Topical Bible: Missionary Work by Ministers: Paul

Bible > Topical > Missionary Work by Ministers

◄ Missionary Work by Ministers: Paul ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Apostle Paul stands as one of the most influential figures in the early Christian church, particularly noted for his extensive missionary work. His efforts were pivotal in spreading the Gospel beyond Jewish communities and into the Gentile world, laying the foundation for Christianity as a global faith.

Background and Conversion

Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was a Pharisee and a zealous persecutor of Christians. His dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, as recounted in Acts 9, marked the beginning of his transformation into a devoted follower of Christ. The Lord spoke to him, saying, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?" (Acts 9:4). This encounter led to his baptism and subsequent commissioning as an apostle to the Gentiles.

Missionary Journeys

Paul's missionary work is primarily documented in the Book of Acts and his epistles. He embarked on three major missionary journeys, each marked by strategic planning, perseverance, and divine guidance.

1. First Missionary Journey (Acts 13-14): Paul, along with Barnabas, was set apart by the Holy Spirit for the work to which they were called (Acts 13:2). They traveled to Cyprus and Asia Minor, preaching in synagogues and establishing churches. Despite facing opposition and persecution, they successfully spread the Gospel, with many Gentiles coming to faith.

2. Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:36-18:22): Paul, accompanied by Silas, revisited the churches established during the first journey and expanded his mission into Europe. In Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth, Paul preached boldly, often facing hostility. In Athens, he delivered his famous sermon at the Areopagus, engaging with Greek philosophers and proclaiming the "unknown God" (Acts 17:23).

3. Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:23-21:17): Paul focused on strengthening the churches and spent significant time in Ephesus. His teaching led to a significant number of conversions and the spread of the Gospel throughout Asia Minor. Despite the challenges, including a riot in Ephesus, Paul remained steadfast in his mission.

Theological Contributions

Paul's epistles, written during his missionary journeys, form a substantial portion of the New Testament. They address theological issues, provide pastoral guidance, and articulate the core tenets of Christian faith. His letters to the Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, and others emphasize salvation by grace through faith, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the unity of believers in Christ.

Challenges and Perseverance

Paul's missionary work was fraught with challenges, including imprisonment, beatings, and shipwrecks. Yet, he remained undeterred, driven by his calling to preach the Gospel. In 2 Corinthians 11:24-27, he recounts his sufferings for the sake of Christ, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his mission.

Legacy

Paul's missionary work significantly contributed to the spread of Christianity and the establishment of the early church. His life and teachings continue to inspire ministers and missionaries today, serving as a model of dedication, resilience, and faithfulness to the Great Commission. His declaration in Romans 1:16, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes," encapsulates his enduring legacy as a missionary and apostle.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 13:2-4
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Missionary in India.
... in my reminiscences to give such a representation of a missionary's position
and work in Northern India, that home ministers who may read my ...
/.../chapter xxiv the missionary in.htm

Claim of Missions on Ministers of Influence.
... Had not Paul and Barnabas great influence in ... an advantage and qualification for the
missionary work, which very ... grade and condition among ministers, as regards ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter vi claim of missions.htm

The Ordination of Paul and Barnabas; their Missionary Tour in Asia ...
... at liberty to prosecute their missionary operations in ... Barnabas and Saul for the
work whereunto I ... Christian congregations, and to ordain Christian ministers. ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter v the ordination of.htm

Import of the Great Commission.
... consecrate their children to the missionary work in their ... heathen is the most glorious
work on earth. ... schools impart such instructions, and ministers in their ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter vii import of the.htm

A Consecrated Ministry
... Paul's work contains an important lesson for ministers today ... apostle made it a part
of his work to educate ... He took them with him on his missionary journeys, and ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 34 a consecrated ministry.htm

Missionary Programs and Rural Community Service
... ministers should be assigned to such points. They should be supported according
to their needs through missionary aid, and their acceptance of difficult work ...
/.../vogt/church cooperation in community life/chapter x missionary programs and.htm

The Spread of the Gospel.
... absolute schismatics, with meeting-houses and ministers of their ... only the race
could there do the work. ... And from them a Missionary Bishop has been sent ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xxxiv the spread of.htm

Paul a Pattern of Prayer
... boldness of his faith; in his missionary enthusiasm and ... unworldliness of the powers
that work for salvation ... 4, 6: "Approving ourselves as the ministers of Christ ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter xiii paul a pattern.htm

Prayer and Missions
... for securing workers in the foreign missionary field is ... God-called, divinely moved
to this great work. ... Missionaries, like ministers, are born of praying people ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/xiii prayer and missions.htm

Caring for My Aged Mother
... called in some more of God's ministers and again ... a dollar a month for foreign missionary
work, and early ... prayed earnestly that God's Spirit would work with him ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xxii caring for my.htm