An Introduction to the Character of Paul

One of my favorite Authors in the bible is Paul. God chose him as an apostle because of his zeal and his way with words. He truly had a knack for taking the Old Testament scriptures as well as the facts about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection and putting them together in a way that people both then and now could relate too. He even used sarcasm quite a bit, which is another reason I like him.

Let me give you a little history on Paul. From the book of Acts we know that Saul (who later became Paul) was a Pharisee and he was very zealous for the Lord. Saul knew the Old Testament scriptures very well for he had probably grown up in the synagogue. He was a man that was on fire for the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Now we also know that he was a persecutor of Christians before his conversion. You see, Saul was convinced that those preaching Jesus as the Christ were guilty of blasphemy. They were saying that Jesus was the son of God and therefore He was equal with God. That was considered to be blasphemy if it wasn't true, and by the law of Moses given in

Lev 24:16 And whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall certainly stone him, the stranger as well as him who is born in the land. When he blasphemes the name of the LORD, he shall be put to death.

Saul stood watching in approval as Stephen was stoned to death. Saul was convinced that he was doing the Lord's work. In fact he was on his way to Damascus to squash the Christians there as well. But he experienced a Revelation instead, didn't he? Jesus stopped him in his tracks and said basically..."What are you doing Saul? You're persecuting me, Jesus the Son of God." Saul hit the ground from the power of Jesus. He knew at that moment that he goofed. Instant change of heart, Saul says "What do you want me to do Lord?"

And this is the part I love. Jesus sends him to the very people he was looking for to take prisoner. Now Saul shows great faith by doing what Jesus told him to do. But the greatest faith in this story comes from Ananias. He was a Christian in Damascus and they all knew why Saul was coming to their town. But God tells him to go see Saul and at first Ananias says "Are you serious? That guy has been destroying your saints left and right and you want me to go hang out with him?" But Jesus says "He has been chosen to suffer for my name's sake and to take my message to Gentiles, Kings, and the children of Israel."

Although undoubtedly still scared somewhat, Ananias does what he is told through faith in Christ and he goes and baptizes Saul.

So Saul becomes Paul and this great messenger for Christ and from that moment on he gets to be on the other side of Persecution. But he endures because of his faith.