Alan S. Bandy - An Illustrated Guide to the Apostle Paul: His Life, Ministry, and Missionary Journeys

T here are few other figures of early Christian history more influential and more compelling than the apostle Paul. He wrote thirteen letters that form a third of the New Testament. Paul was a pastor, missionary, and theologian who shaped Christianity by preaching, teaching, and explaining the message of Jesus. He established churches in cities throughout the Roman Empire, thereby spreading Christianity in a profound way. He was a man uniquely called by Jesus and totally devoted to him, to the point of suffering and dying for him.

The apostle Paul also bridged the Jewish and gentile divide. He navigated the uncomfortable multicultural terrain of the first century as he took the gospel and established churches composed of both Jews and gentiles who became brothers and sisters in Christ. Pauls cross-cultural gospel ministry radically restructured peoples identity in the person of Christ instead of in ethnicity, social status, religious background, or gender (Gal. 3:2829). Not everyone, however, welcomed Pauls gospel, and he often endured open and violent hostility from both Jews and gentiles (Acts 13:45; 17:56; 18:12; 19:2330). He faced beatings, riots, arrest, jail, and trials for preaching the message of Jesus crucified and raised from the dead (2 Cor. 11:2328). Everything about Pauls birth, upbringing, and early education uniquely fitted him for his ministry among both Jews and gentiles.

An Illustrated Guide to the Apostle Paul gives an in-depth look at Pauls life and ministry by providing historical, cultural, and geographic background to all the people, places, and events related to him. Careful attention is given to dates for the purpose of accurately understanding the historical and cultural context of Pauls life and ministry. Careful attention is also given to locations to provide a vivid picture of the world Paul inhabited. As this is an illustrated guide, I have sought to include many images and maps to help bring this world to life.

I also highlight the many people, associates, and friends in the Pauline circle. All too often, Paul is viewed as a lone ranger who primarily operated alone. Nothing could be further from the truth. Paul had a vast network, and he traveled and labored with dozens of people at a time. He mobilized people to go into other areas for evangelism and discipleship. Luke, Timothy, Epaphras, Titus, Phoebe, and many others were essential to Pauls ministry. As a result, I have sought to shed light on these individuals and groups when relevant.