December 5, 2022

  The past, present and future by Gary Rose  


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeWEkxgncnA

HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN | Bass Singer Cover | Geoff Castellucci

Note: to see an original performance of the Animals for this song on the Ed Sullivan show

 ( 1964 ), go to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxrz00XSOAo


Recently, I discovered Geoff Castellucci. When I heard him sing for the first time, I thought of Tennessee Ernie Ford, but Geoff has a much LOWER vocal range. His rendition of “House of the rising sun” is far different than that of the “Animals” and I am torn between which I genuinely prefer. I must say that it is easier to follow the words better with Geoff’s performance and therefore think more about their meaning.

The “House of the rising sun” tells a story of a man whose life was deeply engrossed in sin, but is about to change because of love.

I wonder, how many of us have ever reflected on our lives as a whole. Have we ever really thought about what the true value of our existence has been? Was the value something we are proud of or a cause of shame?

By chance, I just happened to read the following passage from the book of Galatians today and couldn’t help but see a parallel between the song and Paul’s comments...

Galatians 1 ( World English Bible )

1 Paul, an apostle (not from men, neither through man, but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead),

2 and all the brothers who are with me, to the assemblies of Galatia:

3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ,

4 who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us out of this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father—

5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

6 I marvel that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ to a different “good news”;

7 and there isn’t another “good news.” Only there are some who trouble you, and want to pervert the Good News of Christ.

8 But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any “good news” other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed.

9 As we have said before, so I now say again: if any man preaches to you any “good news” other than that which you received, let him be cursed.

10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? For if I were still pleasing men, I wouldn’t be a servant of Christ.

11 But I make known to you, brothers, concerning the Good News which was preached by me, that it is not according to man.

12 For neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ.

13 For you have heard of my way of living in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the assembly of God, and ravaged it.

14 I advanced in the Jews’ religion beyond many of my own age among my countrymen, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

15 But when it was the good pleasure of God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me through his grace,

16 to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I didn’t immediately confer with flesh and blood,

17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia. Then I returned to Damascus.

18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Peter, and stayed with him fifteen days.

19 But of the other apostles I saw no one, except James, the Lord’s brother.

20 Now about the things which I write to you, behold, before God, I’m not lying.

21 Then I came to the regions of Syria and Cilicia.

22 I was still unknown by face to the assemblies of Judea which were in Christ,

23 but they only heard: “He who once persecuted us now preaches the faith that he once tried to destroy.”

24 And they glorified God in me.


It has been over 50 years since I first heard the “House of the rising sun” and back then I could not have even imagined my existence today. But, I am glad I chose to follow Jesus and do the best I can to spread His “Good News”. Tell me, what is your life like? Are you happy with what you have done with it? If not, then, change it for the better. If you can read these words then you have the possibility of obeying the Gospel of Jesus Christ and if you do, enjoy an endless blessing in HEAVEN. If not, well, then there is always the life of a gambler or some other sinful pursuit. That sort of life is destructive and unfruitful, but the choice is yours; I hope you chose Jesus; HE ALONE will give you rest. Remember, the PAST is finished, TODAY is another opportunity and The FUTURE is only a choice away; CHOOSE WISELY.


May God bless,

Gary

 

note: 

Due to space limitations of blogger, I was unable to include the video(s) from Youtube. In order to view the complete video (s), use the links provided at the top.
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  "A HARMONY OF THE LIFE OF PAUL" Paul's Life Prior To Conversion by Mark Copeland  









 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/harmony-life-of-paul/paul_01.html


"A HARMONY OF THE LIFE OF PAUL"

Paul's Life Prior To Conversion

INTRODUCTION
  1. One cannot deny the powerful impact the apostle Paul had on the growth and development of the early church...
    1. His conversion provided powerful testimony to the resurrection of Christ
    2. His missionary journeys led to the establishment of churches throughout the Mediterranean world
    -- As "the apostle to the Gentiles", he helped widen the door to the church first opened by the apostle Peter
  2. He left a large imprint on the scriptures of the early church...
    1. Authoring thirteen (fourteen, counting Hebrews) books of the New Testament
    2. In the only available history of the early church, Luke devotes the majority of his book to the life and journeys of Paul
    -- Evidently the Holy Spirit saw fit to emphasize the life and teachings of Paul as an example and source for learning about true discipleship to Jesus Christ
  3. In this study, we shall harmonize Paul's writings with Luke's record of his life and travels...
    1. Examining Paul's life in chronological order
    2. Collating various scriptural references relating to each period of Paul's life
    3. Noting at which points in his life Paul wrote his different epistles
    4. Briefly outlining and noticing the theme or highlights of each epistle in its historical setting
    5. Putting together a possible itinerary and events leading up to his final years and martyrdom
  4. The objective of this study will be to...
    1. Gain a better understanding of the growth and nature of the early church
    2. Note the influence of Paul's life and journeys on his epistles
    3. Acquire insight into Paul as a servant of the Lord, that his life and work might inspire our own service to Jesus Christ

[In this lesson, we begin by noting "Paul's Life Prior To His Conversion", when he was better known as "Saul of Tarsus"...]

  1. EARLY LIFE AND TRAINING
    1. HIS ANCESTRY AND YOUTH...
      1. Born in Tarsus of Cilicia - Ac 21:39; 22:3; 23:34
        1. Cilicia was a Roman province in SE Asia Minor (modern Turkey)
        2. Tarsus was the capital ("no mean city"), known for its school of literature and philosophy (said to exceed even those of Athens and Alexandria)
      2. Born of Jewish ancestry
        1. A Hebrew, or Israelite, of the seed of Abraham - 2Co 11:22
        2. Of the tribe of Benjamin - Ro 11:1
        3. A Hebrew of the Hebrews (both parents Hebrews?) - Php 3:3-4
      3. Born a Roman citizen - Ac 22:25-29
        1. Some think because Tarsus was a free city, but such a designation did not automatically impart citizenship
        2. Evidently one of Paul's ancestors either purchased or was rewarded citizenship
        -- We do not know the date of his birth, some place it around the time of Jesus' birth
    2. HIS EDUCATION...
      1. Taught in Jerusalem by Gamaliel, a Pharisee and respected teacher of the Law - Ac 22:3; cf. 5:34-40
      2. A son of a Pharisee, he became a strict Pharisee - Ac 23:6; 26:4-5; Php 3:5
      3. He excelled above his contemporaries in Judaism - Ga 1:13-14
      4. Was also trained as tent-maker - Ac 18:1-3
    3. HIS CHARACTER...
      1. He was zealous in persecuting the church, concerning the Law blameless - Php 3:6
      2. He served God with a pure conscience - 2Ti 1:3; Ac 23:1
      3. Thus he was ignorant of his blasphemy and persecution - 1 Ti 1:12-13

      [His early life and training certainly put Saul of Tarsus on the "fast track" when it came to his religious faith. It was zeal in defending his faith that led to his brief but fervent career as...]

  2. PERSECUTOR OF THE CHURCH
    1. AT THE DEATH OF STEPHEN...
      1. Saul was present at the death of the first Christian martyr - Ac 7:57-58
      2. He consented to the death of Stephen - Ac 8:1; 22:20
    2. MAKING HAVOC OF THE CHURCH...
      1. Entering homes, dragging men and women to prison - Ac 8:3; 22:4
      2. Entering synagogues, imprisoning and beating those who believed in Jesus - Ac 22:19
      3. He believed it necessary to do things contrary to the name of Jesus - Ac 26:9-11
        1. Imprisoning believers by the authority of the chief priests
        2. Casting his vote against them as they were put to death
        3. Compelling them to blaspheme
        4. Pursuing them to foreign cities (such as Damascus) - cf. Ac 9:1-2
    3. HIS LATER CONFESSION...
      1. Admits he persecuted the church "beyond measure" in an attempt to destroy it - Ga 1:13
      2. It was due to his great zeal - Php 3:6
      3. Though ignorant, he was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent man - 1Ti 1:13
      4. For such reasons, he considered himself the least of the apostles, not worthy to be called an apostle - 1Co 15:9
CONCLUSION
  1. From being the worst foe of the church, he was about to become one of its best friends...
    1. Saul the persecutor would soon become Paul the preacher - Ga 1:22-24
    2. Paul attributed it to the grace and mercy of God - 1Co 15:9-10; 1Ti 1:12-14
  2. Every aspect of Paul's life prior to his conversion prepared him for the task the Lord would give him...
    1. His Jewish heritage and Roman citizenship suited him for preaching to both Jews and Gentiles
    2. His training by Gamaliel would serve him well in his writings on the Law
    3. His skill as a tent-maker would assist him in his travels

And of course, his conversion would serve as a wonderful example of God's mercy:

"This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life." (1Ti 1:15-16)
In our next study we shall focus our attention on the conversion of Paul. In the meantime, have you obtained the mercy offered in Jesus Christ (cf. Tit 3:4-7)?

No matter how you have lived in the past, you can be justified by His grace! - Ac 22:16

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022
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  "A HARMONY OF THE LIFE OF PAUL" The Conversion Of Paul (36 A.D.) by Mark Copeland  










https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/harmony-life-of-paul/paul_02.html

"A HARMONY OF THE LIFE OF PAUL"

The Conversion Of Paul (36 A.D.)

INTRODUCTION
  1. Paul began his life known as Saul of Tarsus...
    1. Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin
    2. A Hebrew of the Hebrews, a Pharisee and a son of a Pharisee - Php 3:5; Ac 23:6
  2. He was on the "fast track" as far as his Jewish faith was concerned...
    1. Living according to the strict sect of His religion - Ac 26:5
    2. Advancing in Judaism beyond many of his contemporaries - Ga 1:14
  3. His zeal for Judaism led to his persecution of the church...
    1. He tried to destroy it - Ga 1:13
    2. By seeking to imprison and put Christians to death - Ac 22:3-5
    3. This he did because he believed it to be God's will - Ac 26:9-12
  4. Yet Paul became converted to Christ...
    1. Which amazed those who first heard him preach - Ac 9:20-21
    2. Whose conversion continues to provide powerful testimony to the resurrection of Christ

[As we continue this harmony of the life of Paul, we shall now focus our attention on "The Conversion Of Paul", collating what is found in the scriptures about this remarkable event. We begin with what happened...]

  1. ON THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS
    1. THE MISSION OF PAUL...
      1. Paul received permission to bring disciples back from Damascus - Ac 9:1-2; 22:4-5
      2. Which Paul thought was proper to do - Ac 26:9-11
    2. THE APPEARANCE OF JESUS...
      1. Prefaced by a light shining from heaven
        1. Occurring around noon - Ac 9:3; 22:6
        2. Brighter than the sun, shining around him and those with him - Ac 26:13
        3. Causing them all to fall - Ac 26:14
      2. Accompanied by a voice speaking to him
        1. Saying in Hebrew, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" - Ac 9:4; 22:7; 26:14
        2. A voice heard, but not understood by those with him - Ac 9:7; 22:9
      3. Jesus identifies Himself to Paul
        1. Paul asks, "Who are You, Lord?" - Ac 9:5; 22:8; 26:15
          1. At this point, Paul does not know Who he is talking to
          2. But he obviously recognizes His authority!
        2. The reply, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting" - Ac 9:5; 22:8; 26:15
          1. As the Head of the church, Paul was persecuting Him when he persecuted the church which is His body - Ep 1:22-23
          2. Note well: what we do or don't do for the church, we do or don't do for Jesus!
        3. Jesus continues, "It is hard for you to kick against the goads" - Ac 9:5; 26:14
          1. In his misdirected zeal, Paul had been resisting the will of God
          2. E.g., resisting the preaching of such men as Stephen - cf. Ac 7:51-53
    3. THE SUBMISSION OF PAUL...
      1. Still fallen to the earth, he was trembling and astonished - Ac 9:6
      2. He asked, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" - Ac 9:6; 22:10
      -- At this point, Paul acknowledges both the authority as well as the identity of Jesus!
    4. THE COMMISSION OF JESUS...
      1. Paul is told to go into the city
        1. There he will be told what he must do - Ac 9:6
        2. There he will be told what things are appointed for him to do - Ac 22:10
      2. Jesus gives him an idea of what to expect - Ac 26:16-18
        1. To become a minister and a witness of things seen, and would be revealed
        2. To be sent to both Jews and Greeks...
          1. To open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God
          2. That they might receive forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance with those sanctified by faith in Jesus
      3. Paul proceeds to obey his new Lord - Ac 9:8; 22:11
        1. He arose from the ground, but was blinded by the light
        2. He is led by the hand to Damascus
  2. IN THE CITY OF DAMASCUS
    1. HIS THREE DAY WAIT...
      1. For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank - Ac 9:9
      2. He was also praying during this time - cf. Ac 9:11
    2. HIS VISIT BY ANANIAS...
      1. The Lord appears to Ananias in a vision - Ac 9:10-16
        1. A disciple who lived in Damascus, well respected among the Jews - Ac 22:12
        2. Told to go to the house of Judas, where Paul was praying and had seen a vision of Ananias restoring his sight
        3. Ananias is reluctant at first, but is reassured by the Lord
      2. Ananias visits Paul
        1. Laying hands on Paul, Ananias relates how he was sent to him - Ac 9:17
        2. Paul's sight is restored - Ac 9:18; 22:13
        3. Ananias relates Paul's mission - Ac 22:14-15
        4. Ananias admonishes Paul to be baptized, and Paul responds - Ac 22:16; 9:18
          1. Note well: Paul was still in his sins!
          2. The vision, his acceptance of Jesus as Lord, his fasting and praying, etc., had not saved him
          3. He needed to be baptized in order for his sins to be washed away - cf. Ac 2:38; 1Pe 3:21
        5. Paul resumes eating - Ac 9:19
    3. HIS INITIAL PREACHING IN DAMASCUS
      1. He spends some days in Damascus - Ac 9:19
      2. He immediately begins to preach Jesus - Ac 9:20-22; 26:19-20
        1. As the Christ, the Son of God, and their need to repent
        2. To the amazement of all who knew him
        3. Confounding the Jews who were in Damascus

        [The conversion of Paul was a remarkable event, not only for him personally, but also for the church (cf. Ga 1:22-24). It is not surprising, then, that Paul would often refer to this event...]

  3. REFLECTIONS ON HIS CONVERSION
    1. WRITING TO THE CHURCH IN CORINTH...
      1. He was called to be an apostle - 1Co 1:1
      2. He had seen Jesus Christ - 1Co 9:1
      3. His testimony joined that of the others who had seen Him - 1Co 15:7-8
    2. WRITING TO THE CHURCHES IN GALATIA...
      1. He was an apostle by Jesus Christ, not men - Ga 1:1
      2. His conversion was the result of a special calling - Ga 1:15-16
        1. Part of God's plan for him even before his birth
        2. When called, it was by the grace of God - cf. 1Co 15:10
        3. To reveal His Son to him, that he might preach Him among the nations
    3. WRITING TO THE CHURCH IN ROME...
      1. Called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God - Ro 1:1
      2. Having received both grace and his apostleship - Ro 1:5
      3. Delivered from the bondage of sin to freedom in Christ - Ro 7:7-8:2
    4. WRITING TO THE CHURCH IN EPHESUS...
      1. By grace and special revelation he came to know the mystery of Christ - Ep 3:1-6
      2. By grace he received his ministry to preach the riches of Christ - Ep 3:7-8
    5. WRITING TO THE CHURCH IN PHILIPPI...
      1. He spoke of being "apprehended (laid hold) of Jesus Christ" - Php 3:10-12
      2. A possible reference to his conversion on the road to Damascus
    6. WRITING TO TIMOTHY...
      1. Thankful that Christ put him into the ministry - 1Ti 1:12
      2. Acknowledged that it was due to mercy and grace, for he was the chief of sinners - 1Ti 1:13-16
CONCLUSION
  1. Paul's conversion certainly had a great impact on the early church...
    1. It prompted them to glorify God in him - Ga 1:22-24
    2. His conversion proved a powerful testimony to the resurrection of Jesus
  2. Paul's conversion also had a great impact on his own life...
    1. He certainly did not consider himself worthy to be an apostle - 1Co 15:9
    2. But receiving God's grace motivated him to serve God diligently - 1Co 15:10

In our next study we shall notice the early years of Paul's service to God as a disciple of Jesus Christ. But as we conclude this lesson, consider how the grace of God affected your life, and whether or not it has had the effect it should...

"We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain." (2Co 6:1)

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022
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  "A HARMONY OF THE LIFE OF PAUL" Paul's Early Years Of Service (36-45 A.D.) by Mark Copeland  










https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/harmony-life-of-paul/paul_03.html

"A HARMONY OF THE LIFE OF PAUL"

Paul's Early Years Of Service (36-45 A.D.)

INTRODUCTION
  1. When people think of the life of Paul, they are likely mindful of...
    1. His persecution of the church prior to his conversion
    2. His vision of the Lord on the road to Damascus
    3. His three missionary journeys recorded in the book of Acts
  2. A period of his life that may not be as well-known is the ten years immediately following his conversion...
    1. His conversion likely took place around 36 A.D.
    2. His first missionary journey began 45 A.D.
    -- What was Paul doing between his conversion and the time when the Spirit called him to begin his missionary journeys?
  3. Knowing the zeal of Paul, it was not an idle time of his life...
    1. It was a time of preparation
    2. Combined with activity that would later serve him well

[In this study we shall survey the first ten years of Paul's life as a new Christian...]

  1. THREE YEARS IN DAMASCUS AND ARABIA (36-39 A.D.)
    1. INITIAL PREACHING IN DAMASCUS...
      1. Immediately after his conversion, Paul begins preaching - Ac 9:17-20
      2. To the amazement of those who heard him - Ac 9:21-22
    2. TIME IN ARABIA...
      1. Paul did not stay in Damascus long after his conversion - cf. Ga 1:15-17
      2. He went to Arabia, the desert area east and south of Damascus
        1. How long he stayed is uncertain, though it is thought to have been the greater part of three years - cf. Ga 1:18
        2. What he did is unknown, though some think it was a time of personal reflection, and revelations from the Lord - cf. Ga 1:11-12
    3. RETURN AND ESCAPE FROM DAMASCUS...
      1. He returned from Arabia to Damascus - Ga 1:17
      2. Some time later an attempt was made to kill him, which he escaped - Ac 9:23-25
      3. Years later he recounted his narrow escape - 2Co 11:32-33

      [Damascus was the first place Paul preached (Ac 26:19-20), and the first place he experienced persecution. It would not be the last place for either experience! Leaving Damascus, Paul makes his...]

  2. FIRST VISIT TO JERUSALEM (39 A.D.)
    1. SKEPTICAL RECEPTION BY THE CHURCH...
      1. At first, the church is afraid to receive him - Ac 9:26
      2. Barnabas (cf. Ac 4:36-37) introduces him to the apostles - Ac 9:27; Ga 1:18-19
        1. He saw Peter, and stayed with him fifteen days
        2. He also saw James the Lord's brother
    2. PREACHING IN JERUSALEM...
      1. He was given free access to the church - Ac 9:28
      2. He proclaimed boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus - Ac 9:29
      3. He disputed with the Hellenists (Grecian Jews) - Ac 9:29
    3. ATTEMPT ON HIS LIFE...
      1. The Hellenists attempt to kill him - Ac 9:29
      2. Paul is warned by the Lord in a vision - cf. Ac 22:17-21
      3. The brethren send him to Tarsus by way of Caesarea - Ac 9:30

      [It is evident that Paul has now become a dangerous enemy to his former friends. His testimony concerning the Lord and his own conversion is difficult to answer, and the opposition is willing to do anything to silence him! At this point Paul returns home (Tarsus) and spends...]

  3. FIVE YEARS IN SYRIA AND CILICIA (39-43 A.D.)
    1. RETURN TO TARSUS...
      1. The place of his birth - Ac 22:3
      2. Now the center of preaching in the surrounding regions of Syria and Cilica - Ga 1:21
      3. Elsewhere, brethren hear of his preaching - Ga 1:22-24
      4. Little else is known of this period of Paul's life, though it may have been a time when:
        1. Churches in the area were established - Ac 15:23,41
        2. Paul suffered persecution not recorded in Acts - 2Co 11:24-26
        3. He had the vision of Paradise - 2Co 12:1-4
        -- This period lasted about four to five years
    2. DEPARTURE FROM TARSUS...
      1. Occasioned by the arrival of Barnabas - Ac 11:25
        1. Who introduced him to the Jerusalem church earlier
        2. Who traveled with him on his first missionary journey later
      2. Who had come from Antioch of Syria, the site of a new and growing church - Ac 11:19-24

      [As far as we can tell, Paul had worked alone up to this time. But with Barnabas Paul begins a series of labors in which he was always accompanied by fellow-workers. Barnabas and Paul shared their first work during...]

  4. A YEAR IN ANTIOCH (44 A.D.)
    1. WORK IN ANTIOCH...
      1. It had already grown due to the labors of others, including Barnabas - Ac 11:19-24
      2. Barnabas and Paul taught a great many people that year - Ac 11:26
      3. It was where disciples of Christ were first called Christians - Ac 11:26
    2. NEWS FROM JERUSALEM...
      1. Prophets from Jerusalem came to Antioch - Ac 11:27
      2. A prophet named Agabus foretold of a great famine - Ac 11:28
      3. The disciples in Antioch determine to send relief to their brethren in Judea - Ac 11:29
      4. They send it by the hands of Barnabas and Paul - Ac 11:30

      [This benevolent mission of Paul added a new dimension to his work, one that would accompany him later on his missionary journeys. It must have also been a time of anticipation for Paul, for after six years this was now his...]

  5. SECOND VISIT TO JERUSALEM (45 A.D.)
    1. DELIVERY OF RELIEF...
      1. For the brethren of Judea - Ac 11:29
      2. To the elders by Barnabas and Paul - Ac 11:30
    2. RETURN WITH JOHN MARK...
      1. Having fulfilled their ministry of benevolence - Ac 12:25
      2. Joined now by John Mark - Ac 12:25
        1. Son of Mary, in whose home many had prayed for Peter - Ac 12:12
        2. Cousin (nephew?) of Barnabas - Col 4:10
        3. Traveling companion on Paul's first missionary journey - Ac 13:5
        4. His earlier departure on that journey would become a sore point between Paul and Barnabas - Ac 13:13; 15:37-39
        5. He later became useful to Paul - 2Ti 4:11; Phm 24
        6. He was later with Peter (1Pe 5:13), and authored the gospel of Mark
CONCLUSION
  1. At this point Paul returns to Antioch of Syria...
    1. From which the Spirit will send him on his first missionary journey - Ac 13:1-4
    2. From which Paul will begin all three of his journeys
  2. In "Paul's Early Years Of Service" (36-45 A.D.), a pattern is established...
    1. Preaching the gospel, followed by persecution
    2. Establishing churches, followed by edification
    3. All the while, concerned about needy Christians in other places

The value of these early years of Paul's service is seen in how they prepared him for the work the Holy Spirit later had in mind for him.

In our zeal to be of great service to the Lord, don't discount the need for time spent in preparation and preliminary acts of service. How we serve in small things will determine our usefulness in greater things:

He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. - Lk 16:10

In our next study, we will survey Paul's first missionary journey...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022
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  "A HARMONY OF THE LIFE OF PAUL" First Missionary Journey, And Residence In Antioch (45-49 A.D.) by Mark Copeland  










https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/harmony-life-of-paul/paul_04.html

"A HARMONY OF THE LIFE OF PAUL"

First Missionary Journey, And Residence In Antioch (45-49 A.D.)

INTRODUCTION
  1. Up to this point, much of Paul's life might be considered preparatory in nature...
    1. Even before his conversion, his heritage, education, and progress in the Jewish faith
    2. After his conversion, his relative obscurity and work in Damascus, Arabia, and Tarsus
    -- All of which would serve useful in the tasks the Lord had in mind for him
  2. At this point in his life, Paul begins a series of missionary journeys...
    1. That would take the gospel to regions where it had not been heard - cf. Ro 15:20-21
    2. That would leave his mark on many regions in the Mediterranean world

[In this study we shall survey Paul's first missionary journey, that began and ended with a two year residence in...]

  1. THE CITY OF ANTIOCH IN SYRIA (45 A.D.)
    1. THE CHURCH IN ANTIOCH...
      1. Started by men from Cyprus and Cyrene, by way of Jerusalem - Ac 11:19-21
      2. Strengthened by Barnabas, then later together with Paul - Ac 11:22-26
      3. A benevolent congregation, concerned with Christians elsewhere - Ac 11:27-30
      4. Blessed with a number of prophets and teachers - Ac 13:1
    2. THE CALL OF BARNABAS AND PAUL...
      1. While ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Spirit told the prophets and teachers to separate Barnabas and Paul for the work He had for them - Ac 13:2
      2. With fasting, prayer, and the laying on of hands, they sent Barnabas and Paul on their way - Ac 13:3

      [Thus sent out by the Holy Spirit (Ac 13:4), these two men begin their journey by going to the coastal town of Seleucia, and sailing to...]

  2. THE ISLAND OF CYPRUS (45 A.D.)
    1. CYPRUS WAS NOT UNFAMILIAR TERRITORY...
      1. The gospel had previously been preached in Cyprus - Ac 11:19
      2. The church in Antioch of Syria had been started by men from Cyprus - Ac 11:20
      3. Barnabas himself was from Cyprus - Ac 4:36
      -- It is interesting that the Spirit would have Barnabas and Paul start here; perhaps a principle to be learned regarding missionary efforts?
    2. IN THE SYNAGOGUES AT SALAMIS...
      1. Barnabas and Paul preached the word of God - Ac 13:5
      2. They also had John Mark to assist them - Ac 13:5
      -- It would become Paul's custom to first go to the synagogues of the Jews whenever he entered a new city - Ac 17:1-3
    3. AT PAPHOS...
      1. They encounter a false prophet - Ac 13:6-11
        1. A Jew whose surname was Bar-Jesus
          1. Who was also called Elymas the sorcerer
          2. Who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus
          3. Who sought to prevent Sergius Paulus from hearing the gospel
        2. Whom Paul miraculously blinded
          1. Being filled with the Holy Spirit
          2. Having seen Elymas for what he was: full of deceit and fraud, a son of the devil and enemy of righteousness, seeking to pervert the ways of the Lord
          3. Blinding him by a mist and a darkness
      2. They convert Sergius Paulus - Ac 13:12
        1. Who saw what was done to Elymas
        2. Who was astonished at the teaching of the Lord
      3. The name of Paul is now used instead of Saul
        1. Up to this point, he was called by his Hebrew name, Saul
        2. From this point, he will be called by his Roman name, Paul
      4. Paul begins to have precedence over Barnabas
        1. Up to this point, the two men were called Barnabas and Saul
        2. From this point, the two men will be called Paul and Barnabas

        [The precedence of Paul is seen as Luke describes their departure from Paphos ("when Paul and his party"). Leaving the island of Cyprus, they sail on to...]

  3. THE REGIONS OF PAMPHYLIA, PISIDIA, AND LYCAONIA (46-47 A.D.)
    1. AT PERGA...
      1. Paul and his company arrive at Perga, a city of Pamphylia - Ac 13:13
      2. At this point, John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem - Ac 13:13
        1. This later became a sore point with Barnabas and Paul - Ac 15:36-40
        2. Paul felt this departure rendered John Mark unsuitable for the next journey
    2. AT ANTIOCH OF PISIDIA...
      1. Paul's sermon in the synagogue - Ac 13:14-41
        1. Following his custom to visit the local synagogues (Ac 17:1-3), Paul accepts an invitation to speak - Ac 13:14-16
        2. His sermon can be divided into the following points:
          1. A review of God's dealings with Israel - Ac 13:17-22
          2. A proclamation that Jesus is the promised Savior - Ac 13:23-26
          3. A review of Jesus' death and evidence for His resurrection - Ac 13:27-37
          4. A proclamation that salvation is now offered through Jesus - Ac 13:38-39
          5. A warning not to fulfill prophecy by rejecting God's work in Christ - Ac 13:40-41
      2. Rejection by the Jews and reception by the Gentiles - Ac 13:42-49
        1. The Gentiles beg for more, even many of the Jews continue to listen to Paul - Ac 13:42-43
        2. But the next Sabbath, some of the Jews are envious of the large crowds and begin resisting Paul - Ac 13:44-45
        3. Paul directs his attention to the Gentiles, who are more receptive - Ac 13:46-49
      3. Expulsion by the Jews - Ac 13:50-52
        1. Persecution is brought against Paul and Barnabas - Ac 13:50
        2. Forcing them to leave and go to Iconium - Ac 13:51
        3. Yet the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit - Ac 13:52
    3. AT ICONIUM...
      1. Again the procedure was to start with the local synagogue - Ac 14:1
      2. Unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles against the brethren - Ac 14:2
      3. Paul and his companions stayed "a long time", speaking boldly in the Lord with signs and wonders - Ac 14:3
      4. It may have been during this time to which Paul had reference when he later wrote to the Galatians of their reception of him - Ga 4:13-15
      5. The city eventually became divided between the Jews and the apostles, and an attempt to stone them forced Paul and his companions to flee to Lystra and Derbe - Ac 14:4-7
    4. AT LYSTRA AND DERBE...
      1. While at Lystra...
        1. Paul heals a lame man - Ac 14:8-18
        2. Jews from Antioch and Iconium persuade the multitude to stone Paul - Ac 14:19-20; 2Co 11:25
      2. While at Derbe...
        1. They preached the gospel - Ac 14:21a
        2. They made many disciples - Ac 14:21a
    5. RETRACING THEIR STEPS...
      1. From Derbe they return to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch - Ac 14:21b-23
        1. Strengthening the souls of the disciples
        2. Exhorting to the continue in the faith despite tribulations
        3. Appointing elders in every church with prayer and fasting
        4. Commending them to the Lord in whom they had believed
      2. Passing through Pisidia, they come to Pamphylia - Ac 14:24-26
        1. Preaching the word in Perga
        2. Sailing from Attalia to Antioch from where they started

        [Upon arriving in Antioch, Paul's first missionary journey was completed. It had taken approximately two years (45-47 A.D.). For about the next two years, we find Paul...]

  4. RESIDING IN ANTIOCH OF SYRIA (48-49 A.D.)
    1. REPORTING TO THE CHURCH...
      1. All that God had done with them on their journey - Ac 14:27a
      2. How God had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles - Ac 14:27b
      -- Paul would later provide a similar report at the conference in Jerusalem - Ac 15:12
    2. STAYING "A LONG TIME"...
      1. How long we don't know, but estimate it was about two years
      2. This is based upon dating the Jerusalem conference in Acts 15 to be about 50 A.D.
CONCLUSION
  1. The pattern established in his early years of service is certainly seen in this first missionary journey of Paul...
    1. Preaching the gospel, followed by persecution
    2. Establishing churches, followed by edification
  2. On this first journey, another pattern becomes evident...
    1. Preaching the gospel to the Jews first, by going to their synagogues
    2. Preaching the gospel to the Gentiles also, especially after rejection by the Jews
    -- Of this pattern Paul would write later to the brethren in Rome - Ro 1:16

The Lord had certainly opened a door of faith to the Gentiles (Ac 14:27) through the work of the apostle Paul. As we shall see in our next lesson, there were some who wished to close that door with whom Paul would have to contend.

But what about us? Has the Lord opened a door of faith for us today? Are we making use of that open door...?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022
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