Paul’s life was one that was led by God. With his calling, he was literally stopped by Jesus from going down a path of destruction (Acts 9:1-31). Paul was then led on his first missionary journey by the Holy Spirit; and this wasn’t just some nudge he felt and obeyed, but the Holy Spirit said to the Church, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul [later named Paul] for the work to which I have called them” (Acts 13:3). The Holy Spirit spoke. A quick note here, the Holy Spirit spoke “While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting” (Acts 13:2). This doesn’t mean this is the only time the Holy Spirit speaks, but I think it is worthy of noting the actions of the Church which seems to be normative.
Holy Spirit Leads
Paul’s ministry began with the Holy Spirit leading. Another question, does the Holy Spirit still act in this way? Is this event normative for this dispensation or is it simply something that occurred during the establishing of the Church in Acts? Or, is it something that only occurred with the Apostles? This is something that won’t be established in this discussion, but something work looking further into. I do believe, definitely, the Holy Spirit speaks to God’s children through the Word of God (Romans 12:1-2).
Go to the Synagogue
Once Paul was sent, it can be noted that he goes straight to the synagogues of the Jews (Acts 13:5; 14:1; 17:1, 10; etc.). These spots are where Paul and his companions found the most trouble as they faced those who were in opposition of Jesus as the Christ. Seeing as he was establishing the first churches, it is quite obvious that he didn’t take people from other churches. While this fact [Paul establishing first churches] may be different today, I believe there is some good patterns we can find in this. As Christians planting a church, whether you are leadership or not, we benefit the world whenever we penetrate the pagan cultures and watch God convert them into His children through the preaching of the gospel. Once they have converted, we disciple them together in the church. It is clearly what Paul did.
I think it is also important to note here, this strategy for church planting and growth will bring persecution and hardship. It certainly did for Paul (16:22). It is also important to note however, the response to this persecution was, the Church prayed (see discussion on prayer). As we see time and time again, the prayer was answered. Through this pattern, persecution only led to the explosion (in a good way) of the Church. God worked, people came to the faith and the Church disciple these converts. Persecution led to prayer which brings great power. Let us be encouraged and pray all the more as persecution grows in the United States.
Check Back on Your Work
After the first missionary journey, Paul returned home and reported what had happened. There is some clarification on doctrine in this section of his ministry, but the second missionary journey began soon after. This journey consisted of a continued evangelism, but also brought growth and encouragement as Paul journeyed to return the churches he had planted (15:36). As we see in that passage, the purpose was to simply check on the churches and see how they were doing. As they got status of how the church was doing, they would respond accordingly.
Quick Note on the Generosity of the Church
Another really cool thing to note here is not necessarily what Paul was doing on his journeys, but the generosity of the churches he visited; or even Christians in general. Acts 18:1-4 really speaks to this. Paul journeys from Athens to Corinth where he has not been yet. It is new territory for Paul (at least in the context of his missionary journeys) and God graciously introduces him to Aquila and Priscilla. Aquila and Priscilla are both Christians and are married to each other. Acts 18 tells us that they were both tent makers, just like Paul. This commonality led them to connect and Paul was able to stay with them while also working with them. This enabled Paul to work (so he could make money for necessities) and reason in the synagogue in Pauline fashion. Many see Paul as this one man show; the man, the myth, the legend. He is viewed as this person who could do almost anything, like God’s favorite. But the truth is, Paul was just another man who was bold, empowered by the Spirit of God and aided by the Church. He was another part of the body of Christ. The other parts of that body played a huge role in the ministry of Paul.
Overall Summary
There is, I’m sure, certainly more to Paul’s strategy than can fit in this discussion. Two things I am sure of is this: 1. Be led by God. Be about your Father’s business. 2. Trust in God and lean on Him for wisdom and understanding. Persecution will come, but was a joy to suffer for the glory of God.
