The impact of one person: the Apostle Paul's example

When examining the lives of people in the Bible, the Apostle Paul’s life is one of the most important testimonies we can study. Coming from an unlikely background, his devotion to the Gospel is a tremendously inspiring topic. His sacrifices played a major role in the spreading of Christianity during the important early years of the faith.

Like many other Biblical figures, Paul’s selection to spread the Word is an example of how God often chooses people that seem to be the least likely candidates to serve Him. He certainly fits that category. His conversion turned a persecutor of the early church into one of its most powerful advocates.

Galatians 1:11-24 gives a brief synopsis of Paul’s pre-Christian life. Raised a Jew, he was an exceptional student and surpassed most of his piers in knowledge and zeal for that faith. His zeal was so passionate that he aggressively participated in persecuting Christian believers. He wrote in Galatians 1:13 about "how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it."

However, after his encounter with the Lord on Damascus Road, his passionate zeal became focused on the Good News of Jesus Christ. Acts 9 details Saul’s (as he was also known) encounter with the Lord, and his conversion. Imagine the impact his conversion had on the culture at that point. Today, what if one of the biggest opponents of Christianity suddenly converted? For example, Osama bin Laden. If you think I am stretching it with this comparison, think some more on it. What would be the effect of a bin Laden conversion? Paul’s persecution of the early church was brutal, and it was not that different from religious extremism we are seeing today.

Following his conversion, Paul passionately worked for the Lord. He repeatedly faced rejection and resistance to what he was doing. One commentary I have describes him as a "remarkably hearty man" because of the hardships he encountered. II Corinthians 11:23-27 provides a brief list of afflictions he encountered: imprisonment, flogging, lashing, beating, stoning, shipwreck, sleep deprivation, hunger, and thirst. Somehow, the description "remarkably hearty" does not do him justice.

In addition, in II Corinthians, Paul states in Chapter 12 how he had received "a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me." Most believe he was referring to a physical affliction of some kind, but it is unclear what the affliction was. However, as the phrase “thorn in my flesh” indicates, it was definitely something painful.

Obviously, this is a very short version of Paul’s testimony. For anyone reading this who may not know much about Christianity, Paul’s life is worth reading about. If nothing else, he is interesting to read about as a historical figure.

For believers, however, his testimony is something to carefully consider. The Apostle Paul was obviously a special man, but we are all special to God. Though He may never call us to service on Paul’s scale, studying the Apostle’s life should force us to consider our place within Christianity.

Am I seeking God’s will in terms of what He wants of me? If so, what should my next step be? If not, what stumbling blocks am I allowing to get in my way?

It is all food for thought. Sometimes understanding what God's will is for our lives can be complex. Then again, maybe we just think it is complex.

Source material: "Freed to Serve: Galatians and Ephesians," a commentary from David C. Cook Ministries; The Holy Bible