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The Missionary Journeys of the Apostle Paul The New Testament Document #: TX002286 Summary of Paul’s Missionary Journeys Conversion of St. Paul READ ACTS 9 Biblical scholars believe that the Apostle Paul made three missionary journeys, plus a fourth, final journey to Rome. All four journeys are described in the Acts of the Apostles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qUW7Ixapd U General Information about All of Paul’s Journeys • Travel at this time was fraught with hazards, including all the difficulties that inclement weather can cause: shipwrecks, floods, impassable roads, and so forth. • Paul and his companions often endure persecution in the course of their travels, including being beaten, jailed, or expelled from particular cities. • In many cities, Paul initially focuses on preaching in synagogues—with Jews, converts to Judaism, and “God-fearers” (those considering conversion to Judaism) as the target audience. General Information about All of Paul’s Journeys (continued) • This audience soon expands to include Gentiles. Sometimes Gentiles simply turn up as Paul is preaching; at other times Paul actively seeks them out, because the Jewish community has been inhospitable or unreceptive to the Gospel message. • Note that Paul visits some cities multiple times; many of these are the cities to whom he also addresses his Epistles (letters). These will be the subject of the next unit. Pauline Letters What are the Pauline letters? • They are letters written to individuals and Christian communities in the Apostolic Church. • There are twenty-one letters. – Over half of the letters (thirteen) are attributed to Paul or to disciples who wrote in his name. Image in public domain The Catholic Letters What are the catholic letters? • The word catholic here means “universal” or “general.” • The catholic letters are intended for a general audience or an unnamed individual. • Seven non-Pauline letters are considered part of the catholic letters. – These letters are named after an Apostle. – Like Paul’s letters they offer advice, encouragement, and teaching about community life and faith in Jesus Christ. Image in public domain • Another non-Pauline letter found in the New Testament is the Letter to the Hebrews. • The author of Hebrews supports and enlivens faith in Jesus Christ. • The Letter to the Hebrews emphasizes the divinity of Christ. • It also emphasizes the redeeming power of Christ’s Death on the cross and speaks about the New Covenant http://www.cbl.ie/getfile/11fc493d-bdbb-4ee7-8a5f-80f8bc105b60/paul6.aspx The Letter to the Hebrews