Perhaps we have no other single event, apart from the Christ-event itself, that has proved so determinant for the course of Christian history as Paul’s conversion, and his commissioning.
Paul found himself quickly compelled by what he saw and heard by acknowledging the Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified one, the one alive after his passion, vindicated and exalted by God, and was now conscripting him into His service. This once proud zealous Pharisee no longer resisted the compulsion of kicking against the goad (Acts 26:14) which was driving him in the opposite direction to that which he had been pursuing. Paul had come to realize his life as one apprehended for what he was apprehended for(Phil.3:12). He felt the weight of Ananias’ prayer, telling him he was a chosen vessel to carry the name of Christ to the Gentiles and kings, and the children of Israel (Acts 9:15), which he did.
Paul did not use classrooms or scholarly settings or flowery named programs, they can be helpful, but words alone are not enough, you are armed. He was arming his hearers for the task facing them. They would be taking their new found bold armor to the marketplace, where their belief and experiences of God would run head-on into thought systems, religions, oppressions within and without of everyday life. He experienced a violent and complex environment of evil forces, as witnesses he knew they would need equipping through discipline.
The God of Israel was keeping a Jewish remnant as seed to be sown, by broadcasting them throughout the world, as Jesus had broken down the wall that separated nations for generations. This inspired Paul to bring in those who were once far off, who now could be brought near, and enjoy the commonwealth of the now Israel of God.
His felt his commission was to complete the building that Jesus, the chief corner stone had laid, and would not be laying any combustible materials on that foundation, only precious stones. Into this kind of setting Paul came preaching, experiencing, rethinking, and teaching old and new truths, as he wrestled with what it meant for Jews and Gentiles to be the one people of God.
In the process of ‘doing ‘and ‘grappling’ with how the gospel works-and works out in us was in this new context which was so revolutionary different from the non-inclusive Jewish world. The only worthwhile theology in the mind of Paul, as he understood it, was the life given, is the life to be lived-out.
He often asked his churches to pray for boldness to speak as he ought to, the Spirit would bear witness.
In all of the evil he faced, the beatings with rods and whips, stoning, ship wreck, fellow countrymen etc. and the care of all the churches, he knew God was with him. Knowing his mission was nearing its end, he closed it out with these words; “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, a crown of righteousness is laid up for me, but not only me, but for all who will follow me as I follow Christ.
Keith Morgan, Billings, MT