Learning from Pauls Journeys - First

The first missionary journey of the Apostle Paul - and what we as 21st century Christians can learn from it.

1. Learning from Paul’s journeys – the first Laindon Bible Study Class, 5 th June 2019

2. Paul's first journey 2 Journey : cAD 47-49; Epistle : to the Galatians cAD 49-50; Distance : c.1,235 miles 04/06/2019 A journey that encompassed key Jewish communities; not necessarily easiest or most direct route The coming in of the Gentiles, one of the biggest ever upheavals in the Jewish world

3. Paul's first journey 3 04/06/2019 Paul’s First Missionary Journey (AD 47-49) - Itinerary City, Region visited Relevant passage Estimated date Antioch, Syria Acts 13 v 1-3 Spring 47 Seleucia, Syria Acts 13 v 4 Spring 47 Salamis, Cyprus Acts 13 v 5 Summer 47 Paphos, Cyprus Acts 13 v 6-12 Summer 47 Perga, Pamphylia Acts 13 v 13 Summer 47 Pisidian Antioch, Galatia Acts 13 v 14-52 Autumn 47 – Winter 48 Iconium, Galatia Acts 14 v 1-7 Until Summer 48 Lystra, Galatia Acts 14 v 8-19 Until Autumn 48 Derbe, Galatia Acts 14 v 20-21 Winter 48-49 Returns to Lystra, Iconium, and Pisidian Antioch, all Galatia Acts 14 v 21-24 February – May 49 Perga, Lycia Acts 14 v 25 June – July 49 Attalia, Lycia Acts 14 v 25 June – July 49 Antioch, Syria Acts 14 v 26-28 August 49

4. (Our purpose) ‘Learning from…’ Paul's first journey 4 2 Corinthians 11 23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. 24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 In journeyings often , in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches . Acts 9 15 But the Lord said unto 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: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake . How was the truth established? What example do the Apostles provide to us? What should a minister of Christ be prepared to do? 1 Thessalonians 1 5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy [Spirit], and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake . 6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction , with joy of the Holy [Spirit]: 7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. 04/06/2019 “Suffer” “Affliction” “Perils” [x8!]

5. Paul's first journey 5 1. Background & commissioning (Acts 13 v 1-3) 04/06/2019 1.

6. The Holy Spirit selects Barnabus & Saul God, not man, is in control & carefully selects His chosen vessels God acts, then man (aligned with His will); an endorsement “Sent them away” = Gk. ‘to free fully’ (i.e. a fresh responsibility) Paul's first journey 6 04/06/2019 Acts 13 1 Now 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 . 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy [Spirit] said , Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them . Acts 13 3 And when they had fasted and prayed , and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

7. Paul's first journey 7 2. Sailing to Cyprus, Salamis & Paphos (Acts 13 v 4-12) 04/06/2019 2. Cyprus = the eastern island of the Mediterranean sea, approx. size 140 miles x 60 miles Cyprus comes from Gk. kypros meaning copper, due to the natural resources present there From BC27, Cyprus was a Senatorial province (answered only to Rome), hence ch. 13 v 7 reference It had a large Jewish community, as indicated by “synagogue s ” in Salamis (see ch. 13 v 5)

8. First stop, the homeland of Barnabus What could have been more natural? (Perhaps he was well-known?) It appears that there was a ready/receptive audience for the truth Phps also some from Peter’s Pentecost preaching, albeit unwritten??? Paul's first journey 8 04/06/2019 Acts 4 36 And Joses , who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus , 37 Having land , sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet. Acts 11 19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice , and Cyprus , and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. 20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus . They also took John Mark, cousin of Barnabus (Colossians 4 v 10, RV)

9. Paphos, official capital/Roman admin. centre The first opposition encountered, a reminder of the primitive pagan and mystical beliefs of the time (which held sway) Elymas full of “mischief” (v. 10) = Gk. ‘easy work’; Apostle, thro’ the Holy Spirit, inflicts blindness [allegory, for “a season” v. 11] ; 04/06/2019 Paul's first journey 9 Acts 13 6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer , a false prophet , a Jew, whose name was Bar- jesus : 7 Which 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. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Acts 13 12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed , being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

10. A significant name change, Saul  Paul Subtly introduced… the first mention of the name Paul … Saul = ‘asked for’; Paul = ‘little’ (i.e. true period of service/ ministry begins; Luke 9 v 48 “least” = Gk. mikros = small, little) What was the name of the Roman “deputy”? Sergius Paulus … the only other NT Paul…! Was Paul’s name also changed to assert his Roman-ness (important for his freedom to travel)? 04/06/2019 Paul's first journey 10 Acts 13 13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: … Acts 13 9 Then Saul , ( who also is called Paul ,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,

11. Paul's first journey 11 3. In Perga, Pamphylia (Acts 13 v 13) 04/06/2019 3. Pamphylia means ‘place of all races’; wide variety of Gentile peoples resident A new sub-continent to preach in, equates to modern-day Turkey Paphos to Perga (capital of Pamphylia) = a sea trip of about 200 miles

12. A seed sown that will lead to sharp words Almost incidental to the narrative, a companion turns back… Paul's first journey 12 04/06/2019 Acts 13 13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem . Acts 15 35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. 36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do . 37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John , whose surname was Mark. 38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work . 39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; 40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches. Paul is mentioned first “the care of all the churches” (2 Cor. 11 v 28) “Contention” = Gk. paroxusmos = incitement positively or negatively (only other use Heb. 10 v 24) Positive outcome! Now two missionary journeys; also Mark ultimately “profitable” (2 Tim. 4 v 11) Diaglott ‘having withdrawn from them’

13. Paul's first journey 13 4. The Galatian ecclesias: Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra & Derbe (Acts 13 v 14 – Acts 14 v 24) 04/06/2019 4. Galatia became incorporated as a Roman province in BC25 (by Augustus) Connections: Gaul  Galatia  Gomer The recipients of the first of Paul’s 14 epistles (inc. Heb ) Galatia was a poor land (in central modern-day Turkey), but was well known for its warriors

14. Paul’s ‘mystery illness’ revealed in Epistle God’s providence at work here, albeit not mentioned in Acts (Highly speculative) Perhaps a contagious illness, such as malaria, had afflicted Paul? This might explain how it put the Galatians “to the test”… regardless, clearly God was shaping events… 04/06/2019 Paul's first journey 14 [ NET] 13 But you know it was because of a physical illness that I first proclaimed the gospel to you, 14 and though my physical condition put you to the test, you did not despise or reject me . Instead, you welcomed me as though I were an angel of God, as though I were Christ Jesus himself! Galatians 4 13 Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first . 14 And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.

15. Paul’s first powerful speech (v.16-41) Once again, the preaching is first to the Jews (+ proselytes v.16) Paul seemingly not a natural orator (cp. 2 Cor. 10 v 10), but characteristically beckons the hand to draw attention (v. 16) The focus of the speech is that it is God that chooses individuals: … and now had “ raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus” (v. 23) He had been slain by “they that dwell in Jerusalem, and their elders” (v. 27) , but “God raised again ” (v. 37) & was now preached 04/06/2019 Paul's first journey 15 Acts 3 26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities. “chose our fathers” (v. 17) “he gave… judges” (v. 20) “God… gave Saul” (v. 21) “he raised up… David (v. 22)

16. “We turn to the Gentiles” Both the Jews and Gentiles respond, however trouble brewing Paul's first journey 16 04/06/2019 Acts 13 44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. 45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy , and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. 46 Then 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 . 47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth . 48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. “rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy” (Romans 11 v 11) The “thee” and the “light of the Gentiles” are the Lord Jesus Christ, whose life was being proclaimed by the Apostles (cp. Isaiah 42 v 6 & 49 v 6) Thanks be to God that from this time forwards the Gentiles truly came into the light!

17. Repeated persecution endured 04/06/2019 Paul's first journey 17 Pisidian Antioch Iconium Lystra Acts 13 50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. 51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. Acts 14 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. […] 5 And 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, 6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe… Acts 14 19 And 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. As Jesus described, this would be “a testimony against them” (Mark 6 v 11)  judgement The Jews again stir up problems and turn the Gentiles against Paul, a repeating pattern A horrific outcome, a threatened stoning in Iconium becomes an actual one in Lystra (boulders??)

18. A wonderful (hidden) mark of authenticity 04/06/2019 Paul's first journey 18 Acts 14 8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked: 9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, 10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked . 11 And 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. 12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius*, because he was the chief speaker . * NKJV, ESV, NET: “Hermes” Publius Ovidius Naso Born 20 March 43 BC Sulmo , Italy, Roman Republic Died AD 17 or 18 (age 58–60) Tomis , Scythia Minor, Roman Empire “In Ovid's moralizing fable which stands on the periphery of Greek mythology and Roman mythology, Baucis and Philemon were an old married couple in the region of Tyana , which Ovid places in Phrygia, and the only ones in their town to welcome disguised gods Zeus and Hermes (in Roman mythology, Jupiter and Mercury respectively)… the town and all those who had turned them away and not provided due hospitality… [were] destroyed by a flood.” Wikipedia

19. One of the bravest acts in all scripture? What would you expect a stoned/left for dead person to do next? Surely, in the mind of Paul, this would have drawn connections back to the occasion of Stephen’s martyrdom (Acts 8 v 1) Typical resurrection – “he rose up” (Gk. anistemi s.w. as ch. 13 v 33/34) Also, imagine the impact on the believers when they saw his bruised and battered body (on his return leg he exhorted them about “great tribulation” v. 22)! His was a living example of this! 04/06/2019 Paul's first journey 19 Acts 14 19 And 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. 20 Howbeit, 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.

20. A face in the Lystran crowd? 04/06/2019 Paul's first journey 20 Acts 16 1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus , the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: 2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. 2 Timothy 3 10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra ; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

21. Aside: Galatians – the contemporary Epistle Many connections can be drawn between journeys & writings 04/06/2019 Paul's first journey 21 Acts 13 38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: 39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses . Galatians 2 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law , but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Galatians 3 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident : for, The just shall live by faith. 12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. A key early principle to be established, justification outside of the law (of Moses)

22. Paul's first journey 22 5. The final leg: Perga, Attalia & back to Antioch (Acts 14 v 24-28) 04/06/2019 5. The Attalia to Seleucia leg was the longest individual one in the entire journey (c320 miles at sea)

23. 2 years later, the boat journey home The structures needed to be set up to continue the work The work had been “fulfilled” (Gk. pleroo ) i.e. brought to a completion, filled full Paul now transitioned back into his role in the ecclesia at Antioch, where he “abode long time” (v. 27) Paul's first journey 23 04/06/2019 Acts 14 23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church , and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. 24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: 26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled .

24. Some learnings from this evening Suffer, affliction, perils Providential working e.g. Paul’s illness The coming in of the Gentiles, through God’s mercy The journeys and the Epistles, a mark of truthfulness Seeds sown for future events, e.g. John Mark  or Timotheus 04/06/2019 Paul's first journey 24