The Missionary Journeys of the Apostle Paul The New Testament Document #: TX002286

Biblical scholars believe that the Apostle Paul made three missionary journeys, plus a fourth, final journey to Rome. All four journeys are described in the Acts of the Apostles: U Summary of Paul’s Missionary Journeys Conversion of St. Paul READ ACTS 9

General Information about All of Paul’s Journeys Travel at this time was fraught with hazards, including all the difficulties that inclement weather can cause: shipwrecks, floods, impassable roads, and so forth. Paul and his companions often endure persecution in the course of their travels, including being beaten, jailed, or expelled from particular cities. In many cities, Paul initially focuses on preaching in synagogues—with Jews, converts to Judaism, and “God-fearers” (those considering conversion to Judaism) as the target audience.

General Information about All of Paul’s Journeys (continued) This audience soon expands to include Gentiles. Sometimes Gentiles simply turn up as Paul is preaching; at other times Paul actively seeks them out, because the Jewish community has been inhospitable or unreceptive to the Gospel message. Note that Paul visits some cities multiple times; many of these are the cities to whom he also addresses his Epistles (letters). These will be the subject of the next unit.

Pauline Letters What are the Pauline letters? They are letters written to individuals and Christian communities in the Apostolic Church. There are twenty-one letters. –Over half of the letters (thirteen) are attributed to Paul or to disciples who wrote in his name. Image in public domain

The Catholic Letters What are the catholic letters? The word catholic here means “universal” or “general.” The catholic letters are intended for a general audience or an unnamed individual. Seven non-Pauline letters are considered part of the catholic letters. –These letters are named after an Apostle. –Like Paul’s letters they offer advice, encouragement, and teaching about community life and faith in Jesus Christ. Image in public domain

The Letter to the Hebrews Another non-Pauline letter found in the New Testament is the Letter to the Hebrews. The author of Hebrews supports and enlivens faith in Jesus Christ. The Letter to the Hebrews emphasizes the divinity of Christ. It also emphasizes the redeeming power of Christ’s Death on the cross and speaks about the New Covenant