We have looked at the journeys and ministry of Paul and reflected upon our own seasons in life that have been full of challenge and changes, disappointments and delights. In this study we have an opportunity to evaluate the legacy of St Paul and what form of legacy we will personally leave behind.
Jerusalem, Caesarea and Rome (Acts 21: 18 – 27 – end)
Paul knew that he had to return to Jerusalemto continue his witness to Jesus as the Christ and to establish a framework for the early church to grow and mature.
He completed his task of going to Rome after a period of two years of imprisonment and legal duress. He spoke boldly to Felix and Festus, Agrippa and Bernice, pleading his innocence and defending the Way of the Lord to Jewish leaders who wanted him imprisoned or even dead. In Rome he was under house arrest but was still able to teach, preach and write his letters.
The Oppressor turned Promoter of the Way
Saul was a Jewish zealot who fiercely upheld his orthodox faith. In the providence of time God stepped in and changed Paul from the oppressor to a believer and promoter of the Way. During his years of reflection and meditation, God gave him wisdom and insight beyond any human understanding which would act as a basis for his teaching in establishing the fundamentals of the Christian faith.
Restricted sight, numerous healings
Paul knew and experienced being blind, ill and having ‘thorns in his flesh’ which were very painful and constricting. Yet Paul was also used by the Lord as a means of miraculous healing for numerous people through his actions, words, prayers and deep faith.
Tent making Rabbi
A career path for many can be quite straight forward. In the case of Paul he combined a number of skills and work responsibilities to provide enough income to cover all his expenditures. Paul as a Teacher/Rabbi and Tentmaker had to constantly adapt and change to keep the attention of all his hearers and ensure all his suppliers and customers were happy. His work was both private and public and it must have been very difficult for him to maintain a good work, life and home balance.
Persecuted and Imprisoned
Paul spent upwards of six years in prison, house and travel arrest. Just think about all the different people he met and the conditions he had to live in. The charges brought against him ranged from being a troublemaker, ringleader of the Nazarene sect and attempting to desecrate the Temple in Jerusalem. When we think about heroes of faith we do not readily go to those who have been imprisoned. Paul was strong in his faith and had to withstand all manner of persecution which is reflected in his writings. He tells us to wear the whole armour of God in facing human and spiritual struggles knowing that the Lord will grant us a strength to carry on.
Evangelist and Pastor
Paul established many new churches, encouraged and strengthened individual believers and groups that met together in worship. He was welcomed into people’s homes and enjoyed their hospitality. He shared in worship and fellowship offering instruction as how to exercise and use the gifts and fruit of the spirit. Paul and his team were guided by the Holy Spirit to go where needed, to promote and establish churches throughout Asia Minor and Europe.
Theologian
Paul may be seen as the ultimate theologian and academic covering all manner of theological, moral and social issues that existed within and outside the church. He wrestled with the great questions of life that included the existence of God and how to conduct a holy life in the midst of unholy living. His letters have earned canonical status and form the basis of the New Testament. In reality his epistles were a collection of writings shared personally to certain individuals and churches.
Traveler
Paul travelled extensively around Asia Minor and Europe. He received hospitality and would be expected to be on his best behaviour. He slept under the stars, in frightening places where he had to hide and off course was ship wrecked. In various towns he was warmly welcomed whilst in other places he was tolerated for a period and then chased out. His companions, amongst others, were Luke and Aristarchus, Timothy, Mark, Barnabas, Epaphroditus, Tychicus who appreciated, loved and followed him
Final days
The intention of Luke in writing the book of Acts was to promote the life of Christ via Paul and his team. They travelled from Jerusalem (home) to wherever the Lord wanted his disciples to visit (even to the ends of the world – Rome). Paul spent over thirty years spreading the message of Jesus and for two years was under house arrest in Rome supporting by his own means.
We are not sure if Paul had been married or had any children but he would have been missed as a son, brother, uncle and wider family member and no doubt shared aspects of his estate accordingly. Tradition says he travelled to Spain and was arrested for a second time and imprisoned in Rome, before being beheaded under the reign of Nero.
Questions to consider
- The life of St Paul has been a very ‘significant and successful’ one. Each one of us leave a unique imprint spiritually and materially to those who follow us. What do you think would be your unique footprint or characteristic?
- How would you describe your efforts to provide a living for yourself and your family whilst being involved in Christian ministry?
- The imprisonment of Paul is something we don’t often consider. What qualities do you think Paul brings to Christian leadership, having been imprisoned?
- Consider for a moment what aspects of Paul’s writings have most transformed your thinking. What areas of his writings have you found difficult or even disagree with?
- Think about all the journeys, peo
ple and situations you have encountered. Are there any particular people and circumstances that have influenced you the most?
- What do you think will be your legacy to your family, church and community from your ‘significant and successful’ life? Paul looked forward to being absent from the body and present with the Lord. How do you envisage your journey into the presence of the Lord?
Explore to Inspire 