Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit

In this biographical study, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the life of the most influential figure in the early church, next to Jesus Himself. From his origins as a “rebel” named Saul of Tarsus to his final days in a Roman dungeon, this series highlights the grit required to endure hardship and the grace that transformed a persecutor into a tireless apostle.

Message 1: May I Introduce to You Saul of Tarsus

Sermon Overview Before he penned the epistles of grace, the Apostle Paul was known as Saul of Tarsus—a brilliant, privileged, and violently aggressive Pharisee. Charles R. Swindoll paints a vivid portrait of Saul’s early life, from his wealthy upbringing in a cosmopolitan Roman city to his elite theological training in Jerusalem under Gamaliel. The message highlights the shocking reality of Saul’s initial entry into the biblical narrative as a religious terrorist endorsing the stoning of Stephen, proving that God’s grace can reach even the darkest of pasts.

Key Facts

• A Privileged Background: Saul was born in Tarsus, a major intellectual and commercial hub, granting him Roman citizenship and a brilliant education.

• Zealous Persecutor: Operating under the guise of religious purity, Saul aggressively hunted down early Christians, dragging men and women into prison.

• The Power of Grace: No matter how dark a person’s history or how intense their opposition to God, no one is beyond the hope of a new beginning.

Scripture References

• Acts 7:54–8:3; Acts 21:39; Acts 5:18–42; Philippians 3:4–6; 1 Timothy 1:12–13.

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Message 2: The Violent Capture of a Rebel Will

Sermon Overview Exploring one of the most famous conversions in history, Swindoll examines the day Saul’s violent rampage was halted on the road to Damascus. While plotting to expand his persecution of Christians, Saul is struck blind by a divine light and confronted by the resurrected Christ. The sermon emphasizes that God actively pursues the lost, using life’s sudden jolts to break our stubborn self-will and bring us to saving faith.

Key Facts

• Divine Intervention: God violently captured Saul’s rebel will by striking him blind with the Shekinah glory of Christ at midday.

• Kicking the Goads: Before his conversion, Saul’s conscience was already being “goaded” by the courage of martyrs like Stephen and the undeniable facts of Christ’s life.

• God Always Wins: No matter how aggressively a person fights against the truth, God’s sovereign grace is capable of stopping anyone in their tracks.

Scripture References

• Acts 9:1–9; Acts 22:3–5; Acts 26:9–14; Galatians 1:13–14; 1 Timothy 1:13.

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Message 3: The Memorable Faith of a Forgotten Hero

Sermon Overview Every great leader has individuals who helped them along the way. In this message, Swindoll highlights Ananias, the unsung hero who was commanded by God to minister to the newly blinded Saul. Comparing the terrifying task to being asked to heal Adolf Hitler in 1940, Swindoll shows how Ananias’s courageous obedience allowed Saul to regain his sight, be baptized, and immediately begin proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues.

Key Facts

• A Frightening Call: Ananias understandably hesitated when told to find Saul, the man known for murdering Christians.

• A Chosen Instrument: God revealed that Saul was hand-picked to bear His name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.

• The Reward of Obedience: By stepping out in faith despite his fear, Ananias played a pivotal role in launching the greatest missionary in church history.

Scripture References

• Acts 9:10–22; Galatians 1:13–17; 2 Corinthians 11:23–28.

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Message 4: Mission Underway: Thanks to the Lesser Known

Sermon Overview Continuing the theme of unsung heroes, this message examines the immediate aftermath of Saul’s conversion. Stripped of his independence, Saul discovers he cannot survive without the help of others. Swindoll traces Saul’s escape from Damascus—lowered down a wall in a basket by unnamed disciples—and his initial rejection in Jerusalem until Barnabas, the “Son of Encouragement,” steps in to vouch for him before the skeptical apostles.

Key Facts

• Shattering Independence: God routinely breaks the pride of self-made individuals to teach them dependence on Him and the body of Christ.

• The Basket Escape: The once-proud Pharisee had to rely on nameless disciples to save his life by lowering him in a fish basket.

• The Ministry of Encouragement: Barnabas bridged the gap of distrust, risking his own reputation to advocate for the converted terrorist.

Scripture References

• Acts 9:22–31; 2 Corinthians 11:32–33.

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Message 5: The Necessity of Solitude, Quietness, and Obscurity

Sermon Overview Before stepping into his world-changing public ministry, Paul spent over three years hidden away in the deserts of Arabia, followed by several unrecorded years back in Tarsus. Swindoll warns against modern Christianity’s addiction to speed, superficiality, and instant success. He illustrates how God’s curriculum for spiritual depth mandates extended seasons of waiting, silence, and obscurity to transform us from man-pleasers into God-honorers.

Key Facts

• The Missing Years: Paul spent over 1,000 unaccounted days in Arabia unlearning his Pharisaic theology and receiving direct revelation from Jesus.

• The Discipline of Delay: Exceptional work is always preceded by extended waiting; God hides His servants to deepen them.

• Replacing Ambition: Believers must learn to slow down, reflect quietly, and release their desire for platform and power.

Scripture References

• Galatians 1:11–17; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Isaiah 30:15.

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Message 6: Out of the Shadows

Sermon Overview While a massive revival was breaking out in Antioch, Paul was still waiting obscurely in his hometown of Tarsus. In this message, Swindoll observes how God used Barnabas to finally draw Paul out of the shadows. Realizing the Antioch church needed solid theological grounding, Barnabas sought out Paul. Together, they ministered powerfully for a year to the believers, who were called “Christians” for the very first time.

Key Facts

• Divine Timing: God’s call to step into ministry often happens when we least expect it and feel the least qualified.

• Substance Over Status: Paul didn’t eagerly promote his own resume or force open doors; he patiently waited for God to deploy him.

• The Birth of “Christians”: Under the tag-team teaching of Barnabas and Paul, the Antioch church flourished and the term “Christian” was coined.

Scripture References

• Acts 11:19–26; Romans 8:25; 2 Corinthians 12:1–10.

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Message 7: The Pleasure of Being in Ministry Together

Sermon Overview Focusing on the synergy between Paul and Barnabas in Antioch, Swindoll addresses the danger of spiritual isolation. The message stresses that ministry is never meant to be a solo endeavor. Paul and Barnabas modeled a healthy, shared ministry devoid of ego or competition. They seamlessly combined their distinct gifts—Barnabas’s encouragement and Paul’s intellectual teaching—to establish a thriving, generous church.

Key Facts

• The Danger of Isolation: Attempting to handle life and ministry entirely alone is unbiblical and spiritually unhealthy.

• Complementary Gifts: The Antioch church thrived because its leaders utilized differing gifts without giving way to jealousy or competition.

• Holding Plans Loosely: True ministry requires flexibility; God’s plan often introduces sudden shifts and requires risk and sacrifice.

Scripture References

• Acts 11:21–30; Acts 12:24–25; Ecclesiastes 4:9–12.

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Message 8: Released in Order to Obey

Sermon Overview While the church at Antioch was enjoying incredible success with its five gifted teachers, the Holy Spirit abruptly commanded them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for a new mission. Swindoll explores the difficulty of change and the challenge of leaving a comfortable environment. The Antioch church sets a beautiful example by refusing to cling to their favorite leaders, fasting, praying, and unselfishly releasing them to the world.

Key Facts

• The Mandate of Change: Living a life of authentic obedience to God inevitably requires accepting uncomfortable changes.

• Divine Disruptions: The Holy Spirit often interrupts our most successful and predictable seasons with new, challenging directives.

• The Grace of Letting Go: A mature church does not hoard its best talent but releases gifted individuals to fulfill God’s broader plan.

Scripture References

• Acts 13:1–4; Psalm 51.

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Message 9: The Jagged Edge of Authentic Ministry

Sermon Overview Tracing the treacherous route of Paul’s first missionary journey, Swindoll shatters the illusion that walking in God’s will guarantees comfort. The message follows Paul and Barnabas as they face the defection of John Mark, minister in the rugged terrain of Galatia, reject idolatrous worship in Lystra, and endure Paul’s brutal stoning. It is a sobering look at the “jagged edge” of frontline ministry, fueled relentlessly by the Word of God.

Key Facts

• Saturated in Scripture: Paul’s resilience was rooted in his deep immersion in the Word, mentioned 15 times in Acts 13 and 14.

• A Dual Emphasis: Paul masterfully balanced preaching the Gospel of salvation to the lost and the freedom of grace to the saved.

• Enduring Hardship: Even after being stoned and left for dead, Paul courageously re-entered the city and continued his mission the very next day.

Scripture References

• Acts 13:1–13, 38–43; Acts 14:9–27.

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Message 10: A Game Plan for Facing Extreme Circumstances

Sermon Overview Looking deeper into Acts 13 and 14, Swindoll unpacks the specific, mature responses Paul modeled when encountering extreme opposition. A fulfilling life requires a clear identity, mission, and purpose, which allows believers to keep their eyes on the goal rather than the obstacles. Swindoll shows how Paul boldly confronted a false prophet, pressed on when a teammate defected, and humbly deflected inappropriate praise.

Key Facts

• Firmness Against Deceit: Paul demonstrated immense courage when he rebuked and temporarily blinded Elymas, the magician trying to thwart the gospel.

• Refusing to Quit: When Jewish leaders blasphemed and rejected his message, Paul didn’t throw a pity party; he boldly pivoted his ministry to the Gentiles.

• Returning Without Regret: Paul retraced his steps to the very cities where he had been abused to strengthen the new disciples, proving he held no lingering bitterness.

Scripture References

• Acts 13:4–12, 42–48; Acts 14:19–22.

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Message 11: The Day Two Missionaries Duked It Out

Sermon Overview The Bible paints its heroes with absolute realism, warts and all. Swindoll examines the sharp, heated disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over whether to take John Mark—who had previously abandoned them—on their second journey. Exploring the anatomy of a conflict, Swindoll explains how to navigate relational breakdowns when principle (Paul) collides with grace and restoration (Barnabas).

Key Facts

• An Unresolved Conflict: Paul and Barnabas had such a severe argument over John Mark that they split their ministry team and parted ways.

• Two Valid Viewpoints: Paul rightfully valued reliability in the face of danger, while Barnabas rightfully championed giving a fallen brother a second chance.

• Handling Disagreements: Believers must learn to seek wise compromise, work through persisting conflict, and eventually agree to disagree without becoming disagreeable.

Scripture References

• Acts 15:36–41; Proverbs 25:19.

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Message 12: Traveling as Paul Traveled

Sermon Overview Buckle up for a sweeping overview of Paul’s second and third missionary journeys. Swindoll highlights the unpredictable, perilous, and exhilarating nature of traveling in the Spirit. The message follows Paul as he encounters closed doors in Asia, receives the Macedonian call to Europe, sings hymns in a Philippian jail, praises the noble-minded Bereans, and finally returns to face a hostile mob in Jerusalem.

Key Facts

• Responding to Closed Doors: God actively guides by slamming doors shut, just as He blocked Paul from Asia to route him to Macedonia.

• Joy in Suffering: Beaten and locked in stocks, Paul and Silas spent their midnight hour singing hymns, leading to the miraculous conversion of the Philippian jailer.

• The Berean Standard: Like the believers in Berea, Christians must cross-examine every teaching they hear directly against the Scriptures.

Scripture References

• Acts 15:40–16:12, 22–35; Acts 17:5–15; Acts 18:11–22; Acts 20:13–21:3.

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Message 13: Preaching as Paul Preached

Sermon Overview Standing alone in the intellectual and cultural epicenter of Athens, Paul’s spirit was provoked by the city’s endless idols. Swindoll breaks down Paul’s masterful, impromptu sermon delivered on Mars Hill (the Areopagus) to Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. The message serves as a timeless blueprint for effective communication: starting where the audience is, boldly speaking the truth without fear, staying on the subject of Christ, and leaving the results to God.

Key Facts

• Provoked by Idolatry: Paul didn’t rant or hurl insults at the pagans; he channeled his righteous indignation into brilliant, constructive dialogue.

• Bridging the Gap: Paul tactfully used their altar “To an Unknown God” and quotes from their own poets to build a bridge to the Gospel.

• Uncompromising Truth: Despite facing the greatest intellectuals of the day, Paul fearlessly preached repentance and the resurrection of Jesus, regardless of their sneers.

Scripture References

• Acts 17:16–33.

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Message 14: Leading as Paul Led

Sermon Overview Looking back at his ministry in Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul outlines a magnificent, timeless standard for spiritual leadership. Charles R. Swindoll extracts four negative and four positive traits of authentic leadership from 1 Thessalonians 2. True leaders reject deception, greed, and the temptation to be people-pleasers. Instead, they balance the gentle, tender affection of a nursing mother with the encouraging, instructing discipline of a caring father. Paul’s model proves that giving the gospel is not enough on its own; a leader must impart their very life to their followers.

Key Facts

• Integrity Over Image: Effective leaders never use their position for self-serving glory or manipulation, nor do they water down the truth to please the crowd.
• Sharing Life: Paul didn’t just dispense theological information from a distance; his life was an “open book,” and he loved the people so deeply that he shared his own life with them.
• The Balance of Care: Good leadership perfectly blends deep, tender sensitivity to needs with enthusiastic, directional affirmation.

Scripture References

• 1 Thessalonians 2:1–12; Galatians 1:10.

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Message 15: Finding Contentment in God’s Sufficient Grace

Sermon Overview Addressing the raw, painful reality of suffering, Swindoll turns to Paul’s most intimate confessions in 2 Corinthians 12. Despite receiving unparalleled heavenly revelations, Paul was given a painful “thorn in the flesh” to keep him humble. This message dismantles the shallow theology that expects constant physical healing and happiness. Instead, Swindoll teaches that true contentment is forged in the crucible of afflictions, where God frequently answers our pleas for relief with a resounding “No,” teaching us that His grace is entirely sufficient.

Key Facts

• The Gift of Limitations: God permitted Satan’s messenger to buffet Paul with a “thorn” (a sharply pointed stake) to safeguard him from the spiritual pride of his profound revelations.
• Unanswered Prayers for Healing: Paul pleaded three times for physical relief, but God answered “No,” revealing that divine power is actually perfected in human weakness.
• Boasting in Weakness: Rather than hiding his scars, Paul learned to gladly embrace insults, distresses, and persecutions, knowing they made room for Christ’s strength to dwell in him.

Scripture References

• 2 Corinthians 12:1–10; 2 Corinthians 1:3–8; 2 Corinthians 4:8–18.

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Message 16: Responding as Paul Responded

Sermon Overview Greatness is not defined by what happens to us, but by how we respond to what happens to us. Swindoll revisits the heavy afflictions Paul endured—shipwrecks, stonings, and the daily pressure of the churches. He highlights that Paul did not retaliate with bitterness but bore his physical scars proudly as the “brand-marks” of Jesus. This message challenges believers to stop focusing on their visible, temporal hardships and start looking at the unseen eternal purposes God is accomplishing through their pain.

Key Facts

• The Stigmata of Christ: Paul proudly viewed his physical scars as literal brand-marks (stigmata) proving his ownership by and loyalty to Jesus Christ.
• Despairing of Life: Paul was transparent about times he felt burdened beyond his strength, teaching us that desperation is the perfect place to learn ultimate trust in God alone.
• The Unseen Reality: Believers can endure being struck down but not destroyed by shifting their focus from temporal pain to eternal glory.

Scripture References

• 2 Corinthians 1:8–10; 2 Corinthians 4:8–18; 2 Corinthians 12:7–10; Galatians 6:11–17; 1 Samuel 30:1–6.

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Message 17: Thinking as Paul Thought

Sermon Overview Following his arrest in Jerusalem, Paul faces violent mobs, a panicked Roman commander, and the corrupt Jewish Sanhedrin. Swindoll highlights Paul’s brilliant, objective mind in the midst of total chaos. Rather than relying on fleeting emotions, Paul anchors his faith in objective facts. The message illustrates how straight thinking allowed Paul to intelligently divide his accusers, assert his Roman rights, and calmly rest in God’s overnight promise that he would eventually reach Rome.

Key Facts

• Faith is Not a Feeling: Biblical faith is grounded in objective historical content, not subjective, changing emotions or physical experiences.
• Masterful Defense: Paul used straight-thinking strategy to turn the Pharisees and Sadducees against one another, successfully disrupting their kangaroo court.
• Divine Reassurance: When Paul was alone in the barracks, Jesus stood by him and promised that his journey would ultimately end as a witness in Rome.

Scripture References

• Acts 21:27–40; Acts 22:30–23:11; Acts 23:12–35; Acts 24:1–10; 1 Peter 3:15.

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Message 18: Dealing with Critics as Paul Did

Sermon Overview Unfair criticism is an inevitable part of living a significant life. Swindoll examines Paul’s trial before the corrupt Governor Felix and the sycophantic lawyer Tertullus. In response to flat-out lies, Paul refused to mirror the emotional hysteria of his critics. He modeled seven practical ways to handle unjust attacks, including staying with the facts, maintaining a clear conscience, and refusing to surrender or harbor bitterness despite waiting two full years in a Caesarean prison.

Key Facts

• The Laws of Criticism: Criticism usually comes when we least need it, from people least qualified to give it, in the least helpful forms.
• Cool Under Fire: Paul cheerfully made his defense, completely ignoring the emotional vitriol and methodically dismantling the false charges.
• Standing on the Promise: Even when left to rot in prison by a political weasel like Felix, Paul did not complain; he rested on God’s prior promise that he was bound for Rome.

Scripture References

• Acts 21:27–29; Acts 23:11–21; Acts 24:1–27; Acts 25:6–12.

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Message 19: Standing Tall as Paul Stood

Sermon Overview True heroes stand tall when everyone else shrinks back. Swindoll focuses on Paul’s dramatic, chain-rattling defense before King Agrippa, Bernice, and Governor Festus. Though surrounded by corrupt politicians robed in royal pomp, Paul, the man in shackles, was the only one truly free. He gracefully recounted his conversion, asserted the reality of the resurrection, and delivered the gospel with such passion that he cornered the king into confronting his own soul.

Key Facts

• Unintimidated by Power: Paul treated the high-ranking officials with respect, yet fearlessly preached the truth of Christ’s resurrection.
• The Chains of Freedom: In a masterstroke of evangelism, Paul expressed his wish that his judges would become exactly like him—saved and free—except for his physical chains.
• The Impact of Conviction: Standing tall makes you operate as though invincible; your focus shifts from self-preservation to eternal principles, regardless of how the audience reacts.

Scripture References

• Acts 25:12–27; Acts 26:1–32; Proverbs 16:7.

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Message 20: How to Handle a Shipwreck

Sermon Overview Sent to Rome as a prisoner, Paul finds himself caught in a terrifying “Nor’easter” (Euraquilo) on the Mediterranean. Swindoll translates this literal shipwreck into a profound metaphor for surviving the dark, chaotic storms of our own lives. He identifies four essential “anchors” from the text that hold us steady when our ship is breaking apart: stability in God’s promises, unity with fellow believers, renewal through prayer and nourishment, and reality that requires our active participation.

Key Facts

• The Anchor of Stability: Paul found courage in the middle of a hurricane because he trusted God’s specific promise that no life would be lost.
• The Anchor of Unity: When sailors tried to abandon ship in the lifeboat, Paul warned that survival required everyone to stay together on the sinking vessel.
• The Anchor of Reality: God promised salvation, but required every passenger to engage in the reality of the crisis by grabbing a plank and swimming to shore.

Scripture References

• Acts 27:1–44; Isaiah 43:1–5.

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Message 21: Arrested, Confined, but Still Effective

Sermon Overview For two full years, Paul lived under house arrest in Rome, literally chained to Imperial Praetorian guards. Rather than spiraling into a victim mentality, Paul wrote the “Prison Epistles,” demonstrating how to live victoriously above extreme circumstances. Swindoll explores how Paul’s unselfish humility and joyful acceptance not only accelerated the spread of the gospel to Caesar’s elite bodyguards but infused incredible courage into believers everywhere.

Key Facts

• Defeating the Victim Mentality: A learned secret of the Christian life is finding deep contentment completely independent of external circumstances.
• A Captive Audience: Instead of complaining about his chains, Paul viewed the rotating guards chained to his wrist as a prime evangelistic opportunity.
• Four Essential Attitudes: Believers must cultivate unselfish humility, joyful acceptance (rejecting grumbling), strong determination, and prayerful thanksgiving.

Scripture References

• Philippians 1:12–14; Philippians 2:3–5, 14; Philippians 3:13–14; Philippians 4:11–13; Colossians 4:2–4; Acts 28:14–30.

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Message 22: Shackled, Deserted, but Still Undaunted

Sermon Overview The series concludes in the cold, damp, blood-stained Mamertine dungeon in Rome. Facing imminent execution by the sword of Nero, an aged, scarred, and largely deserted Paul writes his final, passionate letter to his protégé, Timothy. Swindoll captures the poignant emotion of Paul’s parting words, challenging modern believers to guard the treasure of the gospel, stay faithful in an era of “itching ears,” and finish the race with unshakable confidence in Christ.

Key Facts

• The Final Dungeon: Paul’s second imprisonment was not a comfortable house arrest; it was a miserable, freezing subterranean hole where he awaited his beheading.
• Passing the Baton: Paul’s urgent priority was ensuring Timothy would guard the truth, endure hardship, and entrust the gospel to faithful men.
• Preach the Word: In a world demanding entertaining “spiritual junk food,” Paul’s dying charge is a mandate to relentlessly preach the unvarnished Word of God.
• Finishing Strong: Paul faced the executioner’s axe without fear or regret, knowing he had fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith.

Scripture References

• 2 Timothy 1:1–15; 2 Timothy 2:1–4, 15, 24–26; 2 Timothy 3:1–15; 2 Timothy 4:1–22.