Paul's Life

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The Spirit of God introduces Saul (Paul) to us as a Hebrew of the Hebrews. He had all the credentials necessary to be a leader of God's earthly people, the Jews. He was "circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin... as touching the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless." Phil. 3:5-75Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. (Philippians 3:5‑7).
Saul first comes to our notice at the slaying of Stephen. As a young man he watched, and the clothes of the witnesses were laid at his feet (Acts 7:5858And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. (Acts 7:58)). Before Stephen was stoned, he declared to all that he saw Jesus at the right hand of God. Little did Saul, his enemy, know that he, too, would have this experience (Acts 9:55And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. (Acts 9:5)).
After the death of Stephen, Saul pursued his relentless course of making havoc of the Church, entering into houses and imprisoning many believers (Acts 8:33As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. (Acts 8:3)). He obtained permission from the high priest (by letters to Damascus) that in case he should find any believers, he would bring them bound to Jerusalem (Acts 9:1,21And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. (Acts 9:1‑2)).
Conversion As He Journeyed to Damascus, Suddenly a Light From Heaven Shone About Him (Acts 9:33And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: (Acts 9:3)), and As He Fell Upon the Earth He "Heard a Voice Saying Unto Him, Saul, Saul, Why Persecutest Thou Me?" Acts 9:44And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? (Acts 9:4). He Answered, "Who Art Thou, Lord? and the Lord Said, I Am Jesus Whom Thou Persecutest: It Is Hard for Thee to Kick Against the Pricks." Acts 9:55And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. (Acts 9:5). These Pricks of Conscience May Be the Impression Left Upon Him at the Stoning of Stephen.
Astonished, he said, "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" He was told to arise, and go into the city, then he would be told what to do. Saul arose, but he had become blind and had to be led by the hand into the city of Damascus to the house of Judas.
Overcome by this tremendous revolution in his life, he neither ate nor drank for three days. The Lord spoke to a believer, Ananias, telling him to "go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul... he prayeth, and hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias... putting his hand on him," therewith receiving his sight. Acts 9:11,1211And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. (Acts 9:11‑12).
Ananias hesitated to do this, recalling Saul's history of persecuting the Christians, but the Lord assured him, "Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: for I will show him how great things he must suffer for My name's sake." Acts 9:1616For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. (Acts 9:16).
Saul remained certain days with believers who were at Damascus, preaching Christ in the synagogues that He is the Son of God (Acts 9:2020And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. (Acts 9:20)). Then Saul went from Damascus into Arabia and back to Damascus.
"Saul increased the more in strength," proving that Jesus was the very Christ. This called forth the enmity of the Jews who took counsel to kill him (Acts 9:23,2423And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: 24But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. (Acts 9:23‑24)).
The disciples, knowing this, let Saul down by the wall in a basket. He went from there to Jerusalem three years after his conversion where he was as yet not received (Acts 9:2626And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. (Acts 9:26)) and saw Peter.
Barnabas took Saul and brought him to the apostles, explaining what had happened to him on his way to Damascus and how he had seen the Lord. Saul continued with them in Jerusalem.
When he testified also to the Grecians, they went about to slay him, so that the brethren sent him to Tarsus by way of Caesarea.
After Barnabas had preached, he went to Tarsus seeking Saul and took him to Antioch where they assembled with the Church and much people for a whole year. It was there in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians (Acts 11:2626And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. (Acts 11:26)).
Because of a dearth, the saints at Antioch sent relief to those in Jerusalem by the hands of Saul and Barnabas (Acts 11:3030Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. (Acts 11:30)). Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem taking with them John Mark the nephew of Barnabas.
First Journey There Were Gathered at Antioch Prophets and Teachers Who Ministered to the Lord and Fasted. the Holy Ghost Said, "Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the Work Whereunto I Have Called Them," so They Were Sent Away and Embarked on Their First Journey to Cyprus and Asia Minor (Acts 13:1,21Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. (Acts 13:1‑2)).
Saul and those with him went from Paphos (on the island of Cyprus) to Perga in Pamphylia, where John Mark departed, returning home to Jerusalem. Leaving Perga they went to Antioch in Pisidia where Paul gave a discourse on Israel's history, leading up to Jesus and the resurrection. He gave a warning to the Jews among them who would despise and perish. (Antioch in Pisidia is a different Antioch.)
The following Sabbath almost the entire city turned out to hear Paul and Barnabas. Some blaspheming Jews caused Paul to say, "[Ye] judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles." Acts 13:1-461Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. 4So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. 5And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister. 6And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus: 7Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. 8But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. 9Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, 10And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? 11And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. 12Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. 13Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem. 14But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down. 15And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. 16Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience. 17The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it. 18And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness. 19And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot. 20And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. 21And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years. 22And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. 23Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus: 24When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose. 26Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. 27For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him. 28And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain. 29And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre. 30But God raised him from the dead: 31And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people. 32And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, 33God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. 34And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. 35Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 36For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: 37But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption. 38Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: 39And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. 40Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets; 41Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you. 42And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. 43Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. 44And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. 45But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. 46Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. (Acts 13:1‑46). The Gentiles hearing this were glad and "as many as were ordained to eternal life believed." Thus the Word of the Lord was spread abroad.
Under persecution they fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, preaching the gospel. Paul healed a lame man, causing him to rise to his feet. The city was moved, believing that their gods had come down to heal, and they tried to worship Paul and Barnabas, but Paul told them that they were mere men. The Jews stirred up persecution and stoned Paul, leaving him as dead. (It could have been at this time that Paul had his experience of entering the third heaven. 2 Cor. 12:1-41It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 3And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. (2 Corinthians 12:1‑4).)
But he revived and the next day departed to Derbe with Barnabas, then returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch. (This was a different Antioch from the one where they were commended to the Lord's work.)
They ordained them elders in every church, commended the believers to the Lord, and returned by way of Perga to Antioch where they first were commended to the grace of God. They gathered the church together and rehearsed their experiences, remaining there a long time (Acts 14:1-281And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. 2But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. 3Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 4But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 5And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them, 6They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: 7And there they preached the gospel. 8And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked: 9The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, 10Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. 11And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. 12And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. 13Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. 14Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, 15And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: 16Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. 17Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. 18And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them. 19And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. 20Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. 21And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, 22Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 23And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. 24And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: 26And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. 27And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. 28And there they abode long time with the disciples. (Acts 14:1‑28)).
Paul and Barnabas went up to Jerusalem in connection with a dispute as to circumcision. The Lord used Peter and James to settle the matter which was a most vital thing for all time. If this had not been settled, Christianity would have been divided into two camps.
Paul and Barnabas, with Judas and Silas, chief men among the brethren, journeyed to Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia.
Second Journey Paul and Barnabas Continued in Antioch, Then They Decided to Visit the Brethren in Asia Minor Where They Had Preached the Word of God. Barnabas Wanted to Take John Mark With Them, but Paul Refused, Because John Mark Had Left Them Previously. so Barnabas and John Departed to Cyprus (Acts 15) While Paul Took Silas With Him to Derbe and Lystra. Paul Found There a Disciple Named Timotheus, Whom He Baptized and Took Him With Him in the Work.
Paul took a second journey with Silas and Timothy through Asia Minor, Macedonia, and Greece.
It was on this trip that the Spirit of God revealed certain ones at Philippi, such as the women who gathered at the riverside to pray, who later formed the assembly.
Having been cast into prison for preaching the gospel, Paul and Silas sang praises to the Lord. Suddenly an earthquake shook everything and the prisoners' bands were loosed. "The keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled." Paul called to him, and he called for a light and was converted in the prison by that well-known scripture, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Acts 16:3131And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31). This was the beginning of the assembly at Philippi.
In Thessalonica Paul reasoned with those in the synagogue out of the Scriptures. Some believed, but others set the city in an uproar and Jason was taken prisoner.
Paul and Silas departed by night to Berea where they found the people to be more noble than those in Thessalonica in that they received the Word readily.
The Jews stirred up the people, and Paul returned to the sea. He was taken to Athens by disciples, and while waiting for Silas and Timothy, he preached in Mars' Hill (Acts 17:2222Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. (Acts 17:22)). A few believed, but the leaders rejected him.
Paul left Athens and went to Corinth, where he met Aquila and Priscilla who also were tent makers. There he abode.
The Lord spoke to Paul saying, "I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the Word of God among them." Acts 18:10,1110For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. 11And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. (Acts 18:10‑11).
The first and second letters to the Thessalonians were written while Paul dwelt at Corinth for one year and six months.
The Jews made insurrection against Paul, but he still remained in Corinth for a while, then sailed into Syria. Paul had cut off his hair in Cenchrea, for he had made a vow.
He left Aquila and Priscilla at Ephesus, then sailed to Caesarea, saluted the church, and went on to Antioch.
Third Journey After Some Time He Went to Galatia and Phrygia, Encouraging the Disciples (Acts 18:11-2311And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. 12And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat, 13Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law. 14And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you: 15But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters. 16And he drave them from the judgment seat. 17Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things. 18And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow. 19And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. 20When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not; 21But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus. 22And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch. 23And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples. (Acts 18:11‑23)). Paul Baptized Certain Jews Who Had Not Heard That the Holy Spirit Had Come (Acts 19:1-41And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 4Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. (Acts 19:1‑4)).
Paul returned to Ephesus and continued there two years and three months. Although he purposed to see Rome, his purpose was not granted at that time (Acts 19:2121After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome. (Acts 19:21)). He later went to Rome in chains. (Galatians and First Corinthians were written at this time.) Paul was persecuted at Ephesus, and the city went into an uproar but was quieted by the town clerk (Acts 19:24-4124For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; 25Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. 26Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: 27So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. 28And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. 29And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre. 30And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. 31And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre. 32Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together. 33And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people. 34But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. 35And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? 36Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. 37For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess. 38Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another. 39But if ye inquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. 40For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse. 41And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly. (Acts 19:24‑41)).
After visiting Macedonia and Greece, where he abode three months, he continued on to Troas where he met many disciples who had waited for him. He abode several days at Troas where the disciples gathered for the breaking of bread on the first day of the week. Paul preached there until midnight. He walked from Troas to Assos and went on to Mitylene and Miletus by boat.
Paul sailed by Ephesus, not stopping there, intending to be at Jerusalem for the Passover (Acts 20:1-161And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. 2And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece, 3And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia. 4And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. 5These going before tarried for us at Troas. 6And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days. 7And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. 8And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. 9And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. 10And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. 11When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. 12And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted. 13And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot. 14And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene. 15And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus. 16For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost. (Acts 20:1‑16)), but later he sent (Second Corinthians and Romans were written at this time.) for the elders from Ephesus and met them on the shore. He told them what would follow after his decease, and they sorrowed because they would see his face no more, then "accompanied him to the ship." Acts 20:17-3817And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. 18And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, 19Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: 20And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, 21Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 22And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. 24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. 25And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. 26Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. 27For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. 32And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. 33I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. 34Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. 35I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. 36And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. 37And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, 38Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship. (Acts 20:17‑38).
Paul sailed into Syria to Tire, tarrying seven days. He was warned not to go to Jerusalem and he sailed to Caesarea where he stayed many days.
A prophet named Agabus prophesied of Paul's captivity at Jerusalem (Acts 21:1414And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done. (Acts 21:14)). This occurred in the house of Philip the evangelist.
Nevertheless Paul arrived at Jerusalem and made a vow seven days at the temple. When the people were stirred up and went about to kill Paul, the chief captains of the Roman army delivered him but kept him confined.
In Bonds Before the Multitude Paul Rehearsed His Conversion, but This Resulted in a Tumult, and Paul Was Taken Into the Castle (Acts 21:15;22:3015And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem. (Acts 21:15)
30On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them. (Acts 22:30)). Being Put Before the Counsel of the Jews, He Divided the Pharisees and the Sadducees Because He Spoke of Resurrection. the Lord Stood by Paul That Night Saying, "Be of Good Cheer, Paul: for As Thou Hast Testified of Me in Jerusalem, so Must Thou Bear Witness Also at Rome." Acts 23:1111And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome. (Acts 23:11).
The Jews then banded together to kill Paul, but his sister's son heard of this and entering the castle told him. Paul's nephew was brought before Claudius Lysias, the chief captain, who ordered a small army to take Paul to Caesarea that night. He was then placed in the custody of Felix the governor (Acts 23:3535I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall. (Acts 23:35)).
After five days Ananias the high priest came down with an orator to seek to take Paul to Jerusalem captive, but instead he was kept bound for two years, then heard by Festus. Rather than going to Jerusalem to be judged, Paul appealed unto Caesar.
He was heard by King Agrippa. As was said at his conversion, he must witness before kings. Paul recounted his life and conversion to Agrippa and Festus (Acts 26:3232Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar. (Acts 26:32)). As Paul sailed for Rome, he experienced a shipwreck, but the Lord spoke to Paul while on the ship and told him that all persons on the wrecked ship would be spared (Acts 27).
They were cast upon land at Malta. Paul healed the father of Publius, chief man of the island, also others. There he abode three months before sailing to Rome where the brethren met him at Appii Forum.
At Rome Paul was allowed to dwell in his own hired house, chained to a soldier who kept him (Acts 28:1616And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him. (Acts 28:16)). He called the chief of the Jews together to inquire if they had heard of his imprisonment and why. They asked to hear his testimony. Receiving no response, Paul spoke one word, "Well spoke the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand.... Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it."
There, in his own hired house, he wrote the letters to the Ephesians, Philemon, the Colossians, and the Philippians.
Hebrews, the first letter to Timothy, and a letter to Titus were written at this time.
Paul wintered at Nicopolis, then visited Miletum, leaving Trophimus there sick (2 Tim. 4:2020Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. (2 Timothy 4:20)).
Paul was then arrested and sent to Rome.
The second letter to Timothy was written at this time.
Paul's ministry covers approximately 30 years. He was about fifty years old when put to death by Nero.
So ends a life of purpose, selflessness, moral power, endurance, hope and love. Soon, by grace, we shall meet this mighty servant of God.