A Journey Through the life and letters of the Apostle Paul Journey along side your fellow brothers and sisters as we take a look at how the gospel was delivered the known world.  Discover what the Apostle Paul was charged with--a massive undertaking of Defending the Faith and spreading the gospel message. This course will lead you through the challenges that Paul faced throughout his journey in spreading the gospel message, how he remained strong and true even during his many near-death experiences, and how through his writings we have come to better know and understand the gospel the way Jesus Christ intended us to know and understand it. “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” A Journey Through the life and letters of the Apostle Paul

Through the life and letters of the Apostle Paul A Journey Through the life and letters of the Apostle Paul Week 2

Through the life and letters of the Apostle Paul Week 1 Recap Saul the Pharisee Through the life and letters of the Apostle Paul

Who was Saul (Paul)? Week 1 Recap Who was Saul (Paul)? Martyrdom of Stephen Saul’s Drive to Persecution Saul to Damascus In Damascus Taught by Jesus Early Travels of Paul ** Birth: (Depends on date of Philemon thought 60-62 AD) Keep in mind that Saul was from the tribe of Benjamin. King Saul was the first king picked by God for Israel. It is likely that Saul (Paul) was named after King Saul, especially since he is from the same tribe. (Acts 22:3; 26:5; Gal. 1:14; Phil. 3:5–6) question-and-answer style known in ancient times as “diatribe.” This method of articulation helped rabbis debate the finer points of Jewish law to either defend or prosecute those who broke the law.

Letter Key Verse To Where Written When Written Theme 1 Thessalonians 5:16-23 Church at Thessalonica Corinth AD 51 Letter to New Christians 2 Thessalonians 3:4-6 Perservere Until Christ Returns 1 Corinthians 13:4,5 Church at Corinth Ephesus AD 56 Addresses Problems in the Church 2 Corinthians 12:9 Macedonia Pauls Authority Against False Teachers Galatians 5:22, 23 Church at Galatia Antioch in Syria AD 57 Free in Christ Through Faith Romans 12:1, 2a Church at Rome AD 57-58 Salvation: Righteousness from God Ephesians 2:8, 9 Chruch at Ephesus Rome AD 60/61 The Church and Body of Christ Colossians 2:9, 10 Church at Colossae Christ is Everything Philemon 17-19 Philemon, a friend at Colossae Brothers in Christ Philippians 2:14, 15 Chruch at Philippi AD 62 Joy at All Times 1 Timothy 4:12, 13 Timothy, leader of Church at Ephesus AD 62/63 Caring for the Church Titus 3:4-7 Titus, leader of Chruch in Crete AD 63 Living in Faith 2 Timothy 3:15-17 AD 67 Paul's Last Words

Week 1 Recap Paul’s First Journey Let the journeys begin

Itinerary of Paul’s First Journey - Outbound City Province/Region Reference Antioch Syria Acts 13:1–3 Seleucia Acts 13:4 Salamis Cyprus Acts 13:5 Paphos Acts 13:6–12 Perga Lycia (region of Pamphylia) Acts 13:13 Galatia (region of Pisidia) Acts 13:14–52 Iconium Galatia Acts 14:1–6 Lystra Galatia (region of Lycaonia) Acts 14:6, 8–19 Derbe Acts 14:6, 20–21

Itinerary of Paul’s First Journey - Inbound City Province/Region Reference Lystra Galatia (region of Lycaonia) Acts 14:21–23 Iconium Galatia Antioch Galatia (region of Pisidia) Acts 14:24 Perga Lycia (region of Pamphylia) Acts 14:24–25 Attalia Lycia Acts 14:25 Syria Acts 14:26–28

Paul’s First Journey – Acts 13:1-14:28 Week 1 Recap Paul’s First Journey – Acts 13:1-14:28 Antioch (Syria today) Seleucia Salamis and Paphos (on Cyprus) Perga Antioch of Pisidia (Turkey today) Iconium Traveled With: Barnabas, John Mark Main Route: Cyprus and Turkey Cities/Places: 1400 miles http://www.ccob.org/women/docs/pauljourneys.pdf

Paul’s First Journey – Acts 13:1-14:28 Week 1 Recap Paul’s First Journey – Acts 13:1-14:28 Lystra and Derbe Lystra Iconium and Antioch (Turkey) Pisidia, Pamphylia, and Perga Attalia Antioch (Syria) Jerusalem (via Phoenicia and Samaria) Acts 15 Traveled With: Barnabas, John Mark Main Route: Cyprus and Turkey Cities/Places: 1400 miles http://www.ccob.org/women/docs/pauljourneys.pdf

Iconium Week 1 Recap Great number of Jews and Greeks believed “But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.” (Acts 14:2) Paul and Barnabas go on to Iconium where they spend "a long time" until they are nearly stoned (Acts 13:51−14:5)

Lystra Week 1 Recap Miracle of the crippled man (Acts 14:8) Were thought to be Zeus and Hermes Paul is stoned and taken out of the city

Paul is stoned Week 1 Recap “19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20 But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe.” Acts 14:19-21

Back to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch “…they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” (Acts 14:21b-32)

Returning to Antioch Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch (Acts 14:26) Report to the church of their activities and the things God had done (Acts 14:26-28) Certain men from the church at Jerusalem are sent to Antioch by James to check things out (Galatians 2:12) Paul Opposes Peter Peter stops eating with Gentiles and Barnabas is carried away by his hypocrisy (Galatians 2:12-13)

The Jerusalem Council Paul and Barnabas are sent to Jerusalem Judea men teach that circumcision is necessary for salvation (Acts 15:1,5) Peter defends Paul Saved by grace (Acts 15:6-21) Not from flesh by faith of the heart

Spreading the word throughout the land Paul’s Second Journey “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” Spreading the word throughout the land

Paul’s Second Journey – Acts 15:36-18:22 Syria and Cilicia Derbe and Lystra (past Mysia) Troas Samothracia (Samothrace) and Neapolis Philippi in Macedonia Traveled With: Silas, Timothy, Priscilla and Aquila, Luke Main Route: Syria, Turkey, Greece, Jerusalem Cities/Places: 2800 miles http://www.ccob.org/women/docs/pauljourneys.pdf www.gracepointdevotions.org

Paul’s Second Journey – Acts 15:36-18:22 Amphipolis and Apollonia Thessalonica Berea (Beroea) Athens (Mars Hill— “Areopagus”) Corinth Traveled With: Silas, Timothy, Priscilla and Aquila, Luke Main Route: Syria, Turkey, Greece, Jerusalem Cities/Places: 2800 miles http://www.ccob.org/women/docs/pauljourneys.pdf www.gracepointdevotions.org

Paul’s Second Journey – Acts 15:36-18:22 Cenchrea (Cenchreae) Ephesus Caesarea (in Syria) “Went up” to Jerusalem Antioch (Syria) Traveled With: Silas, Timothy, Priscilla and Aquila, Luke Main Route: Syria, Turkey, Greece, Jerusalem Cities/Places: 2800 miles http://www.ccob.org/women/docs/pauljourneys.pdf www.gracepointdevotions.org

Itinerary of Paul’s Second Journey - Outbound City Province/Region Reference Antioch Syria Acts 15:35 Cilicia Acts 15:41 Derbe Galatia (region of Lycaonia) Acts 16:01 Lystra Acts 16:1–5 Asia (region of Phrygia) Acts 16:06 Galatia Troas Asia (region of Mysia) Acts 16:7–10 Samothrace Thrace Acts 16:11 Neapolis Macedonia

Itinerary of Paul’s Second Journey - Outbound City Province/Region Reference Philippi Macedonia Acts 16:12–40 Amphipolis Acts 17:1 Apollonia Thessalonica Acts 17:1–9 Berea Acts 17:10–14 Athens Achaia Acts 17:15–32 Corinth Acts 18:1–17 Cenchreae Acts 18:18 Ephesus Asia Acts 18:19–21

Itinerary of Paul’s Second Journey - Outbound City Province/Region Reference Caesarea Palestine Acts 18:22 Jerusalem? Antioch Syria

Paul’s Second Journey Paul and Barnabas have a falling-out Silas joins Paul (Acts 15:40) Revisit Churches (Derbe and Lystra) Timothy Joins the team Paul forbidden to speak the word in Asia (Acts 16:6-10)

Gospel in Europe Troas major Aegean Sea port Paul receives a vision 14 miles south of Troy The primary Asian harbor to Macedonia Paul receives a vision The “we” passages (Acts 16:10-17, 20:5-15, 21:1-18, and 27:1-28:16) Lydia believes Slave girl who annoyed (Acts 16:16-18) Paul’s call to Macedonia 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. (Acts 16:9-10)

Paul and Silas in Prison Paul and Silas are beaten and thrown in prison (Acts 16:19-24) Singing hymns cf 1 Peter 2:19–21; 4:12–14 Earthquakes breaks free prisoners Guard is caught off-guard (Acts 16:28-34)

Background of Thessalonica Capital of Macedonia, Part of Roman Province Largest city Modern Thessalonica (Salonika, Saloniki) is still a major city and center of trade in Greece Founded ~300 B.C. When Macedonia became a Roman province, Thessalonica became its capital Strategic location – a port city, and located on the Via Egnatia (connected Italy with the East).

Background of Thessalonica Had rather large Jewish population (Acts 17:1) Heavily influenced by the Greek thought/mythology (cf. 1 Thessalonians 1:9) Amphipolis, Apollonia, and Thessalonica Cities on the main east-west Roman highway called the “Egnatian Way” Cities were around 1-day’s journey on foot apart Thessalonica (Modern Salonika Modern Thessalonica (Salonika, Saloniki) is still a major city and center of trade in Greece Had rather large Jewish population – Acts 17:1 – Had synagogue (emphatic statement). Likely heavily influenced by the Greek thought/mythology of the day as well (cf. 1 Thess. 1:9).

The Egnatian Way The Egnatian Way was the main land route across northern Greece Paul would follow this road from Neapolis to Philippi and Thessalonica The Romans were superb road builders. Major routes were graded and paved, making travel and commerce easier than ever before The Egnatian Way or Via Egnatia extended from the Adriatic Sea on the western shore of Greece to the straits at Byzantium (later called Constantinople or Istanbul) to the east The road was a major link between Italy and Asia. In Macedonia, the route passed through Thessalonica and Philippi among other cities The road enabled Rome to move its armies in a more timely fashion

http://www.esiweb.org/balkanexpress/images/albania/viaegnatia.jpg

http://www. biblearchaeology. org/image. axd http://www.biblearchaeology.org/image.axd?picture=2014%2F2%2FVia_Egnatia-en.jpg

Ministry at Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-9) Paul and Silas minister in synagogue (Acts 17:1-2), though probably in Thessalonica longer than three Sabbaths cf. (1 Thessalonians 2:9, Philippians 4:16) Paul teaches on eschatology (2 Thessalonians 2:5) Jason is persecuted (Acts 17:5-9) Brethren send Paul and Silas away by night to Berea (Acts 17:10) The Philippians send a gift for Paul's needs more than once (Philippians 4:15-16)

Ministry at Berea (Acts 17:10-15) Paul ministers at Jewish synagogue and many believe (Acts 17:10-12) Timothy evidently rejoins Paul and Silas in Berea (17:14) After the agitating initiated by Jews of Thessalonica, Paul departs Berea (17:13-14) Silas and Timothy remain at Berea, after receiving instructions to meet Paul at Athens (17:15-16) The Philippians send a gift for Paul's needs more than once (Philippians 4:15-16)

Background of Athens Greece laid the foundation for the Roman civilization Greek spread mythics, writing, plays, art, architecture, Many of the Greek gods became Roman gods, just renamed Not enough temples in Greece to hold all of the gods in their temples Paul was still zealous, but under control by the Holy Spirit

Background of Athens Some of the Philosophers Aristotle, Plato, Socrates (come and gone) Only 2 remaining groups – Stoics and the Epicureans Paul debated daily with Jews in the Synagogues, gentiles, in the market place 16 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. (Acts 17:16)

Areopagus A judicial body of aristocratic origin that subsequently formed the higher court of modern Greece Extensive authority over the civil and religious life of Athens Exercised jurisdiction especially in matters of religion and morality A prominent rock outcropping located northwest of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece Composite form of the Greek – Areios Pagos "Ares Rock“ Ares was supposed to have been tried here by the gods for the murder of Poseidon's son Halirrhothius

Paul to The Areopagus Acknowledged their idols – altar to the “unknown god” (19-23) God created everything (24-26) God is very near (27-29) God judges/Call to repent (30-31)

Five Main Issues Addressed Introduction: The ignorance of pagan worship (23-24) Creator God is the object of worship (25-26) God's relationship to humanity (26-27) Stop worshiping idols, they are objects of false worship (28-29) Conclusion: Time to end the ignorance (30-31) Paul addresses the Areopagus and speaks on the necessity of knowing God instead of worshiping the unknown god "As I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship — and this is what I am going to proclaim to you."

Paul’s Sermon on Mars Hill The Athenians were superstitious Devoted to many gods To an unknown god – to prevent upset or judgment Used this as a transition to the One God, the True God He doesn’t need to be served by man He gives He created all things He controls time He places people in time, where/when He wants them to be We are also His offspring

The Fallacy of the Greeks 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. (1 Corinthians 1:22-25)

Athens’ Response Very little response Some sneered and some wanted to hear more Dionysius (a member of the Areopagus) and a woman named Damaris responded 32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” 33 So Paul went out from their midst. 34 But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them. (Acts 17:32-34)

Corinth Background Center of trade and religious tourism Idolatry was big Priests profited very much – must ensure that Roman gov’t got their share Offering to god or goddess would have to be performed by a priest or priestess Temple of Diana – with its prostitutes Apollo Temple Between 50 – 52 AD traveled to Corinth Center of trade and religious tourism Idolatry was big The Roman gov’t used this to their advantages Influenced the populace Priests profited very much – must ensure that Roman gov’t got their share Offering to god or goddess would have to be performed by a priest or priestess Potions and elixirs could be made Divinations and Medical practices to include abortions A Large money maker was sex Apollo temple Temple of Diana – with its prostitutes Corinth had a crucial location for merchant ships This meant a lot of merchants stopping off the city to go cut several days journey

Corinth Background Acrocorinth Geographically prosperous Built in the upper part of Corinth 3 City walls Protection of city Geographically prosperous Corinthians Bronze Used in Solomon’s Temple’s Pillars (1 Chronicles 29:7) Isthmian games (1 Corinthians 9:24, 27) Every other year Travelers stayed in tents Between 50 – 52 AD traveled to Corinth Center of trade and religious tourism Idolatry was big The Roman gov’t used this to their advantages Influenced the populace Priests profited very much – must ensure that Roman gov’t got their share Offering to god or goddess would have to be performed by a priest or priestess Potions and elixirs could be made Divinations and Medical practices to include abortions A Large money maker was sex Apollo temple Temple of Diana – with its prostitutes Corinth had a crucial location for merchant ships This meant a lot of merchants stopping off the city to go cut several days journey Corinthians Bronze Used in Solomon’s Temple’s Pillars (1 Chronicles 29:7) Recorded by Josephus Isthmian games (1 Corinthians 9:24,27) Every other year Travelers stayed in tents

Corinth Background Potions and elixirs could be made Divinations and Medical practices to include abortions Corinth had a crucial location for merchant ships This meant a lot of merchants stopping off the city to go cut several days journey Between 50 – 52 AD traveled to Corinth Center of trade and religious tourism Idolatry was big The Roman gov’t used this to their advantages Influenced the populace Priests profited very much – must ensure that Roman gov’t got their share Offering to god or goddess would have to be performed by a priest or priestess Potions and elixirs could be made Divinations and Medical practices to include abortions A Large money maker was sex Apollo temple Temple of Diana – with its prostitutes Corinth had a crucial location for merchant ships This meant a lot of merchants stopping off the city to go cut several days journey

Corinth Background Peloponnesus Isthmus connecting to Greece Sailing around the Peloponnesus was dangerous During Paul’s day the merchants would unload their cargo in Corinth, carry the goods and ship across the 4 mile stretch of land. While going across the Isthmus, they would take advantage of the various trades, other merchants, and pay homage to the various idols along the way. They would also visit the many temple prostitutes that were along the way.

Paul finds Aquilia and Priscilla Claudius – All Jews must leave Rome (49 AD) Aquilia and Priscilla were tent makers Jewish saying “If you don’t teach your son a trade, you teach him to steal.” Jewish man named Aquila and wife Priscilla Claudius’s expulsion of the Jews from Rome in a.d. 49 seems to have resulted from a disturbance in the Jewish synagogues created by the Christian message. Aquila and Priscilla had much in common with Paul, being Jews, tentmakers, and possibly already Christians when they fled from Rome.

Paul in Corinth Paul would reason in the synagogue every Sabbath Persuading the Jews and Greeks Working as a tentmaker during the week Silas and Timothy come to Corinth Money from Philippi Helping Paul Paul devotes himself Persuading – reasoning with them. Paul would be going back and forth in his preaching in the synagogues

Gallio the Proconsul of Achaia Proconsul 51-52 AD Brother of Seneca the Roman Philosopher “14b Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint. 15 But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things.” (Acts 18:14b-15) Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, was then beaten in front of the Tribunal Gallio was proconsul of Achaia from a.d. 51–52, when Paul was in Corinth, the major city of that province. He was the brother of Seneca, the famous Roman philosopher. The dates of his time in office, known from extrabiblical sources, have given Bible scholars a valuable tool for determining the dates of Paul’s missionary journeys.

Paul Leaves for Antioch Aquilia and Priscilla joins Paul Travels to Cenchreae, major port of Corinth Paul cuts his hair (Acts 18:18) Leave for Ephesus 19 And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined. 21 But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus. (Acts 18:19-21)

Paul Arrives in Syria 22 When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch. 23 After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. (Acts 18:22-23)

The Seed Planted, The Seed Grows 24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak 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 wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus. (Acts 18:24-28)

Questions?