Paul's 0th Missionary Journey (12 marzo 33 anni – 11 gen 46 anni)

Descrizione:

Acts 9:8-30; Galatians 1:15-24

After Paul's conversion experience, he travels with the help of his servants to the city of Damascus.

While in Damascus, he visits a Christian convert called Judas, staying at his place for three days, fasting, praying, and not consulting with anybody. After three days, Ananias - a Christian disciple - visits him to bless him and appoint him to the ministry. He then likely spent a few more days learning from the other disciples before beginning his ministry in the synagogues. Paul's ministry is limited to just the Jews at this point, proving to them that Jesus is 1) the Son of God, and 2) the promised Messiah. So effective is his ministry that he developed a following of disciples. Eventually, a plot to have Paul killed is revealed, and Paul is helped to escape through a window in the city wall., after which he flees to Arabia.

What exactly Paul did in Arabia is uncertain, though it is likely that he developed his theology more fully, learning that the gospel included the Gentiles as well. After three years in Arabia, Paul briefly returns to Damascus before heading to Jerusalem.

In Jerusalem, Paul hopes to get acquainted with the apostles, particularly Peter. Peter was afraid of Paul, however, but Barnabas (aka. Joseph – see Acts 4:36) brings Paul in to Peter and shows him to be a believer in Christ. Paul stays with Peter for 15 days before meeting James, the brother of Jesus, and likely John as well. In addition to the apostles, Paul visits his Jewish friends to present them with the gospel, but they turn and plot to kill him. Paul receives a vision from Jesus (see Acts 22:17-18), instructing Paul to leave Jerusalem because 1) his ministry will not be accepted, and 2) the Jews had plotted to kill him. The disciples grab Paul and flee to Syria.

As they travel through Syria, Paul preaches wherever he can, to both Jews and Gentiles alike. Eventually they land in Caesarea, hoping to find passage to Tarsus, Paul's hometown.

While in Caesarea, Paul establishes a church (see Acts 15:41). He also receives a grand vision from God and is “caught up to the third heaven” where he “heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter” (see 2 Cor. 12:2-4). It is around this time that Paul receives his “thorn in the flesh” (see 2 Cor. 12:7), which is meant to keep him from being puffed up. Eventually, Paul is able to take a ship to the city of Tarsus.

While in Tarsus, Paul likely earns a living as a tent-maker (see Acts 18:3). He also likely travels throughout Cilicia, continuing his work in the synagogues and even establishing a church there (see Acts 15:41). After nearly ten years, Paul is sought out by Barnabas to help him out in the growing church in Syrian Antioch.

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