The Journey of Paul: How He Received and Preached the Gospel
The Journey of Paul: How He Received and Preached the Gospel
Introduction
Paul, later known as Saul, was a formidable figure in the early Christian Church. His journey from a zealous Pharisee to a zealous missionary for Christ is a remarkable story. He received the gospel, not through his own discovery, but through divine revelation and the mentorship of the apostles and prophets.
The Origin of Paul's Ministry
Paul's transformation from a persecutor of Christians to a fervent missionary began in Jerusalem. According to the New Testament, Paul received the gospel during a profound and transformative encounter with Christ. He was initially a zealous Pharisee, a legalist who believed that obedience to the Law of Moses was the key to salvation. However, his journey to Damascus was a turning point. On the road, he experienced a direct revelation of the risen Christ (Acts 9:1-9, 22:6-16).
Revelation from God
The New Testament mentions how Paul received divine revelation regarding the mystery of Christ (Ephesians 3:2-5). The apostle states:
“…assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.”
This revelation helped Paul understand the depth and breadth of Christ's message. It wasn't about adherence to the Law, but about the love and grace of God.
Meeting with the Apostles
After his conversion, Paul went up to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles. He schooled himself and sought the apostles' approval and guidance. His knowledge and understanding of Christianity were so profound that even the apostles, who were the original teachers, recognized in him a true apostle (Galatians 1:14-24). They later referred to his epistles as scripture (2 Peter 3:15-16).
Paul as an Old Testament Scholar
Paul was an Old Testament scholar, versed in the scriptures and the prophecies of the Messiah. Unlike the common scholarly view, Paul had a deep and rich understanding of the scriptures, including prophecies. His study of the Old Testament was not just a scholarly exercise, but a journey to understand the depth of God's plan for humanity.
Philosophical Stance and Witness
Paul was a philosopher and a zealous debater. He took great pains to understand and challenge the heresies of his time. His knowledge was not just about historical facts but about understanding the implications of Christ's teachings. In his debates and studies, Paul struggled to be convinced by his opponents, thus deepening his understanding of the gospel and its applications.
One of the most profound lessons for Paul was his meeting with Jesus, where he felt the presence of the divine. This personal encounter with Jesus transformed his worldview and strengthened his resolve to spread the gospel.
Conclusion
Paul's journey from a Pharisee to a missionary was not a personal quest but a divine revelation. His teachings were a blend of Old Testament prophecy and New Testament revelation. The gospel he preached was a manifestation of the love and grace of God, far beyond the legalistic framework of his initial Pharisaic beliefs.