Topical Bible: Protection: Paul

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The Apostle Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, is a prominent figure in the New Testament whose life and ministry were marked by divine protection amidst numerous adversities. His experiences serve as a testament to God's providential care over His servants, illustrating the theme of protection throughout his missionary journeys and epistles.

Divine Intervention and Protection

Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus is a pivotal moment that underscores divine intervention. As he journeyed to persecute Christians, a light from heaven suddenly surrounded him, and he heard the voice of Jesus (Acts 9:3-6). This encounter not only transformed Paul but also set the stage for God's protective hand over his life.

Throughout his ministry, Paul faced numerous threats and dangers. In 2 Corinthians 11:24-27 , he recounts the hardships he endured: "Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, in my frequent journeys, I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles, in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea, and in danger from false brothers." Despite these perils, Paul experienced God's protection, enabling him to continue his mission.

Protection from Plots and Persecution

Paul's life was frequently threatened by plots against him. In Acts 23:12-22, a group of more than forty Jews conspired to kill him. However, Paul's nephew learned of the plot and informed the Roman commander, who then arranged for Paul to be escorted safely to Governor Felix in Caesarea. This incident highlights God's providential care in safeguarding Paul from imminent danger.

In another instance, during his time in Corinth, the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision, saying, "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city" (Acts 18:9-10). This assurance of divine presence and protection emboldened Paul to continue his ministry in Corinth for a year and a half.

Protection in Imprisonment and Trials

Paul's imprisonment in Philippi provides another example of divine protection. After being beaten and jailed, an earthquake shook the prison, opening the doors and loosening the chains of all the prisoners (Acts 16:25-26). This miraculous event not only led to the conversion of the jailer and his household but also demonstrated God's power to protect and deliver His servants.

During his trial before King Agrippa, Paul boldly testified of his faith, trusting in God's protection despite the potential for severe consequences (Acts 26:1-32). His unwavering confidence in God's sovereignty is evident in his declaration, "But God has helped me to this day, and I stand here to testify to small and great alike" (Acts 26:22).

Protection in Shipwreck

One of the most dramatic accounts of divine protection in Paul's life is the shipwreck on the way to Rome. Despite a violent storm that threatened to destroy the ship, Paul received assurance from an angel of God, who told him, "Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you the lives of all who sail with you" (Acts 27:24). True to this promise, all aboard were brought safely to land, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving Paul and those with him.

Conclusion

Paul's life and ministry are replete with instances of divine protection, underscoring the biblical theme of God's providential care for His people. Through visions, interventions, and miraculous deliverances, Paul's experiences affirm the assurance of God's presence and protection for those who faithfully serve Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 18:10
For I am with you, and no man shall set on you to hurt you: for I have much people in this city.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 26:17
Delivering you from the people, and from the Gentiles, to whom now I send you,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Paul Appeals to Caesar
... And so, "willing to do the Jews a pleasure," Festus turned to Paul, and asked if
he was willing to go to Jerusalem under his protection, to be tried by the ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 40 paul appeals to.htm

Paul in Corinth.
... Encouraged by this promise not only of protection but of success, Paul, "continued
in Corinth a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them." The ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxi paul in corinth.htm

Rome Protects Paul
... seeks to repair his error and changes his tactics, retaining Paul for safety ... To point
out that early protection and benevolent sufferance is one purpose of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/rome protects paul.htm

The Apostle Paul.
... protection to the Roman emperor. He was then put on board a ship as a prisoner to
be taken to Rome. While they were at sea a violent storm came up, and Paul ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/wee ones bible stories/the apostle paul.htm

From St. Paul's Analogy of the Seed we Learn that the Body which ...
... Paul's Analogy of the Seed We Learn that the Body Which Died Will Rise Again ... a husk
to cover it, without a spike even in germ, without the protection of a ...
/.../on the resurrection of the flesh/chapter lii from st pauls analogy.htm

The Character of the Commonitory which the Legates Received ...
... the madness of these people it is not unusual nor contrary to the holy Scriptures
to ask for secular [theias in the Greek] protection, since Paul the Apostle ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xciii greek xcvi the.htm

He Produces Testimonies to the Same Doctrine from the Apostle Paul ...
... are without stint, it is time for us to consult the Apostle Paul, the stoutest ... unless
he fortified the holy preaching of the faith with a protection of extreme ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter iv he produces testimonies.htm

Paul in Malta and Rome.
... Paul was not a murderer; but he was still less a God ... Jesus Christ, who had destined
him to important services, and honoured him with his particular protection. ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxix paul in malta.htm

Paul and his Requests for Prayer
... Prayer is a defense and protection against the malignity and machinations of evil
men. It can affect men because God can affect them. Paul had not only ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/xv paul and his requests.htm

Divine Support and Protection
... Divine Support and Protection ... We may often observe the Apostle Paul under this
difficulty, when attempting to excite in others such sensations as filled his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xlv divine support and.htm