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Journeys of the Apostle Paul
Follow the Life and Ministry of Christianity's Leading Missionary.
The Apostle Paul is one of the most important figures in the early church. He is a main character in the narrative woven through the book of Acts and his thirteen letters make up a significant portion of the New Testament canon. Because Acts and his letters appear as discrete books in Scripture, it can be difficult to piece together a clear narrative for Paul's life and ministry.
In Journeys of the Apostle Paul , 20 contributors present a coherent picture of Paul's life, connecting the events in Acts to his letters and theological teaching. With beautifully rendered maps and timelines, this book takes readers through the Acts narratives of Paul's journeys step by step--his interrupted journey to Damascus while persecuting Christians; his three missionary journeys; and his long journey from Jerusalem to Rome. Along the way, you'll discover new insights into his life, his teaching, and his role in the early church.
The Apostle Paul is one of the most important figures in the early church. He is a main character in the narrative woven through the book of Acts and his thirteen letters make up a significant portion of the New Testament canon. Because Acts and his letters appear as discrete books in Scripture, it can be difficult to piece together a clear narrative for Paul's life and ministry.
In Journeys of the Apostle Paul , 20 contributors present a coherent picture of Paul's life, connecting the events in Acts to his letters and theological teaching. With beautifully rendered maps and timelines, this book takes readers through the Acts narratives of Paul's journeys step by step--his interrupted journey to Damascus while persecuting Christians; his three missionary journeys; and his long journey from Jerusalem to Rome. Along the way, you'll discover new insights into his life, his teaching, and his role in the early church.
- GenresTheology
120 pages, Hardcover
Published February 12, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 30, 2024
Read 75% and really liked it. It was oversized and glossy with lots of maps and great articles, but I think it’s out of print now.
Note: I may have received a complimentary copy from the publisher (if so, it was a long time ago, so my apologies to the publisher if so), but if I was not required to write a positive review.
Note: I may have received a complimentary copy from the publisher (if so, it was a long time ago, so my apologies to the publisher if so), but if I was not required to write a positive review.
May 27, 2025
For a while now, I have wanted to find a biography of the Apostle Paul. We have a lot of information provided in the New Testament Acts of the Apostles and Paul’s Epistles, but I’ve been wanting to find a book that puts all the pieces of information we find in these NT books together to create a cohesive chronological narrative. I was hoping this would help create a better mental image of Paul’s ministry to help my memory recall about his life and hopefully provide new inspiration through a deeper understanding of his life as a Christian. I was surprised to find in my experience that a book like this is very difficult to find.
In January 2025, I was visiting a friend at Westminster Seminary and I came across a book titled Journeys of the Apostle Paul lying on his coffee table. Turns out it belonged to his roommate and as I flipped through briefly, it appeared this book was exactly what I had been looking for. It also happens that this book is no longer in print so I had to buy it used to get my hands on a copy. I am thrilled to have been able to discover and read this book.
This book is essentially a collection of articles on the life and journeys of the Apostle Paul that have been printed in book form. There are so many little details this book sheds light on that magnify the reality and historicity of Paul’s life. It’s really a fun and accessible read with intriguing illustrations and excellent maps! The reason I give 4 stars is because while the book provides a very helpful deeper study of the life of Paul than most Christians have considered, it moves at a swift pace and is consequently more of an introduction to a deeper study of the life of Paul. The book itself is fantastic for what it is and piques my interest for further study. While there is more historical/cultural context discussed and some time spent on Paul’s letters, I will summarize below the chronological narrative of Paul’s life with added insight from the authors:
Paul was born in the city of Tarsus, the capital city of Cilicia known as a hub for trade and an elite university center. Paul was a citizen of Tarsus and the Roman Empire, the latter of which the authors hypothesize is a consequence of his family being descendants of Libertini which were Roman freedmen.
In his youth, his family moved to Jerusalem where he was tutored by the esteemed rabbi Gamaliel, which the authors take as an indicator of financial means along with the family’s citizenship status in Tarsus. Gamaliel and Paul’s father were Pharisees. There were 2 schools of thought among the Pharisees: followers of Shammai were more strict in their interpretation of Jewish law and followed of Hillel were more tolerant. Gamaliel was of the school of Hillel and the fruit of that is displayed in Acts 5:33-39. The school of Hillel was also the minority among the Pharisees at this time. It appears Paul mostly used the Septuagint which is the Greek Old Testament, although the authors say Paul’s letters reveal his awareness of the differences in translation between Hebrew and Greek versions. While the authors make mention of “ancient sources” indicating Gamaliel’s household trained some students in Greek language and literature, other readings lead me to believe this would have been outside the norm and it is more likely Paul used the Septuagint either as a missionary strategy or out of personal preference due to his Greek background.
The Pharisees as a sect seemed to have been inspired by the Maccabees who revolted against Seleucid pagan worship impositions around 167-160 BC. The Maccabees themselves found inspiration in Phineas who saved the Israelites from God’s wrath by killing an apostate out of zeal (Numbers 25:11). This Judean nationalism and hostility to foreign customs embodied by the Maccabees seems likely to have been an inspiration for many Pharisees as they are described in the Bible. The Pharisees historically rejected Greco-Roman culture and refused to pledge loyalty to the Romans (this informs the irony of the people’s claims to Roman loyalty at the trial of Jesus). For the Pharisees, obedience to the law and covenant faithfulness promised the hope of national restoration. Even though Paul was brought up under a tolerant teacher, it seems plausible and perhaps even likely that he was even more influenced by this nationalistic culture around him.
However, Paul’s life changes when he pursues what he would have considered to be Jewish apostates fleeing to Damascus in Syria. On the road to Damascus, Paul is confronted and temporarily blinded by God who proclaims that Paul shall be “his chosen instrument to proclaim [God’s] name to the gentiles and their Kings and to the people of Israel.” (Acts 9:15-16) This is exactly what happens as Paul’s ministry later engages people of all ethnicity and social status.
After this conversion experience, Paul spends some time ministering in Arabia which is alluded to in Galatians and 2 Corinthians. Then Barnabas authenticates the conversion of Paul before the Apostles in Jerusalem. Paul then returns to his hometown in Tarsus to minister for a while before Barnabas invites him to Syrian Antioch (built around 300 BC by one of Alexander the Great’s generals, Seleucus I and a hub of commerce and culture) to minister to and encourage the growing church. Antioch was a city of diversity in regard to its people and thought which made it more open to hearing the gospel message and it became Paul’s home base from which he would launch his missionary journeys.
Paul, Barnabas and John Mark set out on the first missionary journey stopping first in Barnabas’ hometown of Salamis on the island of Cyprus. Here we see Paul’s strategy implemented of first preaching to those familiar with the scriptures (the Jews in the synagogues) and then to whoever else would be open to listening (the Gentiles). They eventually make their way to the West side of the Island to the Capital of the Roman province of Cyprus in Paphos. Interestingly, it is here having now crossed into more Romanized society that Paul (a Roman citizen) seems to take the lead rather than Barnabas. It is also here that Paul, in the Jewish world known as Saul, begins to be referred to by his Roman name Paulus or Paul. In Paphos, the missionaries convert the Roman Governor, Sergius Paulus, who was from Pisidian Antioch in Galatia.
It is interesting that Pisidian Antioch would be where the missionaries head to after Cyprus which the authors of the book hypothesize was done at the request of the converted governor on Cyprus. It is also at this point that John Mark departs and returns to Jerusalem which creates a temporary rift with Paul as alluded to in Acts 15:36. Arriving in Perga, they journey through Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe before retracing their steps and returning to Syrian Antioch declaring “all that God had done with them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles” (Acts 14:27). In these cities, some Jews believe and the gospel is particularly well received by Gentiles but a significant group of unbelieving Jews continually persecute Paul and even stone him. These are likely the churches Paul’s letter to the Galatians was addressed to. It is also interesting to see the cultural contexts and worldviews Paul has to engage with and will continue to engage with on his later journeys. In Lystra, Paul and Barnabas are thought to be Zeus and Hermes and worshiped as gods for their mighty works because of a local myth about the Greek gods disguising themselves as homeless men in a town in Asia Minor and the town being destroyed for their lack of hospitality.
After returning to Syrian Antioch, the gospel continues to flourish among Gentiles which eventually leads to conflict with believing Jews as to whether gentiles need to become “Jewish” in order to be part of the saved community in Christ. Paul and Barnabas who firmly believe the answer is no, take the issue back to the Apostles and elders in Jerusalem. The Jerusalem Council is held and they recognize in agreement that gentiles need not convert to Judaism (become Jewish) in order to be part of the church. Certainly, the affirmation of the Jerusalem Council and success of his first missionary journey set the stage for Paul to journey further in evangelizing to the gentiles.
Paul sets out on his second missionary journey accompanied by Silas starting from Syrian Antioch traveling through Cilicia (likely through Paul’s hometown of Tarsus) and the churches he planted in Derbe, Lystra and Iconium. Lystra is the Jewish-Gentile Timothy’s hometown and it is here he joins Paul and Silas. They seemingly intend to preach throughout Asia Minor and although they are providentially prevented from entering some areas they come to the west coast of Asia Minor in the city of Troas. It is here that Paul has a vision of a Macedonian man asking for help and this seemingly inspires him to expand his plans by taking the gospel to Macedonia landing first by sea in Neapolis and ministering in Philippi (a city founded and named after the Father of Alexander the Great).
In Philippi, Paul and Silas are wrongfully thrown in jail for disturbing the city. It is here an earthquake opens the jail doors and rather than fleeing, Paul and Silas stay and assert their Roman citizenship to expose their wrongful treatment and demand to be escorted out of jail by the magistrates to vindicate the Christian faith to the public.
They then carry on to Thessalonica. Here Paul continues preaching in the synagogues and while some believe, some of the unbelieving Jews conspire with men from the marketplace to charge Paul not just with upsetting the city order, but with “upsetting the whole world”. By this they meant sowing unrest throughout the Roman Empire by proclaiming Jesus as King (Acts 17:7). The missionaries not being welcome in the city press on to Berea, where the Jewish community receives the gospel eagerly before Thessalonian agitators follow them there. Paul then departs to Athens while Silas and Timothy remain in Berea.
In Athens, the authors contend that Paul finds himself in a pluralistic society not unlike ours today in 21st century America. The Athenians are quite tolerant of many religions and gods as equals and though important, subordinate to their daily culture of democratic and intellectual participation. Paul preaches at Mars Hill and having observed their altar to the “Unknown God” he proceeds to preach that the god they do not know is in fact the one true God of the Bible. Many mock the idea of a resurrection but once again some are converted to faith.
Finally, Paul arrives in Corinth and reunites with Silas and Timothy. Here Paul is brought before the proconsul of Achaia by unbelieving Jews on the charges of promoting false worship to which the proconsul dismissed the case seeing it as an issue among Jewish religion and not civil law. Similar to Athens, Corinth was a coastal hub of trade and diversity. This likely contributed to the many divisions Paul addresses in his letters to the Corinthian church. Paul emphasizes unity to the Corinthians although I think it ought to be noted that Paul emphasizes unity amongst cultural diversity, not doctrinal diversity. When Paul instructs the church in doctrine, it is pastorally authoritative and not optional. From here Paul journeys back to home base in Syrian Antioch passing through Ephesus, landing in Caesarea with a short pit stop to greet the church in Jerusalem before arriving home.
Paul then begins his 3rd missionary journey which seems to be primarily a mission of encouragement rather than planting new churches. He begins by visiting the churches in Galatia (presumably those he planted on his first missionary journey). He continues on and returns to Ephesus where he stays for 3 years. Here in Ephesus, the effectiveness of Paul’s ministry in converting people to Christ sparks a riot incited by a silversmith named Demetrius who’s business/livelihood is threatened by people turning away from creating idols for the city’s temple goddess, Artemis. After this, he departs to visit and encourage the churches in Macedonia and Greece.
Throughout this 3rd journey, Paul indicates he is taking an offering from all the Gentile churches to bring back to the church in Jerusalem as a demonstration of love and unity in the faith. Based on his changing use of pronouns in Acts, it appears Luke likely joined Paul on his return route from Phillipi through Troas and back to Jerusalem. Paul also arranges to stop in Miletus to meet with the elders of the Ephesian church (the longest stay of his missionary ministry) to bid them farewell as he indicates that he will never see them again. In Tyre and Caesarea, believes plead with Paul not to go on to Jerusalem for fear of what might happen to him at the hand of unbelievers. However, Paul continues on trusting his future to the will of the Lord and he arrives in Jerusalem to deliver the offering and report about his ministry to the gentiles.
When Paul goes to give a purification offering in the temple as a demonstration of his fidelity as a Jew to the Law of Moses, some of his opponents recognize him and incite a riot accusing him of teaching people to abandon faithful Judaism and brining gentiles into the temple. Again, it is important we recognize the nationalistic zeal of the Jewish people and their resentment of their Roman occupiers in order to understand the severity of these accusations. In fact, Paul had not done either of these things and had only taught that Jews ought to remain Jewish and gentiles need not become Jewish to be accepted in the church. Paul is arrested by Roman soldiers to calm the riot and at the barracks provides his testimony to the outside Jews of his Jewish upbringing, fidelity to the Law, encounter with Jesus on the Road to Damascus and commission from Him to preach to the gentiles. The Romans then put Paul before the Sanhedrin to see what the real issue of Paul’s offense is since it is apparent he has not violated any Roman law. Paul states before the Sanhedrin that he is on trial because of the “hope and resurrection of the dead” meaning for the sake of the gospel. The dominant Sadducees did not believe in a resurrection, but the Pharisees did and began proclaiming Paul’s innocence. There is great dissension amongst the Sanhedrin and for safety reasons Paul is sent to the regional Governor Felix in Caesarea to await a hearing.
Paul is given a hearing and awaits a decision from Felix who seems somewhat sympathetic given the freedom he allows Paul in custody, but Luke also indicates that Felix was partly holding out in Joe’s of a bribe from Paul. Felix is then succeeded by Porcius Festus who leaves Paul in prison to appease the Jews. Festus is also ready to relocate the trial to Jerusalem, again as a means of appeasing the Jews who are plotting to kill Paul, when Paul appeals to be heard by Caesar in Rome. After an audience with King Agrippa who is familiar with Jewish law and believes Paul’s innocence, Paul is nevertheless sent to Rome since he appealed to be heard there.
Paul’s journey to Rome is a difficult one and again it appears he is accompanied by Luke. They sail across the south coast of Asia Minor but the wind forces them to divert course south of the island of Crete. Having been put off schedule, the sailors unwisely try to push on to the next harbor over and instead are driven off course by a storm and after 14 nights are shipwrecked on the island of Malta south of Italy. The locals provide impressive hospitality and the crew along with Paul set sail through Sicily and up the Italian west coast eventually arriving in Rome. Luke’s narrative ends with Paul under house arrest in Rome and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with both local Jewish leaders and gentiles. Given the light conditions of his detention and suspected innocence by Festus and Agrippa, there is reason to suspect Paul was released in Rome from the accusations brought upon him in Jerusalem and perhaps continued ministering on to Spain or back to Ephesus and Crete. What seems to be agreed on according to historic tradition is that when Paul was in Rome again, he was arrested and executed during the Christian persecution under the Emperor Nero. The gospel that started in the holy city of Jerusalem through the Apostles’ faithfulness to the Great Commission had made its way to the heart of the Empire. Praise God for the vessels of mercy he has provided to walk faithfully before us that we might be encouraged and inspired to walk faithfully today!
In January 2025, I was visiting a friend at Westminster Seminary and I came across a book titled Journeys of the Apostle Paul lying on his coffee table. Turns out it belonged to his roommate and as I flipped through briefly, it appeared this book was exactly what I had been looking for. It also happens that this book is no longer in print so I had to buy it used to get my hands on a copy. I am thrilled to have been able to discover and read this book.
This book is essentially a collection of articles on the life and journeys of the Apostle Paul that have been printed in book form. There are so many little details this book sheds light on that magnify the reality and historicity of Paul’s life. It’s really a fun and accessible read with intriguing illustrations and excellent maps! The reason I give 4 stars is because while the book provides a very helpful deeper study of the life of Paul than most Christians have considered, it moves at a swift pace and is consequently more of an introduction to a deeper study of the life of Paul. The book itself is fantastic for what it is and piques my interest for further study. While there is more historical/cultural context discussed and some time spent on Paul’s letters, I will summarize below the chronological narrative of Paul’s life with added insight from the authors:
Paul was born in the city of Tarsus, the capital city of Cilicia known as a hub for trade and an elite university center. Paul was a citizen of Tarsus and the Roman Empire, the latter of which the authors hypothesize is a consequence of his family being descendants of Libertini which were Roman freedmen.
In his youth, his family moved to Jerusalem where he was tutored by the esteemed rabbi Gamaliel, which the authors take as an indicator of financial means along with the family’s citizenship status in Tarsus. Gamaliel and Paul’s father were Pharisees. There were 2 schools of thought among the Pharisees: followers of Shammai were more strict in their interpretation of Jewish law and followed of Hillel were more tolerant. Gamaliel was of the school of Hillel and the fruit of that is displayed in Acts 5:33-39. The school of Hillel was also the minority among the Pharisees at this time. It appears Paul mostly used the Septuagint which is the Greek Old Testament, although the authors say Paul’s letters reveal his awareness of the differences in translation between Hebrew and Greek versions. While the authors make mention of “ancient sources” indicating Gamaliel’s household trained some students in Greek language and literature, other readings lead me to believe this would have been outside the norm and it is more likely Paul used the Septuagint either as a missionary strategy or out of personal preference due to his Greek background.
The Pharisees as a sect seemed to have been inspired by the Maccabees who revolted against Seleucid pagan worship impositions around 167-160 BC. The Maccabees themselves found inspiration in Phineas who saved the Israelites from God’s wrath by killing an apostate out of zeal (Numbers 25:11). This Judean nationalism and hostility to foreign customs embodied by the Maccabees seems likely to have been an inspiration for many Pharisees as they are described in the Bible. The Pharisees historically rejected Greco-Roman culture and refused to pledge loyalty to the Romans (this informs the irony of the people’s claims to Roman loyalty at the trial of Jesus). For the Pharisees, obedience to the law and covenant faithfulness promised the hope of national restoration. Even though Paul was brought up under a tolerant teacher, it seems plausible and perhaps even likely that he was even more influenced by this nationalistic culture around him.
However, Paul’s life changes when he pursues what he would have considered to be Jewish apostates fleeing to Damascus in Syria. On the road to Damascus, Paul is confronted and temporarily blinded by God who proclaims that Paul shall be “his chosen instrument to proclaim [God’s] name to the gentiles and their Kings and to the people of Israel.” (Acts 9:15-16) This is exactly what happens as Paul’s ministry later engages people of all ethnicity and social status.
After this conversion experience, Paul spends some time ministering in Arabia which is alluded to in Galatians and 2 Corinthians. Then Barnabas authenticates the conversion of Paul before the Apostles in Jerusalem. Paul then returns to his hometown in Tarsus to minister for a while before Barnabas invites him to Syrian Antioch (built around 300 BC by one of Alexander the Great’s generals, Seleucus I and a hub of commerce and culture) to minister to and encourage the growing church. Antioch was a city of diversity in regard to its people and thought which made it more open to hearing the gospel message and it became Paul’s home base from which he would launch his missionary journeys.
Paul, Barnabas and John Mark set out on the first missionary journey stopping first in Barnabas’ hometown of Salamis on the island of Cyprus. Here we see Paul’s strategy implemented of first preaching to those familiar with the scriptures (the Jews in the synagogues) and then to whoever else would be open to listening (the Gentiles). They eventually make their way to the West side of the Island to the Capital of the Roman province of Cyprus in Paphos. Interestingly, it is here having now crossed into more Romanized society that Paul (a Roman citizen) seems to take the lead rather than Barnabas. It is also here that Paul, in the Jewish world known as Saul, begins to be referred to by his Roman name Paulus or Paul. In Paphos, the missionaries convert the Roman Governor, Sergius Paulus, who was from Pisidian Antioch in Galatia.
It is interesting that Pisidian Antioch would be where the missionaries head to after Cyprus which the authors of the book hypothesize was done at the request of the converted governor on Cyprus. It is also at this point that John Mark departs and returns to Jerusalem which creates a temporary rift with Paul as alluded to in Acts 15:36. Arriving in Perga, they journey through Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe before retracing their steps and returning to Syrian Antioch declaring “all that God had done with them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles” (Acts 14:27). In these cities, some Jews believe and the gospel is particularly well received by Gentiles but a significant group of unbelieving Jews continually persecute Paul and even stone him. These are likely the churches Paul’s letter to the Galatians was addressed to. It is also interesting to see the cultural contexts and worldviews Paul has to engage with and will continue to engage with on his later journeys. In Lystra, Paul and Barnabas are thought to be Zeus and Hermes and worshiped as gods for their mighty works because of a local myth about the Greek gods disguising themselves as homeless men in a town in Asia Minor and the town being destroyed for their lack of hospitality.
After returning to Syrian Antioch, the gospel continues to flourish among Gentiles which eventually leads to conflict with believing Jews as to whether gentiles need to become “Jewish” in order to be part of the saved community in Christ. Paul and Barnabas who firmly believe the answer is no, take the issue back to the Apostles and elders in Jerusalem. The Jerusalem Council is held and they recognize in agreement that gentiles need not convert to Judaism (become Jewish) in order to be part of the church. Certainly, the affirmation of the Jerusalem Council and success of his first missionary journey set the stage for Paul to journey further in evangelizing to the gentiles.
Paul sets out on his second missionary journey accompanied by Silas starting from Syrian Antioch traveling through Cilicia (likely through Paul’s hometown of Tarsus) and the churches he planted in Derbe, Lystra and Iconium. Lystra is the Jewish-Gentile Timothy’s hometown and it is here he joins Paul and Silas. They seemingly intend to preach throughout Asia Minor and although they are providentially prevented from entering some areas they come to the west coast of Asia Minor in the city of Troas. It is here that Paul has a vision of a Macedonian man asking for help and this seemingly inspires him to expand his plans by taking the gospel to Macedonia landing first by sea in Neapolis and ministering in Philippi (a city founded and named after the Father of Alexander the Great).
In Philippi, Paul and Silas are wrongfully thrown in jail for disturbing the city. It is here an earthquake opens the jail doors and rather than fleeing, Paul and Silas stay and assert their Roman citizenship to expose their wrongful treatment and demand to be escorted out of jail by the magistrates to vindicate the Christian faith to the public.
They then carry on to Thessalonica. Here Paul continues preaching in the synagogues and while some believe, some of the unbelieving Jews conspire with men from the marketplace to charge Paul not just with upsetting the city order, but with “upsetting the whole world”. By this they meant sowing unrest throughout the Roman Empire by proclaiming Jesus as King (Acts 17:7). The missionaries not being welcome in the city press on to Berea, where the Jewish community receives the gospel eagerly before Thessalonian agitators follow them there. Paul then departs to Athens while Silas and Timothy remain in Berea.
In Athens, the authors contend that Paul finds himself in a pluralistic society not unlike ours today in 21st century America. The Athenians are quite tolerant of many religions and gods as equals and though important, subordinate to their daily culture of democratic and intellectual participation. Paul preaches at Mars Hill and having observed their altar to the “Unknown God” he proceeds to preach that the god they do not know is in fact the one true God of the Bible. Many mock the idea of a resurrection but once again some are converted to faith.
Finally, Paul arrives in Corinth and reunites with Silas and Timothy. Here Paul is brought before the proconsul of Achaia by unbelieving Jews on the charges of promoting false worship to which the proconsul dismissed the case seeing it as an issue among Jewish religion and not civil law. Similar to Athens, Corinth was a coastal hub of trade and diversity. This likely contributed to the many divisions Paul addresses in his letters to the Corinthian church. Paul emphasizes unity to the Corinthians although I think it ought to be noted that Paul emphasizes unity amongst cultural diversity, not doctrinal diversity. When Paul instructs the church in doctrine, it is pastorally authoritative and not optional. From here Paul journeys back to home base in Syrian Antioch passing through Ephesus, landing in Caesarea with a short pit stop to greet the church in Jerusalem before arriving home.
Paul then begins his 3rd missionary journey which seems to be primarily a mission of encouragement rather than planting new churches. He begins by visiting the churches in Galatia (presumably those he planted on his first missionary journey). He continues on and returns to Ephesus where he stays for 3 years. Here in Ephesus, the effectiveness of Paul’s ministry in converting people to Christ sparks a riot incited by a silversmith named Demetrius who’s business/livelihood is threatened by people turning away from creating idols for the city’s temple goddess, Artemis. After this, he departs to visit and encourage the churches in Macedonia and Greece.
Throughout this 3rd journey, Paul indicates he is taking an offering from all the Gentile churches to bring back to the church in Jerusalem as a demonstration of love and unity in the faith. Based on his changing use of pronouns in Acts, it appears Luke likely joined Paul on his return route from Phillipi through Troas and back to Jerusalem. Paul also arranges to stop in Miletus to meet with the elders of the Ephesian church (the longest stay of his missionary ministry) to bid them farewell as he indicates that he will never see them again. In Tyre and Caesarea, believes plead with Paul not to go on to Jerusalem for fear of what might happen to him at the hand of unbelievers. However, Paul continues on trusting his future to the will of the Lord and he arrives in Jerusalem to deliver the offering and report about his ministry to the gentiles.
When Paul goes to give a purification offering in the temple as a demonstration of his fidelity as a Jew to the Law of Moses, some of his opponents recognize him and incite a riot accusing him of teaching people to abandon faithful Judaism and brining gentiles into the temple. Again, it is important we recognize the nationalistic zeal of the Jewish people and their resentment of their Roman occupiers in order to understand the severity of these accusations. In fact, Paul had not done either of these things and had only taught that Jews ought to remain Jewish and gentiles need not become Jewish to be accepted in the church. Paul is arrested by Roman soldiers to calm the riot and at the barracks provides his testimony to the outside Jews of his Jewish upbringing, fidelity to the Law, encounter with Jesus on the Road to Damascus and commission from Him to preach to the gentiles. The Romans then put Paul before the Sanhedrin to see what the real issue of Paul’s offense is since it is apparent he has not violated any Roman law. Paul states before the Sanhedrin that he is on trial because of the “hope and resurrection of the dead” meaning for the sake of the gospel. The dominant Sadducees did not believe in a resurrection, but the Pharisees did and began proclaiming Paul’s innocence. There is great dissension amongst the Sanhedrin and for safety reasons Paul is sent to the regional Governor Felix in Caesarea to await a hearing.
Paul is given a hearing and awaits a decision from Felix who seems somewhat sympathetic given the freedom he allows Paul in custody, but Luke also indicates that Felix was partly holding out in Joe’s of a bribe from Paul. Felix is then succeeded by Porcius Festus who leaves Paul in prison to appease the Jews. Festus is also ready to relocate the trial to Jerusalem, again as a means of appeasing the Jews who are plotting to kill Paul, when Paul appeals to be heard by Caesar in Rome. After an audience with King Agrippa who is familiar with Jewish law and believes Paul’s innocence, Paul is nevertheless sent to Rome since he appealed to be heard there.
Paul’s journey to Rome is a difficult one and again it appears he is accompanied by Luke. They sail across the south coast of Asia Minor but the wind forces them to divert course south of the island of Crete. Having been put off schedule, the sailors unwisely try to push on to the next harbor over and instead are driven off course by a storm and after 14 nights are shipwrecked on the island of Malta south of Italy. The locals provide impressive hospitality and the crew along with Paul set sail through Sicily and up the Italian west coast eventually arriving in Rome. Luke’s narrative ends with Paul under house arrest in Rome and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with both local Jewish leaders and gentiles. Given the light conditions of his detention and suspected innocence by Festus and Agrippa, there is reason to suspect Paul was released in Rome from the accusations brought upon him in Jerusalem and perhaps continued ministering on to Spain or back to Ephesus and Crete. What seems to be agreed on according to historic tradition is that when Paul was in Rome again, he was arrested and executed during the Christian persecution under the Emperor Nero. The gospel that started in the holy city of Jerusalem through the Apostles’ faithfulness to the Great Commission had made its way to the heart of the Empire. Praise God for the vessels of mercy he has provided to walk faithfully before us that we might be encouraged and inspired to walk faithfully today!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2020
Author(s): Craig S. Keener, Joseph R. Dodson, Caryn A. Reeder, and many more!
Foreword: David Bomar, Editor of Bible Study Magazine
Pages: 208
Publisher: Lexham Press
Price: $29.99
Release Date: February 12th, 2020
When it comes to reading the Bible, the writings of Paul have always been my favorite. I was so excited to receive this book from Lexham Press. When I pulled this book out of the box, I immediately noticed the quality. From the binding to the thick pages, this is a well-made book. The only drawback is the rounded edges and awkward length will cause it to not look right on the shelf. The books that I have to read I place on my coffee table and this book does look good on a coffee table. Because I keep it there, it started great conversations with guests.
Whenever you study Scripture, having a strong grasp of historical context is crucial. If you’re reading the writings of Paul, I would strongly recommend this book. Journeys of the Apostle Paul serves as a timeline to help put his writings into perspective. Not only is this book great for understanding historical context, it can make anyone feel like a theologian. With each chapter being written by different authors, they use various techniques to prove their points. Theology terms are in bold like vocabulary words with definitions. Some of the authors will even use and discuss Greek words and their meanings. You don’t have to have a background in theology to be able to use this book. All points are supported by research which is reflected by a large “Notes” section.
Another big pro of this book for me is the pictures. As a visual learner, the beautiful artwork and photography compliment my learning style. Even if you aren’t a visual learner like me, you still have to appreciate the book’s beauty.
This book is for everyone. Whether you are using this for a class, preparing for a sermon, or just studying the Bible this book is a must! I know I will be using it every time I read the letters of Paul.
Purchase It Here: https://lexhampress.com/product/17811...
Please Note: We have a book review partnership with Lexham Press, so I did receive this book for free in exchange for a fair, honest review.
Foreword: David Bomar, Editor of Bible Study Magazine
Pages: 208
Publisher: Lexham Press
Price: $29.99
Release Date: February 12th, 2020
When it comes to reading the Bible, the writings of Paul have always been my favorite. I was so excited to receive this book from Lexham Press. When I pulled this book out of the box, I immediately noticed the quality. From the binding to the thick pages, this is a well-made book. The only drawback is the rounded edges and awkward length will cause it to not look right on the shelf. The books that I have to read I place on my coffee table and this book does look good on a coffee table. Because I keep it there, it started great conversations with guests.
Whenever you study Scripture, having a strong grasp of historical context is crucial. If you’re reading the writings of Paul, I would strongly recommend this book. Journeys of the Apostle Paul serves as a timeline to help put his writings into perspective. Not only is this book great for understanding historical context, it can make anyone feel like a theologian. With each chapter being written by different authors, they use various techniques to prove their points. Theology terms are in bold like vocabulary words with definitions. Some of the authors will even use and discuss Greek words and their meanings. You don’t have to have a background in theology to be able to use this book. All points are supported by research which is reflected by a large “Notes” section.
Another big pro of this book for me is the pictures. As a visual learner, the beautiful artwork and photography compliment my learning style. Even if you aren’t a visual learner like me, you still have to appreciate the book’s beauty.
This book is for everyone. Whether you are using this for a class, preparing for a sermon, or just studying the Bible this book is a must! I know I will be using it every time I read the letters of Paul.
Purchase It Here: https://lexhampress.com/product/17811...
Please Note: We have a book review partnership with Lexham Press, so I did receive this book for free in exchange for a fair, honest review.
March 18, 2020
Understanding the Apostle Paul is important to understanding the Bible. Edited by David Bomar, Journeys of the Apostle Paul allows you to follow the life and ministry of Christianity’s leading missionary.
What You Need to Know
The book is divided into five parts: (1) The Journey to Damascus, (2) The First Missionary Journey and the Jerusalem Council, (3) The Second Missionary Journey, (4) The Third Missionary Journey, and (5) The Journey to Rome. 20 contributors are included, and each author helps us see a cohesive picture of the Apostle Paul.
Over 30 chapters are included, and they comprehensively cover what you need to know about Paul. We are first introduced to Saul of Tarsus, the Pharisees, and the Christians that were persecuted. The book ends with Paul reaching Rome, where Paul took the gospel to the empire and beyond.
So Much to Learn
The book is beautifully designed and is of the quality I have come to expect from Lexham Press. The book’s 208 pages are bound in hardcover, with a 9x11 trim size. This means that the book actually presents more like a coffee-table piece and each chapter reads like magazine articles. Still, I found them highly informative and well-written.
I wish I had this book when I first started reading the New Testament. There is so much to learn about Paul and his travels that inform how he wrote his epistles. And there is so much to take in that I still found new things to learn about this premiere apostle. Undoubtedly, the full-color maps and full-color pictures are helping me see more clearly.
Passion and Pursuit
More important than learning facts about Paul, this book has helped me see his passion and his pursuit. This man was in love, overwhelmed, and driven by Jesus. I am inspired to be the same.
I received a free copy of Journeys of the Apostle Paul but was not required to write a positive review.
What You Need to Know
The book is divided into five parts: (1) The Journey to Damascus, (2) The First Missionary Journey and the Jerusalem Council, (3) The Second Missionary Journey, (4) The Third Missionary Journey, and (5) The Journey to Rome. 20 contributors are included, and each author helps us see a cohesive picture of the Apostle Paul.
Over 30 chapters are included, and they comprehensively cover what you need to know about Paul. We are first introduced to Saul of Tarsus, the Pharisees, and the Christians that were persecuted. The book ends with Paul reaching Rome, where Paul took the gospel to the empire and beyond.
So Much to Learn
The book is beautifully designed and is of the quality I have come to expect from Lexham Press. The book’s 208 pages are bound in hardcover, with a 9x11 trim size. This means that the book actually presents more like a coffee-table piece and each chapter reads like magazine articles. Still, I found them highly informative and well-written.
I wish I had this book when I first started reading the New Testament. There is so much to learn about Paul and his travels that inform how he wrote his epistles. And there is so much to take in that I still found new things to learn about this premiere apostle. Undoubtedly, the full-color maps and full-color pictures are helping me see more clearly.
Passion and Pursuit
More important than learning facts about Paul, this book has helped me see his passion and his pursuit. This man was in love, overwhelmed, and driven by Jesus. I am inspired to be the same.
I received a free copy of Journeys of the Apostle Paul but was not required to write a positive review.
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