After Paul accepted Jesus Christ, his life changed completely. Instead of harming Christians, he began to preach the message of Jesus. Paul first went away to Arabia for a period of time. The Bible does not give many details about what he did there, but this time was likely important for prayer, learning, and spiritual growth. After this period, Paul returned to Damascus, where he began teaching about Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:17) The Second Missionary Journey of Paul.
Paul’s message caused strong reactions. Some people believed him, while others opposed him. Because of danger to his life, Paul later traveled to Jerusalem. This journey happened about three years after his conversion (Galatians 1:18).
Paul’s First Visit to Jerusalem
When Paul arrived in Jerusalem, the disciples were afraid of him. They remembered how he had persecuted Christians before his conversion. They did not trust that his faith was real. At this time, Barnabas played a very important role. Barnabas introduced Paul to the apostles who were in Jerusalem, including Peter and James (Acts 9:26–27; Galatians 1:18–19).
Paul stayed in Jerusalem for about fifteen days. During this short time, he preached boldly about Jesus. His strong preaching again caused trouble, and some people planned to kill him. Because of this danger, the believers helped Paul escape. They sent him away to Tarsus, his hometown (Acts 9:29–30).
Ministry in Antioch
Later, many Gentiles, meaning non-Jews, began to believe in Jesus in the city of Antioch. Antioch was the capital of Syria and an important center of trade and culture. The church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to Antioch to guide and teach these new believers (Acts 11:19–23) Sightseeing Sofia.
Barnabas saw that the work in Antioch was growing quickly. He needed help, so he went to Tarsus to find Paul. Barnabas brought Paul back to Antioch, and together they taught the church for a full year (Acts 11:25–26). It was in Antioch that believers were first called “Christians.”
Help for Believers in Judea
During this time, prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them predicted a great famine. The Christians in Antioch decided to help their fellow believers in Judea. They collected money and sent it with Barnabas and Paul (Acts 11:27–30). After completing this mission, Barnabas and Paul returned to Antioch. They brought with them John Mark, who was Barnabas’ nephew (Acts 12:25).
Paul’s Letters in the New Testament
The New Testament contains fourteen letters traditionally linked to Paul. These letters were written to churches and individuals to teach, correct, and encourage believers. They include Romans, First and Second Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, First and Second Thessalonians, First and Second Timothy, Titus, Philemon, and Hebrews. These letters explain Christian beliefs and practical living.
Paul’s Missionary Journeys
Paul made several missionary journeys to spread the message of Jesus Christ. On these journeys, he often traveled along the coast of Asia Minor. He stopped in many cities to teach, rest, or change ships. The Book of Acts records most of these journeys in detail.
The leaders of the church in Antioch, guided by the Holy Spirit, sent Barnabas and Paul out as missionaries (Acts 13:1–3). Paul’s work is usually divided into three major missionary journeys. Later, he also made a final journey to Rome as a prisoner. Through these journeys, Paul helped establish many churches and strengthened believers across the Roman world.
