Because We Are Christians: Paul's Missionary Journey #1

The book of Acts contains the basic elements the Apostle Paul's life and ministry. Couple the book of Acts with Paul's letters and we have the foundation to explore Paul more fully. To understand Paul's journeys, we have to begin to understand his conversion experience (Acts 9:1-19) and the years of preparation he spent in Antioch in Syria (Acts 11:19-30, 13:1-3). The church in Antioch was a hotbed for Christianity and the homebase for Paul throughout his ministry. It was distinct because Antioch included Jewish converts as well as Gentiles. After being smuggled out of Jerusalem for fear of his life, Paul made his way to Tarsus via Ceasarea where Barnabas found him and took him to Antioch. It was in Antioch that Paul was mentored by Barnabas and others along with being nurtured in the faith in preparation for his time of ministry.

Ministry is a series of cycles: preparation, ministry, recovery. Each serves its purpose and must be maintained in order to be fully used by God for a lifetime. Jesus spent 30 years in preparation for 3 years of ministry. The disciples spent 3 years with Jesus preparing for what would be their ministry of building the New Testament church. Paul himself spent 3 years in preparation for his time of ministry as well. It was here in Antioch that God used the church and experiences to form Paul into the exact person God needed for the purpose of preaching to the Gentiles and planting new churches.

What season are you in? Preparation? Active Ministry or are you in Recovery mode?