Topical Encyclopedia The Apostle Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, is a central figure in the New Testament, renowned for his missionary journeys and theological contributions to early Christianity. His experiences with visions are pivotal in understanding his ministry and the divine guidance he received.Conversion on the Road to Damascus Paul's first and most transformative vision occurred on the road to Damascus, as recorded in Acts 9:3-6. While traveling to persecute Christians, Paul encountered a blinding light from heaven and heard the voice of Jesus Christ. The Lord said, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?" (Acts 9:4). This vision marked Paul's conversion, leading him to become a fervent apostle of Christ. The experience was so profound that it left him temporarily blind, and he was led by the hand into Damascus, where Ananias, a disciple, restored his sight and baptized him. Vision of the Macedonian Call Another significant vision occurred during Paul's second missionary journey. In Acts 16:9-10, Paul received a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading, "Come over to Macedonia and help us" (Acts 16:9). This vision was instrumental in directing Paul and his companions to bring the Gospel to Europe, marking a pivotal expansion of the early Church. Vision in Corinth While in Corinth, Paul experienced a reassuring vision from the Lord. Acts 18:9-10 records the Lord speaking to Paul in a night 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 to harm you, because I have many people in this city" (Acts 18:9-10). This vision encouraged Paul to continue his ministry in Corinth despite opposition, resulting in a fruitful period of teaching and church planting. Vision of the Third Heaven In 2 Corinthians 12:1-4, Paul describes an extraordinary vision where he was "caught up to the third heaven." Although he speaks in the third person, it is widely understood that Paul is referring to himself. He recounts being taken to paradise and hearing "inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell" (2 Corinthians 12:4). This vision underscores the profound spiritual experiences Paul had, which reinforced his apostolic authority and deepened his understanding of divine mysteries. Vision in Jerusalem In Acts 22:17-21, Paul recounts a vision he received while praying in the temple in Jerusalem. In this vision, the Lord instructed him to leave Jerusalem quickly because the people would not accept his testimony about Jesus. The Lord said, "Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles" (Acts 22:21). This vision affirmed Paul's mission to the Gentiles, a central aspect of his ministry. Paul's visions were not mere personal experiences but were integral to his apostolic mission, providing direction, encouragement, and revelation. They highlight the divine orchestration in the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of the early Church. Through these visions, Paul received direct communication from the Lord, shaping his ministry and the theological foundation of Christianity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 9:3,6And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 16:9 Acts 18:9 Acts 22:18 Acts 27:23 2 Chronicles 12:1-4 Library The Conversion of Paul. He Produces Testimonies to the Same Doctrine from the Apostle Paul ... Paul and his Praying (Continued) Paul at Corinth The Fraud, Pride, and Tyrannical Kingdom of Antichrist, as ... The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Colossians --The Epistle of ... Hints to Teachers and Questions for Pupils Of visions. The Graces Our Lord Bestowed on the Saint. The Answers ... This ChapterSpeaks of the Manner in which God Communicates with ... Visions of the Sacred Humanity, and of the Glorified Bodies. ... Resources Who was Ellen G. White? | GotQuestions.orgAre books such as 90 Minutes in Heaven, Heaven is for Real, and 23 Minutes in Hell biblically sound? | GotQuestions.org Who was Hildegard of Bingen? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Visions: False Prophets Pretended to Have Seen Visions: Frequently Difficult and Perplexing to Those Who Received Visions: God Especially Made Himself Known to Prophets By Visions: God often Made Known his Will By Visions: Often Accompanied: A Representative of the Divine Person and Glory Visions: Often Accompanied: An Appearance of Angels Visions: Often Accompanied: An Appearance of Human Beings Visions: Often Accompanied: An Audible Voice from Heaven Visions: Often Communicated in a Trance Visions: Often Communicated in the Night Season Visions: Often Multiplied for the Benefit of the People Visions: Often Recorded for the Benefit of the People Visions: Sometimes Withheld for a Long Season Visions: The Prophets of God Skilled in Interpreting Visions: The Withholding of a Great Calamity Visions: To Daniel (See Chapters 7, 8, and 10 of Daniel) Visions: To Ezekiel (See Chapters 10, 40-48 of Ezekiel) Visions: To John (See Also Rev Chapters 4 - 22) Related Terms |
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