Paul Compliments Bereans, then Runs Away

Berea, Fall 49AD

Today the Jewish rebel Paul – formally know as Saul – arrived in Berea with two companions, Silas and Timothy. All three are from a movement known as “The Way”, which has been spreading like wildfire across the Empire from Jerusalem. They came from Thessalonica where they were not well received. Rumor has it that they had to be smuggled out of the city in the dark of night. Who knows what kind of mayhem may have followed otherwise? In previous cities Paul reportedly was beaten, jailed and in general (as he told me in an interview) “Treated shamefully”. Oddly enough, a pattern of upsetting Jews seems to be his intention – ironic, considering his birth and training as a Pharisaic Jew!

Paul’s first act here in Berea was to go immediately to the synagogue. Paul stated that “The Gospel” was well received and the people were eager to lean more about salvation and atonement made for all sin. They searched the Scriptures daily, and as a result of both Paul’s speaking and their determined searching, both Jews and Greeks, men and women were converted to Christianity.

-News flash-
In the middle of that interview with Paul, we were cut short by an angry mob from Thessalonica – men looking to settle some matters from Paul’s previous visit there. I am told that although Silas and Timothy remain here in Berea, Paul has fled by boat to a destination that is unknown at this point.

-Just in-
My sources say Paul is headed to Athens; I will travel there to see if I can continue the interview with Paul.

– Reporting from Berea, Field correspondent Volpes Griseus

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Earthquake!

Philippi: 49AD

At midnight last night an earthquake shook the foundation of the Philippi Detention Center where Paul and Silas were being held.

I was able to locate Cellius Jailus, the warden who had been assigned to their cell: he told an unbelievable story! As Paul and Silas were singing, the earthquake suddenly hit – all the prison doors swung open and everyone’s chains fell off! Cellius was terrified when he woke because he expected every prisoner to be gone. As a Roman soldier, his life was officially forfeit if he lost so much as a single prisoner. He was actually about to kill himself rather than go through the inevitable torture that would have preceded his execution. Suddenly, he heard Paul’s voice calling that they were all still there! The jailer said he was trembling as he spoke to Paul, who offered him Life through faith in the Lord Jesus. He was filled with great joy in sharing this story. He and his whole household were baptized on what is becoming known as Earthquake Night!

I asked Cellius what become of Paul and Silas today when the magistrates heard what had happened. He said their officers came to him and told him to let them go in peace. Paul was not pleased with this, he announced angrily that they were Roman citizens and they had been beaten publicly and thrown in prison without a trial! Turning the tables, he demanded that the magistrates be brought to him and speak to him in person! They came right into the prison, apologized profusely and personally escorted Paul and Silas out.

The two men have now left the city, but I’m sure we will be speaking of their earth-shattering visit for some time to come…

- From our correspondent – Lindia Carrius Bouchus

(In related earthquake news: High priest of Zeus crushed to death as statue falls during worship. More on scroll 3.)

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Paul and Silas Imprisoned!

Philippi: 49AD

Paul and Silas are in prison! They are being held in the Philippi Detention Center, in the notorious ‘inner cell’, their feet in stocks. By order of the magistrates, they have been beaten with rods; they are wounded but their spirits are high and they are actually singing hymns to their God!

For some time now, we’ve been following the travels of those two men who have caused such an uproar in Jewish circles. Everywhere they go, they seem to get into trouble: they’ve been stoned, beaten and even left for dead. Their visit here has become no exception, and I’ve got to wonder – what keeps them doing this? Why would anyone continue to be flogged, abused, stoned and generally hounded they way they have? What keeps these men doing what they’re doing?

Between songs to their God they told me their story:

They were originally hoping to travel all over Asia ¹, but their God forbade it. A short time later, Paul had a vision that they were to be preaching this ‘Gospel’ of theirs in Macedonia. ²  – a man of Macedonia was begging him to come over there to help them. So they left at once, sailing to Samothrace, then to Neapolis and traveled on here to Philippi.

They wound up staying in the household of a woman named Lydia whom they baptized in the river outside the city gate. A few days later they met a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future…and that’s where all the trouble started! As they walked along the street, the girl prophetess started to follow them, shouting,

“These men are the servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.”

Paul told me that he was deeply troubled because he knew the spirit was not of God, so he called on the name of Jesus Christ and he cast the spirit out of her! The girl’s owners were furious because her fortune-telling had been very profitable for them.

Paul said they were dragged by the girl’s owners into the city to face the authorities. In a rage they said,

“These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.”

The crowd surrounding them joined in – and that was when the magistrates ordered Paul and Silas to be stripped and beaten and thrown in prison!

There is a jailer assigned to their cell. Paul and Silas will not be broken! They continued to sing as I left the prison.

- From our correspondent – Lindia Carrius Bouchus

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Timothy to Join Paul on His Journey

Paul and Silas arrive in Lystra

LYSTRA: Summer 49AD

Paul and Silas have arrived back in Lystra; they told me that they have come through Syria and Cilicia, through Derbe and then here.

Paul has announced that he will take our own young Timothy with him as he continues on his journey. In preparation, today he had Timothy circumcised. When questioned about this practice, he said it was because Timothy’s father is a Greek, and having followed the custom passed down through Moses, he would be better accepted among the Jews, but made it clear that this is not a requirement in order to be a follower of “The Way.”

I asked Paul about his intentions as he continued on – he reported that their task will be to strengthen and encourage the churches and to deliver the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. Namely, abstaining from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals, and blood.

- From our correspondent – Lindia Carrius Bouchus

Stop Press – News Flash

Late-breaking News from Timothy!

We have news from Timothy, who left town with Paul and Silas. The journey he is on has been successful so far. The churches are rapidly growing in numbers. His mother tells us that he will continue on with them traveling next throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia.

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Disagreement on the Road

Paul and Barnabas Parting Ways

ANTIOCH: Summer 49AD

It appears that Paul and Barnabas are heading out on another journey. Word is that they are going back to visit the towns where they have already preached and see how the churches are doing. From the time they first met here in Antioch, they have been in one accord – even traveling together to Jerusalem to meet with the elders and Apostles regarding some differences in teaching that had come down from Judea.

Not anymore! There is news of a harsh disagreement. Barnabas wants to bring John (also known as Mark) on this journey. Paul does not believe this is wise as John had deserted them at Perga and had not continued on with them. Barnabus opposes him, noting that it was four years ago when John Mark left them; he had worked hard during that journey while he was with them, and that he had clearly matured since then.

It can be assumed that they could not reach an agreement, since Paul and Barnabus are parting ways. Barnabas and John Mark will be sailing for Cyprus. Paul will be journeying to strengthen churches in Syria and Cilicia with Silas, a leader among the brothers whom he met in Jerusalem.

For a small fee and with the help of Rainbow Benny – a cousin of Johnny the Swindler – we were able to obtain a copy of Paul’s trip planner for the upcoming journey:

Paul's second Missionary Journey
click on scroll to enlarge

- From our correspondent in Antioch – Lindia Carrius Bouchus

(In other news: The Emperor Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus has expelled the Jewish Christians from Rome – more on Scroll 4.)

Use Rainbow Benny for all your bookmaking needs. Gladiators; Lions vs Christians; Chariot racing. Honest odds. 3 Amphitheater Street.

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Discord in the way Gentiles are accepted in ‘The Way’

Pharisees claim “obey the law of Moses”

Jerusalem, 48AD

Dissension arose today among local groups and followers of The Way, with Paul the Gifted being a central figure in the discord. Apparently a group of men from Judea objected to the manner in which Gentiles are converted, claiming that they must obey the Law of Moses and be required to be circumcised regardless of age.

This caused great commotion and compelled the local leaders of the Antioch Church of The Way to send two emissaries – Paul the Gifted and his cohort Barnabas – to travel to Jerusalem for a council with the Apostles and elders in this matter. Their journey took them through Phoenicia and Samaria, a route unknown to many Jews – who of course avoid these provinces for reasons of religious purity.

Rebuttal in Jerusalem…

Once Paul and Barnabas arrived in Jerusalem, a group of Pharisees who were also members of The Way reasserted their claim that all new Gentile converts must be circumcised and must follow all the laws of Moses. The elders and the apostles then met to discuss the matters at great length.

Peter, a leader among the Apostles, stated that God gave the Gentiles the same Holy Spirit that was given to the Jewish disciples and that they should not test God by placing a yoke on a new convert’s neck that not even the most dedicated Jew could handle. Peter also emphasized that it is only by grace in the Lord Jesus that all men are saved – Jew and Gentile alike.

Following these statements, Paul the Gifted and Barnabas told about many miracles and signs (some of these stories were almost unbelievable) which occurred among the Gentile converts. He then quoted the Old Testament prophecy about David’s fallen tent (understood to represent the nation of Israel) and the rebuilding of it with a remnant of men and the Gentiles who bear the name of the Lord. He evidently agreed wholeheartedly with Peter’s earlier recommendation.

Proclamation produced and anarchy averted…

The final outcome was a decision not to apply any “further burdens” on the Gentile converts. It was then decided that a proclamation should be sent back to Antioch by the hands of Paul and Barnabas – and to send Judas and Silas from Jerusalem with them.

By special means and much coercion with many denarii paid through private investigators (the firm of Johnny the Swindler of Damascus), this newscroll has gone to great lengths to obtain an exclusive copy of the proclamation letter. It reads…

The apostles and elders, your brothers,

To the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia:

Greetings…. We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said. So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul— men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing. It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. …Farewell.

It appears that this group of messengers were sent to Antioch, whereupon the reading of the proclamation letter encouraged and strengthened all members of The Way. After a short time there, Judas and Silas returned from Antioch to Jerusalem, while Paul and Barnabas remained to continue “the work of the Lord”…

…from the streets of Antioch, this is Dan D Lion reporting.

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Latest News on Paul the Gifted

Antioch, Summer, 47AD

Paul the Gifted arrived back in Antioch today after sailing back from Attalia and Perga where he preached about The Way after his miraculous recovery from a stoning he received at Lystra. It looks as though he and his faithful companion Barnabas are both doing well, despite an exhausting road trip which took them as far away as Derbe in Galatia, then returned through Pisidea, Pamphylia and then back home to Antioch here in Syria.

Paul's First Journeyclick on scroll to enlarge

When I spoke with him and asked him about his stoning and what he remembered about it, he replied, “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God” – a truly remarkable response from a man who evidently holds no ill will against the perpetrators of that heinous deed. He explained how he and Barnabas appointed leaders of The Way called “elders” in each of the churches they visited throughout this region. Paul emphasized how these men were committed to the “living God” and how they have put their trust in Him through prayer and fasting for the “work of the Lord”.

Paul described his travels as “extensive” as he also reached Pisidia and Pamphylia with the good news of the way and strengthening their local groups known as “churches”.

It appears that Paul is showing no signs of slowing down as he preached in no fewer than eight cities and towns in his recent travels…not what you’d expect from a man stoned just a few short months ago!

– a follow-up story by Dan deLion, now of the Antioch Associated News.

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Commotion with Cripples Leaping in Lystra?

Pandemonium unleashed while alleged “gods” visit locals…

Lystra, 45AD

Exclusive from our correspondent in Lystra

Breaking news from Lystra: reports that a man crippled from birth was miraculously healed yesterday by the gifted leader Paul (formerly known as Saul) accompanied by his faithful companion Barnabas. It is further reported that Paul had “sensed” that the crippled man had “faith” to be healed and he directed his attention to the invalid as he spoke the words, “Stand up on your feet!” Eyewitnesses reported that immediately after hearing this, the man jumped to his feet and began to walk!

Zeus Among Us!

Bedlam ensued as the crowd began to shout in the local language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” Apparently the local population believed that the miracle worker was Zeus (taking earthly form) and his travelling companion Barnabas was Hermes (as he was the main speaker). When the regional priest of Zeus from the heard that two Olympians were in town, he mustered the faithful to offer due homage in the form of wreaths and animal sacrifices.

Once Barnabas and Paul got wind of the reason behind the wreaths and sacrifices, they began tearing their shirts stating that they were not the famed Olympians Zeus and Hermes, merely men. However, in their long winded explanation of how good the living God is and how he provides for all men, the locals had some confusion over what to do until some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium. These people have apparently opposed The Way from the first, and they promptly stoned Paul the Gifted, although Barnabas managed to slip away into the throng. Afterwards, they dragged Paul’s lifeless body out of the city for the vultures to pick clean.

– reported by our roving correspondent Dan deLion

Stop Press – News Flash

Miracle amidst the Mayhem…

Shortly after the crowds dispersed after the stoning, I stood outside the city gates of Lystra, where a group of local disciples from The Way had gathered around the fallen leader Paul the Gifted. They began saying some things that I couldn’t quite hear … sounded as if they were asking for a ‘mirror cure’, whatever one of those is … and then, suddenly I couldn’t believe my eyes! Unbelievable…Paul the Gifted just stood up…I swear it’s true! It was the single most absolutely astonishing event I have ever witnessed! He’s walking and talking and hugging these other disciples from The Way. Well, looks like Paul the Gifted is absolutely fine and he’s now headed back into the city…is this crazy or what?

To recap: members of The Way simply gathered around him, put their hands on him and spoke … and Paul the Gifted immediately got up, apparently no worse for the wear.

– Dan deLion

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Two Cities in Uproar!

Has Pandemonium near Pisidia led to Insolence in Iconium?

Iconium, 45AD

Breaking news from our correspondent in Iconium

Few would have guessed the outcome of two visitors appearing at the synagogue. In Antioch, on the border of the provinces of Pisidia and Phrygia, it resulted in the city’s uprising. The two men, Paul and Barnabus – apparently proponents of the controversial movement known as “The Way” from Jerusalem – are creating a stir wherever they go. Some say for the better, but many of the high ranking leaders say for the worse.

After the service began outside Antioch several Sabbaths ago, the visitors were encouraged to bring greetings from far off lands. Unlike the usual congenial greetings so often heard from guests in our synagogues, these two men used the opportunity to press their message of Jews and Gentiles being on equal footing in the sight of God. Whether they preach truth or treachery is still being hotly debated. They do, however, speak with conviction and appear to be well versed in the Scriptures.

Leaders Lash Out

These two had created such a stir that nearly the entire city turned out to hear what they had to say. Local Jewish officials questioned and even rebuked them sternly for preaching heresy. Eventually they were expelled from the city, along with many of their new converts. They were seen knocking the dust from their sandals at the city gate.

Chaos Comes to Iconium

THen the controversy caome to our very doorstep here in Iconium! As if it was a delayed replay chiseled in stone on the sports field, Paul and Barnabus showed up in our very own synagogue with the same message resulting in the same division among our religious leaders. It is suspected that leaders from Antioch had followed the two, and local leaders were warned about their message.

Miraculous Signs

If words were their only weapons, they would likely have been forgotten by the setting of the sun. When those two began healing the lame and restoring sight to the blind, however, they are not likely to be forgotten after a year of setting suns! Most of our city was split between support for our Jewish fathers and the ones who are called Christians. Once again, they were met with opposition, even fiercer than that reported from Antioch. That’s when Paul and Barnabus really became boisterous and brazen, healing people right in front of the religious leaders. Some say it was hubris; others say they were simply responding to the needs of those around them. Regardless, the effect on the leadership was rousing and even enraging! When many of the higher Jewish officials had called for the throwing of stones, Paul and Barnabus disappeared. It is rumored their destination was Lystra and Derbe.

Are they prophets or phonies? Again, this will likely be debated for sometime, but our local blind Barak will certainly be grateful to the end of his days.

– from our correspondant, Michael bar Eldred.

(In other news: Youth Kugalach Finals end in upset Antioch 30, Iconium 18 – See scroll 4 for more details)

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Governor’s Wizard Struck Blind!

Cyprus, 45AD

Late-breaking news! Only a month ago!

Most people know that some proconsuls and other public officials employ sorcerers, mystics, and magicians around to help them make decisions. There are many of us, however, that do not truly believe that these “wizards” have any real power or insight. This skeptic has long believed that these so called wizards simply use knowledge or keen observation to fool our leaders into paying them whilst performing very little real work. That is until today.

The events of this afternoon seem to defy explanation. Sergius Paulus, the proconsul of Cyprus, had long kept a sorcerer named Elymas. This man was arguing with two visitors to the island and trying to keep them from persuading the governor to join “The Way” when Elymas was suddenly struck blind by the verbal command from one of the strangers who was named Saul.

Elymas struck blind

Many witnesses testified to the remarkable display of real power that these strangers seem to have. The strangers were named Barnabus and Saul, but later reports state that Saul was also called Paul. In an interview Elymas claimed that this man was insulting and rude as he called him evil and deceitful. “Apparently he was also more powerful,” he muttered in a final comment as he was led away.

Paul and Barnabus were missionary preachers from Antioch visiting the island of Cyprus to preach the message of “The Way”. They claim to have the answers to all of life’s questions and the ability to present the only way to true peace and joy. It is likely that these men were summoned to the governor’s court so he could evaluate whether they were a danger to his citizens or not. Paul declined to be interviewed, but did specify that it was the god he preached about who struck Elymas blind and no power of his own.

The Ultimate God

When Sergius Paulus finally agreed to an interview, he was much more humble than any public official this reporter has ever interviewed. He seemed pensive and careful in all of his answers save one. When asked about the message these strangers shared with him, the proconsul answered “They told me the way to be saved. They told me of the ultimate God who made everything and yet sent his son to die for my penalty. It is all I can think of now. It is all I can think of.”

Whatever one believes about wizards or the validity of the claims of “The Way”, clearly Paul has power enough to blind a so-called wizard. Or was it Paul’s god that did it as he claimed. This reporter will leave it to the reader to decide.

Other news: The Emperor is talking of annexing Judea ever since Herod died.

– filed by our correspondent in Cyprus, ‘emuwn ‘Faithful’ bat Skaret

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