Let's take a trip with Paul...

[MeekOne]

Can you tell me what you think of Paul's mission trips. Was there three or four? My Bible says four, one of my teachers tells me it was three, and possibly four according to other teachers.


Paul's Mission Trips

Let's take a trip with Paul, shall we? I did some really good Bible study this weekend on the mission trips of Paul who as we all know was once called Saul but had a change of name when Jesus gave him a change of heart.

His first mission trip was recorded in Acts 13-14. It is a very good read. I will be mentioning the parts that I found most interesting and that tugged at my heart the most.

In Acts 13:33 it is told that Jesus is spoken about in Psalms 2:7, this is documented in the Old Testament, long before he was physically born. Something that may be of interest to nonbelievers.

In Acts 13:39 Paul tried to tell the Jews about Jesus and how the law of Moses was no longer justifiable in the sacrifice of animals for atonement of sins, making it no longer necessary because Christ was the ultimate sacrifice.

After the Jews weren't listening (Acts 13:46), they told the Gentiles they could have salvation in the Lord and multitudes came (Acts 13:47-48). They were all saved, however, why is it baptism is not even mentioned here anywhere? Because I believe that there were places it was mentioned and places that it wasn't. Is it possible there could be two ways to come to Jesus, and it doesn’t really matter to Him which way comes first? How were they saved if no baptisms took place, if there were baptisms taking place would they not record it too as they did in other parts of the Bible? Could it be the Holy Spirit baptism was what they received here? The kind that comes when you believe it in your heart, you receive it? How is it that we consistently believe there is only one way to the Lord and it is either immersion in water or not, that is it? I understand the importance of baptism, and would question if someone would say they follow the Lord, but would not want to be baptized and reborn in Him. However, why is it there are places where there are people being saved in His Word, but no water baptism is mentioned? Because I believe God is bigger than that, we do not give Him the credit that we should in that area. Is God not sovereign? Our minds are too small to be able to remotely think as He does.

Going on to Paul's second mission trip again we see no baptism mentioned where people are being saved (Acts 15:7-11). However, the works do sound familiar in Acts 15:1.

I find it truly amazing how the declaration of Christ was found in the Old Testament (Acts 15:16-18) and God knew it from the beginning. With further study, I found it in Amos 9:9-15 and it means the same thoughts. It also adds that once we are planted in salvation, we will no longer be pulled from it, saith the Lord thy God. Another complete statement from our Lord that once you are saved, you are saved forever.

Now there was baptism mentioned in Acts 16:15, however the woman who was baptized said it was to be faithful to the Lord. In Acts 16:24-34 when Paul and Silas were thrown into prison for speaking the Word of God, they prayed and God helped them by opening the doors with an earthquake and casting off their shackles. The guard thought they were all gone and was going to kill himself, but Paul shouted, do no harm to yourself for we are all here. The guard was so amazed; he fell right down and said what must I do to be saved? Paul and Silas said believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thy house too. They were baptized after that in obedience, straight away, but we must not take Acts 16:31 out of context, nor add anything to it either.

I specifically like verse Acts 17:25, God does not REQUIRE our worship as He is above all things. And in Acts 17:26-27, it confirms that God has appointed each one of us beforehand. This is good news for the nonbelievers as it shows their presence may have a purpose here. It is also comforting to know He is not far from every one of us. This includes nonbelievers. Verse Acts 17:30 shows God winks at the ignorance of idol worship, but wants repentance of such idol worship.

In Acts 18:8 it shows Crispus, a chief ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord and others upon hearing believed too. Notice they heard, believed, and then were baptized. Much could be said on this, but I will go on.

I liked how Gallio, a Greek deputy, told the Jews that Paul couldn't be judged by them because he was speaking of things of the Word of the Jewish God and they (the Jews) should look into it (Acts 18:12-16).

Do I see God working yet another miracle in Jesus choosing Saul/Paul, a Roman to do His missionary work? I find it quite interesting how the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the Jewish synagogue and beat him before the very judgement seat that they had Paul before just minutes ago. Do you think Paul had something to do with that? So He can continue the job Christ gave him in spreading the Word. I do. Paul, the Roman, had authority about him (Acts 18:17-19).

On Paul's third mission trip, I find it amazing how Apollos and other disciples were baptized with the baptism of John the Baptist, however did need to be re-baptized in Christ Jesus' name in order to receive the Holy Spirit. That is what it says right there. Even though baptism was not mentioned in many places, it says that in order to receive the Holy Spirit of God, you have to be baptized in the name of Christ Jesus (Acts 18:25-28 and Acts 19:1-5).

Oh, if we could only all feel the spirit as Paul did in Acts 20:24. I wish I could only be half as convicted. I bet Paul was handsome. Amazing how it was told to Paul that he would find danger in Jerusalem (Acts 21:11-12), but Paul would rather die than not speak the Word of Christ (Acts 21:13). In Acts 21:33 he was captured, chained, and gave his defense in their own language (Acts 21:40). His story is one of amazing strength and righteousness, and grace bestowed upon him (Acts 22:1-15).

Interesting to note that Paul was first chosen by Christ, then afterwards he was baptized to wash away his sins and call on the name of the Lord (Acts 22:16). This alone shows me how important baptism is. Yes, God chooses us, we are overwhelmed with that spirit, but it is absolutely critical that we show our obedience and love to Him in that newfound union that being baptism. By the way, this is to me clearly a baptism of water even if water is not mentioned.

I find it extremely interesting how when Paul stood and told the Sadducees and Pharisees something that went against their doctrine, it was felt that Paul was going to be "pulled to pieces" (Acts 23:10) .

I find it outstanding and incredible how Paul was able to get out of so many life threatening situations. The absolute only reason for these escape routes created was definitely God sent.

What do you think Paul meant by to "do works meet for repentance" in Acts 26:20?

I must say though that I feel my Pastor was thinking clearly when he indicated the three mission trips of Paul instead of four. The map in my Bible shows four trips were taken of Paul, but I believe there were only 3 mission trips actually taken. The fourth trip, Acts 27:1-44 through Acts 28:1-16 was Paul's trip in custody as Jovan pointed out. In my opinion, this is not a missions trip per se, as he did not take it upon himself to go spread the Word of Christ, and no one was mentioned as being saved as on his three prior trips. This is why I believe people only attain Paul as going on three trips as my Pastor does, and now myself as well having looked into it thoroughly.

All scriptural responses are welcomed and much appreciated. Have the best day, MeekOne

 

[MeekOne]

Any thoughts at all here? How many thousands of members do we have and not one has replied to this Bible study? Makes me wonder why?

 

[@@Paul@@]

Any thoughts at all here? How many thousands of members do we have and not one has replied to this Bible study? Makes me wonder why?

Hi MeekOne... I’ll comment

I humbly disagree that water baptism is the means to salvation and the way in which we are sealed by the Spirit until the day of redemption.

Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,​

So, we are either saved by the act of water baptism or we are not; I don’t see how there can be any middle ground. In Ephesians Paul laid this out as (1) hear the word of Truth (2) believe (3) Trust (4) be sealed with the Holy Ghost.... There is no baptism in there.... In Hebrews Paul writes of more than one Baptism.

Heb 6:2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.​

Yet later in the letter to the Ephesians Paul states there is only ONE Baptism.

Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,​

Can you name all the baptisms In the New Testament?

What do you think Paul meant by to "do works meet for repentance" in Acts 26:20?

Act 26:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.​

Now, what Paul is saying is that he showed the Jews first, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance… The Gentile inclusion was described in His epistle to the Romans…

Rom 10:19 But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.
Rom 11:14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.​

So, Paul was trying to provoke Israel into “producing fruit” (works meet for repentance) by going to the Gentiles… The Gentiles were never asked to do works meet for repentance.

Act 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.​

Why do you think Paul said it was necessary that the message FIRST go to the Jews all the way throughout the book of Acts?

(Luk 4:16 KJV) And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
(Act 17:2 KJV) And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,​

And why would Paul ALWAYS reason with the Jews for three sabbath days before going to any Gentiles?? Notice Luke 4:16, Christ , as His custom was, did the same as Paul.

 

[MeekOne]

Hi MeekOne... I’ll comment





I humbly disagree that water baptism is the means to salvation and the way in which we are sealed by the Spirit until the day of redemption.

Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,​

So, we are either saved by the act of water baptism or we are not; I don’t see how there can be any middle ground. In Ephesians Paul laid this out as (1) hear the word of Truth (2) believe (3) Trust (4) be sealed with the Holy Ghost.... There is no baptism in there.... In Hebrews Paul writes of more than one Baptism.

Heb 6:2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.​

Yet later in the letter to the Ephesians Paul states there is only ONE Baptism.

Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,​

Can you name all the baptisms In the New Testament?

Act 26:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.​

Now, what Paul is saying is that he showed the Jews first, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance… The Gentile inclusion was described in His epistle to the Romans…

Rom 10:19 But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.


Rom 11:14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.

​

So, Paul was trying to provoke Israel into “producing fruit” (works meet for repentance) by going to the Gentiles… The Gentiles were never asked to do works meet for repentance.

Act 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.​

Why do you think Paul said it was necessary that the message FIRST go to the Jews all the way throughout the book of Acts?

(Luk 4:16 KJV) And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.


(Act 17:2 KJV) And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,

​

And why would Paul ALWAYS reason with the Jews for three sabbath days before going to any Gentiles?? Notice Luke 4:16, Christ , as His custom was, did the same as Paul.

Hi Paul!

I am glad you replied and thank you. We are in complete agreement as far as the road to salvation. I believe in the Romans road, which leads you to Christ by belief, repentance and declaration in Christ. I do not believe salvation is completely found in baptism. However, I do believe that baptism is a very important part of our obedient walk with Christ.

Having said that, how can you explain the following: On Paul's third mission trip, I find it amazing how Apollos and other disciples were baptized with the baptism of John the Baptist, however did need to be re-baptized in Christ Jesus' name in order to receive the Holy Spirit. Even though baptism was not mentioned in many places, it says that in order to receive the Holy Spirit of God, you have to be baptized in the name of Christ Jesus (Acts 18:25-28 and Acts 19:1-5).

What do you believe baptism is for? Just wondering what your stance is on this issue. Thank you again for your replies.

 

[@@Paul@@]

Howdy MeekOne... fancy seeing you here...

FYI: there's two subjects i can talk all day long on: Baptisms (all four) and the book of Acts - you just opened up a can of worms (but i'll be as brief as possible).

Hi Paul!

I am glad you replied and thank you. We are in complete agreement as far as the road to salvation. I believe in the Romans road, which leads you to Christ by belief, repentance and declaration in Christ. I do not believe salvation is completely found in baptism. However, I do believe that baptism is a very important part of our obedient walk with Christ.

Having said that, how can you explain the following: On Paul's third mission trip, I find it amazing how Apollos and other disciples were baptized with the baptism of John the Baptist, however did need to be re-baptized in Christ Jesus' name in order to receive the Holy Spirit. Even though baptism was not mentioned in many places, it says that in order to receive the Holy Spirit of God, you have to be baptized in the name of Christ Jesus (Acts 18:25-28 and Acts 19:1-5).

What do you believe baptism is for? Just wondering what your stance is on this issue. Thank you again for your replies.

Water Baptism,,, hum... As soon as i comment you're guaranteed to get some responses.

John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance and an act of faith believing on who was to come after him (Christ)… The baptism in Acts was also repentance and an act of faith believing on who had come and had been raised to sit on David’s literal throne. ---That’s why they needed to be re-baptized.

I don’t believe water baptism has any “doctrinal” significance today. Paul writes about ONE baptism in Ephesians which must refer to the spiritual baptism “death” that places us in the Body and seals us with the Spirit until the day of redemption... Is it good for our walk? For some I’m sure… But I don’t think it’s necessary.

The NT introduction of water baptism was nothing new to the Jew; they had always had some sort of ritualistic cleansing. The two most significant would be the priestly washing throughout the OT and the “Mikvah”.

It was necessary for priests when entering into the priesthood to “wash” as a sign of purification… Water Baptism was Jewish rite; That is why Israel was being baptized in the wilderness (to prepare the nation to become the nation of priests God has called them to be). They (Israel) would put two and two together and equate baptism with the priesthood.

It’s possible John the Baptist was a priest as was is Father.

Interesting to note that Paul was first chosen by Christ, then afterwards he was baptized to wash away his sins and call on the name of the Lord (Acts 22:16). This alone shows me how important baptism is. Yes, God chooses us, we are overwhelmed with that spirit, but it is absolutely critical that we show our obedience and love to Him in that newfound union that being baptism. By the way, this is to me clearly a baptism of water even if water is not mentioned.

No ritualistic water baptism would EVER cleanse us of our sins… Hopefully we can see how this “washing” ties into the OT ritual of cleansing the priests.

Thus shalt thou separate the Levites from among the children of Israel: and the Levites shall be mine. And after that shall the Levites go in to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation: and thou shalt cleanse them, and offer them for an offering. For they are wholly given unto me from among the children of Israel; instead of such as open every womb, even instead of the firstborn of all the children of Israel, have I taken them unto me. For all the firstborn of the children of Israel are mine, both man and beast: on the day that I smote every firstborn in the land of Egypt I sanctified them for myself. And I have taken the Levites for all the firstborn of the children of Israel. And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the children of Israel, to do the service of the children of Israel in the tabernacle of the congregation, and to make an atonement for the children of Israel: that there be no plague among the children of Israel, when the children of Israel come nigh unto the sanctuary. And Moses, and Aaron, and all the congregation of the children of Israel, did to the Levites according unto all that the LORD commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so did the children of Israel unto them. And the Levites were purified, and they washed their clothes; and Aaron offered them as an offering before the LORD; and Aaron made an atonement for them to cleanse them. And after that went the Levites in to do their service in the tabernacle of the congregation before Aaron, and before his sons: as the LORD had commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so did they unto them.
(Num 8:14-22 KJV)​

Remember John the Baptist.... He was a Jewish priest. The act of Baptism or immersion did not begin as a Christian concept. It is rooted in the Jewish cleansing rituals from the OT It had been a practice of the priests to wash or immerse themselves.

It’s possible that the baptism of Christ was the first ritualistic washing to be done by a second party: typically the one being baptized did all the work himself.

John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance (Mt. 3:11; Mk. 1:4; Lk. 3:3; Acts 13:24; 19:4). And “…the Jews require a sign. 1Co 1:22.

The other thought is that the water baptism was a type of ritual cleaning not necessarily pointing to the priesthood; but required of all those who had become ritually Impure.

Immersion For Ritual Purity
Immersion of the whole body is the act of washing performed to correct a condition of ritual impurity and restore the impure to a state of ritual purity. The ritually impure person is prohibited from performing certain functions and participating in certain rites. Immersion, following a withdrawal period and, in some cases, other special rituals, renders him again tahor/ritually clean and able to participate in worship.
The state of tumah/ritual impurity is considered detestable to G-d, A person must take care in order not to find himself in such a state and thus be cut off from the divine presence of G-d. There are three main causes of tumah/ritual impurity; leprosy, coming into contact with dead bodies of certain animals, and particularly human corpses, and an issue from human sexual organs.

The JEW had become ritually impure and were “unusable” by God. For the whole study on the Mikvah go here. http://www.hebroots.com/mikvah1.html
Water baptism today is a picture of the cleansing we get from the “One Baptism” of Ephesians – death.

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
(Rom 6:3-4 KJV)
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
(Col 2:11-12 KJV)​

Therefore we spiritually are buried with Him in DEATH and then are raised to walk in newness of LIFE. That act identifies us with the fellow believers and I feel begins our walk as we take the first step (howbeit a small one)… I’m sure that’s more than you bargained for.

 

[Salsa_1960]

Is there any written history of how Paul died? If not, what does tradition say?

 

[MeekOne]

Howdy MeekOne... fancy seeing you here...

...I’m sure that’s more than you bargained for.

Good stuff, Paul....thank you!

 

[MeekOne]

Is there any written history of how Paul died? If not, what does tradition say?

The Bible does not record how Paul died, however it is believed he was martyred, and he knew it was going to happen:

2 Timothy 4:5-8
But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.