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◄ Decision: Paul►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Apostle Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, is a pivotal figure in the New Testament whose decisions significantly shaped the early Christian Church. His life and ministry are chronicled primarily in the Acts of the Apostles and his epistles. Paul's decisions, driven by his profound conversion experience and unwavering commitment to the Gospel, offer rich insights into the early Christian mission and theology.

Conversion and Call (Acts 9:1-19):
Paul's most significant decision was his conversion from a zealous persecutor of Christians to a devoted apostle of Christ. On the road to Damascus, Paul encountered the risen Christ in a vision, leading to his dramatic transformation. This decision to follow Christ was marked by his baptism and subsequent commitment to preaching the Gospel. As recorded inActs 9:15, the Lord said to Ananias regarding Paul, "Go! This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel."

Missionary Journeys:
Paul's decision to embark on multiple missionary journeys was crucial in spreading Christianity beyond Jewish communities to the Gentile world. His first journey, alongside Barnabas, took him to Cyprus and Asia Minor (Acts 13-14). During his second journey, Paul received a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading for help, leading him to decide to enter Europe (Acts 16:9-10). This decision was instrumental in establishing churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth.

Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15):
Paul played a significant role in the Council of Jerusalem, where a critical decision was made regarding Gentile converts and the Mosaic Law. Paul, along with Barnabas, argued that Gentiles should not be burdened with circumcision and the full yoke of the Law. The council's decision, as articulated inActs 15:19, was that "we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who are turning to God." This decision affirmed the inclusion of Gentiles in the Church without the requirement of adhering to all Jewish customs.

Return to Jerusalem and Arrest (Acts 21-23):
Despite warnings from fellow believers, Paul decided to return to Jerusalem, where he was arrested. His decision was motivated by a desire to deliver a collection for the impoverished church in Jerusalem and to demonstrate unity between Jewish and Gentile believers. InActs 21:13, Paul expressed his resolve, saying, "I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

Appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:11):
Faced with unjust accusations and a plot against his life, Paul exercised his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar. This decision led to his journey to Rome, where he continued to preach the Gospel under house arrest. His appeal was a strategic move to ensure the message of Christ reached the heart of the Roman Empire.

Epistles and Theological Decisions:
Paul's letters to various churches and individuals reflect his theological decisions and pastoral concerns. His epistles address issues such as justification by faith (Romans 3:28), the role of the Law (Galatians 3:24-25), and the nature of the Church as the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). These writings have been foundational for Christian doctrine and continue to influence Christian thought and practice.

Paul's decisions, rooted in his deep faith and commitment to Christ, were instrumental in the spread of Christianity and the development of early Church doctrine. His life exemplifies the transformative power of the Gospel and the importance of obedience to God's call.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 21:13
Then Paul answered, What mean you to weep and to break my heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Felix BeforePaul
... His one thought is to get rid ofPaul and his disturbing message for the... and he probably
deceives himself as to the gravity of his presentdecision by the...

Paul Before Felix
... off adecision, and to-morrow would bring some other excuse. Prompt carrying out
of all plain duty is the only safety. The indulgence given toPaul, in his...

Paul of Samosata, and the Heresy Introduced by Him at Antioch.
... Being appealed to by the Church, Aurelian left thedecision between the claims of
Paul and Domnus to the bishops of Rome and Italy, who decided at once for...

Human Characters Determined Only by DivineDecision.
... SERMON XV. Human Characters determined only by Divinedecision.... St.Paul's character,
both as a Minister and as a Christian, was impeached by those enemies....

Paul at Corinth
...Paul's purpose in his solemn warning to the Jews of Corinth was partly accomplished....
with all his house.' Thus men are sometimes brought todecision for Christ...

Condemned to Die
... be put to death. Not long afterward Nero pronounced thedecision that condemned
Paul to a martyr's death. Inasmuch as a Roman citizen...

The Mission ofPaul and Silas to Macedonia.
... relation of a fact, concerning the propriety of which doubts may be entertained,
after the solemndecision of the Council, and the part whichPaul had acted in...

Theological Controversies and Studies
... besought the Pope to give a definitivedecision.Paul V. contented himself, however,
with renewing the decrees of his predecessors Sixtus IV....

Paul Appeals to Caesar
... to Jerusalem for trial, but Festus held firmly to his purpose of givingPaul a fair
trial at Caesarea. God in His providence controlled thedecision of Festus...

WhetherPaul, when in Rapture, Saw the Essence of God?
... thatPaul, when in rapture, saw "not the very essence of God, but a certain reflection
of His clarity." But Augustine clearly comes to an oppositedecision,...