St. Paul Teaching and Preaching

Pictorial Description:

The apostle Paul stands at the top of a wide marble stairway like those leading up to a Greek or Roman temple.  The pillars of the temple are in the background.  In the foreground a crowd has gathered to hear him preach.  He raises his right hand in greeting or blessing.

What’s Taking Place:

St. Paul is proclaiming the Gospel to the Gentiles.  He taught in the synagogues of the Jews.  He taught in the schools of the philosophers.  He preached from the steps of the temple in Jerusalem.  He is laying the foundation of the early Church in the Mediterranean world.

Symbol:

An open book with a sword imposed thereon is the symbol for the Word of God.  The sword is also used as a symbol of St. Paul with the book and a shield.  This symbol represents St. Paul taking the Word of God to the pagan world as a message of judgment and salvation.

Scriptural Reference:

Acts 17:10-33

Acts 20:7-11

Acts 21:40 - 22:23