A. The gospel was preached, people were converted, and new churches were established.
Paul’s ministry was marked by a clear pattern: preaching the gospel, conversion of souls, and the organization of churches. His mission journeys recorded in the book of Acts demonstrate both the power of God’s Word and the fruitfulness of faithful witnessing.
1. Multiplication of Converts
Paul’s ministry resulted in many turning to the Lord, both Jews and Gentiles alike.
a. Acts 14:1
“And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.”
Explanation:
Paul and Barnabas preached boldly in Iconium, and the result was a great multitude of believers. The message of Christ crossed cultural and ethnic boundaries—showing the universal reach of the gospel.
b. Acts 17:2–4
“And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,
Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.
And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.”
Explanation:
Paul’s preaching was grounded in the Scriptures. He reasoned and explained that Jesus is the promised Messiah. The gospel message was persuasive and powerful, leading to many conversions among both Jews and Greeks.
c. Acts 17:12
“Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.”
Explanation:
In Berea, the people searched the Scriptures daily to verify Paul’s message. Their open-heartedness to God’s Word resulted in many believing—proving that honest examination of Scripture leads to faith in Christ.
d. Acts 5:14
“And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.”
Explanation:
Though this verse refers to the early Jerusalem church, it reflects the same pattern seen in Paul’s ministry—constant addition and multiplication of believers. True gospel work always results in lives being changed and people being added to the Lord.
Summary of Point 1:
Wherever Paul went, conversions followed. The gospel message was not limited by geography, background, or gender. Through faithful preaching, God multiplied converts in every place.
2. Multiplication of Churches
Paul’s mission did not end with conversions. He organized believers into local assemblies (churches) that could continue the work of evangelism, discipleship, and worship.
a. Acts 16:5
“And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.”
Explanation:
Paul strengthened existing churches and helped new ones form. His focus was not only on evangelism but also on establishing strong, faithful congregations. The result was daily growth—both spiritual and numerical.
b. Acts 18:8
“And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.”
Explanation:
In Corinth, Paul’s preaching brought the conversion of Crispus and many others. Those believers became the foundation of the church at Corinth, showing how one man’s faith can lead to the birth of an entire congregation.
c. Galatians 2:2
“And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.”
Explanation:
Paul’s ministry among the Gentiles was not independent but coordinated with other apostles. His goal was the unity and soundness of the churches. This verse emphasizes that Paul’s church-planting work was part of a divine plan revealed by God Himself.
Summary of Point 2:
Paul’s missionary efforts did not stop at soul-winning. He built local churches that were rooted in sound doctrine, strengthened in faith, and active in evangelism. These churches, in turn, reproduced other churches—continuing the cycle of gospel multiplication.
Summary of Section A:
Paul’s missionary life exemplifies God’s pattern for missions:
- The gospel is preached faithfully.
- People are converted through the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Churches are established to carry on the work of Christ.
This divine pattern remains the same today—evangelism leads to discipleship, and discipleship results in strong, reproducing churches.
B. Paul’s Methods in Missionary Work
Paul’s success as a missionary was not by accident. He followed definite biblical methods under the leading of the Holy Spirit. His strategy combined spiritual dependence, sound doctrine, and wise practical approach to reach both Jews and Gentiles.
1. He Preached the Word Boldly and Consistently
a. Acts 9:20, 27, 29
“And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.”
“…and he declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.”
“And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.”
Explanation:
From the very start of his conversion, Paul’s life was marked by boldness. He did not hide his faith but openly proclaimed Jesus Christ. His method was to confront error with truth and to declare Christ as Lord, even when it meant persecution.
2. He Started in Strategic Cities and Synagogues
a. Acts 17:1–2
“Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:
And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures.”
Explanation:
Paul had a consistent pattern: he began his ministry in major population centers and synagogues, where people already had some knowledge of Scripture. From there, the gospel spread outward to surrounding regions. His strategy ensured the greatest impact and efficiency.
3. He Reasoned and Taught from the Scriptures
a. Acts 18:4, 11
“And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.”
“And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.”
Explanation:
Paul’s method was not emotional appeal but biblical reasoning. He patiently taught and persuaded people through the Word of God. His goal was to build faith that was rooted in truth, not in feelings or culture.
4. He Worked with a Team and Trained Others
a. Acts 13:2–3
“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”
Explanation:
Paul did not serve alone. The Holy Spirit called both Paul and Barnabas to serve together. Later, he trained and worked with others like Silas, Timothy, Titus, and Luke. His method emphasized teamwork and leadership training for the continuation of the mission.
5. He Relied on the Guidance of the Holy Spirit
a. Acts 16:6–10
“Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.
And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.
And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.”
Explanation:
Paul did not depend merely on his own plans. He submitted to the Spirit’s direction. When the Holy Spirit forbade him to go one way, he obeyed, and God opened a greater door in Macedonia. True missionary work must always follow the Spirit’s leading.
6. He Supported Himself When Necessary
a. Acts 18:3–4
“And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.”
Explanation:
Paul was willing to labor with his own hands to avoid being a burden to the churches. His tentmaking supported his ministry when needed, showing humility, diligence, and sincerity in his work for the Lord.
7. He Strengthened Believers and Revisited Churches
a. Acts 15:36, 41
“And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.”
“And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.”
Explanation:
Paul cared deeply for the spiritual growth of the converts. His method included follow-up and discipleship—visiting the churches again to teach, encourage, and strengthen them in the faith.
8. He Endured Persecution with Faith and Joy
a. Acts 20:23–24
“Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”
Explanation:
Paul’s ministry method included courage in suffering. He was determined to fulfill his mission regardless of danger or hardship. His joy was not in comfort but in faithfulness to Christ.
Summary of Section B:
Paul’s missionary methods serve as a timeless pattern for gospel work:
- Boldly preach the Word.
- Begin strategically where people can hear and spread the message.
- Teach and reason from the Scriptures.
- Work with others and train faithful men.
- Follow the Spirit’s leading.
- Labor humbly when needed.
- Strengthen and revisit believers.
- Endure persecution with faith and joy.
