Imagine if you were Paul BIB 536-1-8

Imagine if you were Paul, a young Jewish rabbi who was, to put it in modern-day jargon, on his way to the top. Imagine that you were so convinced your religion was correct you held the coats of the witnesses against Stephen. And then stood there as Stephen was stoned transfixed by his vision of heaven. The Word says that Stephen could see heaven opening up and Jesus standing rather than sitting on the right hand of God. Certainly at that point there had to be some doubt in Paul’s mind as to what he was doing. I would imagine that like many he was in denial. Often when in denial one just redoubles one’s efforts so Paul was off to Damascus to further persecute the followers of Jesus.

We all know the story of the road to Damascus and the light of the Lord that temporarily blinded Paul. Paul asked, “Who are you Lord?” Paul not only found out who the Lord was; his life was turned upside down. Imagine after having facilitated the persecution of the followers of Christ to be confronted by the Lord Himself in all his glory. Paul went from being the persecutor to being the persecuted. Paul gave up so much to follow in the footsteps of the Rabbi; however, he was gifted with three years of being tutored by Jesus himself. What a privilege that would be, would any sacrifice be too much, I think not.
Paul preached the gospel of justification by faith as he took the gospel to the Gentiles. Paul established many home churches and the quote was that he was considered the most important man in the world. Paul was so convicted of justification by faith that he went through great emotional pain as the Galatians started to listen to false teachings. The Judaizers were there in force undermining Paul’s work citing the requirement for circumcision and following Jewish law for the new believers.

As often happens, those who should be the most supportive often become the greatest obstacle. Peter had his dream concerning taking the Gospels to the Gentiles. Even Peter had his moment of doubt when he refused to eat with the Gentiles. Paul called Peter on this and of course Peter also was a major force in bringing the gospel to the Gentiles. However, there was no one like Paul. Paul brought the Gospels to so much of the world and we owe greatly to this extraordinary human being who could say as death approached:

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:6-8