“A Minister and a Witness”

All Posts Archived Lessons New Testament Old Testament Book of Mormon Doctrine & Covenants Search “A Minister and a Witness” CFMCorner Jul 28, 2023 25 min read Updated: Jun 24, 2025 CFM: July 31–August 6 Acts 22–28 Videos and Podcasts Video/ Podcast ​Lesson Extension ​Additional Materials Scripture Central Acts 22-28 Archives Follow Him Acts 22-28 Part 1 , Part 2 Transcripts Line Upon Line Acts 22-28 ​FHE Lesson Teaching with Power Acts 22-28 ​ Don't Miss This Acts 22-28 ​ ​CFM New Testament Acts 22-28 ​Unshaken Acts 22-28 ( Part 1 , Part 2 ) ​ ​The Interpreter Foundation Acts 22-28 ​Study helps by Jonn Claybaugh ​Teaching Helps with John Hilton Acts 22-28 ( not yet posted ) ​ ​Ponderfun Acts 22-28 ( not yet posted ) ​Talking Scripture Acts 22-28 Show Notes Resources and Insights about this Week's Lesson The following map outlines Paul's Journey to Rome, not so much as a missionary, but as a prisoner. This week's lesson takes us from Paul's arrest in Jerusalem to his release in Rome after spending years in trials, transfers, and appeals. While the Roman authorities technically detained Paul during this time, he didn't let this stop him from continuing the Lord's work. Paul couldn't help but spread the good news everywhere he went and with everyone that he came in contact with as he fulfilled the commission the Lord gave him, that he would bare Christ's name before Gentiles, Kings, and the children of Israel. In the Main Topic & Event Graphs below, there are numerous videos and resources that correspond with the different steps along Paul's trials and his journey to Rome. Expand Map What happened to Paul after Acts? The Book of Acts concludes with the apostle Paul under house arrest in Rome around AD 60-62. However, Acts does not provide a detailed account of what happened to Paul after this point. There are many reasons why Luke may not have finished this summary, these were very turbulent times, and Luke had a lot to cover. There is also the possibility that he did, but those records could have been lost. Regardless, there are other sources that one can turn to to help piece together the final chapters. To learn more about Paul's life and activities beyond the events in Acts, we have to rely on other historical and early Christian writings. Traditionally, it is believed that Paul was released from his first imprisonment in Rome, as there are indications in his later letters that suggest he traveled and continued his missionary work afterward. Here are some key points about what happened to Paul after the story ends in the book of Acts: Released from House Arrest: According to tradition, Paul was released from his first imprisonment and was acquitted of the charges brought against him. The book of Acts does not record this release, but early Christian writings and historical accounts suggest that he was likely freed. Later Letters: After his release, Paul continued to write letters to various Christian communities, offering guidance, encouragement, and theological teachings. Although there is some speculation as to whether or not Paul actually wrote some of these letters, they are now included in the New Testament and are known as the “Prison Epistles.” These include Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. (See last week's lesson's section on the development of the Biblical canon .) Further Missionary Journeys: There is evidence to suggest that Paul embarked on further missionary journeys after his release. While the Bible does not provide details about these journeys, other books of scripture, ancient Christian writings, and traditions indicate that he traveled to places like Spain and Crete, among others. Clement, writing around AD 95 in Rome , explains that after Paul “had preached in the East and in the West, he won the genuine glory for his faith , having taught righteousness to the whole world and having reached the farthest limits of the West” (see 1 Clement 5.5–7). While the phrase “farthest limits of the West” was used on occasion to refer to Britain or Gaul, it was usually used as a reference to Spain. Romans 15:22-29 specifies that it was part of Paul's plan to travel to Spain. Likewise, The book of Titus addressed the bishop of Crete, suggesting that Paul may have spent time on the island as well, in addition to just passing through it as a prisoner, and that he probably worked alongside Titus to establish a community of believers. The map below demonstrates a potential route that Paul could have taken, with Paul leaving from Rome and circling back after visiting Spain, Crete, and some of his earlier stomping grounds. Second Imprisonment and Martyrdom: According to historical accounts, Paul was arrested again during Nero's reign in Rome and imprisoned a second time. This time, he faced harsher conditions, and tradition holds that he was eventually sentenced to death by beheading. The exact date and circumstances of his martyrdom varies among different traditions, but are generally placed around AD 67-68. What was the terrible legacy of Nero? , Rome If You Want To, Nero Persecutes Christians , Do we know where the Apostle Paul is buried? Intense Political Climate: It would be shortly after Paul's death that the Temple in Jerusalem would be destroyed. This was proceeded by the Jewish Wars that began in 66 AD, around the time of Paul's death. This war and its political implications would have certainly influenced Nero's animosity toward Paul, and it would have made the Jews and Christians a target for his wrath. It was during this time that many of the early Christians living in Jerusalem recognized the warnings that Christ made in his Olivet Discourse, that Jerusalem and the temple would be destroyed. Because of these warnings, most of the Christians were able to leave the city before the Roman Armies arrived. ( The Fall of Jerusalem ; A Temple in Flames The Final Battle for Jerusalem, and the Destruction of the Second Temple ; Did Jesus really predict the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem? ; The Flight to Pella ) Legacy and Influence: Paul's writings and teachings have had a profound and lasting impact on Christianity. His epistles form a significant part of the New Testament and continue to shape Christian theology and doctrine to this day. Paul is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the early Christian church and played a crucial role in spreading the message of Christ to the Gentiles. It's important to note that some details about Paul's life after Acts are based on early Christian traditions and historical accounts, and there may be variations in different sources. Nevertheless, the information presented here provides an overview of what is commonly believed to have happened to Paul after the events recorded in the book of Acts. What Happened to Paul After the Bible? Historical and Cultural Perspectives: Several verses in the passages we cover this week refer to various religious “sects” (Acts 24:5; Acts 26:5; Acts 28:22). In previous lessons, we discussed the various Jewish Sects that existed during the time of Christ. Jewish Sects (1st Century AD) : Pharisees: Emphasized strict adherence to the Mosaic Law, oral traditions, and the belief in the resurrection of the dead and the afterlife. Sadducees: Consisted mainly of the priestly and aristocratic classes, accepted only the written Torah, and rejected the resurrection of the dead and the belief in angels and spirits. Essenes : Lived in secluded, monastic communities, emphasized ritual purity, and were known for producing the Dead Sea Scrolls. Zealots: Advocated armed resistance against Roman rule and aimed for complete independence for Israel. As Christianity spread throughout the Ancient World, multiple Christian sects developed as well, and these different sects had different ideas and interpretations of what Christianity was. While the early apostles initially established a centralized hierarchy of leadership and taught the fundamental doctrines of the faith, maintaining a unified Christian community was very complicated for several reasons, some of which are listed below: Limitations with Communication: Communication in the ancient world presented formidable challenges when it came to disseminating messages and accurate doctrine among diverse Christian communities. Early Christians utilized various methods for widespread communication, including Apostolic visits, Letters & Epistles, Oral Tradition, and Religious Councils, all of which played crucial roles in sharing teachings and maintaining connections. However, despite these efforts, multiple factors contributed to additional challenges in communication. Among them were: Distance and Geography : The early Christian communities were scattered across vast geographical regions, from the Mediterranean basin to Asia Minor and beyond. The lack of efficient transportation and communication infrastructure made it difficult for leaders and authorities in one community to reach out and communicate with distant communities. Language Barriers: Early Christianity was multilingual, with followers speaking different languages such as Greek, Latin, Aramaic, and others. Translating and transmitting messages accurately across language barriers was challenging, as nuances in theological terms and concepts could be lost in translation. Lack of Written Resources: In the early centuries, written resources were limited and not readily accessible to all communities. The distribution of scrolls, letters, and manuscripts was challenging, hindering the dissemination of accurate doctrine and teachings. Persecution and Safety Concerns: Christians often faced persecution and had to practice their faith discreetly. This environment of secrecy and fear could hinder the open sharing of information and teachings. Limited Education and Literacy: Many early Christians were not highly educa