Paul the Apostle's Life and Mission

Paul the Apostle

• Formerly known as Saul, a significant leader in early Christianity.
• Instrumental in spreading the gospel to Gentiles during the first century.
• Undertook several missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire.

Saul's Transformation

• Initially persecuted Christians, imprisoning them for their faith.
• Had a miraculous conversion involving a vision of Christ on the road to Damascus.
• Experienced a dramatic encounter where a voice identified as Jesus questioned Saul's actions, leading to his conversion.

Conversion Experience

• Fell to the ground after being enveloped in a bright light, leaving him blind for three days.
• Fasted during blindness, signifying a period of reflection and transformation.
• God sent disciple Ananias to restore Saul's sight, marking the beginning of his new mission.

New Mission

• After regaining sight, Saul (now Paul) shifted from persecution to preaching the gospel.
• Established over a dozen churches and authored 13 books of the Bible, more than any other biblical writer.
• Regarded as one of the most influential figures in Christianity and history.

Missionary Journeys

• Paul traveled with Barnabas to spread God’s word.
• Encountered Bar-Jesus, a false prophet, in Paphos; he was blinded by the Holy Spirit for attempting to obstruct their mission.
• Continued to teach and proclaim Jesus' message, solidifying their role in early Christianity.