075 - APOSTLE PAUL’S LIFE

APOSTLE PAUL’S LIFE

INTRODUCTION

Paul was born in Tarsus, a city of the Cilicia that had a certain importance (Acts 21:39; 22.3). He appertained to the lineage of Israel (Philippians 3.5), in particular to the tribe of Benjamin (tribe from which arose the first king of Israel: Saul – 1Samuel 9.21).

Both his father and his mother were Hebrews (Philippians 3.5). He was circumcised the eighth day (as it enjoined the law – Genesis 17.10-12). His name of baptism was Saul. Nevertheless, as his father was Roman citizen, he inherit the Roman citizenship (Acts 22.27-29), being call Paul also (Acts 13.9). That is to say, Paul didn’t have his name changed as happened to Simon, for instance, that passed to be named Peter (Matthew 16.18).

He had two names. While he lived between the Israelites, he used the name Saul. From the moment he set out for evangelizing the non-Israelites, he passed to be called Paul (from Acts 13.9 forward).

He never got married (1Corinthians 7.8).

Although he was born in Tarsus in Cilicia, he was brought up in Jerusalem at the feet of Gamaliel, who it was a respectable Pharisee and doctor of the law, reverenced among all the people (Acts 5.34). Since childhood, he was taught according to the exactness of the Law of the Israelites, being a zealous one of the Creator (Act 22.3). He became a Pharisee (Philippians 3.5), being blameless regarding the righteousness in the Law (Philippians 3.6). He was so esteemed that be was made into a leader still very young (so much so that the witnesses laid Stephen’s clothes down at the feet of him. - Acts 7.58).

All the Jews knew his manner of life from his youth. He was at first among his own nation at Jerusalem (Acts 26.4). And he progressed in Judaism beyond many contemporaries in his race, being much more zealot of the traditions of his fathers (Galatians 1.14). Who knew him from the first, could testify that, according to the strictest sect of his religion he lived as Pharisee (Acts 26.5).

From the day of Pentecost, the Church began the spread. Paul, being zealous for the doctrines of the Pharisees, started to persecute the church (Philippians 3:6). He was a blasphemer and a persecutor and insolent (1Tim 1.13).

He persecuted the Way (Jesus) as far as death, binding and delivering both men and women into prisons (Acts 22.4). He truly thought within himself that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth, which he also did in Jerusalem. And he shut up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests. And when the followers of Christ were put to death, he cast a vote. And he punished them often in every synagogue, compelling them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly furious against them, he persecuted them even to the outside cities (Acts 26.9-11).

PAUL’S CONVERSION

And Saul, in Acts 9.1,2, still breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord Jesus, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to Damascus to the synagogues; so that if he found any of the Way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. And, receiving letters from them, Paul traveled into Damascus to lead those being bound to Jerusalem, in order that they might be punished (Acts 22.5).

But when it pleased God, who separated him from his mother's womb (and having called him by His grace), to reveal His Son in him so that he might preach Him among the nations (Gal 1.15,16), a miracle took place while he traveled to Damascus with authority and power of decision from the chief priests to chivy and catch the Christians (Acts 26.12).

Fortunately, he obtained mercy, because being ignorant, he did it in unbelief (1Tim 1.13). 

When he was going, at midday, along the highway, it happened as he drew near to Damascus, even suddenly a great light from the heaven shone around him (Acts 9.3; 22.6; 26.13). 

He and those with him saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around him (Acts 26.13), and they got afraid (Acts 9.6; 22.9). However, none of those with Paul saw Jesus, nor figured out the voice of Him who spoke to him (Acts 9.7; 22.9). And all of them fell to the ground, and Paul heard a voice speaking to him and saying in the Hebrew dialect, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads (Acts 9.4; 22.7; 26.14). And he answered, Who are you, Lord? And He said to him, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you persecute (Acts 22.8; 26.15).

And trembling and astonished, he said:

 

- Lord, what will You have me to do? And the Lord said to him, Arise and go into the city, and you shall be told you all things which are appointed for you to do (Act 9.6; 22.10). Rise and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of what you saw, and in what I shall appear to you; delivering you from the people and the nations, to whom I now send you in order to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light, and from the authority of Satan to God, so that they may receive remission of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me (Acts 26.16-18). 

 

And Saul was lifted up from the earth, his eyes were opened, but he saw no one, because of the glory of that light. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days not seeing; did not eat or drink (Act 9.8,9; 22.11).

And there was a certain disciple in Damascus named Ananias. And the Lord said to him in a vision:

 

- Ananias!

 

And he said:

 

- Behold me, Lord.

 

And the Lord said to 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 is praying, and has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him so that he might receive his sight. 

 

And Ananias answered:

 

- Lord, I have heard from many of this man, how many evil things he has done to Your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your Name. 

 

But the Lord said to him:

 

- Go! For this one is a chosen vessel to Me, to bear My name before nations and kings and the sons of Israel. For I will show him what great things he must suffer for My name's sake (Acts 9.10-16). 

 

And Ananias, a devout man according to the Law, testified to by all the Jews who lived there, came to him (Acts 22.12). And Ananias went and entered into the house. And putting his hands on him, he said:

 

- Brother Saul, the Lord, Jesus, who appeared to you in the way in which you came, has sent me to you that you might see and be filled with the Holy Spirit. 

 

And instantly scales as it were fell from his eyes, and he instantly saw again and I looked up on Ananias (Acts 9.17,18; 22.13).

And he said:

 

- The God of our fathers has chosen you to know His will and to see the Just One, and to hear a voice out of His mouth. For you shall be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now what do you intend? Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord (Acts 22.14-16).

 

And rising up, he was baptized (Acts 9.17,18). 

And taking food, he was strengthened. And Saul was certain days with the disciples in Damascus. And immediately he proclaimed Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. But all who heard him were amazed and said, Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem and came here for that reason, that he might bring them bound to the chief priests? But Saul increased the more in strength and confounded the Jews who lived at Damascus, proving that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 9.19-22).

And after many days had been fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him. But their plot was known to Saul. So, In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king guarded the city of the Damascenes, desiring to lay hold of him (2Cor 11.32). And they watched the gates day and night in order to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through a window through the wall in a basket and he escaped their hands (Acts 9.23-25; 2Cor 11.33).

And arriving in Jerusalem, Saul attempted to join himself to the disciples. But they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and told them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had spoken boldly in Damascus in the name of Jesus. And Paul was with them, coming in and going out in Jerusalem (Acts 9.26-28). 

And it happened that him, returning to Jerusalem and praying in the temple, he became in an ecstasy. And he saw Jesus saying to him:

 

- Hurry and go quickly out of Jerusalem, for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me. 

 

And Paul said, Lord,:

 

- They know that I was imprisoning and beating those who believed on You throughout the synagogues.  And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was poured out, I also was standing by and consenting to his death, and holding the garments of those who killed him. 

 

And He said to him:

 

- Go, for I will send you far away to the nations (Acts 22.17-21). 

 

However, Paul didn’t go away of Jerusalem immediately.

He spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and argued with the Hellenists. But they seized him in order to kill him. But knowing it, the brothers brought him down to Caesarea and sent him forth to Tarsus. Then, indeed, the churches had rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and having been built up. And having gone on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were increased (Acts 9.29-21). 

AFTER PAUL’S CONVERSION AND BEFORE HIS CALLING

After this Paul went into Arabia and returned again to Damascus (Gal 1.17). Then after three years he went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and stayed with him fifteen days. But he saw no other of the apostles, except James, the Lord's brother (Gal 1.18,19).

Then he went into the regions of Syria and of Cilicia, and was unknown by face to the churches of Judea in Christ. But only they heared that he who then persecuted them, now preaches the faith which he once ravaged. And they glorified God in him (Gal 1.21-24).

After some time, Barnabas went out to Tarsus to seek Saul. And finding him, he brought him to Antioch. And it happened that a whole year they were assembled with the bretheren there. And they taught a considerable crowd. And the disciples were first called Christian in Antioch  (Acts 11.25,26).

After fourteen years, Paul had a vision. In this vision, Paul was caught up to the third Heaven (whether in the body, he did not know; or outside of the body, he did not know), into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not allowed for a man to utter (2Cor 12.2-4).

It’s doable that, it was in this occasion that Paul received the dispensation of the grace of God. He made known to Paul the mystery which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, to wit, that the nations should be fellow heirs of the same body, and partaker of His promise in Christ through the gospel (Eph 3.2-6). 

Paul received the grace of preaching the gospel of the unsearchable riches of Christ among the nations, to bring to light what is the fellowship of the mystery which from eternity has been hidden in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ; so that now, so that the rulers and powers in the heavenlies might know, by the church, the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord (Eph 3.7-11).

And by the surpassing revelations, lest he was made haughty, a thorn in the flesh was given to him, a messenger of Satan to buffet him (that is to say, the persecutions of the Jews). 

For this thing he besought the Lord three times, that it might depart from him. But Jesus said to him that His grace was sufficient for him, for Creator’s power is made perfect in weakness.

From this time, Paul passed to glory Jesus in his weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on him. He passed to please in weaknesses, in insults, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake; for when we are weak, then we are powerful (2Cor 12.7-10). 

In virtue of this revelation, Paul went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with him too. 

And he put privately before those seeming to be pillars, the gospel which he proclaimed in the nations lest he might run, or he had run, into vanity (Galatians 2.1,2).

But from those who seemed to be something, conferred nothing to him. But on the contrary, they saw that to Paul had been entrusted the gospel of the uncircumcision, as Peter to the circumcision (for He working in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision also worked in him to the nations). And knowing the grace given to him, James, and Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, gave right hands of fellowship to Barnabas and him, that he and Barnabas go to the nations, but they to the circumcision. Only they asked that Paul and Barnabas remembered the poor, which very thing Paul was eager to do (Gal 2.6-10).

After this, Paul went to Antiochia.

And, it come to pass that, when Peter came to Antioch, he opposed him to his face, because he became blamed. For before some came from James, he ate with the nations. But when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those of the circumcision. And the rest of the Jews also dissembled with him, so as even Barnabas was led away with their dissembling. 

But when Paul saw that they did not walk uprightly with the truth of the gospel, Paul reprehended Peter before all (Gal 2.11-14).

After this, prophets from Jerusalem came to Antioch.  And one of them named Agabus stood up and signified by the Spirit that there should be great famine over the world (which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar). And the disciples, as any were prospered, determined each of them to send offer to those brothers who lived in Judea,  which they also did, sending to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul (Acts 11.27-30).

After this they came back to Antioch.

THE APOSTOLIC TRAVELS OF PAUL

There were prophets and teachers in: Barnabas, and Simeon (who was called Niger), and Lucius the Cyrenian, and Manaen (a close friend of Herod the tetrarch), and Saul. And while they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart now for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." Then, after they had fasted and prayed and placed their hands on them, they sent them away (Acts 13.1-3).

First Apostolic Travel

Therefore, sent out by the Holy Spirit, they came down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed away to Cyprus. And when they came to Salamis, they began to proclaim the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they also had John as assistant (Acts 13.4,5).

And when they had crossed over the whole island as far as Paphos, they found a certain man, a magician, a Jewish false prophet whose name was Bar-Jesus, who was with the proconsul Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul and wished to hear the word of God. But Elymas the magician (for his name is translated in this way) opposed them, attempting to turn the proconsul away from the faith (Acts 13.6-8). 

But Saul (also called Paul), filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said:

 

-      "O you who are full of all deceit and of all unscrupulousness, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness! Will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord! And now behold, the hand of the Lord is against you, and you will be blind, not seeing the sun for a while”.

 

And immediately mist and darkness fell over him, and he was going around looking for people to lead him by the hand. 

Then when the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, because he was astounded at the teaching about the Lord (Acts 13.9-12). 

Now Paul and his companions put out to sea from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia, but John departed from them and returned to Jerusalem. And they went on from Perga and arrived at Pisidian Antioch. And they entered into the synagogue on the day of the Sabbath and sat down. So after the reading from the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent word to them, saying:

 

- "Men and brothers, if there is any message of exhortation by you for the people, say it." (Acts 13.13-15).

 

And rising up and signaling with his hand, Paul said to the Israelites, and those fearing God (Acts 13.16):

 

-      The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, exalted them in the land of Egypt, brought them out of it with a high arm and about the time of forty years He tenderly bore them in the wilderness (Acts 13.17,18). 

-      When He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He gave their land to them as an inheritance (Acts 13.19). 

-      After that He gave them judges for about four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet (Acts 13.20). 

-      Afterward they asked for a king and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, Benjaminite, for forty years (Acts 13.21).

-      After removed him, He raised up David; to whom He witnessed to be a man after His own heart, who would fulfill all His will. Of this man's seed God raised a Savior, Jesus (Acts 13.22,23). 

-      John proclaimed the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel, before His coming. And his preaching was that He wasn’t the Christ, but he was dispatched to prepare His way (Acts 13.24-25).

-      Notwithstanding, although the Word of the salvation was sent to the Israelites, those living in Jerusalem, and their rulers, not having known Jesus and the voices of the Prophets being read throughout every sabbath, condemning Him, fulfilling the Scriptures (Acts 13.25-26).

-      Even not finding not one cause of death in Him, they begged Pilate to do away with Him (Acts 13.28).

-      When they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, taking Him down from the tree, they laid Him in a tomb (Acts 13.29). 

-      But God raised Him from the dead, who appeared for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people. 

-      And we preach the gospel, that is, the fulfillment of the promise made to the fathers through Jesus’ resurrection (as also it is written in the second Psalm), who received the holy promises of David, didn’t see corruption (as it was promised in another Psalm), nor will return again to corruption (Acts 13.30-35). 

-      This promise wasn’t referring to David, inasmuch as, he had served his own generation by the will of God was added to his fathers and saw corruption (Acts 13.36,37). 

-      Therefore, through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is announced and by Him all who believe are justified from all things, from which we could not be justified by the Law of Moses. 

-      Therefore beware lest that come on you which is spoken of in the Prophets: 

o   "Behold, you despisers, and marvel, and perish; for I work a work in your days, a work which you shall in no way believe, though a man declare it to you." (Acts 13.38-41). 

 

After Paul preaching and the Israelites went out, the Gentiles began urging that these things be spoken about to them on the next Sabbath (Acts 13.42). 

And after the synagogue had broken up, many of the Jews and the devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who were speaking to them and were persuading them to continue in the grace of God. And on the coming Sabbath, nearly the whole city came together to hear the word of the Lord (Acts 13.43,44). 

But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy, and began contradicting what was being said by Paul by reviling him. Both Paul and Barnabas spoke boldly and said:

 

- It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you, since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life! Behold, we are turning to the Gentiles! For so the Lord has commanded us: 'I have appointed you to be a light for the Gentiles, that you would bring salvation to the end of the earth.' (Acts 13.45-47). 

 

And when the Gentiles heard this, they began to rejoice and to glorify the word of the Lord. And all those who were designated for eternal life believed. So the word of the Lord was carried through the whole region (Act 13.48,49). 

But the Jews incited the devout women of high social standing and the most prominent men of the city, and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and threw them out of their district. So after shaking off the dust from their feet against them, they went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit (Acts 13.50-52). 

And it happened that in Iconium they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews and spoke in such a way that a large number of both Jews and Greeks believed. But the Jews who were disobedient stirred up and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against the brothers. So they stayed there for a considerable time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who testified to the message of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be performed through their hands (Acts 14.1-3). 

But the population of the city was divided, and some were with the Jews and some with the apostles. So when an uprising took place on the part of both the Gentiles and the Jews, together with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, they became aware of it and fled to the Lycaonian cities—Lystra and Derbe and the surrounding region. 

And there they were continuing to proclaim the good news (Acts 14.4-7). 

And in Lystra a certain man was sitting powerless in his feet, lame from birth, who had never walked. This man listened while Paul was speaking. Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet!" And he leaped up and began walking (Acts 14.8-10). 

And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices in the Lycaonian language, saying:

 

- "The gods have become like men and have come down to us!" 

 

And they began calling Barnabas Zeus and Paul Hermes, because he was the principal speaker. And the priest of the temple of Zeus that was just outside the city brought bulls and garlands to the gates and was wanting to offer sacrifice, along with the crowds (Acts 14.11-13).

But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard about it, they tore their clothing and rushed out into the crowd, shouting  and 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: Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless 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.” (Acts 14.14-17).

 

And although they said these things, only with difficulty did they dissuade the crowds from offering sacrifice to them (Acts 14.18). 

And Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there, who, having persuaded the people, they stoned Paul and drew him out of the city, supposing him to have died. But when the disciples surrounding him, he rose up and came into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe (Acts 14.19,20). 

And preaching the gospel to that city, and having made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and Iconium and Antioch, confirming the souls of the disciples, calling on them to continue in the faith and that through much tribulation we must enter into the kingdom of God. And having hand-picked elders for them in every church, and had prayed with fastings, they commended them to the Lord into whom they believed (Acts 14.20-23). 

And passing through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. And speaking the Word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. And from there they sailed to Antioch, from where they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. And having arrived, and gathering the church they related all that God had done with them, and how He had opened the door of faith to the nations. And they stayed there not a little time with the disciples (Acts 14.24-28). 

The Jerusalem Council

And certain ones who came down from Judea taught the brothers, saying, Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved. A dissension and not a little disputation occurring by Paul and Barnabas, they appointed Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question (Acts 15.1,2). 

And indeed being set forward by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the nations. And they caused great joy to all the brothers. And arriving in Jerusalem, they were received by the church, and by the apostles and elders. And they declared all things that God had done with them (Acts 15.3,4). 

But some of those from the sect of the Pharisees, having believed, rose up, saying, It was necessary to circumcise the non-Israelites and to command them to keep the Law of Moses. And the apostles and elders were assembled to see about this matter (Acts 15.5,6). 

And after much disputing, Peter rose up and said to them:

 

·       you recognize that God determined that, through my mouth, the nations should hear the Word of the gospel, and believe (Acts 15.7).

·       And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us, putting no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. (Acts 15.8,9). 

·       Now therefore why to tempt God, putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? It’s through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we all will be saved. (Acts 15.10,11). 

 

After this, all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring what miracles and wonders God had worked among the nations through them (Acts 15.12).

And after they were silent, James utters his words:

 

·       Simon has declared how God at the first visited the nations to take out of them a people for His name, as it is written, (Acts 15.13-15).

·       "After this I will return and will build again the tabernacle of David which has fallen down; and I will build again its ruins, and I will set it up, so those men who are left might seek after the Lord, and all the nations on whom My name has been called, says the Lord, who does all these things." (Acts 15.16,17).

·       Considering that all His works are known to God from eternity, my judgment is that we do not trouble those who have turned to God from among the nations, but that we write to them that they should abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood, and this because of the Jews (Acts 15.18-21).

 

Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men from them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; Judas, whose last name was Barsabas; and Silas, chief men among the brothers. And they wrote letters about what was decided in the council and deliver in their hands (Acts 5.22,23).

Then indeed they being let go, they came to Antioch. And gathering the multitude, they delivered the letter. And when they had read it, they rejoiced at the comfort. And Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, exhorted the brothers with many words and confirmed them (Acts 15.30-32). 

And remaining for a time, they were let go in peace from the brothers to the apostles. But it pleased Silas to remain there. Also Paul and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the gospel, the Word of the Lord, with many others also (Acts 15.33-35). 

And some days afterward, Paul said to Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brothers in every city where we have announced the Word of the Lord, to see how they are holding to it (Acts 15.36). 

And Barnabas determined to take with them John, he being called Mark. But Paul thought it well not to take him with them, he having withdrawn from them from Pamphylia, and did not go with them to the work. Then there was sharp feeling, so as to separate them from each other (Acts 15.37-39).

And taking Mark, Barnabas sailed to Cyprus. But choosing Silas, Paul went out, being commended by the brothers to the grace of God, passing through Syria and Cilicia, making the churches strong (Acts 15.39-41). 

Second Apostolic Travel

And he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple named Timothy was there, the son of a woman who was a Jewess and who believed. But his father was a Greek. He was well reported of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium.  Paul wanted Timothy to go with him, and taking him he circumcised him, because of the Jews who were in those places; for they all knew that his father was a Greek (Acts 16.1-3). 

Because of this atitude, many disciples in Galatia began to doubt that he was a true apostle. Hence Paul write to the Galatians:

 

·       “And, brothers, I make known to you the gospel which was preached by me, that it is not according to man. For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it except by a revelation of Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 1.11,12)

 

And their doubt were well founded. After all, Paul had just come out of the council in Jerusalem wherein was decided that nobody was obliged to circumcise (and he fought for this, and was carrying with him letters about this resolution) and, very soon he overlooked this and circumcised Timothy.

And as Paul and his fellowmen passed through the cities, they delivered to them the commandments to keep, the ones which were ordained by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. Then indeed the churches were established in the faith and increased in number daily (Acts 16.4,5). 

And coming through the Phrygian and the Galatian region; and by the Holy Spirit being forbidden to speak the Word in Asia; having come to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia. But the Spirit did not allow them. Then passing by Mysia, they came down into Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A certain man of Macedonia stood, begging him, saying, Come over into Macedonia and help us! (Acts 16.6-9).

 

·       “And after he saw the vision, “we immediately tried to go into Macedonia, gathering that the Lord had called us in order to preach the gospel to them (Acts 16.10).

 

Pay attention that, until the previous verse, Luke narrated the history in the third person. From this verse forward, Luke narrated in the first person of plural, what indicates that Luke joined to Paul at this moment.

Then having set sail from Troas, they came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; and from there to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And they continued spending time in that city some days. And on the sabbath they went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was usually made. And they sat down and spoke to the women who came together there. And a certain woman named Lydia heard them, a seller of purple of the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God; whose heart the Lord opened, so that she attended to the things which were spoken by Paul. And when she was baptized, she and her household, she begged them, saying:

 

-      “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and stay”.

 

And she constrained them (Acts 16.11-15).

And as they went to prayer, it happened that a certain girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much gain by divining. The same followed Paul and who are with him and cried, saying:

 

-      “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who are announcing to us the way of salvation” (Acts 16.16,17). 

 

And she did this many days. But being distressed, and turning to the demonic spirit, Paul said:

 

-      I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!

 

And it came out in that hour. And when her masters saw that the hope of their gain went out, having seized Paul and Silas, they dragged them to the market before the rulers (Acts 16.18,19). 

Obs.: from here, Luke again started to narrate in the third person. Probably he was able to get rid of the persecution and stopped of going together with Paul and Silas.

And bringing them near to the judges, they said, These men, being Jews, are exceedingly troubling our city. And they teach customs which are not lawful for us to receive nor to do, being Romans (Acts 16.20,21). 

And the crowd rose up against them. And tearing off their clothes, the judges ordered them to be flogged. And after laying on them many stripes, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailor to keep them safely; who, having received such a command, thrust them into the inner prison and made their feet fast in the stocks (Acts 16.22-24).

And toward midnight Paul and Silas prayed and praised God in a hymn. And the prisoners listened to them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened and all the bonds were loosened (Acts 16.25-27).

And being awakened, and seeing the doors of the prison being open, drawing a sword, the jailer was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul called out with a loud voice, saying:

 

-             Do yourself no harm, for we are all here (Acts 16.28). 

 

Then asking for a light he rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. And leading them outside, he said:

 

-      Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 

 

And they said:

 

-      Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved, and your household. 

 

And they spoke the Word of the Lord to him, and to all who were in his household (Acts 16.29-32). 

And taking them in that hour of the night, he washed from their stripes. And he was baptized, he and all his, immediately.&nbsnbsp;And bringing them up to the house, he set a table before them and rejoiced, believing in God with all his household (Acts 16.33,34).

And day coming, the judges sent the floggers, saying:

 

- Let those men go. 

 

And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul:

 

- The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace. (Acts 16.35,36).

 

But Paul said to them:

 

- “Having beaten us publicly, men who are Romans and uncondemned, they threw us into prison. And now do they put us out secretly? No indeed! But coming themselves, let them bring us out” (Acts 16.37). 

 

And the floggers reported these words to the judges. And hearing that they were Romans, they were afraid. And coming they begged them. And bringing them out, they asked them to depart out of the city. And going out from the prison, they entered into the house of Lydia. And seeing the brothers, they comforted them and departed (Acts 16.38-40). 

And traveling through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And according to Paul's custom, he went in to them and reasoned with them out of the Scriptures on three sabbaths, opening and setting forth that Christ must have suffered and to have risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom he preached unto them, is Christ (Acts 17.1-3). 

And some of them believed and joined themselves to Paul and Silas, both a great multitude of the worshiping Greeks, and not a few of the chief women.  But the disobeying Jews becoming jealous, and having taken aside some wicked men of the market-loafers, and gathering a crowd, they set all the city in an uproar. And coming on the house of Jason, they sought to bring them out to the mob (Acts 17.4,5). 

And not finding them, they drew Jason and certain brothers before the city judges, crying:

 

-      “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too, whom Jason has received. And these all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus” (Acts 17.6,7). 

 

And hearing these things, they troubled the crowd and the city judge. And taking security from Jason and from the rest, they let them go (Acts 17.8,9). 

And the brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. They, when they arrived, went into the synagogue of the Jews. And these were more noble than those of Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily to see if those things were so. Therefore many of them believed, and quite a few of honorable Greek women and men (Acts 17.10-12). 

But when the Jews from Thessalonica knew that the Word of God was preached by Paul at Berea, they came there also and stirred up the people. And then immediately the brothers sent Paul away to go towards the sea, but both Silas and Timothy stayed there. And those conducting Paul brought him to Athens. And receiving a command to Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed, they departed (Acts 17.13-15). 

But awaiting them in Athens, Paul's spirit was pained within him, seeing the city full of idols. Then indeed he addressed the Jews in the synagogue, and those worshiping, and daily in the market, to those happening to be there. And certain philosophers from the Epicureans and from the Stoics met him. And some said:

 

- What will this babbler say?

 

And others said:

 

- He seems to be an announcer of foreign demons (because he preached Jesus and the resurrection to them) (Acts 17.16-18).

 

And taking hold of him, they led him to the Areopagus (Acts 17.19). And standing in the middle of the Areopagus, Paul preached (Acts 17.22):

 

·       Men, Athenians, I see that you are fearful of gods in everything. For as I passed by and saw the things you worship, I also found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. (Acts 17.22,23).

·       Not knowing then whom you worship, I make Him known to you. The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of Heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands, nor is served with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives life and breath and all things to all. 

·       He has made all nations of men of one blood to dwell on all the face of the earth, ordaining fore-appointed seasons and boundaries of their dwelling, to seek the Lord, if perhaps they might feel after Him and find Him, though indeed He is not far from each one of us, for in Him we live and move and have our being (we are His offspring). (Acts 17.23-28). 

·       Therefore, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like gold or silver or stone, engraved by art and man's imagination. (Acts 17.29).

·       Truly, then, God overlooking the times of ignorance, now He strictly commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day in which He is going to judge the world in righteousness by a Man whom He appointed, having given proof to all by raising Him from the dead. (Acts 17.30,31). 

And hearing of a resurrection of the dead, some indeed mocked; and others said, We will hear you again concerning this. And so Paul departed from among them. But certain men joined themselves to him and believed; among whom were Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them (Acts 7.32-34). 

And after these things Paul departed from Athens and came to Corinth. There Paul baptized Crispus, Gaius, the household of Stephanas (1Cor 1.13-15).

And finding a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome) Paul came to them. And because he was of the same trade, he stayed and worked with them; for they were tentmakers by occupation (Acts 18.1-3). 

And he reasoned in the synagogue on every sabbath, persuading both Jews and Greeks (Acts 18.4). 

And when Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. And they resisting and blaspheming, shaking his garment, he said to them:

 

-      Your blood is on your own heads. I am pure from it. From now on I will go to the nations (Acts 18.5,6). 

 

And he departed from there and entered into the house of one named Justus, one worshiping God, whose house was next to the synagogue. And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house. And hearing this, many of the Corinthians believed and were baptized (Acts 18.7,8). 

And the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision:

 

- “Do not be afraid, but speak, and be not silent. For I am with you, and no one shall set on you to hurt you, for I have many people in this city”.

 

And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the Word of God among them (Acts 18.9-11). 

 

But Gallio being pro-consul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rushed against Paul and brought him to the judgment seat, saying:

 

- This one persuades men to worship God contrary to the Law. 

 

And Paul being about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews:

 

-      If indeed then, it was anything wrong or wicked criminality, O Jews, according to reason I would endure you. But if it is a question of a word and names, and of your law, you look to it. For I do not wish to be a judge of such things. 

 

And he drave them from the judgment seat. (Acts 18.13-16). 

Next, all the Greeks seized Sosthenes (perhaps this is the Sosthenes that helped out Paul to write the letter to the Corinthians - 1Cor 1.1), the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio did not care for any of these things (Acts 18.17).

 And Paul having remained many days more, taking leave of the brothers, he sailed from there into Syria. And Priscilla and Aquila were with him. And Paul had shorn his head in Cenchrea, for he had a vow. And he came to Ephesus and left them there. But he himself entered into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. And they asking him to stay a longer time with them, he did not consent (Acts 18.18-20).

And when he had landed at Caesarea and had gone up to Jerusalem to greet the church, he went down to Antioch (Acts 18.22).

THIRD Apostolic Travel (At 18.23—21.16)

And after he had spent some time there, he departed and went over the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples (Acts 18.23). 

And it happened in the time Apollos was at Corinth, Paul was passing through the higher parts to Ephesus. And finding certain disciples, he said to them:

 

- Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?

 

And they said to him

 

-      We did not so much as hear whether the Holy Spirit is. 

 

And he said to them:

 

-      Then to what were you baptized?

 

And they said:

 

- To John's baptism. 

 

And Paul said:

 

- John truly baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe into Him coming after him, that is, into Jesus Christ. 

 

And hearing, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And as Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. And all of the men were about twelve (Acts 19.1-7). 

And going into the synagogue, he spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. But when some were hardened and did not believe, speaking evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and separated the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of one Tyrannus.  And this happened over two years, so that all those living in Asia heard the Word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks (Acts 19.8-10). 

And God did works of power through the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons from his skin being brought onto the sick, the diseases were released, and the evil spirits went out of them (Acts 19.11,12). 

And many who believed came and confessed and showed their deeds. Also many of those practicing the curious arts, bringing together the books, burned them before all. And they counted the prices of them and found it to be fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the Word of God grew mightily and prevailed (Acts 19.18-20). 

Paul thinks on going to Rome

After these things were ended, passing through Macedonia and Achaia, Paul purposed in the spirit to go to Jerusalem, saying,

 

·       “After I have come there, I must also see Rome” (Acts 19.21). 

 

It comes the question: why Paul thought this? Why did Paul mention the Romans in his prayers incessantly in utter gratitutude to the Creator through Jesus? Why did Paul cadge, by any means, might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come to them (Romans 1.8-10)?

 

·       Their faith was spoken of throughout the whole world (Rom 1:8). They also were full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another (Rom 15.14).

·       He longed to see them, so that he could impart to them some spiritual gift for the establishing of them. And this was to be comforted together with them by their mutual faith, so that Paul might have some fruit among them also, even as among other nations.  (Romans 1.11-13). 

 

Oftentimes Paul purposed to come to them, and was kept back. He felt a debtor both to the Greeks and to the foreigners, both to the wise and to the unwise. In virtue of this, Pauls was ready to preach the gospel to those who are at Rome also (Rom 1.13-15).

But then, why didn’t Paul go to the Romans?

Paul had been hindered because other disciples had evangelized Roman. So, Paul preferred to strive to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest he should build upon another man's foundation. As it is written, “To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.” (Romans 15.20-21). 

Nevertheless, having no more place to preach the gospel, and having a great desire during many years to come unto them, Paul planned on taking his journey into Spain passing by Rome (Rom 15.23-24).

Nonetheless, before this, it was necessary that he went to Jerusalem to minister unto the saints the contribution made by Macedonia and Achaia for the poor saints there (Rom 15.25-28). He was sure that, when he went unto them, he would go in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. And even he besought them for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that they strive together with him in their prayers to the Creator for him, so that he could be delivered from them that did not believe in Judaea; and that his service which he had for Jerusalem could be accepted of the saints and, thus, he could go unto them with joy by the will of the Creator, and could with them be refreshed (Rom 15.29-32). 

Paul write First Corinthians

While Paul thought to go to Roman, he sent into Macedonia two who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus. He stayed in Asia for a time (Acts 19.22). 

At this moment, he received a letter of the Corinthians (asking instructions about several sujects – 1Cor 7.1; 8.1; 12.1; 16.1) which was delivered to him by Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus (1Cor 16.17). He also received the visit of Chloe, who apprised him about the spiritual situation of the Corinthians (1Cor 1.11):

 

·       A) in everything they were enriched by Him, in all speech and in all knowledge (1Cor 1.5);

·       A) the testimony of Christ was confirmed in them (1Cor 1:6);

·       A) they came behind in no gift (1Cor 1:7);

·       A) they were waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ (1Cor 1:7);

·       B) there were contentions among them. They weren’t speaking the same thing. It there was being divisions among them. They weren’t perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment (1Cor 1.10). Each one took a party: I am of Paul, and I of Apollos, and I of Cephas, and I of Christ (1Cor 1.12);

·       C) they were gainsaying Paul and uttering obloquy against Paul because he received offers (see 1Cor 9.11);

 

Paul, hearing this, decided to write his first letter to the Corinthians. Among other things, Paul wrote to clarify in relation to the things above (and answer the questions of the letter that he received).

In regard to the topic “A)”, Paul:

 

·       thanked God always on their favor for the grace of God given them in Jesus Christ (1Cor 1:4); 

·       said that the Creator shall also confirm them to the end, that they may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1Cor 1:8); 

 

With regard to the topic “B)” Paul said:

 

·       Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you, or were you baptized in the name of Paul? (1Cor 1.13).

 

In relation to the topic “C)”, Paul said:

 

·       “If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather?” (1Cor 9.11,12).

·       “Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” (1Cor 9.13,14).

 

Paul used none of these things, but suffer all things, lest he should hinder the gospel of Christ (1Cor 9.12,15). For it were better for him to die, than that any man should make his glorying void (1Cor 9.15). 

After all, to preach the gospel isn’t something that give us the right of exacting something of somebody. Preach the gospel is a necessity is laid upon us; woe is unto us, if we preach not the gospel! (1Cor 9.16).

If we do this thing willingly, we have a reward: but if against our will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto us (1Cor 9.17). Our real reward is preach the gospel in a way that don’t preclude anybody to have access to the grace of Jesus (1Cor 9.18,19). 

Finally, closing his first letter, Paul:

 

·       shew his plan of tarrying at Ephesus until Pentecost (1Cor 16.8). He planned this because a great door and effectual was opened unto him, although there were many adversaries (1Cor 16.7,9);

·       shew his desire of come unto them, when he passed through Macedonia (1Cor 16.5). He hoped winter with them, that they may bring him on his journey whithersoever he went (1Cor 16.6);

·       asked them to welcome Timothy (1Cor 16.10,11). Timothy was sent before Paul in order to prepare them to the collection for the saints (1Cor 16.1).

 

Remember: Paul was in Ephesus, while Timothy was in Macedonia. Hence the reason why Timothy didn’t help out Paul to write this letter. Also it is for this that Paul put in doubt if Timothy would go to Corinth to deliver the letter.

It ended up that Timothy wasn’t to deliver the letter. It’s probable that was Titus who was the envoy (2Cor 7.6).

Paul write Second Corinthians

However, for some reason, Paul didn’t bide the appointed time to go there.

It’s probable that, the people who went to Corint (except Titus), beyond they handed in the letter, they came back and apprised Paul of great commotion about him in Corinth. Paul, then, decided go to there crossing the Sea Egeu (2Cor 13.1).

This visit was very grievous to Paul inasmuch as he perceived that his apostolic authority was being attacked in Corinth. So, Paul came back to Ephesus (but he left Titus there in Corinth – 2Cor 7.6).

 

And about that time there was not a little a stir about the Way. For a certain silversmith named Demetrius was making silver temples of Artemis, providing not a little trade for the craftsmen. And, assembling the workmen about such things, he tried to convince them to abet the riot in the rabble (Acts 19.23-27).

And this work out, because, all the crowd got full of anger (Acts 19.28). Paul intended to go in to the mob, but the disciples did not allow him (Acts 19.30). Fortunately, the town clerk cool off all the multitude and dismissed that assembly (Acts 19.31-41).

Obs.: during his abidance in Ephesus, at a certain moment, he had to fight with beasts (1Corinthians 15.32).

And after the uproar had ceased, calling the disciples and greeting them, Paul left to go into Macedonia. Before arriving at Macedonia, he came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel and a door was opened unto him of the Lord. Nevertheless, he had no rest in his spirit, because he found not Titus (Titus was sent by Paul to Corinth – 2Cor 7.6). Thus, taking his leave of them, he went from thence into Macedonia (2Cor 2.12,13).

When he arrived at Macedonia, he wrote his second epistle to the Corinthians together with the Timothy, thinking about stand up for his authority, but without slipping his mind about the impact that his first letter had and also recalling them about the offer that they promised to impart.

One thing to be emphasized is that, while Paul was written his second letter, Titus arrived from Corinth apprise him of the impact of his second visit.

When he was come into Macedonia, his flesh had no rest, but he was troubled on every side; fightings outside, within were fears. Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted him by the coming of Titus; and not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith Titus was comforted amid the Corinthians, when he told to Paul their earnest desire, mourning, fervent mind toward him; so that he rejoiced the more. 

For though Paul made the Corinthians sorry with a letter and had repented for one time of having written this (he perceived that the same epistle had made them sorry, though it were but for a time), after hearing the report of Titus, he rejoiced, not that they were made sorry, but that they sorrowed to repentance: for they were made sorry after a godly manner (2Cor 7.5-9).

This filled Paul with comfort, with exceeding joyful in all his tribulation and make great his boldness of speech toward them, as well as make great his glorying of them (2Cor 7.4).

This cheered him still more to write this letter, in which:

He defended his apostolic authority:

Accusation: all the tribulations that Paul went through, supposely was a proof that Paul wasn’t consecrated to Jesus:

 

Defense:

 

1º -   In his first letter Paul explained: “For since, in the wisdom of God, the world by wisdom did not know God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe.” (1Cor 1.21);

2º -   Paul avouched that all the troubles that he went through had the purport of enabling him to comfort those who are in every trouble, through the comfort with which he was comforted by the Creator in all his trouble. For as the sufferings of Christ abounded in him, so his consolation also abounded by Christ. Whether he was troubled or comforted, this was for consolation and salvation of his disciples, since they worked out in the endurance of the same sufferings which he also suffered (2Cor 1.3-6);

3º -   Paul told about a trouble which came to him in Asia. He was pressed out of measure, above his strength, to the point of despairing even of life. But he had the sentence of death in him, so that he should not trust in himself, but in God who raises the dead, who delivered, delivers and will deliver from so great a death (2Cor 1.8-10). And his belief was so great that he urged people to pray for him, so that thanksgivings could be given by many people through his victory (2Cor 1.11). 

4º -   Paul averred that his rejoicing was the testimony of his conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity; not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God; he have had his conduct in the world, and more abundantly toward his disciples (2Cor 1.12).

 

 

Accusation: Paul was a man of double word (2Cor 1.18).

 

Defense:

 

·       “For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us; by me and Silas and Timothy; was not yes and no, but in Him was, yes!” (2Cor 1.19).

·       Paul explained that his anticipated visit was in virtue of the fact that the Corinthians were his rejoicing (2Cor 1.14-16). He defended himself saying that he had wronged no man, nor corrupted any man, let alone he defrauded some man or had intention of condemning someone. All that he said is for love, because the Corinthians were in his hearts to die and live with them (2Cor 7.2,3).

 

Accusation: When present, Paul was lowly among them, but when absent he was of good courage toward them (2Cor 10.1). For indeed, they said, his letters were weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence was weak, and his speech was contemptible (2Cor 10.10).

 

Defense:

 

·       Paul asserted that certain letters that they received wasn’t him who write them (2Cor 1.13).

·       Paul entreated the Corinthians, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, that he, when present, didn’t need to be bold against some who counted of him as if he walked according to the flesh (2Cor 10.1,2).

·       Paul explained that, though walking about in flesh, he did not war according to flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, pulling down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought into the obedience of Christ; and having readiness to avenge all disobedience, when their obedience is fulfilled (2Cor 10.3-6).

·       To those who looked at things according to appearance, boasting themselves that they were of Christ, Paul exhorted: those who are Christ's, let them think this again as to themselves, that as they are Christ's, even so he was Christ's (2Cor 10.7). For even if he also should boast somewhat more fully of his authority (which the Lord has given him for building up, and not for pulling them down) he would not be put to shame (2Cor 10.8).

Nonetheless, Paul did not dare to rank or compare him with some of the ones commending themselves. After all, they, measuring themselves among themselves, and comparing themselves to themselves, are not perceptive. He didn’t boast beyond measure, but according to the measure of the rule which the God of measure distributed to him. For he did not overstretch himself, not boasting beyond measure in the labors of others, but having hope that the growing faith among the Corinthians would be increased according to his rule, to overflowing; to preach the gospel in that beyond them, and not to boast in another's rule in things made ready (2Cor 10.12-16)

·       Paul clarified that he didn’t wish to terrify them by letters (2Cor 10.9). 

·       Finally, Paul averred that, such as he was in word by letters, being absent, such he would be also in deed when he was present (2Cor 10.11). 

 

Problem:

 

·       “For if, indeed, the one coming proclaims another Jesus, whom we have not proclaimed, or if you receive another spirit, which you did not receive, or another gospel, which you never accepted, you might well endure these.” (2Cor 11.4).

·       “For you gladly bear with fools, being wise. For you endure if anyone enslaves you, if anyone devours, if anyone takes from you, if anyone exalts himself, if anyone strikes you in the face.” (2Cor 11.19,20). 

 

Defense:

 

·       he was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles. But though he was rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but he have been throughly made manifest among the Corinthians in all things.  (2Cor 11.5,6). 

·       Paul complete (2Cor 11.21-33), preferring to boast in his weakness (for when we are weak, then we are powerful 2Cor 11.30; 12.9,10) (different of the gospel’s minister of today that boast in their exaltation and prosperity).

·       When Paul spoke on himself about a magnificent vision, he started speaking as if he was speaking about other person (2Cor 12.1-5). Only when he spoke about the thorn in his flesh in virtue of this revelation, he clarified that he was speaking about himself so that people can fear to vaunt themselves (2Cor 12.6-10).

 

Accusation: One group accused Paul of not taking money of the Corinthians for his maintenance.

 

Defense: Paul said:

 

·       Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you without charge? I stripped other churches, taking wages for the serving of you. And being present with you, and in need, I was not a burden to anyone. For the brothers from Macedonia made up completely my need. And in every way I have kept myself from being burdensome to you, and I will keep myself (2Cor 11.7-9). 

·       Truly the signs of the apostle were worked out among you in all patience, in miracles and in wonders, and by works of power. For what is it in which you were inferior to the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong. Behold, a third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not burden you, for I do not seek your things, but you. For the children ought not to lay up treasure for the parents, but the parents for the children. And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls, even if loving you more and more, I am loved the less. But let it be so, I did not burden you. But being crafty, I caught you with bait (2Cor 12.12-16).

 

And he did this so that he could cut off occasion from those who desired occasion to boast to his expense (many wished to be found as him – 2Cor 11.12). After all, he should be commended by the Corinthians. For he lacked nothing of the highest apostles, although he was nothing (2Cor 12.12). 

 

Accusation: other group, on the other hand, accused Paul of overreaching the Corinthians.

 

Defense: Paul said:

 

·       “By any whom I have sent to you, did I overreach you by him? I begged Titus and sent with him the brother. Did Titus overreach you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps?” (2Cor 12.17,18).

 

Accusation: They accused Paul of trying to defend himself (2Cor 12.19).

 

Defense: All things that he did were to their building up. For he feared:

 

·       to find someone as he didn’t wish (and vice-versa). He feared:

·       that there would be strifes, envyings, angers, contentions, backbitings, whisperings, proud thoughts, tumults;

·       that the Creator would humble him with them; and he would mourn many who have already sinned, and not repenting over the uncleanness, and fornication, and lustfulness which they have practiced (2Cor 12.19-21).

 

Accusation: Corinthians was accostumed to sin and, to excuse themselves, they alleged that they weren’t sure that it was Christ that spoke for Paul (2Cor 13.3).

 

Defense: Paul said that, if he would come again, I wound’t spare this kind of people (2Cor 13.2).

 

But he trusted that the Corinthians would know that he was not reprobated and prayed to the Creator so that they don’t do any evil. Although he was deemed to be reprobated, he spoke this, not that he may appear approved, but that they should do the good things.  (2Cor 13.6,7).

What Paul wished and prayed for was for the perfection of the Corinthians, so that they could be powerful in the Holy Spirit (even though he had to get weak – 2Cor 13.9). Therefore, he wrote these things while absent, lest being present he may not deal sharply with them according to the authority which the Lord gave him for building up, and not for pulling down. 

he congratulated the Corinthians about the discipline applied to the man that practiced incest

 

Paul began saying that he wrote unto them, not for the cause of the one who had done the wrong, nor for the cause of the one who suffered wrong, but that his care for them in the sight of God might appear unto them.

Next Paul explain he was comforted in their comfort and, exceedingly the more, he joyed for the joy of Titus, because the Titus’ spirit was refreshed by them all. For he was not ashamed in virtue of boasting anything of them to Titus, but as he spoke all things to the Corinthians in truth, even so his boasting, which he made before Titus was found to be truth. 

So, he rejoiced that he could have confidence in them in all things. (2Cor 7.12-14,16).

he spoke with relation to the offer to the saints

Paul, knowing grace of God which has been given among the churches of Macedonia (2Cor 8.1), desired that Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in them the grace of offer to the saints. As they abounded in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to Paul, he wished that they would abound in this grace also.

And he was clear, saying the he spoke, not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of their love (2Cor 8.6-8).

 

After writing this epistle, Paul send Titus and the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches (this one can be Timothy or Erastus). If this brother is Erastus, he, together with Timothy and Titus were the carriers of the Second Corinthians.

Obs.: second Corinthians is the most personal epistle of Paul.

Paul write to the Galatians

After Paul writing his second letter to the Corinthians, he knew that the Galatians was doubting about Paul’s sincerity and apostleship (see Galatians 1.11-13). The curious is that, in the outset, they value Paul, as we can see in his discourse:

 

·       “Brothers, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as you. You have not injured me at all. But you know that through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel to you before, and you did not despise my temptation in my flesh, nor did you spurn it. But you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. What then was your blessedness? For I bear you record that, if you were able, plucking out your eyes, you would have given them to me. (Galatians 4.12-15).

 

Nonetheless, one the reasons to the Galatians looked on him an enemy is because he preached the truth (Gal 4.16), and this upset people that wished to take over the control over the brethren of Galatia. (Gal 4.17).

Considering that the same problem occurred in Corinth, he immediately wrote Galatians’ epistle. Timothy didn’t help out Paul because he had gone to Corinth.

Behold an abridgment of the defense of Paul:

 

1º - He certified to the brethren that, the gospel which was preached of him is not after man, for he neither received, nor learned it of any man, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ (Gal 1.11,12). To this, he gave his testimony:

a.   Initially he was a Jewish, exceedingly zealous of the traditions of his fathers (more than his compatriots) and persecuted the church of God, and wasted it (Gal 1.13,14);

b.   When it pleased God reveal his Son in him, that he might preach Jesus among the heathen; immediately he conferred not with flesh and blood, neither went up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before him, but went into Arabia and returned again unto Damascus (Gal 1.15-17) 

c.   Then after three years he went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. Beyond Peter, the unique apostle that he saw was James the Lord's brother (Gal 1.18,19).

d.   Afterwards he came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia and was unknown by face unto the bretheren of Judaea. They only heard about his testimony and glorified Jesus in him (Gal 1.21-24). 

e.   Then fourteen years after he went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus by revelation. Then he communicated unto privately to them which were of reputation the gospel which he preached among the Gentiles, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain (Gal 2.1,2)

f.    But of these who seemed to be somewhat added nothing to him,  but contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto him, James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, gave to him and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that he should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which he also was forward to do (Gal 2.6-10). 

g.   When Peter was come to Antioch, Paulo withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him (including Barnabas – Gal 2.11-13).

h.   When Paul saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, he rebuked Peter before everybody, inasmuch as Peter was compelling the Gentiles to live as do the Jews, even knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ (Gal 2.14-21).

Paul write to the Romans

And after the uproar had ceased, calling the disciples and greeting them, Paul left to go into Macedonia. And passing through those parts, and exhorting them with much speech, he came into Greece. And spending three months there, he wrote the letter to the Romans.

Paul go to Jerusalem

But, there being a plot against him by the Jews, being about to sail into Syria, he proposed to return through Macedonia (Acts 20.1-3). 

Some people accompanied Paul into Asia: Sopater of Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus (Acts 20.4). However, as they didn’t care about the days of Unleavened Bread, they went to Troas before Paul and Luke.

When Paul arrived in Philippi (in Macedonia), again Luke join to Paul. Probably Luke stay in Philippi since his departure in Acts 16 when Paul and Silas was arrested. After the days of Unleavened Bread, they sailed away from Philippi and came to them at Troas in five days, where they stayed seven days (Acts 20.4-6). 

And on the first of the sabbaths, the disciples having been assembled to break bread, being about to depart on the morrow, Paul reasoned to them. And he continued his speech until midnight (Acts 20.7). In virtue of Paul reasoning for a longer time, a certain young man named Eutychus, that was sitting on the window sill, being overborne by sleep, he fell down from the third floor (despite the many lights in the upper room where they were assembled), and was taken up dead (Acts 20.8,9). 

And Paul went down and fell on him, and embracing him said: “do not be terrified, for his soul is in him”. And going up, and breaking bread, and tasting, and conversing over a long time, until daybreak, he went out thus (Acts 20.11,12). 

And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted (Act 20:12). 

And going ahead onto the ship, the fellows of Paul sailed to Assos, there intending to take in Paul; for so he had appointed, intending himself to go on foot. And when he met with them at Assos, they took him in and came to Mitylene (Acts 16.13,14).

And they sailed from there and came the next day across from Chios. And the next day they arrived at Samos, and they stayed at Trogyllium. And the next day they came to Miletus. For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not lose time in Asia; for, if it were possible for him, he hastened to be at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost (Acts 16.15,16). 

And from Miletus Paul sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church. And when they had come to him, he spoke to them about:

 

·       his dedication in preaching the gospel to them, despite the persecutions against him (Acts 20.18-21,30);

·       his joy in preaching the gospel, even knowing by the Holy Spirit that bond and afflictions awaited him (Acts 20.22-24);

·       his effort in announce all the gospel, so that they didn’t have excuse to apostate in the faith (Acts 20.25-27);

·       the importance of the leaders of Ephesus to stay sturdy in the grace of Jesus and be careful about the wolves that would arise from themselves speaking perverse things in order to draw disciples away after them (Acts 20.28-30);

·       how he was giving the leaders of Ephesus to Jesus as offer (Acts 20.32).

·       the importance of preaching the gospel for love, and not for stingy interests (Acts 20.33-35).

 

And saying these things, kneeling, he prayed with them all. And there was much weeping of all, and falling on the neck of Paul, they ardently kissed him, grieving most of all over the word which he had spoken, that they wouldn’t see his face no more. And they went with him to the ship. 

And when it came to pass that they were parted from them and had set sail, we came with a straight course unto Cos, and the next day unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara. And finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, going on board, they set sail. And sighting Cyprus, and leaving it on the left, they sailed into Syria, and came down to Tyre. For the ship was to unload its cargo there (Acts 21.1-3). 

And finding disciples, they stayed there seven days; who said to Paul through the Spirit that he should not go up to Jerusalem. But when it was time to finish the days, going out, they traveled on. And the disciples with all the women and children went with them as far as outside the city. And they kneeled down on the shore and prayed. And giving parting greetings to one another, they went up into the ship; and the disciples returned to their own things (Acts 21.4-6). 

And finishing the voyage from Tyre, they came to Ptolemais. And greeting the brothers, they stayed with brothers one day. And the next day those around him going out, Paul came to Caesarea. And entering the house of Philip the evangelist, he being of the seven, they stayed with him. And there were four virgin daughters to this one, who prophesied  (Acts 21.7-9). 

And as they stayed more days, a certain prophet from Judea named Agabus came down. And coming to them, and taking Paul's belt, and binding his hands and feet, he said, “The Holy Spirit says these things: So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man whose belt this is, and will deliver him into the hands of the nations”. And when they heard these things, both they and those of the place begged Paulo not to go up to Jerusalem (Acts 21.8-12). 

Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus”. And it doesn’t being Paul persuaded, they ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done” (Acts 21.13,14).

And after those days, making ready, they went up to Jerusalem. Also some of the disciples from Caesarea went with them, bringing Mnason, a certain Cypriot, an old disciple with whom they were to lodge (Acts 21.15,16). 

PAUL IS ARRESTED in jerusalem

And they, being in Jerusalem, the brothers received them gladly. And on the next day Paul went with them to James. And all the elders were present. And having greeted them, he related one by one what things God had done among the nations by his ministry (Acts 21.17-19). 

And hearing, they glorified the Lord, and said to Paul that thousand of Jews were still zealous of the Law, although they believed in Jesus (Acts 21.20), and that they are informed that Paul taught all the Jews who are among the nations to forsake Moses, the circumcision and all the rituals of the Old Testament.

So, in order to do people to think that Paul kept the law, the brothers of Jerusalem suggested that he took the four men who who had a vow on themselves and purified himself with them, as well as paid all the cost so that that four men shaved their heads (Acts 21.21-24).

Paul accepted this and went into the temple, declaring the fulfillment of the days of the purification, until an offering should be offered for each of them (Act 21.26). The curious is that, although Paul avouched that he didn’t have fear of dying for Christ, he tried to get the acceptation of the Israelites doing exactly the opposite of what was decided in the Council of Jerusalem.

And, of course, this couldn’t work because, beyond this contradict the Holy Scripture, this would make fall down the prophecy of the prophet Agabus. So, when the seven days were about to be completed, the Jews who were from Asia, having seen him in the temple, stirred up all the crowd and laid hands on him, crying out that he taught all everywhere against the Israelites, the Law and the temple and brought Greeks into the temple (Acts 21.27-29). 

All the city was rioted, and the people ran together and, laying hands on Paul, they drew him outside of the temple. And immediately the doors were shut. And as they were seeking to kill him, the news came to the chiliarch of the cohort, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. He immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them. And seeing the chiliarch and the soldiers, they quit beating Paul (Acts 21.30-32). 

Then going near, the chiliarch laid hold on him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains. And he demanded that he spoke who he was and what he had done. And others cried something else in the crowd, and not being able to know the certainty on account of the uproar, he commanded him to be carried into the fortress. And when he came on the stairs, it happened that he was carried by the soldiers, because of the violence of the crowd. For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him! (Acts 21.33-36).

PAUL’S WITNESS BEFORE THE ISRAELITES

And as Paul was about to be led into the fortress, he asked to the chiliarch permission to talk to him. He was confounded with a rebel Egyptian. After explain who he was, Paul got clearance to speak and, spoking in the Hebrew dialect he said to the throng (Acts 21.37-40): “Men, brothers and fathers! Hear my defense now to you.” (Acts 22.1)

And hearing that Paul spoke to them in the Hebrew dialect, they all the more kept silence (Acts 22.2). And behold a abridgement of what Paul said:

 

·       I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the exactness of the Law of the fathers, being a zealous one of God, as you all are today (Acts 22.3). 

·       I persecuted this Way as far as death, binding and delivering both men and women into prisons (Act 22.4);

·       Receiving letters from the high priest and elders, I traveled into Damascus to lead those being bound to Jerusalem, in order that they might be punished (Act 22.5);

·       And it happened to me, traveling and drawing near to Damascus: suddenly, about midday, a great light out of the heaven shone around me. And I fell to the ground and heard Jesus speaking with me and enjoining me to arise and go into Damascus, inasmuch as there would be told to me all things which are appointed for me to do.  (Acts 22.6-8.10);

·       They who were with me indeed saw the light and were afraid. But they did not hear the voice of Him who spoke to me (Acts 22.9). 

·       I got blind because of the glory of that light; being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus. And one Ananias, a devout man according to the Law, coming to me and standing by, said to me, “Brother Saul, look up!”. And the same hour I looked up on him (Acts 22.11-13).

·       Through Ananias I find out that I was chosen by the God of our fathers to know His will, to see the Just One, and to hear a voice out of His mouth for I would be His witness (Acts 22.14,15).

·       When I returned to Jerusalem and praying in the temple, I became in an ecstasy and Jesus said to me to go quickly out of Jerusalem, for there my testimony would not be received (Acts 22.17,18). 

·       I reply, but Jesus was clear: “go, for I will send you far away to the nations.” (Acts 22.21). 

 

They listened to Paulo until this word, and then they lifted up their voice, saying to kill him (Acts 22.22).

And as they shouted and tore their garments, and threw dust into the air, the chiliarch commanded him to be brought into the fortress, saying for him to be examined by scourging, so that he might know why they cried out so against Paul. (Acts 22.23,24).

But, as they stretched him with thongs, Paul said to the centurion that he was Roman. Then immediately, those being about to examine him stood away from him. And the chiliarch also was afraid, fully knowing that he was a Roman, and that he had bound him (Acts 22.25-29). 

PAUL’S WITNESS BEFORE THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS

On the next day, the chilliarch, desiring to know with certainty why he was accused by the Jews, he freed him from his bonds, and commanded the chief priests and all their sanhedrin to appear. And bringing Paul down, he set him among them (Acts 22.30). 

And Paul, looking stedfastly on the council, said, Brethren, I have lived before God in all good conscience until this day (Acts 23.1). 

And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. Then Paul rebuke him (Acts 23.2,3). They who stood by him said, “Do you revile God's high priest?” (Acts 23.4). Then Paul apologized (Acts 23.5).

 But when Paul saw that the one part were Sadducees and the other part Pharisees, he cried out saying that he was Pharisee (Acts 23.6) (what it wasn’t true – Philippians 3.7,8).

When he had said this, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the multitude was divided (Acts 23.7).  And there arose a great cry. And the Pharisees stood up for Paul (Acts 23.9).

And dissension arising, the chiliarch, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and to take him from among them by force, and to bring him into the fortress (Acts 23.10).

And the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul, for as you have testified of Me in Jerusalem, so you also must bear witness at Rome.” (Acts 23:11). 

PAUL’S WITNESS BEFORE Felix

And when it became day, more than forty Jews banded together and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul (Acts 23.12,13). Next, they came to the chief priests and elders and make them know about this and adviced them to get together with the Sanhedrin in order to ask the chiliarch that he bring him down to them tomorrow, as though they would inquire something more perfectly regarding him. But the aim was to put him to death before he came near (Acts 23.14,15).

And hearing it, Paul's sister's son, having come near, and entering into the fortress, he reported to Paul, who, calling one of the centurions, asked him to led his nephew to the chiliarch (Acts 23.16-18). And laying hold of his hand, and drawing aside privately, the chiliarch asked him, “What is it that you have to tell me?” (Acts 23.19). 

When Paul’s nephew tell everything to the chilliarch, he sent away the young man commanding, “Tell no one that you have shown these things to me” (Acts 23.20-22). 

Claudius Lysias, the chilliarch, lead Paul in safetiness to Felix, the governor, and wrote a letter explaining the desire of the Jews in killing Paul in virtue of their religiosity and his worry in virtue of Paul being Roman citizen (Act 23.23-30).

When Paul arrived in Caesarea, the governor read the letter and, understanding that Paul was from Cilicia, he said, I will hear you when your accusers have also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's Praetorium (Acts 23.31-35).

And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders and with a certain orator, Tertullus, who made a statement to the governor against Paul. And being called, Tertullus began to accuse Paul, saying that was pestilent man, who was moving rebellion among all the Jews throughout the world, being a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, who also attempted to profane the temple (Acts 24.1-6).

But when the governor motioned to Paul to speak, Paul answered (Acts 24.10):

 

·       Understanding you as being a judge of this nation many years, I cheerfully defend myself (Acts 24.10);

·       I worship the God of my fathers based on the Way, believing all things that are written in the Law and in the Prophets, having hope toward God that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust, always exercising myself to have a blameless conscience toward God and men. My accusers believe in this, but call this Way of heresy (Acts 24.14-16).

·       It is not more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship and they, neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, nor making a gathering of a crowd; not even in the synagogues, nor throughout the city. Nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse me (Acts 24.11-13). 

·       I came to bring alms and offerings to my nation, among which certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, not with a crowd nor with tumult. These ought to be present before you and to accuse me (Acts 24.17-19).

·       As they aren’t present, let these members of the Sanhedrin to say if they have found anything unjust in me while I stood before the sanhedrin, unless it may be because of what I said about resurrection of the dead (Acts 24.20,21).

 

And having heard these things, Felix put them off, knowing more accurately of the Way.  And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul and to let him have liberty, and not to forbid anyone of his own to minister or come to him (Acts 24:22,23). 

Then after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and the Judgment to come, Felix trembled and answered, “Go for this time, but taking time later, I will call for you.”, He also hoped that silver would be given him by Paul, that he might free him. Therefore he also frequently sent for him and talked with him.  (Act 24:24-26). 

But after two years Felix welcomed a successor, Porcius Festus. And wishing to show a favor to the Jews, Felix left Paul bound (Act 24:27). 

PAUL’S WITNESS BEFORE PORCIUS FESTUS

Then entering the province, after three days Festus went from Caesarea to Jerusalem. And the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and they begged Festus asking a favor against Paul that he would send for Paul to Jerusalem, making a plot to kill Paul on way (Acts 25.1-3). 

Then indeed Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, that he himself would depart shortly and that, those having power among them could go down with him and, If there was a thing amiss in Paul, let them accuse him (Acts 25.4,5). 

And staying among them more than ten days, Festus went down to Caesarea and, on the next day, he sit on the judgment seat, commanding that Paul was brought. The Jews who came down from Jerusalem stood around and brought many charges against Paul, which they could not prove.  (Acts 25.6,7).

Paul defending himself, said that he didn’t offend the Law of the Jews, the temple, nor Caesar (Acts 25.8). But Festus, wanting to please the Jews, asked to Paul if he would go up to Jerusalem to be judged there before him about these things. But Paul, knowing that he had clean conscious and that Jesus desired that he witnessed about Him in Rome, appealed to Ceasar (Acts 23.11; 25.9-11).

Then conferring with the sanhedrin, Festus answered, “You have appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go” (Acts 25.12). 

And after some days king Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to greet Festus. And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause to the king (Acts 25.13-21).

And Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the man myself”. And he said, “Tomorrow you shall hear him” (Acts 25.22). 

PAUL’S WITNESS BEFORE king agrippa

And on the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp and had entered into the auditorium with both the chiliarchs and principal men of the city, Festus commanded that Paul was brought out. And Festus said to the King Agrippa and all those men present with them about the desire of the Israelites of seeing Paul died (Acts 25.23,24), the appeal of Paul to Caesar and his uncertainty about what to write of Paul to Caesar (Acts 25.25,26). Festus wished that Paul was examinated by the king Agrippa so that he might have something to write, for it seemed to him unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not to signify the charges against him (Acts 25.26,27). 

And Agrippa permitted Paul to speak for himself. Then stretching out his hand, Paul made his defense (Acts 26:1) in this terms:

 

·       Paul shew his joy in defending himself before Agrippa concerning all of which he was accused by Jews in virtue of he being expert in all customs and questions among the Jews (Acts 26.2,3);

·       Paul explain the accusation against him: he was being judged for the hope of the promise made to the Israelites by God (the raise of the dead),  to which the twelve tribes hoped to attain, serving God fervently night and day (Acts 26.6-8).

·       Paul spoke about his manner of live from his youth at Jerusalem when, according to the strictest sect of the Jews, he lived a Pharisee (Acts 26:4,5). At this time, he thought within himself that he had to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. For instance, he shut up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests. And they being put to death, he cast a vote against them. And he punished them often in every synagogue, compelling them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly furious against them, he persecuted them even to the outside cities (Acts 26.9-11). 

·       Next, Paul spoke about his conversion. In one of this persecutions, traveling to Damascus with authority and power of decision from the chief priests, at midday, along the highway, Paul and those with him saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around Paul. All of them falling to the ground and Paul heard Jesus speaking to him in Hebrew dialect (Acts 26.12-14):

o   questioning about the reason of the persecution, even in so much pain (Acts 26.14);

o   answering Paul about His identity, as well as his calling to make him a minister and a witness both of what he saw, and in what He would go to witness (Acts 26.15,16);

o   promising to deliver him from the people and the nations to whom He would send him in order to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light, and from the authority of Satan to God, so that they may receive remission of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Him (Acts 26.17,18).

·       Paul spoke about his obedience to the heavenly vision, as he made known the command to repent and to turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance in Damascus, Jerusalem, all the country of Judea, and to the nations (Acts 26.19,20). Having obtained help from God, he stood witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said was going to happen, that the Christ was liable to suffer, being the first of the resurrection of the dead. He should proclaim light to the people and to the nations (Acts 26.21-23). 

 

And Paul defending himself at this way, Festus said with a loud voice that Paul had got crazy in virtue of reading the Holy Scripture very much (Acts 26.24). Paul made a rejoinder, avouching that he spoke words of truth and sanity, which Agrippa understood, inasmuch as nothing of these things are hidden from him. After all, the doing of this was not in a corner and king Agrippa believed in the Prophets (Acts 26.25-27).

After this, Agrippa said to Paul that nigh he persuaded him to be a Christian.

Then Paul said: “I would pray to God, both in a little and in much, that not only you, but also all hearing me today to become as I also am, except for these bonds.” (Acts 26.28,29).

And Paul having spoken this, the king and the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them rose up. And withdrawing, they spoke with one another, saying that Paul did nothing worthy of death or of bonds and that he might have been set at liberty if he had not appealed to Caesar (Acts 26.30-32). 

PAUL TRAVEL TO ROME

And when it was determined that Paul and Luke should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band. And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, they launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with them (Acts 27.1,2). 

And the next day they touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously treated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to receive care (Acts 27.3).

And when they had launched from thence, they sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. And when they had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, they came to Myra, a city of Lycia. And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put them therein (Acts 27.4-6).

And sailing slowly many days and with difficulty, coming abreast of Cnidus; the wind not allowing them; they sailed close to Crete, across from Salmone. And coasting along with difficulty, they came to a place named Fair Havens, near which was a city, Lasea. (Acts 27.7,8).

When much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them that the voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of their lives (Acts 27.9,10). 

Nevertheless, the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is a haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west (Acts 27.11,12). 

And a south wind blowing softly, thinking to have obtained their purpose, lifting anchor, they sailed along close beside Crete. But not long after, a stormy wind called Euroclydon beat down on it. And the ship being seized, and not being able to beat against the wind, giving way they were borne along. (Acts 27.13-15). 

And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, they had much work to come by the boat: which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven. And they being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; and the third day they cast out with their own hands the tackling of the ship. And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on them, all hope that they should be saved was then taken away (Acts 27.16-20). 

But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said that they shouldn’t have loosed from Crete. Nevertheless, they should be of good cheer, for there would be no loss of any man's life; only of the ship. This certain came from an angel that said to Paul to him don’t fear, inasmuch as he must be brought before Caesar and God had given him all them that sail with him (Acts 27.21-25). 

But when the fourteenth night was come, as they were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country. But, Then, fearing that by chance we might come on to the rocks, they let down four hooks from the back of the ship, and made prayers for the coming of day (Acts 27.26-29). 

And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship's boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers that, except these abide in the ship, they cannot be saved. Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let them fall off (Acts 27.30-32). 

And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, inasmuch as this was for their health, for there shall not one hair would fall from the head of any of them (Acts 27.33,34). 

And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat. Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. And they were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls. And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea (Acts 27.35-38). 

And when day came, they did not recognize the land. But they discovered a certain bay with a beach, into which they were minded, if they were able, to drive the ship. And casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea; at the same time they loosened the rudder bands and hoisted up the foresail to the wind and held to the shore. And coming on a place between two seas, they drove the vessel. And indeed the prow sticking fast, it remained unmovable. But the stern was broken with the violence of the waves.  (Acts 27.39-41). 

And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land. And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land (Acts 27.42-44).

And being saved, then they knew that the island was called Melita. And the foreigners showed us not the common kindness. For they kindled a fire and welcomed all of us, because of the rain coming on, and because of the cold (Acts 28.1,2). 

And Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laying them on the fire, a viper came out of the heat and fastened on his hand. And when the foreigners saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another that he was a murderer, because, being saved from the sea, Justice has not allowed to live. Then Paul shook off the creature into the fire, suffering no harm. But they expected him to be about to become inflamed, or to fall down dead suddenly, But over much time expecting and seeing nothing amiss happening to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god (Acts 28.3-6).

Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received them, and entertained them three days courteously. And it was so, that the father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery: unto whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laying his hands on him healed him.  And when this was done, the rest also that had diseases in the island came, and were cured: The habitants of the island also honored them with many honors and laid on the things of their needs (Acts 28.7-10). 

And after three months they sailed in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the island. And landing at Syracuse, they stayed three days. Going around from there theyt arrived at Rhegium and, after, to Puteoli, where they finding brothers and were asked to stay seven days. And, finally, they went toward Rome (Acts 28.11-14). 

PAUL IN ROME

And the brothers from there hearing of Paul and his friends, came to meet them as far as the market-place of Appius, and Three Taverns. Seeing them, thanking God, Paul took courage. And when Paul and Luke came into Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the camp commander. But Paul was allowed to dwell by himself, with a soldier guarding him (Acts 28.15,16). 

And after three days it happened that Paul called together those being chief of the Jews. And they coming together, Paul said to them that:

 

o   he did nothing against the people or customs of fathers of Israel;

o   he was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans who, examining him, were of a mind to let him go because there was no cause of death in him.;

o   Once the Jews spoke against him, he was constrained to appeal to Caesar; not having anything whereof accuse his nation;

o   For this cause, then, he called for them to see and to speak with them about all this. For he had this chain around him for the hope of Israel (Acts 28.17-19). 

 

And the chiefs of the Jews said to Paul that they neither received letters out of Judea concerning Paul, nor have any of the brothers who came declared or spoke anything evil of him.  But they thought it right to hear from Paul what he thought. For truly as concerning Jesus, it was known to them that it was spoken against everywhere (Acts 28.20-22). 

And the chiefs of the Jews, having appointed him a day, came to him in his lodging; to whom he expounded, testifying the kingdom of God, and persuading them the things concerning Jesus, both out of the Law of Moses and out of the Prophets, from morning until evening. 

And some indeed believed the things that were said, others did not believe. And, disagreeing with one another, they were let go. Paul recalled them of the prophet Isaiah:

 

o   "Go to this people and say: Hearing you shall hear and shall not understand; and seeing you shall see and not perceive. For the heart of this people was fattened, and they have heard with their ears dully; and they closed their eyes; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them."  

 

After, Paul said that the salvation of God was sent to the nations, and they would hear (Acts 28.23-28). 

After hearing Paul, the Jews departed, having much discussion among themselves (Acts 28.29). 

And Paul remained two years in his own hired house. And he welcomed all who came in to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God, and teaching those things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, with all freedom, and without hindrance (Acts 28.30,31). 

Nevertheless, after two years, Paul was imprisoned in the house of Caesar (Philippians 4.22).

During this time, Paul wrote four epistles. Considering that only Ephesians’ epistle was written without the assistance of Timothy, it’s doable that Timothy wasn’t imprisioned with Paul in the outset. And Paul wrote to the Ephesians first.

After this, Timothy arrived in Rome (I don’t know if to visit Paul or as prisioner) and he helped Paul to write Colossians.

In this occasion, Onesimus was put in liberty and Paul decided to send him together with Tychicus in order to comfort the brothers there:

 

·       “Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord, will make known to you all things about me. I sent him to you for this very purpose, that he might know the things about you, and that he might comfort your hearts, along with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known to you all things here.” (Col 4:7-9).

 

So that Onesimus had all the help that he needed to preach the gospel, Paul, together with the Timothy, wrote to Philemon.

After some time, Paul wrote Philippians together with Timothy. At this moment, Paul was with expectation that he would find the Philippians shortly (Php 2.24). Therefore, Paul wrote in this first prision in Rome when he was about getting free.

Besides, Paul quotes that his bonds in Christ were manifest in all palace where he was bonded and in all other places, not to mention that most of the brothers in the Lord, becoming confident by his bonds, are much more bold to speak the Word without fear (Philippian 1.12-14). This shows that he was incarcerated for some time:

 

·       “Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, most of all those who are of Caesar's household.” (Philippians 4.21,22).

 

One of the things that served of furtherance to Paul to write the messages was the offer that he received of the Philippians. He was very glad in the Lord that their care for him has come to life again again (Phil 4.10). The Philippians, in the beginning of the gospel, when he departed from Macedonia, were the only people that communicated with him as regards giving and receiving. To Thessalonica they sent once and again to his necessity (Phil 4.15,16).

Now, with this offer, Paul passed to have all, and abound. He was filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things which they sent, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable and well-pleasing to God (Phil 4.18).

Nonetheless, he clarified that the importance of them sharing in his troubles wasn’t because he desired a gift, but the fruit that may abound to your account (Phil 4.14,17). After all, he learned to be content in whatever state. He knew both how to be abased and to abound. In everything and in all things he was instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need, inasmuch as Christ strengthened him (Phil 4.21-23).

PAUL was put in liberty

After some years, Paul was put in liberty. At this first defense, no one was beside him, but all went away from him:

 

·       “At my first answer no one was beside me, but all deserted me. May it not be laid to their charge. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, that through me the preaching might be fulfilled, and that all the nations might hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work and will preserve me to His heavenly kingdom, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (2Tim 4.16-18). 

 

Then Paul traveled to some countries, among them Crete (Titus 1.5) and Ephesus (1Timothy 1.3).

When Paul passed by Crete, he saw problems and, for this reason, he left Titus there:

 

·       “For this cause I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed you,” (Titus 1:5).

 

Next, he was to Ephesus and, again, he saw the necessity of leaving someone to set in order the things. So, he left Timothy there and went to Macedonia:

 

·       “Even as I begged you to remain at Ephesus, when I was going to Macedonia, that you might charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor to give heed to fables and endless genealogies (which provide doubts rather than the nurture of God in faith).” (1Timothy 1.3,4).

 

It’s doable that it was in Macedonia that Paul wrote his letter to Titus, which was handed to him by Zenas and Apollos who were in an apostolic travel (Titus 3.13).

Some time later, Paul sent Artemas and Tychicus to Titus and set off to Nicopolis. After Titus arrived there, Paul sent him to Dalmatia (2Timothy 4.10).

Probably it was in Nicopolis that Paul wrote his first letter to Timothy. After all, Paul was determined to winter there (Titus 3.12) and hoped to meet Timothy in Ephesus very soon (1Timothy 3.14).

Regrettably, this didn’t happened. Some days after wrote to Timothy, he was imprisioned (probably in Nicopolis) and taken to Roma.

In short: as soon as Paul arrived in Nicopolis, Titus went there, was sent to Dalmatia, the first letter to Timothy was written, Paul was arrested and transported to Rome and the second letter to Timothy was written. All of this in a short interval of time.

PAUL WAS IMPRISON IN ROME AGAIN and killed

After arrive at Roma, Paul wrote his last letter, second Timothy (very before the winter). In this letter, Paul ask Timothy to go to him as soon as it was doable (2Timothy 4.21), inasmuch as he was about to be beheaded for the sake of Christ (2Timothy 4.6):

 

·       “Make haste to come to me quickly.” (2Timothy 4.9). 

 

And one of the reason for this is that many people abandoned Paul:

 

·       “This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.” (2Tim 1.15). 

·       “For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and he has departed to Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with you, for he is profitable to me for the ministry. And I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. (2Tim 4.10-12).

 

Other reason can be seen below:

 

·       “When you come, bring the cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith showed many evil things to me. The Lord will give back to him according to his works. You also should beware of him, for he has greatly withstood our words.” (2Timothy 4.13-15).

 

Of course, there were people that helped Paul:

 

·       “May the Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chain. But when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently and found me. May the Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day. And in what things he ministered to me at Ephesus, you know very well.” (2Tim 1.16-18).

·       “Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus stayed at Corinth, but Trophimus I left sick at Miletus. Try to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brothers.” (2Tim 4.19-21).

 

Paul missed Timothy but, at the same time, he saw the necessity of keeping on putting the things in order in Ephesus. For this, he sent Tychicus to Ephesus (2Timothy 4.12).

Some time later, what was beheaded.

 

·       “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. Now there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that Day; and not to me only, but also to all those who love His appearing.” (2Timothy 4.7,8).

CHARACTER OF PAUL

His love for the Israelites

Paul loved the Isralites. So much so that he always strained himself to go to Jerusalem and participate of the traditional festivities (Acts 18.21; 20.16). When this wasn’t possible, he kept the feast where he was (Acts 20.6; 1Corinthians 16.8).

Always that he arrived in some place, he first preached to the Israelites (Acts 9.20; Acts 13.5,14; 14.1; 17.1; 18.4; 18.19; 19.8).

He himself said:

 

·       “For I myself was wishing to be accursed from Christ for my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh,” (Romans 9.3) 

Paul’s rigidity

If, on the one hand, Paul was determined, on the other hand he exacted this determination of this fellowmen.

 

·       “And Barnabas determined to take with them John, he being called Mark. But Paul thought it well not to take that one with them, he having withdrawn from them from Pamphylia, and did not go with them to the work. Then there was sharp feeling, so as to separate them from each other…” (Acts 15.37-39).

Paul’s stubbornness

Paul was apostle of the non-Israelites (Acts 13.47; Acts 22.21; Romans 11.13; Galatians 2.7; 1Timothy 2.7; 2Timothy 1.11).

From here we can see that Paul was stubborn. Although it was necessary for the Word of the Eternal to be spoken to the Israelites first, once the Creator commanded them, saying, "I have set You to be a light of the nations, for salvation to the end of the earth.", (Acts 13.46,47) Paul should preach only to the non-Israelites and leave the task of evangelizing the Israelites to other people (for example, Barnabas).

In Acts 21.11 Agabus prophesized that Paul will be arrested in Jerusalem and, even certain of this, he said: “I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 21.13). However, there, in order to keep the appearances and not be invidious to the Israelites, Paul submit himself to Jewish ritual (Acts 21.23-26).

He well knew, in virtue of the decision taken at Jerusalem, that such rituals aren’t necessary (Acts 15). Besides, by his letter to Galatians and Romans, we see that Paul was certain that the salvation is by faith in Christ, without the works of the law (Romans 3.28; Galatians 2.16; 3.10).

Paul liked to keep the appearances

Beyond the example shown previously, we see Paul circumcising Timothy just after he had defended that circumcision isn’t necessary in the Council of Jerusalem.

 

·       “And he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple named Timothy was there, the son of a woman who was a Jewess and who believed. But his father was a Greek. He was well reported of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted him to go with him, and taking him he circumcised him, because of the Jews who were in those places; for they all knew that his father was a Greek.” (Acts 16:1-3).

 

And this had a terrible repercussion in the middle of the brethren in Galatia (where Paul went next – see Galatians 1.1,11,12).

In other occasion, Paul, in order not to be ashamed before the Macedonians, sent Titus to prepare the Corinthians in regarding to the offer in favor of the saints in Jerusalem.

·       “For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: for I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many. Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready: lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting. Therefore, I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness” (2Corinthians 9.1-5). 

Paul’s care for his children in faith

Giving himself to his children

·       “Nor did we seek glory from men, neither from you nor from others, being able to be so with heaviness, as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse warmly cherishes her children. So affectionately longing for you, we were willing to have imparted to you, not only the gospel of God, but also our own souls, because you have become beloved to us.” (1Thesslonians 2.6-8);

·       “O Corinthians, our mouth is opened to you, our heart has been enlarged. You are not restrained in us, but you are restrained in your own affections. But for the same reward, (I speak as to children), you also be enlarged.” (2Corinthians 6.11-13).

·       “My children, for whom I again travail until Christ should be formed in you, even now I desired to be present with you, and to change my voice; for I am in doubt as to you.” (Galatians 4.19,20).

Imparting thanks to the Creator for his children

·       “We give thanks to G od for you always, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father,” (1Thessalonians 1.2,3).

·       “We are bound to thank God always for you, my brothers, as it is right, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of each one of you abounds toward one another” (2Thessalonians 1.3).

Writing letters for his children

·       “Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ (according to the faith of God's elect, in the acknowledging of the truth which is according to godliness…) to Titus, a true child according to our common faith. Grace mercy and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior” (Titus 1.1,4). 

·       “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ according to the command of God our Savior, and of the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope, to Timothy, my own son in the faith. Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1Timothy 1.1,2).

Paul considered his children as his reward

·       “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?  For ye are our glory and joy.” (1Thessalonians 2.19,20).

·       “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.” (Philippians 4.1).

Paul’s intercession for his children

·       “Paul, a prisoner of Jesus C hrist, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon the beloved and fellow laborer, and to Apphia the beloved, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints,” (Philemon 1.1-5).

·       “For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in Heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height, and to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3.14-19).

·       “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making my request for you all with joy for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ, even as it is righteous for me to think this of you all, because you have me in your heart, inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partakers of my grace. For God is my witness how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in full knowledge and in all perception; that you may distinguish between things that differ, that you may be sincere and without offense until the day of Jesus Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1.3-11).

·       “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.” (Romans 1.10-12).

·       “I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, so that I may be filled with joy,  taking recollection of the unfeigned faith that is in you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois, and in your mother Eunice. And I am persuaded that it is in you also. Therefore I remind you to inflame anew the gift of God, which is in you by the putting on of my hands. (2Timothy 1.3-6).

·       “I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,” (Philemon 4).

Paul’s remembrance of his children or colaborators

·       “I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you receive her in the Lord, as becomes saints, and that you may assist her in whatever business she has need of you. For she has been a helper of many, and of myself also.” (Romans 16:1,2);

·       “ Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my helpers in Christ Jesus, who have laid down their own necks for my life; to whom not only I give thanks, but also the churches of the nations. Likewise greet the church that is in their house...” (Rom 16:3-5);

·       “For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy: for I espoused you to one husband, that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that is toward Christ.” (2Cor 11.2,3).

·       “… Greet my beloved Epenetus, who is the first-fruits of Achaia to Christ.” (Rom 16:5);

·       “Greet Mary, who bestowed much labor on us.” (Rom 16:6);

·       “Greet Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.” (Rom 16:7);

·       “Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.” (Rom 16:8); 

·       “Greet Urbanus, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.” (Rom 16:9); 

·       “Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of Aristobulus' household.”(Rom 16:10); 

·       “Greet Herodion my kinsman. Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord.” (Rom 16:11);

·       “Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord.” (Rom 16:12);

·       “Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.” (Rom 16:13);

·       “Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brothers with them.” (Rom 16:14);

·       “Greet Philologus and Julias, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints with them.” (Rom 16:15);

·       “Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.” (Rom 16:16). 

Paul’s desire to see the brethren

·       For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; (Rom 1:11). 

·       “But, my brothers, when we were taken away from you for an hour's time (in presence, not in heart), more abundantly we were eager with much desire to see your face. Therefore we desired to come to you, truly I, Paul, both once and twice; but Satan hindered us.” (1Thess 2.17,18). 

·       “For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.” (1Thess 3.9-11).

Certain time, Paul left of preaching the gospel for not meeting Titus

·       “And, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit because I did not find Titus my brother. But taking my leave of them, I went from there into Macedonia.” (2Corinthians 2:12). 

Paul’s concern about the spiritual situation of their children in faith

·       “For this reason I desire that you faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.” (Ephesians 3.13).

·       “But, so that you also may know my affairs and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things, whom I have sent to you for the same purpose, that you might know our affairs and that he might comfort your hearts.” (Ephesians 6.21,22).

·       “whom we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, so that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. For which I also labor, striving according to the working of Him who works in me in power.” (Colossians 1.28,29).

·       “For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.” (Colossians 2.5).

·       “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy. For I have espoused you to one Man, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.” (2Corinthians 11.2).

·       “Only let your conduct be as becomes the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you, or else am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, striving together with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and terrified in nothing by your adversaries.” (Philippians 1.27,28).

·       “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor. Yet I do not know what I shall choose. For I am pressed together by the two: having a desire to depart and to be with Christ, which is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all, for your advancement and joy of faith, so that your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.” (Philippians 1.21-26).

·       “If there is therefore any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tendernesses and mercies, then fulfill my joy, that you may be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord and of one mind.” (Philippians 2.1,2).

·       “But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly to you, so that I also may be of good comfort when I know your state. But you know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he has served with me in the gospel. Therefore I hope to send him presently, as soon as I shall see the things about me. 

But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly. 

Yet I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow-worker, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger and he who ministered to my wants. For he longed after you all and was full of heaviness, because you had heard that he had been sick.  7  For indeed he was sick, coming near death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 

Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, so that you may rejoice when you see him again, and that I may be the less sorrowful. Therefore receive him in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such in honor, because for the work of Christ he was near death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.” (Philippians 2.19,22-30).

·       “Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; and sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: that no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain. But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: for now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.” (1Thess 3.1-8).

Paul’s concern about being a good testemony

·       “For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor with pretense of covetousness; God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from men, neither from you nor from others, being able to be so with heaviness, as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse warmly cherishes her children. So affectionately longing for you, we were willing to have imparted to you, not only the gospel of God, but also our own souls, because you have become beloved to us. For, brothers, you remember our labor and toil. For laboring night and day in order not to put a burden on any one of you, we preached the gospel of God to you. You and God are witnesses how holily and justly and blamelessly we were to you who believe, even as you know how we exhorted and comforted and testified to each one of you, as a father to his children,” (1Thessalonians 2.5-11).

·       “ Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Philippians 4.9). 

·       “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” (1Corinthians 11.1). 

·       “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,” (Tit 2:7).

·       “If we have sown to you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others have a share of this authority over you, rather should not we? But we have not used this authority, but we endured all things lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.” (1Corinthians 9.11,12).

·       “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.” (2Thessalonians 3.6-11).

Paul’s perseverance amid the sufferings

·       “I speak according to dishonor, as though we have been weak. But in whatever anyone dares (I speak foolishly), I also dare” (2Cor 11.21). 

·       “Are they Hebrews? I also! Are they Israelites? I also! Are they the seed of Abraham? I also! Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as beside myself,) I am more! I have been in labors more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in prisons more, in deaths many times.” (2Cor 11.22-23).  

·       “Five times from the Jews I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I have spent a night and a day in the deep. I have been in travels often; in dangers from waters; in dangers from robbers; in dangers from my race; in dangers from the heathen; in dangers in the city; in dangers in the wilderness; in dangers on the sea; in dangers among false brothers.” (2Cor 11.24-26).  

·       “I have been in hardship and toil; often in watchings; in hunger and thirst; often in fastings; in cold and nakedness; besides the things outside conspiring against me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is caused to stumble, and I do not burn?” (2Cor 11.27-29).    

·       “In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king guarded the city of the Damascenes, desiring to lay hold of me. And I was let down in a basket through a window through the wall, and escaped their hands.“ (2Cor 11.32-33)

·       “But may it never be for me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Galatians 6.14). 

·       “For the rest, let no one give troubles to me, for I bear in my body the brands of the Lord Jesus” (Galatians 6.17). 

·       “And Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there, who, having persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, they drew him out of the city, supposing him to have died. But the disciples surrounding him, he rose up and came into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. And preaching the gospel to that city, and having made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and Iconium and Antioch, confirming the souls of the disciples, calling on them to continue in the faith and that through much tribulation we must enter into the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14.19-22). 

·       “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me has flourished again. Although you indeed did think, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak according to need, for I have learned to be content in whatever state I am. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound. In everything and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4.11-13).

·       “Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (2Timothy 1.11,12).

·       “But you have fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, long-suffering, love, patience, persecutions, afflictions, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra. What persecutions I endured! But the Lord delivered me out of all.” (2Timothy 3.10,11).

Paul’s struggle and disclaimer to attain the salvation

·       “But whatever things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. But no, rather, I also count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them to be dung, so that I may win Christ and be found in Him; not having my own righteousness, which is of the Law, but through the faith of Christ, the righteousness of God by faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable to His death; if by any means I might attain to the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect, but I am pressing on, if I may lay hold of that for which I also was taken hold of by Christ Jesus. My brothers, I do not count myself to have taken possession, but one thing I do, forgetting the things behind and reaching forward to the things before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3.7-14).

·       “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” (1Corinthians 9.24-27).

·       “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” (Gal 6:14).  

·        “From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” (Gal 6:17). 

Paul’s craftiness

·       But when Paul saw that the one part were Sadducees and the other part Pharisees, he cried out in the sanhedrin, Men! Brothers! I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee! I am being judged because of the hope and resurrection of the dead.” (Act 23:6).

 

In this opportunity, Paul was arrested and was trying to justify himself before the Sanhedrin. When he saw that in the Sanhedrin there was Pharisees and Sadducees, Paul tried to divide them. To this he alleged that he was Pharisee. Nonetheless, in this moment, he wasn’t more Pharisee.

 

PAUL’S EFFORT TO REACH THE MAJOR NUMBER OF PEOPLE AND DON’T IMPART OCCASION TO PEOPLE FALL IN THE FAITH

·       “For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; to them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.” (1Cor 9.19-23). 

·       “Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.” (1Cor 10:33).

·       “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching to this very thing with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. And pray for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds; so that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” (Ephesians 6.18-20). 

Paul and the false ministers of the gospel

·       “Some indeed even preach Christ because of envy and strife, and some also of good will. Those, indeed, preach Christ out of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds. But these others preach in love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel.

What then? Nevertheless, in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached. And I rejoice in this. Yet, also I will rejoice. For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that I shall be ashamed in nothing, but as always now Christ shall be magnified in my body with all boldness, whether it is by life or by death.” (Phil 1.15-20).

·       “(For many are walking, of whom I have told you often and now tell you even weeping, as the enemies of the cross of Christ; whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, those who mind earthly things.)” (Philippians 3.18,19).

PAUL’S THOUGHT ABOUT HIMSELF

The minor of the apostles

·       “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who strengthened me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry— the one who before was a blasphemer and a persecutor and insolent. But I obtained mercy, because being ignorant, I did it in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Faithful is the Word and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. But for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering, as a pattern to those being about to believe on Him to life everlasting.” (1Tim 1.12-16).

·       “For I am the least of the apostles and am not sufficient to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace which was toward me has not been without fruit, but I labored more abundantly than all of them; yet not I, but the grace of God with me.” (1Cor 15.9,10).

But someone worth of being imitated.

·       “Be imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ.” (1Cor 11.1).

·       “Brothers, be imitators together of me, and mark those who walk this way, for you have us for a pattern.” (Phil 3.17).

·       Brothers, be imitators together of me, and mark those who walk this way, for you have us for a pattern.” (1Cor 4.16).

Paul’s concern about not boast

·       “But, brothers, I wrote to you boldly, as reminding you in part, because of the grace that is given to me by God, that I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the nations, ministering the gospel of God, so that the offering up of the nations might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Therefore I have boasting in Christ Jesus as to the things pertaining to God. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ did not work out by me for the obedience of the nations in word and deed, in power of miracles and wonders, in power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem, and all around to Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.” (Romans 15.15-19).

·       “Indeed, it is not profitable for me to boast. For I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.” (2Cor 12.1)

·       “ I have become foolish boasting. You compelled me. For I ought to be commended by you. For I lacked nothing of the highest apostles, if even I am nothing.” (2Cor 12.11). 

·        “Again I say, Let no one think me foolish. If otherwise, yet receive me as foolish, so that I may also boast a little. What I speak, I do not speak according to the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this boldness of boasting. Since many glory according to the flesh, I also will boast. For you gladly bear with fools, being wise.” (2Cor 11.16-19).

PAUL’S MIRACLES

Miracles made through Paul

1º -   “Then Saul (who is also Paul), filled with the Holy Spirit, set his eyes on him and said, O son of the Devil, full of all deceit and all craftiness, enemy of all righteousness, will you not stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is on you. And you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a while. And immediately a mist and a darkness fell on him, and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand” (Acts 13.9-11);

2º -   “And a certain man was sitting in Lystra, without strength in the feet, being lame from his mother's womb, who never had walked. This one heard Paul speaking; and Paul, looking intently at him, and seeing that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, Stand up on your feet! And he leaped and walked.” (Acts 14.8-10);

3º -   “And as we went to prayer, it happened that a certain girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much gain by divining. The same followed Paul and us and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the Most High God, who are announcing to us the way of salvation. And she did this many days. But being distressed, and turning to the demonic spirit, Paul said, I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her! And it came out in that hour.” (Acts 16.16-18);

4º -   “And toward midnight Paul and Silas prayed and praised God in a hymn. And the prisoners listened to them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened and all the bonds were loosened.” (Acts 16.25-26);

5º -   “And as Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.” (Acts 19.6);

6º -   “And God did works of power through the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons from his skin being brought onto the sick, the diseases were released, and the evil spirits went out of them.” (Acts 19.11-12);

7º -   “And a certain young man named Eutychus was sitting on the window sill, Paul reasoning for a longer time, being overborne by sleep, he fell down from the third floor, and was taken up dead. And Paul went down and fell on him, and embracing him said, do not be terrified, for his soul is in him.” (Acts 20.9-10); 

8º -   “Therefore I remind you to inflame anew the gift of God, which is in you by the putting on of my hands.” (2Timothy 1:6);

9º -   “And it happened the father of Publius was lying down, suffering fevers and dysentery; to whom Paul entered in, and praying and laying on his hands, he healed him. Then this taking place, the rest who were having infirmities in the island also came, and were healed.” (Act 28:8,9).

Miracles that wasn’t made through Paul

1º -   “But you know that through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel to you before, and you did not despise my temptation in my flesh, nor did you spurn it. But you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.  What then was your blessedness? For I bear you record that, if you were able, plucking out your eyes, you would have given them to me (Galatians 4.13-15).

2º -   “Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus stayed at Corinth, but Trophimus I left sick at Miletus. Try to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brothers.” (2Timothy 4.19-21).

THE ORDER OF THE EPISTLES

·       1Thessalonians: in his second apostolic travel, Paul set in preaching the gospel in Thessalonica, but he was hampered in virtue of persecution (Acts 17.14; 1Thess 2.14-16). Silas and Timothy stayed in Thessalonica, but Paul was obliged to go to Athenas. As soon as possible, Silas and Timothy were to meet Paul in Athenas (Acts 17.15).

However Paul, Silas and Timothy, being taken away from them for an hour's time (in presence, not in heart), more abundantly they were eager with much desire to see their face (1Thess 2.17), but Ha-Satan hindered them (1Thess 2.18). Therefore, when they could no longer endure, they were pleased to send Timothy (1Thess 3.1,2), to know about their faith, lest by some means the tempter may have tempted them and their labor may have been in vain (1Thess 3.5).

When Timothy came back, Paul was in Corinth (Acts 18.5). Timothy apprised Paul of everything and, seeing that there were misunderstandings about him and his intentions, about the coming of Jesus Christ, about how we need to deport amid the adversities, etc., Paul decided to write this letter in Corinth during his second apostolic travel (Acts 18.5).

 

·       2Thessalonians: it’s probable that this letter was written some months after Paul writing his first letter, still in Corinth, inasmuch as:

o   the subjects in this epistle is very similar to the subjects in the first one;

o   the salutation is very similar in boths;

o   both the letters was written by Paul, Silvanus and Timothy.

Paul, hearing about the acceptation of his first epistle and the mistakes that were tooking place amid these brethren (people was uttering prophecies as if it was Paul who had prophecied, interpreting his epistle in a wrong way or writing messages in his name), Paul feel compelled to write this letter.

One thing is for sure: this letter was written in the second apostolic travel of Paul, inasmuch as Silas isn’t mention in his third travel.

·       1Corinthians: It was written in Ephesus (1Cor 16.8) during his ministry of three years there (Acts 20.31) in his third apostolic travel (At 18.23—21.16). After Paul being apprised by Chloe of some divergences in Corinth (1Cor 1.11; 5.1) and receiving one letter (asking instructions about several sujects – 1Cor 7.1; 8.1; 12.1; 16.1) from them by Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus (1Cor 16.17), Paul decided to write this letter. Timothy wasn’t together because Paul sent him to Macedonia (Acts 19.22).

It's doable that Titus was the one who deliver this letter to the Corinthians.

 

·       Galatians: This letter was written by Paul in this third apostolic travel when he was in Ephesus, about to go to Macedonia (2Cor 9.4). When he wrote Galatians he had already suffered very much, since he claimed that nobody had right to fidget him because he bore in his body the brands of the Lord Jesus (Gal 6.17).

Considering that Paul, in 2Corinthians, was defending his apostolic authority and that he did this in this letter, it’s doable that Paul used the opportunity to write also to the Galatians, being that the same predicament was occurring in Galatia.

Furthermore, Paul mentioned a revelation that he received fourteen years before he writing 2Corinthians (2Cor 12.2), probably before him to start his travels (after all, he put before Peter, James and John, the gospel which he proclaimed in the nations so that he didn’t run into vanity – Galatians 2.2). Perceive that, in Galatians 2.2, Paul assert that he went up to Jerusalem by revelation exactly fourteen years ago.

Therefore, the two letters were written in the same occasion, one after the other.

Consider also that Silas and Timothy aren’t quoted. Why? Silas don’t partake of the third apostolic travel of Paul. As to Timothy, probably he was sent ahead to Corinth together with Titus and one of the the brothers whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches (probably Erastus – Acts 19.22) (2Cor 8.18).

 

·       2Corinthians: during his third apostolic travel, while Paul was in Ephesus, he heard about some predicaments that arouse in Corinth (and about what he spoked in 1Corinthians), as well as some doubts that worried the brethren. In response, Paul wrote 1Corinthians. Nevertheless, Paul, for some reason (perhaps he got flustered and antsy in virtue of not having spoken about everything in his first letter – 1Cor 11.34), couldn’t stand staying in Ephesus until the determined time. It’s doable that weighed him down the hypothesis that the Corinthians could swerve or be led astray from the true faith in virtue of not hearing about all the counsel of the Creator (Acts 20.27).

So, Paul decided to go to Corinth crossing the sea Egeu before the planned time (see 2Cor 13.1,2), so that he could to come to grips with all this problems and quandaries.

This visit was very grievous to Paul and to the brethren in Corinth (2Cor 2.1,2). After it, Paul come back to Ephesus and there he was apprised that his adversaries were attacking his apostolic authority in Corinth, trying persuade all to reject him (see 2Cor 12.12; 2Cor 3.1). This, added with the generosity of the Macedonians, cheer Paul up to write this epistle in Macedonia (2Cor 9.4), when he was going toward Corinth by the third time (see 2Cor 13.1,2), where he stayed three months (Acts 20.1-3) and wrote the letter to the Romans. Paul planned on going to Corinth after passing through Macedonia (1Cor 16.5,6) and desire that the offer of the Corinthians was unstinting (2Cor 8.16,17). So, he wrote this letter and deliver it to Titus (together with the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches – 2Cor 8.18), who was there before Paul to prepare the Corinthians with regard to the offer.

 

·       Romans: it was written in Corinth by Paul through Tertus when they was being hosted by Gaius (1Corinthians 1.14; Romans 16.23) in the end of his third apostolic travel (Act 20.1-3). They letter was delivered to the Romans by Phoebe (Romans 16.1). It was written after Galatians (compare Romans 15.26 with 2Corinthians 8.1-5). Paul was free (Rom 15.25) and going to Jerusalem to deliver the offers of Macedonians and Corinthians (Rom 15.25,26) and he planned on arriving in Jerusalem for celebrating Pentecost’s day (Acts 20.16). Paul wrote through his helper Tertius (Romans 16.22).

Then, Paul hoped to set off toward Roman’s church and receive assistance of the believers there in order to run on toward the Spain (Romans 15.24,28).

It’s probable that Silas wasn’t with Paul in this third travel, being that Paul didn’t mention him in this epistle (Romans 16.21).

 

·       Ephesians: Paul was old (Filemon 1.9) when he wrote this letter in the prison (Eph 3.1; 4.1; 6.20). Probably Paul was praying when he procured the great revelation pictured in Ephesians 1 a 3. On the contrary of the other epistles, this one wasn’t written aim at fixing doctrinal errors or in order to defend himself. Paul was inspired by a overflow of Jesus’ revelation, only to convey more information about Him (revelation of something unrevealed).

It’s doable that Paul wrote this letter together with the letter of Laodiceans and gave them to Tychicus so that he could hand them to the endued destinataries (Ephesians 6.21,22).

Nonetheless, when Epaphras came to Paul and tell him about what it was taking place with the brethren in Colossae, he decided to write Colossians’ letter before sending Tychicus (Col 1.8; 4.12).

 

·       Colossians: Paul was old (Filemon 1.9) when he wrote this letter in the prison (Col 4.3,10,18). Paul, planning on apprising all the brethren there about his situation (and of the brothers with him) and comfort their heart, he sent Tychicus and Onesimus.

 

·       Philemon: Paul was old when he wrote this letter in the prison (Fm 1,9,10,23). Paul preach the gospel to Onesimus in the jail and he was converted to Christ. When his freedom was conceded, Paul sent him back to Colossae, his homeland (Colossians 4.9), in order to convey to the brethren how he and his fellowmen were (Col 4.8). Of course, Onesimus would need a place to stay. So, Paul write this letter in order to ask Filemon to take him in (Filemon 15,16).

Certainly Paul wrote this letter immediately after he writing Colossians.

Other proof that Paul wrote his letter in his prision is that he said that Demas was with him (Philemon 24), being that, in his second prision, Demas veered from the faith (2Timothy 4.10).

·       Philippians: Paul was old when he wrote this letter in the prison (Php 3.12; 4.22). Considering that Paul thought in coming by Philippi shortly (Php 2.24), therefore he wrote in this first prision in Rome (in his second prision he knew about his death – 2Tim 4.6) after writing his letter to Ephesians, Laodiceans, Colossians and to Philimon.

Furthermore, he quoted that his bonds in Christ were manifest in all the palace in all other places (Philippian 1.12,13), what corroborates with the idea of that he was in prision for a long time for the first time.

 

·       Titus: Probably this letter was handed to Titus by Zenas and Apollos, who were in an apostolic travel (Titus 3.13). Paul wrote this letter after him visiting Crete (Titus 1.5). Considering that Paul didn’t visited Creta in no one of his three apostolic travel, therefore Paul visited there between his first and second prison in Rome.

After Titus met up Paul in Nicopolis, Titus was sent by Paul to Dalmatia (2Timothy 4.10).

It’s doable that this letter was written in Macedonia, being that, after Paul leave Titus in Crete, he left Timothy in Ephesus and went to Macedonia (1Timothy 1.3).

 

·       1Timothy: Paul was going to Macedonia when he leave Timothy in Ephesus (1Timothy 1.3). Consider that Paul didn’t go to Ephesus in his first travel; in his second travel he just passed fast by Ephesus and went to Caesarea; in his third travel he went to Macedonia after stay three years in Ephesus (Acts 20.31), but Timothy accompanied him (Act 20.4).

Therefore, this took place in the interval between the first prison and the second one.

Probably this letter was written in Nicopolis, after he write the letter to Titus. Paul planned on inverning in Nicopolis (Titus 3.14) and, instead of call Timothy (as he did in the second letter to Timothy – 2Tim 4.21), he hoped to meet Timothy in Ephesus.

Unfortunately, this didn’t take place. Paul was bonded in Nicopolis after Titus arrived and being sent to Dalmatia, but before the winter, once Paul call Timothy to go to Rome before the winter (2Tim 4.21). That is to say: as soon as Paul arrived in Nicopolis, Titus went there, was sent to Dalmatia, the first letter to Timothy was written, Paul was arrested and transported to Rome and the second letter to Timothy was written. All of this in a short interval of time.

 

·       2Timothy: this was ths last epistle that Paul wrote. He was in the prison for the second time and about to be beheaded (2Tim 1.8; 4.6-8). Paul had passed by Corinth and Miletus (2Tim 4.20) and probably he was arrested in Nicopolis (Titus 3.12) after sending Titus to Dalmatia (2Tim 4.10).