Paul
Apostle, preacher, and missionary who turned to the Gentiles.
Paul, also called Saul (Acts 13:9), is a central figure in the Acts of the Apostles, depicted as a missionary, preacher, and apostle. He is first mentioned as Saul, filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:9), and later consistently called Paul. He travels with Barnabas and others, preaching to Jews and Gentiles, performing miracles, and facing persecution (Acts 13:13, Acts 13:16, Acts 13:45-46, Acts 14:9, Acts 14:19).
Quick Facts
- Also called
- Saul (Acts 13:9)
- Travel companion
- Barnabas (Acts 13:43, Acts 15:2)
- Chief speaker
- Called Mercurius because he was the chief speaker (Acts 14:12)
- Chose silas
- Paul chose Silas and departed (Acts 15:40)
- Vision received
- A man of Macedonia appeared in a vision (Acts 16:9)
- Stoned
- Stoned and left for dead at Lystra (Acts 14:19)
Lore & Background
In Philippi, Paul converts Lydia (Acts 16:14), exorcises a spirit from a slave girl (Acts 16:18), and is imprisoned with Silas. They pray and sing at midnight (Acts 16:25), and when an earthquake opens the prison doors, Paul prevents the jailer from suicide (Acts 16:28).
Reader's Guide
The passages portray Paul as a Spirit-filled leader who adapts his mission based on audience response. He is initially named Saul, but after his encounter with the Holy Spirit, he is called Paul (Acts 13:9). He preaches first to Jews, but when they contradict and blaspheme, he boldly turns to the Gentiles (Acts 13:45-46). His authority is recognized by crowds who call him Mercurius, the chief speaker (Acts 14:12). Paul performs healings and exorcisms (Acts 14:9, Acts 16:18), but also faces severe persecution, including stoning (Acts 14:19) and imprisonment (Acts 16:19-25). He is a decisive figure, choosing Silas over John Mark (Acts 15:38-40) and circumcising Timothy for practical reasons (Acts 16:3). His reliance on divine guidance is shown through a vision (Acts 16:9), and his compassion is evident when he prevents a suicide (Acts 16:28). The passages consistently show Paul as a missionary who endures hardship to spread the gospel, often with Barnabas or Silas.
Did You Know?
- The people of Lystra called Paul 'Mercurius' because he was the chief speaker (Acts 14:12).
- Paul was stoned and left for dead at Lystra (Acts 14:19).
- Paul chose Silas as his companion after a disagreement with Barnabas (Acts 15:38-40).
Elsewhere in Figures of Scripture
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