Friday: Further Thought – Paul: Apostle to the Gentiles
Further Thought: For the relationship between personal conversion and the church, read Ellen G. White, “Individual Independence”, pp. 430-434, in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3. For a helpful map of the early life of Paul and commentary on his conversion, see The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, pp. 226-234.
Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
“Paul had formerly been known as a zealous defender of the Jewish religion and an untiring persecutor of the followers of Jesus. Courageous, independent, persevering, his talents and training would have enabled him to serve in almost any capacity. He could reason with extraordinary clearness, and by his withering sarcasm could place an opponent in no enviable light. And now the Jews saw this young man of unusual promise united with those whom he formerly persecuted, and fearlessly preaching in the name of Jesus.
“A general slain in battle is lost to his army, but his death gives no additional strength to the enemy. But when a man of prominence joins the opposing force, not only are his services lost, but those to whom he joins himself gain a decided advantage. Saul of Tarsus, on his way to Damascus, might easily have been struck dead by the Lord, and much strength would have been withdrawn from the persecuting power. But God in His providence not only spared Saul’s life, but converted him, thus transferring a champion from the side of the enemy to the side of Christ. An eloquent speaker and a severe critic, Paul, with his stern purpose and undaunted courage, possessed the very qualifications needed in the early church.” — Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 124.
Discussion Questions:
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Summary: Saul’s encounter with the risen Jesus on the Damascus road was the defining moment in his life and in the history of the early church. God changed the one-time persecutor of the church and made him His chosen apostle to bring the gospel to the Gentile world. Paul’s inclusion of Gentiles in the church by faith alone, however, proved a difficult concept for some within the church to accept — a powerful example of how preconceptions and prejudice can hinder our mission.
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Being on the side of Jesus is enough! If we do not loose this perspective always, if we stay by the side of love there is no mistake. Sometimes is not only about what Jesus would do, it's about what He would not!
Question: How can you stand up for matters of religious principle and at the same time make sure that you are not fighting against God?
Answer: Many have the idea that they are responsible to Christ alone for their light and experience, independent of His acknowledged followers in the world. But this is condemned by Jesus in His teachings and in the examples, the facts, which He has given for our instruction. Here was Paul, one whom Christ was to fit for a most important work, one who was to be a chosen vessel unto Him, brought directly into the presence of Christ; yet He does not teach him the lessons of truth. He arrests his course and convicts him; and when he asks, "What wilt Thou have me to do?" the Saviour does not tell him directly, but places him in connection with His church. They will tell thee what thou must do. Jesus is the sinner's friend, His heart is ever open, ever touched with human woe; He has all power, both in heaven and upon earth; but He respects the means which He has ordained for the enlightenment and salvation of men. He directs Saul to the church, thus acknowledging the power that He has invested in it as a channel of light to the world. It is Christ's organized body upon the earth, and respect is required to be paid to His ordinances. Reference found in todays lesson.
JohnHerscher, I notice that Paul also spent three and a half years in Arabia with Jesus as his private teacher after his conversion experience and before he began his new ministry. He referred to this in his writings as his credentials to be an apostle of Jesus Christ.
I think that legalism is one of our greatest temptations as zealous Christians. Trying to get ourselves to Heaven by keeping the law without God's Love as our motivation or trying to make it seem that the law has been done away and not necessary are two forms of legalism that are apparent in the church society today
The cure for this fatal error is in allowing the Holy Spirit to motivate us with His Love for all thoughts, feelings, and actions in all issues of our lives all the time.
If there is a reason or way to abide by the law, what is the purpose? Does Galatians 3:19-24 shed the necessary light.
Let us learn to keep our hopes and focus centered in Jesus and depend on Him and his grace to work the necessary transformation of character in our lives, is my prayer. Amen.
Always going with your own revelations, asking God for courage, zeal and a stern purpose. Stay on the narrow path by line per line, precept by precept. Be Strong.