From Darkness to Light (Pt. 2): Jesus’ Preparation of His Disciple for Mission

DISCIPLESHIP BEGINS AT HOME:

Paul’s preparation did not end with his time in Arabia. He would spend approximately two weeks in Jerusalem meeting with the leaders there and preaching in the new Christian congregations as well as the local synagogues until strong opposition forced him to leave before he desired to go (Acts 9:26 – 30; 22:17 – 21; Gal. 1:18 – 19).

Paul left from the harbor in Caesarea to make his way to his hometown of Tarsus where he would spend a decade before God revealed his broader ministry. During this time, he engaged in deep study and contemplation of the Scriptures, honing his understanding and preparing himself for the challenges ahead. His time in Tarsus was a period of maturation, where he grew in wisdom and knowledge, laying a solid foundation for his further missionary journeys.

Gasque lets us know,

According to Strabo (14.5.131), the people of Tarsus in the 1st century c.e. 

were keen students of philosophy, the liberal arts and the entire encyclopaedia (sic)

 of learning; this was true to such a degree that it surpassed both Athens and

Alexandria as a center of culture and learning, even though people did not, as

a rule, come from other regions to study in its schools. Native Tarsians, however,

went on to study elsewhere and frequently held educational and civil posts of

importance throughout the empire.[1]

We see how Paul was prepared for the ministry that the Lord had for him even in those things that he had no control over. After fleeing Thessalonica for Berea, he had to leave there as the persecutors from Thessalonica continued to pursue him. This took him to Athens where he had the unique opportunity to share the true God with some of the top thinkers of his day! From the synagogues to the Parthenon, he was enabled to “…became all things to all men that…” he might “…by all means save some.” (1 Cor. 9:22)

EXPANSION OF MINISTRY:

When Paul, recruited by Barnabus and commissioned by the church at Antioch (Acts 12:25 – 13:3), finally embarked on his missionary work, he did so with a team, a clear vision, and a strong sense of purpose. His journeys took him across the ancient world, from Cyprus to Pamphylia, and beyond, covering more than 10,000 miles and establishing at least 14 churches. His letters to these early Christian communities are a testament to his commitment to teaching and guiding the fledgling believers.

Gorman writes of Paul’s letters, “We find him ‘theologizing’ – but only as a means of pastoral or spiritual direction. Many of the issues he addresses are still our issues, and his perspectives are no less provocative – or relevant – today.”[2]

DISCIPLESHIP PRINCIPLE: Paul’s preparation for his missionary ministry serves as a powerful example of the transformative power of faith and the importance of readiness for service. His story encourages us to embrace our own spiritual journeys with openness and dedication, trusting that, like Paul, we too can be instruments of change and bearers of the Good News to our world. As we do His work where He has placed us, He may just take us to places we have never considered!

Fellow disciple, in our lives it is our journey with Jesus that matters!

Works Cited

Gasque, W. W. 1992. Tarsus. Edited by D. N. Freedman. Vol. 6. New York: Doubleday.

Gorman, Michael J. 2008. Reading Paul. Eugene OR: Cascade Books.

Plummer, Robert L., Mark Terry, John. 2012. Paul's Missionary Methods: In His Time and Ours. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic

[1] (Gasque 1992)

[2] (Gorman 2008)