5W1H Outline: The Conversion of Paul and His First Missionary Journey: (Acts 7–14)
I. WHO (Main People Involved)
A. Saul / Paul
- Originally known as Saul of Tarsus, a Pharisee who persecuted Christians.
- Later became Paul the Apostle, a missionary to the Gentiles.
Bible References
- Acts 8:3 — “But Saul began to destroy the church… dragging off men and women and putting them in prison.”
- Acts 9:20 — “At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.”
B. Jesus Christ
- The risen Jesus Christ appeared to Saul and initiated his conversion.
Bible Reference
- Acts 9:5 — “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”
C. Ananias
- Ananias of Damascus restored Saul’s sight and baptized him.
Bible Reference
- Acts 9:17 — “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus… has sent me so that you may see again.”
D. Barnabas
- Barnabas supported Paul and served as his missionary partner.
Bible Reference
- Acts 9:27 — “But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles.”
E. Other Figures
- Stephen the Protomartyr – first Christian martyr (Acts 7).
- John Mark – assistant on the journey (Acts 13:5).
- Sergius Paulus – Roman governor who believed (Acts 13:12).
- Elymas the Magician – opposed Paul (Acts 13:8–10).
II. WHAT (Key Events)
A. Persecution of Christians
Saul actively persecuted followers of Jesus.
Bible Reference
- Acts 8:3 — “Saul began to destroy the church.”
B. Conversion on the Road to Damascus
Saul encountered Jesus in a supernatural vision.
Bible References
- Acts 9:3 — “A light from heaven flashed around him.”
- Acts 9:4 — “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
C. Baptism and Transformation
Saul regained sight and was baptized.
Bible Reference
- Acts 9:18 — “Something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes… he got up and was baptized.”
D. Beginning of Missionary Work
Paul and Barnabas were chosen for missionary service.
Bible Reference
- Acts 13:2 — “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
E. First Missionary Journey
Paul preached the gospel, performed miracles, and established churches.
Bible References
- Acts 13–14
- Acts 14:21 — “They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples.”
III. WHEN (Time Period)
A. Early Church Period
These events occurred in the early development of the Christian church.
Bible Reference
- Acts 7–8 — After the death of Stephen and the persecution of Christians.
B. After the Resurrection of Jesus
The missionary work took place after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus.
Bible Reference
- Acts 9–14 describes events several years after Jesus’ ascension.
IV. WHERE (Locations of Events)
A. Jerusalem
Persecution of Christians and early church activities.
Bible References
- Acts 8:1 — “On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem.”
B. Damascus
Saul’s conversion took place on the road to Damascus.
Bible Reference
C. Antioch
Missionary base for Paul and Barnabas.
Bible Reference
- Acts 11:26 — “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.”
D. Cyprus
First stop on the missionary journey.
Bible Reference
E. Asia Minor Cities
Missionary preaching in:
- Antioch of Pisidia
- Iconium
- Lystra
- Derbe
Bible References
V. WHY (Purpose and Significance)
A. Spread the Gospel
The mission aimed to spread the message of Jesus to both Jews and Gentiles.
Bible Reference
- Acts 13:47 — “I have made you a light for the Gentiles.”
B. Fulfill God’s Plan
God chose Paul to carry the message to non-Jewish people.
Bible Reference
- Acts 9:15 — “This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles.”
C. Establish Christian Churches
Paul and Barnabas formed communities of believers.
Bible Reference
- Acts 14:23 — “Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church.”
VI. HOW (How the Mission Was Accomplished)
A. Preaching in Synagogues
Paul first shared the gospel with Jewish audiences.
Bible Reference
- Acts 13:5 — “They proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues.”
B. Performing Miracles
Miracles helped confirm the message.
Bible Reference
- Acts 14:3 — “The Lord confirmed the message… by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.”
C. Persevering Through Persecution
Paul continued preaching despite opposition.
Bible Reference
- Acts 14:19 — “They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city.”
D. Strengthening Churches
Paul revisited cities to encourage believers.
Bible Reference
- Acts 14:22 — “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”
VII. Conclusion
The conversion of Paul the Apostle and his first missionary journey represent major developments in the early Christian church recorded in Acts of the Apostles. From persecutor to missionary, Paul became one of the most influential leaders in spreading Christianity. Through preaching, miracles, and perseverance through persecution, he and Barnabas helped establish churches and expand the message of Jesus Christ across many regions.
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