AND MINISTRY OF PAUL

Teacher – Tony Fajkus

CLASS OUTLINE

INTRODUCTION - OVERVIEW

THE APOSTLE OF GRACE

THE CHURCH BUILDER

THE RELATIONAL APOSTLE

THE WRITER

Paulus Corpus - Ten (10) books undisputedly written by Paul. Romans, Galatians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Colossians, Ephesians, Philemon and Philippians.

Four others attributed - 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Hebrews.

HIS EFFECTS

Luther on justification by faith in Romans split the Catholic Church.

Roman Emperor quote - “One day men will call their dogs Nero and their children Paul.”

Paul is a world man able to speak through 2,000 years. Transcultural

Remarkable characteristics of Paul:

1. Gregarious, approachable, leader, took charge in every situation

2. Small in stature, bald head, not good looking

3. Super abundant zeal

4. Single minded in fulfilling his mission

5. As John the Baptist knew his calling - “Prepare the way of the Lord”, so Paul knew his calling after the Damascus road experience

Spanned the three (3) divergent cultures of his day:

1. Brought up a Hebrew. Tutored by the finest Jewish teachers

2. Citizen of a city whose language was Greek

3. Able to move into the Latin culture due to his Roman citizenship

Roman culture – civil law and administration.

Greek culture – Philosophy, arts and culture

Hebrew culture –morality, and religion (monotheism)

SUMMARY

In a little more than ten years Paul established the church in four providences of the empire, Galatia, Macedonia, Achaia, & Asia. Before 47 AD there were no churches in these providences, in 57 AD Paul could speak as if his work there was done.

II. BACKGROUND

BACKGROUND - JEWISH POLITICS & RELIGION

Diaspora or Dispersion - 6th century B.C. Jews carried away to Babylon.

Annexation of Jerusalem - 63 B.C. Pompey entered the gates of Jerusalem. Jerusalem became an annexed state of Rome.

Rome established a two-tier form of government:

Procurator -

2. Sanhedrin or Council of 70 -

Jerusalem Destroyed - 69 - 70 A.D. Romans destroy Jerusalem and razed it to the ground. They built another city on top and dedicated it to Zeus.

FOUR RELIGIOUS/POLITICAL GROUPS

Zealots -

Essenes -

Pharisee -

Sadducees –

Five issues that made the world ready for the gospel: Galatians 4:4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, (NASB)

1. Dispersion of Jews Throughout Roman world.

Jews taught two things during the dispersion:

1. Messiah would come and fulfill OT prophesies

2. When he came he would usher in a new age of a new kingdom

3. Common language in the world was Greek (koine).

4. Roman government ruled entire known civilized world.

5. Unity of Roman Empire brought about the concept of kingdom.

6. World had a common culture.

Early background of Paul

From Tarsus on river Cydnus in province of Cilicia

Tarsus is 30 miles south of Cilician Gates.

Tarsus then was an important commercial town.

Tarsus was exempt from imperial taxes.

Tarsus was a university town. Stoic university.

Tarsus manufactured a fabric of woven goats hair that repelled water called Cilicium.

Paul was a skenopoios (tent maker) and made tents probably from this Cilicium. It was a trade secret passed from father to son.

Hillel school of Pharisees –

Shammai school of Pharisees –

Pauline Kerygma - Gospel that Paul preached

Arrival of messianic age has come as foretold by the prophets.

The inauguration of this age was implemented in the ministry, life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus was co-equal with God because He was God.

The presence of the Holy Spirit in the church is a sign of the Messiah’s power and glory.

Return of Jesus will be the consummation of the Messianic age attended by the resurrection of the dead.

Call of repentance with an offer of forgiveness and ability to live a holy life in Christ.

III. THE CONVERSION OF SAUL

Pentecost - feast of Harvest.

Day of Pentecost -

Fifty days after the Passover and ten days after Jesus ascension into heaven, between 29 and 33 AD. One to two years after Pentecost many Hellenistic Jews were still around. It divided the church into Hebraic Jews and Hellenistic Jews.

3,000 saved (Acts 2:41). 5,000 men saved (Acts 4:4). Jerusalem church had a population of at least 15,000 men, women and children. Population of Jerusalem approximately 60,000 making 1/4 of the population Christian.

Christian Diaspora

Stephen preaches to fellow unsaved Greek Jews (Acts 6:9). Stephen was martyred (35 A.D.), persecution started, church began to obey Jesus’ evangelism order.

Saul was there: (Acts 7:58)

Tertulian said: Church was birthed from the blood of the martyrs.

Paul persecuted the church.

Acts 8:3

Acts 22:4-5 & 19-20

Acts 26:9 - 11

Gal 1:13 & 22 - 24

Authority from the chief priest -

Paul’s Meets Jesus

Paul confronted by Jesus -

“Saul, Saul , why are you persecuting me. It is hard for you to kick against the pricks.” The pricks, or goads, are a tool used on a team of oxen yoked together. They rebel against the wagon and will not participate willingly. Jesus was saying, I have been leading you a particular direction and you are kicking. Paul must have had pains in his conscience while he was persecuting. (Acts 9:1-9)

Paul’s Actual Account of Damasus Road Experience - Acts 26:12-20

Ananias’ Role - Acts 9 - 10

Paul had scales fall from his eyes and was baptized in water and spirit. Acts 9:17

Paul’s New Life

Paul Preached After Conversion - Acts 9:19-22

Paul was with the disciples in Damascus for a month after his conversion preaching in the synagogues.

Paul visited Arabia for three years.

Paul returns to Damascus.

Paul then goes to Jerusalem.

Travels to Caesarea

Then travels to Tarsus – Greek World

A lot of men died for Paul’s salvation. Paul is known as an apostle of grace! (1 Tim. 1:12-16)

IV. PAUL – HIS EARLY CHRISTIAN YEARS

Paul’s Preparation for Ministry

Paul’s second vision. (Acts 22:12-21)

Paul is in Tarsus - AD 39 - 45

Barnabus, from Jerusalem, comes and takes him to Antioch - AD 44

Paul Preaching the gospel forcefully - Beatings at hands of Jews, not Gentiles. Preaching in Cilicia and Syria to the Diaspora. (2 Cor. 11:22-27)

Paul’s third vision - Third Heaven - (2 Cor. 12:2 - 10) AD 39 - 44.

Macedonia - 57 AD, wrote 2 Cor. concerning this vision that occurred in 43 AD

Barnabas sent from Jerusalem to Antioch. (44 AD) – Goes to Tarsus to get Paul.

Work of Antioch Church - Paul’s first sphere of apostolic work was in Antioch.

Antioch - Roman capital of eastern empire. Third largest city in Roman world. Rome had 1 million, Alexandria had 3/4 million and Antioch had 1/2 million. Was an administrative center. The Roman armies were in Damascus. First place where the followers of Christ were called Christians.

Paul spends a year in Antioch and the church explodes. (Acts 11)

Famine Relief

Famine hit Judea hard in 44 - 45 AD.

Messianic pretenders are proclaiming themselves in Judea. Rome is getting more involved. A Jewish sect, Zealot party called the Sicarii, is assassinating prominent Jews who do not see their point of view.

Collection taken up in Antioch to send to Jerusalem to buy food. They saw beyond themselves.

Paul and Barnabas deliver alms to Jerusalem in 44 AD. They return to Antioch with John Mark.

Profound works of Antioch Church. It sent missionary teams to convert Jews and Gentiles. In the future Luke originates out of Antioch. Jerusalem worked at converting Hebraic Jews in synagogues. James was written in the time of the famine (44 AD) and was sent to the twelve tribes, only to Jews who were converted Christians, not to Gentile Christians.

Paul’s first sphere of apostolic work was in Antioch.

V. PAUL AND THE FIRST APOSTOLIC TRIP

First Missionary Journey Detailed

Barnabas and Paul set apart by Holy Spirit. (Acts 13) Occurs immediately after the trip to Jerusalem with alms. The Antioch presbytery was 45 AD and the first missionary journey lasted two years, 45 - 47 AD.

Sailed to Cyprus with John Mark as a helper. (Acts 13:4)

Landed at Salamis.

Traveled across the island to Paphos and talked to the proconsul Sergius Paulus.

(Acts 13:6-12)

First record of Paul doing a miraculous act. (Acts 13:6) The magician was blinded and the proconsul believed when he saw what had happened. Proconsul an important convert. You would think that with his support they would stay and make a church, but they leave for Asia Minor.

Travel to Asia Minor – Antioch: The First Church Plant

Leave Cyprus for Asia Minor. Minister first in Perga of Pamphylia. It is believed that they disembarked at Attalia.

Sailed to Perga. (Acts 13:13) Where John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem.

Leave Perga and go to Pisidian Antioch in the province of Galatia, 100 miles north of Perga. (Acts 13:14) Gives most detailed message (kerygma) in Pisidian Antioch. Jews and God-fearing proselytes urged them to continue in the grace of God. The next Sabbath nearly the whole city assembled to hear the word of God. (Acts 13:44-45)

Paul and Barnabas turn to the Gentiles. (Acts 13:46) Forced to leave after a few weeks. Church in Pisidian Antioch, in the province of Galatia, is the first church mentioned in scripture that Paul establishes.

Travel to Iconium

Left Pisidian Antioch after being persecuted and went to Iconium. 90 miles east-southeast of Pisidian Antioch. Great multitude believed, both Jews and Greeks.

Fled to the cities of the province of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe. Lystra is 18 miles southwest of Iconium.

Lystra

In Lystra, Paul healed a man lame in his feet. (Acts 14:8) Called them gods. V 13 Crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabus. Tore their robes and Paul preached a simple version of his kerygma. (Acts 14:15-17) Timothy was from Lystra. Jews from Pisidian Antioch and Iconium won over the multitudes and Paul is stoned and left for dead. V 20 While the disciples stood around him, he arose and entered the city. The next day he went with Barnabas to Derbe.

Derbe

Go to Derbe and preached the gospel and made many disciples.

Book of Galatians was written to the churches in this area. Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and to Pisidian Antioch appointing elders. The churches were six months to a year old at this time. (Acts 14:21)

Four churches were built on this first missionary journey (Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, & Derbe).

Return to Antioch

Sailed from Attalia to Antioch Syria. (Acts 14:26–28) For two years, 48 - 49 AD, Paul and Barnabas stayed with the disciples in Antioch Syria. Between Acts 14:28 and 15:1 is a two year period.

Judaizers Come

Issue of circumcision could destroy the new churches. (Acts 15:1) Elders send Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem.

Arrived in Jerusalem, Peter speaks, then Paul and Barnabas speak and then James speaks. (Acts 15:13-21) This council was in 50-51 AD.

Jerusalem sends a letter and men with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch, Syria. (Acts 15:22)

Violation of Church Autonomy

Paul taught that all churches are autonomous:

Self-governing

Self-propagating

Self-supporting

Self-theologizing

This completes the first phase of the ministry and life of Paul. A major shift is going to happen to Paul’s ministry.

VI. RELIGIONS AND PHILOSOPHIES PAUL ENCOUNTERED

Terms to know: monotheism, polytheism, pantheism, theism, atheistic, existentialism, pragmatism, Epicureanism, stoicism, mysticism and mythology.

Polytheism

Pantheism

Monotheism

Theism

Atheism

Existentialism

Pragmatism

Epicureanism

Mysticism

Mythology

Stoicism

*Logos (Greek, “word,” “reason,” “ratio)

Philosophies Paul came up against

Stoicism

2. Epicurianism - knowledge was king

3. Mystery religions - perverse demonic systems (Artemis of Eph.)

4. Syncretism - id. of local gods with Mt Olympus gods

5. Platonism - all things existed because of sovereign being

6. Pragmatism

7. Existentialism

Religions Paul Encountered

1. Rabbinic Yahwism - faith of the Pharisees

2. Mythlogy

3. Atheism

4. Emperor Religion - worship of Caesar

5. Magical Mysticism

6. Pantheism - God is part of all things

7. Polytheism

Heresies if the Early Church

Judaizers

Gnosticism

3. Marcionism

Monarchianism

5. Manichaeism

6. Docetism

VII. PAUL’S SECOND APOSTOLIC JOURNEY

“Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” (Acts 15:36)

Second Missionary Journey Includes - Paul, Silas, Luke, Titus, and Timothy.

Traveling by Land, Visiting the First Churches

Paul’s group travels through Syria and Cilicia

Travel to Derbe (Acts 16:1). Then to Lystra where Timothy lived.

Discussion on Mother Church Issue

Macedonian Call (Acts 16:10)

Restrained from speaking word of God in the province of Asia. Acts 16:6 (51 AD)

Comes to Mysia and tried to go into Bithynia.

Passed by Mysia and come down to Troas (a city on Adrian sea).

Who’s strategy are they following?

Travel to Philippi

Ran a course to Samothrace, and on the next day to Neapolis.

Then to Philippi (Acts 16:12-16) Riverside place of prayer. Stay at Lydia’s house. Cast demon out of fortuneteller. (Acts 16:16-40)

Radical shift in the way Paul approaches ministry.

Travel to Thessalonica

Goes to Thessalonica after Philippi. (Acts 17:1)

Paul’s trials in Thessalonica (1 Thes. 2 & 4). Paul sets up shop there (tent making).

Send Timothy back to Thessalonica.

Travel to Berea

Paul is escorted to Berea by the Thessalonian brethren. Acts 17:10-12 And the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea; and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so. 12 Many of them therefore believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men. (NASB)

More developed form of team ministry.

Paul was assisted in establishing the church throughout Macedonia and Achai. Berea was left in the care of Silas with Timothy as a helper. Aquilla & Pricilla sent from Corinth to Ephesus, or Epaphroditus from Philippi, or Aristarchus from Thessalonica.

Trip to Athens

Paul is escorted to Athens by Berean brethren.

Paul is left in Athens, however, and the brethren that took him brought back word for Silas and Timothy to come to him there.

Possible reasons for Paul’s trip to Athens:

Paul makes every attempt to get back to Thessalonica, (1 Thes. 2:17). Paul waits for Silas and Timothy.

Athens is the most heathenistic place on earth. (Acts 17: 24-34)

While Paul was in Athens, Timothy had been left behind in Berea. Timothy and Silas caught up with him in Athens, but Paul could not get Thessalonica out of his mind. So he sent Timothy to Thessalonica.

Silas might have went back to Philippi or Berea. We find that Timothy and Silas try to catch up with Paul again in Athens, but don’t find him there. He has gone to Corinth, and they find him there. 1 Thes. 3:6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you,

Paul’s apostolic teams were birthed out of necessity. He took men with him on 2nd missionary trip to disciple them more than anything - but he also has to rely on them later.

Paul to Corinth

The second phase of Paul’s apostolic gifting is manifested at Corinth. This is the first time Paul is the primary leader of a church.

First phase - Intinerant evangelist, support man

Second phase - Head of team, pastor.

Third phase - coordinator, facilitator and administrator of apostolic work.

Background of Corinth

Corinth is an “energy center”. Met a Jew named Aquila and his wife Priscilla.

Paul’s Return to Jerusalem, then to Antioch

Paul left Corinth for Syria with Aquila & Priscilla. Cut his hair for a vow at Cenchrea.

Went to Ephesus, where he leaves Aquila and Priscilla. (Acts 18:19)

Leaves Ephesus and goes to Caesarea, then to Jerusalem to fulfill vow, then to Antioch. The end of the 2nd missionary journey. A 3 1/2 year trip. (Acts 19:21)

Acts18:18 And Paul, having remained many days longer, took leave of the brethren and put out to sea for Syria, and with him were Priscilla and Aquila. In Cenchrea he had his hair cut, for he was keeping a vow. 19 And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there. Now he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 And when they asked him to stay for a longer time, he did not consent, 21 but taking leave of them and saying, “I will return to you again if God wills,” he set sail from Ephesus.

22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and went down to Antioch. 23 And having spent some time there, he departed and passed successively through the Galatian region and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

VIII. PAUL’S THIRD APOSTOLIC JOURNEY

Paul’s Third Apostolic Phase

1st phase - itinerant evangelist

2nd phase - pastor Corinth and later Ephesus

3rd phase - coordinator of missionary (apostolic) activities

BACKGROUND

Paul’s 3rd missionary trip lasted four years (54 - 58 AD).

Four principal centers of Christianity in the world from 36 to 120 AD.

1. Jerusalem

2. Antioch - Syria

Ephesus

Rome

After 120 AD up to around 200 AD

Alexandria of Egypt.

Paul’s input into Ephesus on 3rd missionary journey had important consequences for next 200 years.

Early Pastors of Ephesus:

1. Paul 54-57 AD

2. Timothy 63-64 AD

3. John 80-90 (91) AD (after Timothy dies)

4. Onesimus ? - 107 AD (Ignatius writes him there)

Paul Travels to Galatia

Paul goes to Galatia region for 3rd trip to them. (Acts 18:23-24)

He is traveling among the churches established on 1st missionary trip.

Aquilla and Pricilla were left in Ephesus

A Jew named Appolos, an Alexanderian came to Ephesus

24 Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. 25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; 26 and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27 And when he wanted to go across to Achaia, the brethren encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him; and when he had arrived, he helped greatly those who had believed through grace; 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

Apollos goes to Corinth. Paul comes through upper country - primitive area.

Progress in Ephesus (Acts 19:6-9)

Holy Spirit came by laying on of hands.

All 12 disciples spoke in tongues and prophesied.

Paul works in synagogue for 3 months. He took his disciples with him. (12+)

He reasoned daily with them in the school of Tyrannus.

School of Tyrannus

Paul rents a hall from an individual named Tyrannus. He was probably a philosophical teacher. Paul uses primarily Greek method for imparting truth. He had not done this before (started a school). The most fruitful thing Paul did in terms of training was done at Ephesus. The way and methods he chose had longest lasting effect. (54-55 AD)

Ephesian helpers:

Priscilla & Aquilla - veterans, they helped Paul in Corinth

Twelve disciples - Paul gets them filled with HS and calls them into ministry. He sets up school to train them.

Erastus

Trophimus - (part of 12?)

Tychichus - (part of 12?)

Timothy

Titus

Gaius

Aristarchus

EPHESUS BACKGROUND:

Most important city in the Roman province of Asia

There was a large colony of Jews at Ephesus, and they had long enjoyed a privileged position under Roman rule.

Christianity evidently spread to *Colossae and the other cities of the Lycus valley at the period of Paul’s stay in Ephesus (cf. Col. 1:6-7; 2:1). It was Paul’s headquarters for most of the time of the Corinthian controversy and correspondence. After Paul’s departure Timothy was left at Ephesus (1 Tim. 1:3).

Paul trained students for 2 years in school. All who lived in Asia heard the gospel preached from this base, during Paul’s 2-year stay. (Acts 19)

On 2nd journey, the spirit of God would not permit his entrance into Asia, so he went to Macedonia instead. But 6-7 years later, he is back at Ephesus on 3rd trip. (Fullness of time?)

There are 7 churches tied to Ephesus - fruit:

1. Smyrna 6. Laodicea

2. Perganum 7. Hierapolis (not mentioned in Rev.)

3. Thyatira

4. Sardis

5. Philadelphia

In Rev. 2:1 the message to Ephesus; you need to be doing what you did at the first, establishing churches like you did with the seven.

The first 2 years Paul was there he did not leave Ephesus. The 12 and others must have been sent out to start the 7 churches.

Christianity Takes on Black Magic

Extraordinary miracles happened through Paul. Ephesus is founded on black magic, witchcraft, etc.

The greater the power of the enemy displayed, the greater the power of God manifested.

Acts 19:11 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: 12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

Acts 19:13-20 13 But also some of the Jewish exorcists, who went from place to place, attempted to name over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, “I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.” 14 And seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 And the evil spirit answered and said to them, “I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” 16 And the man, in whom was the evil spirit, leaped on them and subdued all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 And this became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who lived in Ephesus; and fear fell upon them all and the name of the Lord Jesus was being magnified. 18 Many also of those who had believed kept coming, confessing and disclosing their practices. 19 And many of those who practiced magic brought their books together and began burning them in the sight of all; and they counted up the price of them and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So the word of the Lord was growing mightily and prevailing. (NASB)

The word of God was changing lives dramatically. [THEY BURNED $5.5 MILLION!]

Paul purposed to go to Jerusalem - but he didn’t at that point. (Acts 19:21)

21 Now after these things were finished, Paul purposed in the spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” 22 And having sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.

Kingdom of God Versus Business

Silversmith Demetrius, and his fellow tradesmen, were losing money. The Kingdom of God will attack the evil base a city is built on - in this case idols and money. Riots ensue. (Acts 19:23-41)

Paul leaves for Macedonia (Acts 20:1)

Paul says he was confronted with wild beast at Ephesus. It must have happened at this time. 2 Cor.

What’s Next for Paul?

Paul’s “Mission/apostolic coordinator” phase took off in Ephesus. The Rev. 2 churches were started by the Ephesian church. His church planting ministry sped up here due to the team approach he uses.

All the practical administration (apostolic) that Paul had been groomed for (by the HS) came together in Ephesus. He built the model he really wanted to build.

There were four major churches in Paul’s life that he started. Phillippi, Thessalonica, Corinth & Ephesus. Each has different complexities, personalities and problems.

Philippian church - giving church

Thessalonian - suffering church

Corinth - carnal, immature, extremely gifted.

Ephesian - Apostolic church or model we should go for. Other churches send out ministry, but Ephesus sends many apostles out. It plants churches.

Almost all present-day churches fit into these models. Each church will fit about 80% into one of these models.

Third Trip Draws to an End

Went to Illyricum during his 3rd trip.

In Corinth (Rom. 15:19-33) and has made a decision to go to Jerusalem.

Believes he will face severe problems in Jerusalem.

Everywhere he has went he started churches.

Carryed out the vision he received in Jerusalem. If he goes back, he believes he might receive more insight into what to do next.

Spain is in the back of his mind.

Admonishes them at Corinth for not working hard enough at taking the collection for the poor at Jerusalem. Compares the giving of the Macedonian churches.

Jews planned a plot against him as he was about to set sail for Syria. (Acts 20:3)

3 And there he spent three months, and when a plot was formed against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he determined to return through Macedonia. 4 And he was accompanied by Sopater of Berea, the son of Pyrrhus; and by Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia. 5 But these had gone on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas. 6 And we sailed from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and came to them at Troas within five days; and there we stayed seven days.

While waiting in Troas for a ship, Paul is preaching until midnight (using the time). He talked until daybreak. This is where he has to revive Eutychus.

They set sail for Assos. Paul went there by land. (Acts 20:13)

Paul sails past Ephesus, in a hurry to get to Jerusalem by day of Pentecost. From Miletus he sent for the Ephesian elders. (Acts 20:16) Paul gives his closing words they are grieved knowing they will never see him again. Paul entrusted the church to his disciples. Later sends Timothy because they were not doing so well.

Lands Tyre in Syria. Stayed with disciples for 7 days. Through the Spirit, they kept telling him not to set foot in Jerusalem. God is telling Paul to get ready - problems are coming.

Departs and goes to Caesarea with Phillip the evangelist (probably the pastor in Caesarea). (Acts 21:5)

Agabus, the same prophet as prophesied the famine earlier in Antioch, says Jews will bind Paul and deliver him to gentiles. (Acts 21:10-11)

Paul’s company he takes to Jerusalem

Greeks; Titus from Antioch or Troas, Luke from Philippi, Trophimus from Ephesus, Tychicus from Ephesus, Gaius from Derbe, Aristarchus from Thess., Secundus from Thess., Sopater from Berea and Timothy from Lystra. A couple of others show up later not listed here.

Why did Paul take these men to Jerusalem?

-To show Jerusalem his fruit.

-They also had money from offerings to give to Jerusalem elders.

IX. PAUL THE CAPTIVE

Nazarite Vow

Paul and 4 men keep the nazarite vow. Paul pays their expenses - for animal sacrifices.

Paul is doing all that he can do to not be a stumbling block to Jews to not receive the gospel.

Paul has enough liberty to know it was unnecessary, but he submitted himself to this Jerusalem eldership (Biblical principle).

Same principle as when Paul circumcised Timothy for expediency.

Jews from Asia (Ephesus) started a riot saying Paul brought a Greek into the temple. (Acts 21:27-36)

Jews laid hands on Paul, dragging him out of the Inner Court into the Outer Court. If the Jews had left him in the inner court they could have killed him with no Roman interference.

Romans learned of the confusion, and when they arrived, the crowd stopped beating Paul. Paul was taken to the barracks or tower overlooking the temple. (Acts 21:31)

An Egyptian who had said that the end was coming and led men to mountain top to wait for messiah. The Procurators stepped in. Felix slaughtered 4000 people. The Egyptian ringleader got away. The Commander thought he had got him.

End of Paul’s Public Ministry

Paul speaks to the crowd in the Hebrew dialect. (Acts 21:40) 58 AD, some 20-22 years have passed since Paul persecuted Christians.

Gives his Kerygma to a crowd of 5,000.

Acts 22:22

22 And they listened to him up to this statement, and then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he should not be allowed to live!” 23 And as they were crying out and throwing off their cloaks and tossing dust into the air, 24 the commander ordered him to be brought into the barracks, stating that he should be examined by scourging so that he might find out the reason why they were shouting against him that way. 25 And when they stretched him out with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman and uncondemned?” 26 And when the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and told him, saying, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman.” 27 And the commander came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman?” And he said, “Yes.” 28 And the commander answered, “I acquired this citizenship with a large sum of money.” And Paul said, “But I was actually born a citizen.” 29 Therefore those who were about to examine him immediately let go of him; and the commander also was afraid when he found out that he was a Roman, and because he had put him in chains.

Example of how Rome treated the non-Roman. “Your guilty until you are proven innocent”. Execute judgment of the moment depending on what the man in charge wanted at the time. The commander is saying that he bought citizenship from his connections with people in power - with influence. Paul says “I was born a citizen”, implication is that Paul knows powerful people - influential people. He is from no insignificant city, implication is that Paul knows people and is from well to do family. Commander becomes very careful.

Acts 22:30 - They keep Paul overnight - illegal, yet the commander is in trouble with Jews.

30 But on the next day, wishing to know for certain why he had been accused by the Jews, he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the Council to assemble, and brought Paul down and set him before them.

1 And Paul, looking intently at the Council, said, “Brethren, I have lived my life with a perfectly good conscience before God up to this day.” 2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those standing beside him to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! And do you sit to try me according to the Law, and in violation of the Law order me to be struck?” 4 But the bystanders said, “Do you revile God’s high priest?” 5 And Paul said, “I was not aware, brethren, that he was high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”

Paul plays one side against the other.

Acts 23:6 ’” 6 But perceiving that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, Paul began crying out in the Council, “Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; I am on trial for the hope and resurrection of the dead!” 7 And as he said this, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees; and the assembly was divided. 8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor an angel, nor a spirit; but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. 9 And there arose a great uproar; and some of the scribes of the Pharisaic party stood up and began to argue heatedly, saying, “We find nothing wrong with this man; suppose a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” 10 And as a great dissension was developing, the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them and ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force, and bring him into the barracks.

The commander is afraid of getting in trouble by not taking care of Paul. So - take him back to barracks.

Acts 23:12-15 Sicarii - hired assassins, going to assassinate Paul. Implication is that they are trained assassins.

12 And when it was day, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. 13 And there were more than forty who formed this plot. 14 And they came to the chief priests and the elders, and said, “We have bound ourselves under a solemn oath to taste nothing until we have killed Paul. 15 “Now, therefore, you and the Council notify the commander to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case by a more thorough investigation; and we for our part are ready to slay him before he comes near the place.”

vs 16 - son of Paul’s sister hears of the ambush and told Paul.

Acts 23:23 Gets 470 soldiers to take Paul to Felix, the governor in Caesarea

23 And he called to him two of the centurions, and said, “Get two hundred soldiers ready by the third hour of the night to proceed to Caesarea, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen.” 24 They were also to provide mounts to put Paul on and bring him safely to Felix the governor. 25 And he wrote a letter having this form:

Acts 23:26-35

26 “Claudius Lysias, to the most excellent governor Felix, greetings. 27 “When this man was arrested by the Jews and was about to be slain by them, I came upon them with the troops and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman. 28 “And wanting to ascertain the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their Council; 29 and I found him to be accused over questions about their Law, but under no accusation deserving death or imprisonment. 30 “And when I was informed that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, also instructing his accusers to bring charges against him before you.”

31 So the soldiers, in accordance with their orders, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32 But the next day, leaving the horsemen to go on with him, they returned to the barracks. 33 And when these had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. 34 And when he had read it, he asked from what province he was; and when he learned that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, “I will give you a hearing after your accusers arrive also,” giving orders for him to be kept in Herod’s Praetorium. (NASB)

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Acts 24 - We are 19 days from Paul getting off ship originally in Jerusalem. Paul is presented to Felix. They must wait for the Jews to come.

Acts 24:1-9

1 And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders, with a certain attorney named Tertullus; and they brought charges to the governor against Paul. 2 And after Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying to the governor, “Since we have through you attained much peace, and since by your providence reforms are being carried out for this nation, 3 we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. 4 “But, that I may not weary you any further, I beg you to grant us, by your kindness, a brief hearing. 5 “For we have found this man a real pest and a fellow who stirs up dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 “And he even tried to desecrate the temple; and then we arrested him.( And we wanted to judge him according to our own Law. 7 “But Lysias the commander came along, and with much violence took him out of our hands, 8 ordering his accusers to come before you.) And by examining him yourself concerning all these matters, you will be able to ascertain the things of which we accuse him. “ 9 And the Jews also joined in the attack, asserting that these things were so. (NASB)

Paul was accused of :

1. Dissension

2. Heresy

3. Desecration or Blasphemy of Temple - same charge that Paul went to Damascus to get christians for. Paul has come full circle. He is being accused of the same things he accused others of now.

Acts 24:10-21 Paul defends himself.

10 And when the governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul responded: “Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense, 11 since you can take note of the fact that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 “And neither in the temple, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city itself did they find me carrying on a discussion with anyone or causing a riot. 13 “Nor can they prove to you the charges of which they now accuse me. 14 “But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law, and that is written in the Prophets; 15 having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16 “In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men. 17 “Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings; 18 in which they found me occupied in the temple, having been purified, without any crowd or uproar. But there were certain Jews from Asia– 19 who ought to have been present before you, and to make accusation, if they should have anything against me. 20 “Or else let these men themselves tell what misdeed they found when I stood before the Council, 21 other than for this one statement which I shouted out while standing among them, ‘For the resurrection of the dead I am on trial before you today.’”

In his defense he says:

1. The charges are untrue

2. They charges can not be proved. In regard to the heresy and riot, the people bringing charges today are not those who lodge complaints. Where are the Jews from Asia?

As to the charge of Blasphemy - I was ceremonially pure, in obedience to everything - obeying the law. I was bringing gifts to my nation.

When Paul stood in front of the Sanhedrin, there was the issue of the resurrection of the dead. He turns the whole case against him back to Christ and the resurrection.

Felix (the governor) was married to Drusilla. She was 20 years old and a member of the Herods. Felix was older and a freed slave. He had to convert to Judaism. He is unethical - on the take. He is a Roman Procurator. He is remembered as a brutal, incompetent politician who was finally replaced be Nero.

Acts 24:22 - Then Felix … He is well acquainted with Christianity, but puts off any decisions.

22 But Felix, having a more exact knowledge about the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 And he gave orders to the centurion for him to be kept in custody and yet have some freedom, and not to prevent any of his friends from ministering to him.

Paul has said in his testimony or defense - “ I brought money, alms for Jerusalem”. Felix knew he was a resource man. He knew Paul had access to money from churches.

Paul is imprisoned for 2 years. Luke and Aristarchus stayed. The others left. Felix might have known they left for their homes and believed they would get money and return. Felix waited 2 years and was disappointed. Year 61-62 AD.

The churches that Paul started were going on without him. It was God’s design. Luke and Aristarchus minister to Paul’s needs when possible. Pastor of church in Phillipi is here (Luke). Must have had a strong eldership team there. (think of the problems that church must have been dealing with while Luke was absent - not like today)

Acts 24:27 Two years passed. Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. Wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul imprisoned.

Acts 26:1 No mention of the Jerusalem church in this period. They are probably under the gun now to. Not a good time to publicly try to appeal for Paul.

Acts 26:9 Festus wishes to do the Jews a favor and send Paul back to Jerusalem to stand trial.

9 But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me on these charges?” 10 But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you also very well know. 11 “If then I am a wrongdoer, and have committed anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die; but if none of those things is true of which these men accuse me, no one can hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar.” 12 Then when Festus had conferred with his council, he answered, “You have appealed to Caesar, to Caesar you shall go.”

So ends a 2 year standoff and Paul won. He knew the Jews would not go to Rome to present their case.

1. They didn’t have a case - he would have been released.

2. Jews were not favored in Rome at this time.

3. He got the procurator Festus off the hook.

Acts 25:13-14 King Agrippa and Bernice arrive in Caesarea. Festus laid Paul’s case before the king. He lied about it. He had conspired with the Jews to deliver him into a dangerous situation. Here he says he had not handed him over due to Roman law.

Acts 25:22-24 - Agrippa said to Festus he would like to hear the man. So Paul was brought in before them. Festus says that the Jews want him to die, but that he found nothing worthy of death (but would have dispatch him anyway if he could have).

Acts 25:27 Festus “Paul has appealed to Rome”, but I have nothing to write as charges. He is asking Agrippa to help him write the charges.

Acts 26:1 Paul makes his defense before Agrippa. He preached every point of his Kerygma. He only briefly discussed the charges the Jews had brought against him. He concludes with “the Jews don’t like my Kerygma, that is why I am here.

Acts 26:24 - Festus says that Paul is out of his mind.

Acts 26:32 Agrippa said to Festus “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar”.

What letter did Festus have now to write? What new info came to light for charges - nothing! Agrippa chose the High Priest. He was well aquainted with Jewish law, Temple law and Roman law. He was already extremely familiar with these events. He knew this Nazarene sect, for they were running all over his area. Agrippa is saying - yes he is not guilty, but send him to Rome.

X. PAUL GOES TO ROME

Acts 27:1- 44 They knew they were in for some strong north winds. You could not sail in those days if storms were around.

Not much of a great cruise time!

Acts 28:1 Ended up on island of Malta - close to Rome. They had gone by Crete in order to winter here.

28:2 Natives showed kindness. They kindled a fire for them due to cold and rain.

28:3-6 viper bites Paul, and he shakes it off into fire. Natives saw how he did not die and thought Paul was a God.

28:7 Paul heals the father of the leading man on the island - Publius.

9 And after this had happened, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases were coming to him and getting cured. 10 And they also honored us with many marks of respect; and when we were setting sail, they supplied us with all we needed.

(Julius and others get an eyeful here.)

Acts 28:11-29 – they finally get to Rome

Luke sums up the end of Acts with this statement to the Jews:

30 And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters, and was welcoming all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.

XI. PAULS FINAL DAYS

Acts is over. What happens to Paul. He is in prison when we leave him. Information seems to say that the charges against him were proved groundless.

During the First Roman Captivity (FRC) which lasted two years, Paul wrote four epistles - responding to representations from the churches (this is why they were spread around): 61-63 AD.

Philemon, Colosians, Ephesians and Philippians.

Colosians & Philemon were sent by Epaphras, (elder/pastor of church in Colossae)

Timothy or Epaphras, delivered Ephesians.

Philippians was the last book written during first Roman imprisonment. Possibly Luke delivered it, and perhaps this is why there is no record of the end of FRC.

If Paul was released from prison, it would have been in around 63 AD. Eusebius records for us that “report has it” that Paul was released after being imprisoned for 2 years. Paul being exiled to Spain is also a possibility, but a vague one.

Paul had it on his heart to go to Spain. Clement (bishop of Rome) wrote in 96 AD to Corinth that Paul might have gone to Spain. Calls Paul the herald of the gospel both in the east and the west. Weak evidence -was not his intent. Several other leaders mention in their letters about Paul being released and/or going to Spain, but they are all simply repeating inferences from their predecessors.

Tradition has it that Paul died by the executioner’s sword, during the persecution of christians in Rome following the great fire of AD64, at least 2 years after the latest probable date for the hearing of his first case. The fire was believed ordered started by Nero, and the christians were used as scapegoats. Their deaths were made a sport and thousands died.

Sometime after he wrote 1 Tim. & Titus, he is imprisoned again (SRC). Whether he was released or exiled, he was arrested and imprisoned a second time in Rome, and this time the conditions of his imprisonment were much more stringent than before. There he wrote his last book - II Tim.

Onesiphorus appears to have proved very helpful to Paul during those last days.

On the hypothesis of Paul’s release and second imprisonment, his case came up for hearing and he was prosecuted (with due regard to his Roman citizenship) on the charge of being a leader of the christians and also of being a persistent disturber of the peace of the provinces. This may be the setting for the passage in II Tim 4::

16 At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. 17 But the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me, in order that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the lion’s mouth.

But only for the time being was he rescued from the lion’s mouth. A second hearing was held in due course, and this time the verdict was “guilty”, and the sentence, death be the sword.

II Tim. has preserved Paul’s last words. It has the strong counsel from a father to a son in the Lord.

His last words to his son:

2 Timothy 4:6-8 6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; 8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. (NASB)

Death around 65-67 AD

XII. CONCLUDING REFLECTIONS:

I. Paul’s personality

A. Zealous - He was a zealot for the ancestral traditions of his people. When those traditions were displace in his life by another cause, he was no less zealous in the promotion of this new cause. He became a bondslave of this new Lord, and to His service all his talents and energies were dedicated.

B. Impetuous - This is most apparent in his letter writing. Time and again Paul starts a sentence that never reaches a grammatical end, for before he is able to launch into it, a new thought strikes him and he turns aside to deal with that. When he comes back on to the main track, the original start of the sentence has been forgotten. (rabbit trials)

C. Relational - The range of his friendships and the warmth of his affections are qualities which no attentive reader of his letters can miss. People who risked their lives for him (ie. Priscilla & Aquila, Epaphroditus, etc.). People like Timothy who readily surrendered whatever personal ambitions he might of had, to serve Paul as a son. It was because he held nothing back from his friendships, he freely gave all he had for his friends. Paul has no place for the solitary life as an ideal. “He travels fastest, who travels alone” - would never have been his motto. He emphasizes the fellowship, the togetherness of christians in worship and action. His converts are his pride and joy. He writes to them as a father addressing his children. He commends everything that is praiseworthy in them. He scolds them for their shortcomings and warns them to change or else. But he is always coaching them, knowing that they can make it.

D. Uncommon strength of will - He was delivered from the bondage of his old ways, never to return. He set no limits on the transforming power of the risen Christ. For him the christian life was a strenuous business. He liked to picture it in athletic terms - as a race to be run or a battle to be fought. Instant attainment was out of the question. This did not show up as impatience with lesser mortals. He had warm sympathy with those whose conscience was immature, and would go to almost any length of self-denial in consideration for his weaker brethren.

E. Physical toughness - The sheer travel schedule he made for himself. The imprisonments, shipwrecks, beatings, etc., would have overcome a lesser man. A John Wayne type. He wore his scars as trophies. Paul would not interpreted his sustaining of trouble and danger in terms of toughness. In his eyes all this was part of the life of faith, not to be endured as something one would rather be spared, but to be embraced with joy as a sure token of acceptance by God. As the hardships wore down the outer man, they were at the same time used by God foe the renewal of the inner man.

Four themes Paul emphasized in his teachings:

1. True religion is not a matter of rules and regulations. God does not deal with a person like an accountant, but accepts them freely when they respond to His love, and implants the Spirit of Christ in their hearts so that they may show to others the love they have received from him.

2. In Christ men and women have come of age, as the new humanity brought into being through his death and resurrection-life. God does not keep his children in leading strings, but calls them to live as responsible adult sons and daughters.

3. People matter more than things, more than principles, more than causes. The highest of principles and the best of causes exist for the sake of people. To sacrifice people to them is a perversion of the true order.

4. Unfair discrimination on the grounds of race, religion, class or sex is an offense against God and humanity alike.

XIII. PAUL’S THEOLOGY

Pauline Theology - used OT, but had elements not contained in OT. It was not systematic in that he did not make an attempt to systematically explain things. More Task oriented. We take random texts (items) from his writings and attempt to fit them systematically into Bible doctrines.

Problems come when you read about faith in Romans and compare it to James. Martin Luther threw James out of the canon. This is why systematic theology is important. It takes the whole Bible as it’s premise.

Building and teaching a theology of relationships or relational theology has not existed before. It will propel the church into the next reformation.

(1) Pauline concepts of ministry -

a. It is a gift and not an achievement. Yet it may result in achievement. It is your life and how you live it based on the gifts that He has equipped you with.

b. Ministry is diverse and is manifested by a variety of gifted (charismatics) ones. Not just pastors, etc. but helpers, givers, artists, etc.

c. Paul believed in ministry as manifestation of KOG.

d. Paul believed in ministry as an activity of the Body of Christ.

The nature of the church’s own existence

e. Paul addresses ministry in the secular world. It is an aspect of kingdom and not goal.

Question: Is socio-political action ministry? (Kingdom Now!)

In regards to socio-political action ministry or political activism, Paul never suggests that serving or changing society is an aspect (much less a goal) of christian ministry. It will happen however. Paul is not a cynic (hopeless) or Pharisee (aloofness) - but promotes a new identity in Christ. It is not by word & deed, but by power and holy spirit. We change society by the mighty power of God working through us. Showing wonders, signs and miracles.

The power of the kingdom is to change hearts - not anti-government. Early christians were not anti-Rome.

In all of Pauline letters - every christian is a minister (diverse).

Ministry - Holy Spirit choosing what He desires to do and through whom (1 Cor. 12). Ministry deals with our function(s) within the KOG.

Ministry is contained within the plan of salvation. God set us apart for service. We see salvation as God saving us from death. Paul says yes, God saved us - making us ministers of reconciliation to appeal to the world.

We get (1) eternal life and (2) spirit of God and (3) gifts of which their purpose is ministry. None of this will function without a knowledge of the role of the Holy Spirit in the church (pneumatology).

What is the goal of ministry? To build the church! That is where moves of God have gone astray.

- Minister - anyone who is saved and believes in Christ.

- Ministry is “every joint supplying”

Ephesians 4:16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint ( relationship - not the parts in contact, but the relations between the adjacent parts) supplies (ministers - Greek phrase meaning to bear the expense of training and maintenance for another) [ joint whose office or purpose is to supply], according to the proper working [working efficiently] of each individual part [ according as each part works in its own proper measure] causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself [the body increases the body according to the vital life-giving power within itself] in love [the element in which this takes place]. (NASB)

Eph. 4:16 from whom all the body constantly being joined closely together and constantly being knit together through every joint of supply according to the operative energy put forth to the capacity of each part, makes for increased growth of the Body resulting in the building up of itself in the sphere of love.

The degree to which this life of the Head flowing through the members operates, joining the members of the Body more closely together into a more compact organic union, is determined by the individual saint’s fellowship with the Lord and with his fellow saints.(Wuest)

The reason the Holy Spirit gives gifts is to edify the Body. Without the churches ministry, the secular world will not be illuminated. It illuminates society, making them want to be a part of it. Because the church only exists corporately, it has a corporate ministry seen on the earth. It is the diversity that makes it unique and shows God’s power. I Cor. 1:10-15 deals with division in the church as ministry that does not reflect God power.