There is so much to be said about the Apostle Paul, and I would never consider myself knowledgeable enough to tackle that task, but I read something this morning that I wish to share.
First, Paul was born and known as Saul of Tarsus, his given Hebrew name. Saul’s father was a Roman Citizen so Saul inherited dual citizenship and the Latin translation for Saul is Paul. Saul was a very learned and respected man among the Hebrews: being steeped in Jewish history, laws, and traditions. He was a zealous ringleader in the revolts and deaths against the disciples and followers of ‘The Way.’
Paul’s incessant goal was to wipe out all that Jesus had begun!
God, on the other hand, had other ideas for Saul! We read an account in the Book of Acts as Saul was traveling to Damascus he encountered God and had an eye-opening experience that forever changed his life. He met Jesus! (after resurrection) Acts 9:1-19, Acts 22:6-21 and Acts 26:12-18
Of the 27 books in the New Testament; Paul is attributed traditionally for 13 of those books and seven of those are accepted as being entirely authentic and dictated by Paul himself. (Brittania.com)
Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon.
Here’s where I am going with Paul this morning! His ministry spans from what I can find from about 14~20 years, in which he wrote the 13 letters to the churches that we read today! His account, His teachings, His walk!
Upon his conversion and acceptance of our Lord Jesus Christ, we read of a man who dedicates his life to spreading the good news! He faces trials, beatings, hunger, imprisonment, riots, persecution, and many near-death experiences. Yet we read:
Galatians 2:20 NLT: “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. So I live in this earthly body trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 4:13 NLT: “For I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:12 NLT: “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.”
Philippians 4:19 NLT: “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”
It sounds like upon accepting Christ, Paul had it all figured out; his change was instantaneous, miraculous, and easy! Wrong, nothing about Paul’s conversion or life after Christ was easy. He made it seem that way, but his teachings and instructions were learned over the next 20-some years of his ministry and walk with Jesus.
Please catch that last phrase; his ministry spanned 20 years! Don’t be discouraged if you aren’t getting it right, have fallen, have strayed, can’t seem to get up, are afraid because the path looks dark and scary, or you’ve let the Lord down again!
Get up, Look up, and begin again! Find Comfort in knowing Paul had retries, trials, and do-overs, and so do we! Be blessed that by trusting as we walk, we, too, will learn as we grow! 😉❤️
Sunshine On My Shoulder 