The Missionary Journeys of Paul the Apostle Term Paper

The Missionary Journeys of Paul the Apostle - Term Paper Example His conversion contributed considerably to the renaissance of Christ. Throughout his missionary journeys, he transformed religious beliefs and philosophy and founded churches all around the Mediterranean world. According to the Biblical background, it is viewed that there were three missionary journeys of Paul, approximately during 48-60 AD. Many Christian scholars believe that Paul walked on foot during his journeys through the city of Israel, Cyprus, Turkey, Syria, Greece and Italy. Paul’s missionary journeys cover northwest and the west of Jerusalem and the Mediterranean world of the Roman Empire1. The discussion henceforth reflects the strategies and methods used by Paul in his missionary journeys. Therefore, the discussion focuses on Paul’s three missionary journeys. Furthermore, the discussion also intends to present a brief understanding of the historical, religious and social contexts of his three journeys. Paul’s Missionary Methods and Strategies Paul pr acticed various strategies to spread the Christian faith to places he visited during his missionary journeys. According to Langston, Paul implemented a plan to evangelize the Roman world of Mediterranean, confirming three most significant centers for Judaism as Palestine, Alexandria and Babylon2. Therefore, it can be observed that moving towards the western region, Paul the Apostle strategically evangelized the then less populated areas. Furthermore, for the effective completion of the establishment of early churches, Paul relied on a few number of devotees, on whom he could bestow his complete faith to accomplish the job of evangelism. This group of devotees involved Luke, Timothy, Epaphroditus, Titus and Silas3. Paul the Apostle further established churches under the supervision of ‘older and abler men’, who could conserve the spiritual belief in Christ along with expanding it. Paul’s primary objectives were to create ‘indigenous’ churches with com plete spiritual authority under his own ministry. Paul’s work always highlighted the spiritual bond of union in Jesus Christ. Being the ‘spiritual father’, Paul took the responsibility to supervise these churches, making periodic personal visits. The morality of Apostle Paul can be learnt from the various episodes of his missionary journeys. For instance, to accumulate the necessary finance required for his missionary journey, Paul employed himself during the day as a ‘tentmaker’, avoiding any assistance from his followers and devotees. In every city which Paul visited, he recognized a Jewish ‘synagogue’, which is the prayer house used for the Jews, to develop it as an early church. He also sought out particular Jews whom he identified as ‘God-fearing Gentiles’ who did not want to submit to the Jewish ritualistic requirements and bestowed on them the responsibility of following the rules of the church and spreading the teach ings of Christ which He preached during His ministry all around the region4. Paul’s Missionary Journeys First Journey (48-49 AD) From March of 48 AD to September of 49 AD, Paul initiated his journey along the route of Antioch in Pisidia, Paphos and Salamis in Cyprus, Antioch in Syria, Perga in Asia Minor, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, and back to Lystra. His first missionary journey began in Antioch of Syria, where he had to spend a considerable time for the