Jerusalem

Biblical References

Jerusalem obviously features extensively throughout the Bible. The outline below, however, is limited to references to Paul's presence in Jerusalem as described in the Acts narrative.

Acts 8:1-3

Paul (as Saul) is introduced into the Acts narrative as a peripheral figure at the stoning of Stephen in Acts 7:58. This leads to Saul's active participation in, and perhaps leadership of, the persecution of the early Church in Jerusalem.

Acts 9:1-2, 26-29

At the beginning of chapter 9 Paul's intention is to bring believers from Damascus back to Jerusalem for trial. By the end of the chapter he has returned to Jerusalem wanting to join the group he had initially set out to 'bring to justice'. Between these references to Jerusalem is, of course, the account of Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus.

Acts 12:25

Barnabas and Paul (as Saul) brought relief funds to the suffering believers in 'Judea' (Acts 11:27-30) and Acts 12:25 makes explicit reference to their return to Syrian Antioch from Jerusalem.

Acts 15

The debate over the need for circumcision for Jesus followers began in Syrian Antioch. Paul and Barnabas are named as active in refuting those who made this claim and then as part, even leaders, of the delegation sent to Jerusalem to try to settle the issue.

Acts 18:22

Jerusalem appears here as little more than a stage in Paul's return journey to Syrian Antioch following the so-called second missionary journey.

Acts 21:17 -23:31

Paul returns to Jerusalem after the so-called third missionary journey where he quickly comes into conflict with the Jewish religious leaders. Paul remains there until his life comes under serious threat at which point the Roman official has him removed, under protective guard, to Caesarea Maratima.

Visiting Jerusalem

We made a brief visit to Jerusalem, along with other sites in Israel, in 2013. We made use of an escorted one-day tour of Jerusalem which did not, of course have a specific focus on Paul. Possibly the only site we visited that could be directly connected with Paul with any certainty was the so-called 'Wailing Wall', a remnant of the Jerusalem temple.

Click here for a Google Earth view of Jerusalem.

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