Faith & Reason Nexus

1. 1st Mention of Paul in the Bible – Acts 7:58
   Paul is first mentioned as Saul during the stoning of Stephen, where he is noted as witnessing and consenting to Stephen’s death.
2. 1st Recorded Words of Paul – Acts 9:5
   Saul, later known as Paul, speaks the words, “Who are You, Lord?” during his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus.
3. 1st Reference to Paul Preaching – Acts 9:20
   After his conversion, Saul (Paul) immediately begins preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, declaring Him as the Son of God.
4. 1st Missionary Journey of Paul – Acts 13-14
   Paul embarks on his first missionary journey with Barnabas, traveling to Cyprus, Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe to spread the Gospel.
5. 1st Recorded Miracle of Paul – Acts 13:8-11
   Paul performs his first recorded miracle, where he blinds Elymas the sorcerer, who opposed the Gospel in Paphos.
6. 1st Time Saul is Referred to as Paul – Acts 13:9
   Saul begins to be referred to as Paul after his encounter with the sorcerer Elymas. This marks a turning point in his ministry and mission.
7. 1st Recorded Sermon of Paul – Acts 13:16-41
   Paul delivers his first recorded sermon in Pisidian Antioch, proclaiming Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
8. 1st Reference to Paul as an Apostle – Acts 14:1
   Paul is referred to as an apostle for the first time in the context of his ministry in Iconium, where he and Barnabas boldly preach the Gospel.
9. 1st Recorded Healing Miracle – Acts 14:8-10
   Paul heals a crippled man in Lystra, causing the crowd to marvel and attempt to worship him as a god.
10. 1st Mention of Paul Appointing Elders – Acts 14:23
    Paul appoints elders in the churches he founded during his first missionary journey, laying the foundation for church leadership.
11. 1st Recorded Arrest – Acts 16:19-23
    Paul is arrested in Philippi after casting a spirit out of a slave girl, leading to his imprisonment and subsequent miraculous release.
12. 1st Recorded Letter – 1 Thessalonians
    Paul’s first recorded letter is to the Thessalonians, written to encourage them in their faith and address concerns about the return of Christ.

These “firsts” mark significant milestones in the life and ministry of Paul, highlighting his transformation, his early missionary efforts, and his foundational role in spreading the Gospel.