The Apostle Paul I make no personal claim to the word or work of God, any or all of this book may be copied and freely distributed; to His Majesty The Lord Jesus Christ be all the Honor and Glory forever and ever. ( I reserve the exclusive right to make changes to this study course ) E.L. Davis Matthew 10:8.... freely ye have received, freely give. Bible Study Courses http://www.biblestudycourses.net GOOD NEWS MINISTRIES ST. MARYS OHIO 45885 P.O. BOX 522 Pg.1 PREFACE A study of the person and life of Apostle Paul can be a most rewarding and humbling experience. As I prepared my notes for this study course, I could not help but be in awe of this most remarkable Man of God. I can think of no one in the history of the church, that poured out their lives, for the cause of Christ, as our beloved brother Apostle Paul did. His dedication and self-sacrifice for the cause of the Lord Jesus Christ, continues to be an inspiration for Christian everywhere, through out the ages. Thank you brother Paul. Of the 27 books of the New Testament, 13 came by way of Apostle Paul. His writings were authenticated to be inspired scripture by Peter. ( 2 Peter 3:15-16 ) Pg.2 CONTENTS A. Paul’s Pre-Christian Life…Pg. 1-3 B. Paul’s Conversion…Pg. 4-5 C. Paul’s Early Years as a Christian…Pg. 6 D. Paul’s first Missionary Journey…Pg. 7-10 E. In Between 1st. and 2nd. Missionary Journeys…Pg.11-12 F. Paul’s 2nd. Missionary Journey…Pg. 13-18 G. Paul’s 3rd. Missionary Journey…Pg. 19-22 H. Paul at Jerusalem…Pg. 23-25 I. Paul In Caesarea…Pg. 26-28 J. Paul’s Voyage to Rome…Pg. 29-30 L. Paul’s Character…Pg. 32 M. Paul’s Suffering…Pg. 33-34 N. Paul’s Epistles to the Churches (a summary). ……Pg. 35-36 O. Paul’s Pastoral Epistles (a summary)…Pg. 37 Pg.3 A. Paul’s Pre-Christian Life 1. His Birth Acts 22:3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. a. Of the tribe of Benjamin Philippians 3:5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; 2. A Roman Citizen Acts 22:25-28 And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned? 26. When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman. 27. Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea. 28. And the chief captain answered, with a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born. 29. Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him. 3. His Family a. Father Acts 23:6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. b. Sister Acts 23:16 And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul. Pg.4 c. Relatives Romans 16:7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Vs. 11 Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. 4. His Education Acts 22:3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. 5. His Trade Acts 18:1-3 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; 2. And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. 3. And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. 6. His Religion a. A Strict Pharisee Acts 23:6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. Galatians 1:14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. Philippians 3:5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; b. His Religious Zeal Philippians 3:6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; Pg.5 c. A former Persecutor of the Church Acts 7: 58. And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. * Paul’s circumcision name was Saul Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. Acts 9:1-2 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2. And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. Acts 22: 4 And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. Galatians 1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: 1. God shows mercy to Paul 1 Timothy 1:13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 1 Timothy 1:15-16 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. * Some people think that God won’t forgive their sins; Paul is a wonderful example of God’s mercy and forgiveness. Pg.6 Paul’s Conversion Acts 9: 1. And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2. And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4. And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5. And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 7. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8. And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. Acts 22: 4-10 And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. 5. As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished. 6. And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. 7. And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 8. And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. 9. And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. 10. And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. Pg.7 a. Blinded for 3 Days Acts 9:8-12 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. 10. And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12. And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. b. Is Healed and Baptized Acts 9:17-18 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. c. Begins to Preach Jesus Acts 9:19-20 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. d. The Jews Plot to Kill Him and his Escape Acts 9:23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: 24. But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. 25. Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket. e. At First, Christians Were Afraid of Him Acts 9: 26-27 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. 27. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. Pg.8 C. Paul’s early Years as a Christian a. Eventually Accepted Acts 9: 26-30 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. 27. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28. And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. 29. And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. 30. Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus. b. Paul goes into Arabia Galatians 1:15-17 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16. To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: 17. Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. c. Paul Receives Divine Revelation Galatians 1:11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. d. Paul Returns to Jerusalem - visits Peter Galatians 1:18-19 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. 19. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. e. Brought to Antioch to Help Acts 11:25-26 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 26. And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. Pg.9 st Paul’s 1 . Missionary Journey Around AD 45-49 Pg.10