Yo, dodge and company: the following is a very simple example of how to study a thing out in Scripture.
We read in Acts 9 that one point, Paul headed for Tarsus.
Supposing you were wanting to study what he did while he was there.
You would do so through seeking to cross-reference possibly related words, phrases, and or passages, where ever they might be found in the Scripture.
What then was Paul doing at Tarsus?
A little background...
After Paul is saved, he goes into Damascus, where a disciple of the Lord is instructed to go and seek Paul out....At first, said disciple hesitates.
Acts *9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: *9:16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. *
Later in Acts 9, Paul's life is in danger; which is when he leaves for the region of Tarsus.
9:28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. *9:29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. *9:30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus. *9:31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
It says there IN ACTS 9:30 that he left for Tarsus.
Where was that? In Cilicia....
Acts *21:39 *But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.
And that Acts 9 account is basically repeated by Paul in the following...
Galatians *1:18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. *1:19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. *1:20 Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. *1:21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; *1:22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: *1:23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. *1:24 And they glorified God in me.
So he was in Syria and Cilicia, back in Acts 9.
Which is where Barnabas goes to find him in...
Acts *11:25 *Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
What was Paul doing while in the regions of Syria and Cilicia?
He was busy evangelizing Gentiles.
Note who the letter described in Acts 15 was sent to, after the dispute over whether Gentiles had to submit to Circumcision and keep the Law, was settled...
Acts *15:22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: *15:23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: *
In other words, Paul had been converting Gentiles in Syria and Cilicia.
Gentiles he had neither required submit to Circumcision, nor to keeping the Law.
15:24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: *15:25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, *15:26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. *
And remember how that in 11:25, Barnabas had gone to that area for to seek Paul?
Apparantly, he spent some time there with Paul with said Gentiles....
15:36 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. *
15:40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. *15:41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
But wait, weren't Paul and Barnabas separated unto that later than Acts 9 - in Acts 13?
No.
Rather, Paul's and Barnabas' separation in Acts 13, had merely been a public witness they had been separated unto God for that purpose, earlier per...
Acts *9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: *9:16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
Acts *13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. *13:2 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. *13:3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. *13:4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
A simple study through cross-referencing words, phrases, and passages that appear related by same theme, subject, and or overall context.
Commentaries need not apply.
But for this one :chuckle:
