Castaneda 1

Armando R. Castaneda
REL 1301: History and Reading
Dr. Trovall
April 11, 2011

A glimpse at the life and role of the Apostle, Paul

Apostle, Paul was recognized as the one who meticulously aimed at the liveliness of the

congregation and who formed its type of adventure. He was a well-known apostle of the

theology of Christendom during the distribution of the Truth of the Gospel through the early

Abrahamic societies across the Holy Roman Empire (HRE). Interestingly enough, Paul was said

to have written a few of the letters in the New Covenant. To which include: Ephesians,

Colossians, 2nd Thessalonians, 1st Timothy, 2nd Timothy and, Titus, and Hebrews. His writings

were also said to have followed the notion of that of redemption is based on faith and not by

works. Surprisingly enough, the great ole Martin Luther’s canon of sola fide inspired that

concept of deliverance being based on faith and not indirectly on the ceremonial law of Israel.

The ceremonial law was referred to all the ritual religious practices, such as circumcision, eating

kosher foods, priestly sacrifices, seventh-day Sabbath observance, etc. Fascinatingly enough,

Paul confined the "works of the law" to the ceremonial law; he purposely meant to exclude the

moral law, such as those we find in the Ten Commandments. Therefore, in Romans 3:28, what

Paul really meant was that, for we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of

the Ceremonial Law, but all other "good" works can, and do, justify a man. Nevertheless, Paul’s

interpretation of the “works of the law” seemingly superseded all others’ perceptions of this

shocking conception. Even though he was born in Tarsus, Paul was ultimately raised in

Jerusalem and thoroughly trained in the law of his father’s—and was as zealous for God as any

of us are today. In pursuing this further, in Acts 22:1-22, Paul manifestly had the intention of

turning over all of the men and women whom were following the way to the prisons to be
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persecuted. Startlingly enough, Jesus himself spoke to Paul announcing that he was actually of

the one whom Paul was referencing to—to be prosecuted. Consequently, these manifestations

lead the way to Paul’s conversion. Additionally, this conversion of his introduced us to his

missionary activities and writings. Clearly then, leads us to what are said to be the three most

significant missionary journeys, plus his fourth journey to Rome. In light of his conversion in

Damascus—Paul just about lost his existence. Upon his arrival in Jerusalem Paul was convened

with Barnabas. In spite of all the commotion—there he was once again threatened so in turn left

back to Tarsus. Soon after, he decisively made his way through Arabia for approximately three

years. During that time, he was in fact being taught by Jesus. Shortly, after that Paul fled to

Antioch in Syria. From there he was sent off to Judea with aid for the brethren in need because of

famine. Before long, Paul and Barnabas would return to Syrian Antioch. At Antioch, Paul and

Barnabas were called to board on what is known today as his first missionary journey. The first

journey originated in Antioch’s seaport Seleucia; from then on they sailed their way to Cyprus

and worked throughout the island. Thereafter, they headed to Pamphylia and the other Antioch in

Pisidia. They also went down to Lycaonia, working in Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. In addition to

passing through Pisidia and Pamphylia again, they then worked in Perga. They soon after left for

Attalia and caught a ship back to Syrian Antioch. Therein the middle of the 1st and 2nd

missionary journeys there was "a long time" in Antioch in Syria. At which during this time, Paul,

Barnabas, and other comrades had to go up to Jerusalem to attend a council of the apostles—

regarding the issue of Christians keeping the “Law of Moses.” Soon after that Paul would return

to Antioch and worked. These explorations then lead the way into his 2nd missionary journey.

Consequently, Paul chose Silas and boarded on a journey that began by revisiting the places Paul

had worked on his 1st journey. Soon after that, they worked in Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, and the
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regions of Phrygia, Galatia, thereafter they slider onto Troas. Accordingly, Paul unsuspected

fully received a vision that which in turn called him then to Macedonia. Following this, Paul

went down to Achaia and worked in Athens. Immediately after Athens he went on to work in

Corinth where he met Aquila and Priscilla. From there Paul decided to flee to Ephesus—a

somewhat adventuresome idea came about that he decided to take a ship to Caesarea, visiting the

church there, and then went on back to Syrian Antioch. This then in turn lead the way onto his

third missionary journey. Having spent some time in Antioch, Paul re-settled off back again and

re-visited the churches in Galatia and Phrygia. Thereafter, he returned to Ephesus where his work

caused a pandemonium sight for all the residents that were present there at that moment. He then

flocked to Macedonia and Greece once again, and approached Troas and soon after that arrived

in Miletus. From there Paul sought out to Caesarea and then went on to Jerusalem. While there in

Jerusalem he had a meeting with James and the other elders that were present during that time.

As a result of this discussion Paul seemed too had caused some dilemma by the Jews. Because of

that incident it brought about him telling his story publicly and nearly got thrashed. Evidently,

Paul went on trial and was escorted back to Caesarea. While in Caesarea he was imprisoned and

as a result of all this he was said to go before Felix. Manifestly, when he was told to appear

before Festus he soon after appealed to Caesar. Next he was said to have appeared before

Agrippa. This in turn lead the way onto his last and final missionary journey which was to set

sail to the eternal city—Rome, that is. But under escort of course, unfortunately on his way over

there he was shipwrecked. Surely, this resulted his journey from Malta to Rome. Sadly, this in

turn lead to his arrest there at his home in Rome. Of all this that happened to him, so many Jews

were aggravated for his lack of consideration, prejudices, exasperations and annoyance.

Consequently, as a result of all the many persecutions against the Apostle, Paul he was a man of
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great faith. His graciousness truly superseded all others’ intentions of God. He was indeed a man

of great intentions. Obviously he did go through many riots with his enemies, but ultimately his

influence on Christianity surely has been the most significant than any other New Testament

author. It was said that he believed in the second coming of Christ and that all of his people

would once be resurrected to share in the father’s kingdom, and that all who were saved would

be transformed, as did his son Jesus Christ.