For three days Paul's blindness continued. Paul did not agree with him at this time, because this was before Paul's great persecution of the Church, as well as before his conversion. Life of Paul Contemporary Events; 36: Paul's conversion-37: At Damascus: Death of … At his circumcision, he was given the Hebrew name Saul. We know nothing concerning Ananias, except what we learn from Luke or from Paul. Before his conversion, Paul was a dedicated adherent to the Jewish faith. Paperback – January 29, 1992. by. Perhaps the defining trait of Paul’s life immediately prior to his conversion was his opposition to the church. He heard what they did not hear. Jesus told Saul he had been persecuting him. He was a devout Jew who believed strongly in his faith and consequently persecuted the early Christians, participating even in the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:58 says that the men stoning Stephen laid their coats at his feet). Most websites place his birth between the years 3-5 AD. After he saw the Lord, he continued on to Damascus. Paul could not have achieved this remarkable accomplishment in his own strength. Ananias came into the house where Paul, faint and exhausted (Acts 9:19) with three days' abstinence, still remained in darkness. Saul’s Conversion (). He was so zealous for Judaism, and so against this new religion (Christianity) t… 73 sqq. And the unconverted Jews could have no true sympathy with his present state of mind. 9 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. Paul's conversion is first recorded in Acts 9:1-28, secondly to the Jews of Jerusalem in Acts 22:1-21, and finally to King Agrippa at Caesarea in Acts 26:4-23. V. George Shillington. A person's past does not matter to Christ. While we cannot know with certainty from the Bible when this occurred, most scholars believe that this was between 33-36 A.D. At present it is our natural course simply to gather the facts from the Apostle's own words, with a careful reference to the shorter narrative given by Luke. Paul the Apostle has been placed within Second Temple Judaism by recent scholarship since the 1970s. It is a heartbreaking tragedy that many writers—with a personal theological agenda—have so misconstrued the events of Paul’s conversion. Once he knew the truth about Jesus, there was no going back. Maybe God will call you to work quietly behind the scenes like the little known Ananias, or perhaps you'll reach multitudes like the great Apostle Paul. Despite his previous beliefs as a Pharisee, he now knew the truth about God and was obligated to obey him. The direct and immediate character of this call leading to conversion, without the intervention of any human agency, is another point on which Apostle Paul himself, in the course of his apostolic life, laid the utmost stress. He fasted and prayed in silence, awaiting what would ultimately be his conversion into a Christian. On the Road to Damascus, Saul and his companions were struck down by a blinding light. But the reason for Paul’s success is … Paul's conversion proves that God can call and transform anyone he chooses, even the most hard-hearted. But while the others were stunned, stupefied and confused, a clear light broke in terribly on the soul of one of those who were prostrated on the ground. There's no debate really: he hated Christians and hated Jesus, then he met the … Find all the books, read about the author, and more. Acts 9 goes on to mention Paul’s ministry in Damascus and how he … The story of Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus is told in Acts 9:1-19 and retold by Paul in Acts 22:6-21 and Acts 26:12-18 . He was told to arise and go into the city, and there it should be told him what it had been ordained that he should do. Luke is more brief than the apostle. Chronology is the study of the sequence of events in an historical text, and the comparison of those events with other known events from other sources. He arose humbled and subdued, and ready to obey whatever might be the will of Him who had spoken to him from heaven. Fourteen years after his conversion, he had occasion to go to Jerusalem and there he met privately with the leaders, including the apostles Peter and John (2:1–10). But the full intimation of all the labors and sufferings that were before Paul was still reserved until after his conversion. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. Hengel, M. 1977. Jack Zavada is a writer who covers the Bible, theology, and other Christianity topics. Over and over in the Bible, God picked flawed men and women to help carry out his plan of salvation. First of all, we must insist that the accounts must be viewed as harmonious documents. Alan F. Segal (Author) › Visit Amazon's Alan F. Segal Page. When he laid his hands on his head, as the vision had foretold, immediately he would be recognized as the messenger of God, even before the words were spoken. Even sports reporters and newspaper columnists, not always renowned for their biblical literacy, refer to "Damascus road" conversions. Over the last several decades, however, scholars have differed over whether “conversion” is the right term to describe Paul’s change from fierce opponent of the young Jesus-movement to one of the most well-known advocates. The Conversion of Paul Caravaggio, c. 1600 But while the others were stunned, stupefied and confused, a clear light broke in terribly on the soul of one of those who were prostrated on the ground. It is somewhat impossible to know for sure how old St Paul was at the time of his conversion and death. Paul's Success in the Conversion of Gentiles: Dynamic Center in Cultural Diversity. The Bible is an historical document, and part of assessing the value of any historical narrative is the study of Chronology. Paul’s goal before his conversion. He saw what they did not see. As the divinely ordained Apostle to the nations, Saint Paul established true Christianity at Roma. Jesus repeated his command, explaining that Saul was his chosen instrument to deliver the gospel to the Gentiles, their kings, and the people of Israel. 1st recording: Paul’s Conversion is Recorded Three Times in the Bible 1. Philip had already been preaching to the poor Samaritans, and John had revisited them, in company with Peter, with feelings wonderfully changed. The same Jesus who rose from the dead and transformed Paul wants to work in your life too. Those who were with him saw, as before, the trees and the sky, and the road leading into Damascus. These words were followed, as were the words of Jesus Himself when He spoke to the blind, with an instantaneous dissipation of darkness. More info on Gamaliel here. He was not an Apostle, nor one of the conspicuous members of the Church. He was empowered by God. (Some years, the feast […] This miraculous event, which has been part of the Church calendar for more than 1,500 years, is an unmovable feast — that is, it is always on the same calendar date, Jan. 25. In Acts 22 and 26 we are told that it was "about noon" or midday, when the "great light" that would bring the conversion of Paul, was shone suddenly from heaven (Acts 22:6, 26:13). 1955 Gibson Les Paul Junior Brown Back converted to Standard 1955 Les Paul Junior conversion made by Dan Shinn at Lay’s Guitars using an old growth Michigan figured maple top Comfortable 1957 neck profile Original Brazilian Rosewood fretboard Includes newer Gibson Reissue Lifton case Period correct lacquer, inlays and binding *Original serial number *Seymour Duncan Antiquity … 2. Ananias laid his hands on Saul, telling him Jesus had sent him to restore his sight and that Saul might be filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 9:5-6, NIV). Jesus did not distinguish between his church and his followers, and himself. The whole scene was evidently one of the utmost confusion. [356] He is called a tent-maker, skenopoios, Acts 18:3 . Isaiah 53 Interpretations. Paul wrote over 30% of the New Covenant and his constant theme was salvation by FAITH in the Resurrected Messiah. Acts 9 is Luke’s story of Paul’s conversion. This was when Paul was converted, and became a Christian. Whatever road was followed in the journey of Paul to Damascus, that ultimately lead to his conversion, it is almost certain that the earlier portion of it brought him to Neapolis, the Shechem of the Old Testament, and the Nablous of the modern Samaritans. Paul seemed to behold one who came in to him, and he knew by revelation that his name was Ananias, and it appeared to him that the stranger laid his hand on him, that he might receive his sight (Acts 9:12). Paul was converted on the road to Damascus, which is in Syria (Acts 9). Paul's life-changing experience on the Damascus Road led to his baptism and instruction in the Christian faith. Saul ate, regained his strength, and stayed with the Damascus disciples three days. He was a Jew who had become a "disciple" of Christ (Acts 9:10), and he was well reputed and held to be "devout according to the Law," among "all the Jews who dwelt at Damascus" (Acts 22:12). What is one forgotten gift of conversion. He admits his in 1 Corinthians 15, Galatians 1, and Philippians 3. He is never mentioned by Apostle Paul in his Epistles. Meanwhile, Jesus appeared in a vision to a disciple in Damascus named Ananias and told him to go to Saul. Suddenly surrounded by a light so terrible and incomprehensible, "they were afraid." Acts 9:1-18 - Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if Tents were mostly made of the coarse hair of the Cilician goat (Kilikios tragos, which also denotes a coarse man), and needed by shepherds, travellers, sailors, and soldiers. "And I (Paul) said, 'Who are You, Lord?' For three days Saul was blind and didn't eat or drink. In his childhood and youth, Paul learned how to “work with [his] own hands” (1 Corinthians 4:12). Saul of Tarsus possessed perfect qualifications to be an evangelist: He was versed in Jewish culture and language, his upbringing in Tarsus made him familiar with the Greek language and culture, his training in Jewish theology helped him connect the Old Testament with the gospel, and as a skilled tentmaker he could support himself. Damascus was still the great object before him. His companions led him into Damascus to a man named Judas, on Straight Street. He revealed his secret of enduring a lifetime of hardship for the gospel: In one moment of fear, enlightenment, and regret, Saul understood that Jesus was the true Messiah and that he (Saul) had helped murder and imprison innocent people. The zeal which burnt in him was that of James and John, before their illumination, when they wished (in this same district) to call down fire from heaven (Luke 9:51 - 56). All fell to the ground in terror (Acts 26:14), or stood dumb with amazement (Acts 9:7). (Acts 9:9) Craig, W. 2012. He could have no communion with the Christians, for they had been terrified by the news of his approach. Another New Testament illustration of this literary phenomenon is the record of Paul’s conversion, as set forth three times in the book of Acts (chapters 9, 22, and 26). Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." Few Bible stories are as thrilling as Paul's road to Damascus conversion. His body was strengthened with food and his soul was made strong to "suffer great things" for the name of Jesus, and to bear that Name "before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel" (See Acts 9:15, 16). And those who have had experience of the glare of a midday sun in the East, will best understand the description of that light, which is said to have been "a light above the brightness of the sun, shining round about Paul and them that journeyed with him.". Ananias was afraid because he knew Saul's reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church. Paul received the Holy Spirit, along with the truth of the gospel so he could share it with others. He arose and was baptized into the Christian faith. That Paul’s mission resulted in the widespread conversion of Gentiles and their incorporation into Christian communities is a truism of the first order. However, at the time of Saul’s conversion, Jesus still addressed him as “Saul.”. See search results for this author. It is evident that this revelation was not merely an inward impression made on the mind of Saul during a trance or ecstasy. Through the power of Christ, a man who had been a hate-filled villain became a love-filled hero. They journey from Tarsus back to Antioch and stay in the city for an entire year (Acts 11:25 - 26). A voice spoke articulately to him, which to the rest was a sound mysterious and indistinct. And it was not without a deep significance that he, who after his conversion was complete would become the most influential New Testament Christian next to Jesus, should be baptized by one of whom the Church knows nothing. ), reasons that if Paul had really known and heard Jesus, he would have been converted at once. From this it may be inferred that he was born about the same time as Jesus (c. 4 bce) or a little later. God often chooses the most unlikely people to accomplish his will. Paul the Convert: The Apostolate and Apostasy of Saul the Pharisee. This miraculous message was meant for one person only, Saul. And each of the statements from Paul supplies something not found in the other. Also, some areas of doctrine are based on chronological assertions, as we shall see in the case of Gal… It was the direct perception of the visible presence of Jesus Christ. As it occurred. Saul witnessed the risen Christ, which fulfilled the. In the ecclesiastical calendar, 25 January (this Friday) marks the “Conversion of St. Paul.”. "They heard not the voice of Him that spake to Paul" (Acts 22:9), or, if they heard a voice, "they saw no man" (Acts 9:7). Farrar (I. The Conversion of Paul “The life and words of Saint Paul are filled with irony and contradiction. 3. We also read about this in Acts 7, 8, 9, 22, and 26. Now arise, and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose: to appoint you as a minister and a witness both of what you have seen and what I shall reveal to you. Though Ananias was not ignorant of the new convert's previous character, it seems evident that he had no personal acquaintance with him. When events in the Bible line up with known dates confirmed outside the Bible, is suggests a high level of reliability in the biblical text. Who Was the Ethiopian Eunuch in the Bible? ", Paul's Road to Damascus Conversion Story Summary, Who Is the Suffering Servant? But when he opened his eyes, all was dark around him. It is one, therefore, which it is incumbent on us to notice here. Paul considered Christianity to be a false religion; a religion that was in direct conflict with the Jewish tradition he so devoutly followed. (Acts 9:4, NIV) When Saul asked who was speaking, the voice replied: "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. He became the most determined of the apostles, suffering brutal physical pain, persecution, and finally, martyrdom. Acts 9:1 says that Paul was "breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples." So Ananias found Saul at Judas' house, praying for help. Paul did not yet have the Spirit of Christ. The lesson is that the power comes from God; the person is only a vessel. He was converted to faith in Jesus Christ about 33 ce, and he died, probably in Rome, circa 62–64 ce. Errors Concerning Paul’s Conversion. The men with Saul did not see the risen Jesus, but Saul did. But Saul knew nothing of the little Church of Samaritan Christians. References 1. When God calls a person to a task, he equips that person for it. Paul waited on God and in his blindness a vision was granted to him. Text: Comments: The account of Paul's conversion appears below and also in Acts 22:4-11 and Acts 26:9-18..1 ¶ And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,.2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. As for the Apostle's conversion, it seems to have occurred between the years 33-36 AD. Hedrick observed that the three episodes supplement each other, for the first account is a healing narrative, the second features healing and call, and the third is a commissioning narrative. The scales falling from Paul's eyes symbolized a spiritual transformation that allowed him to see the truth. Anyone who persecutes Christians, or the Christian church, is persecuting Christ himself. By submitting himself completely to Jesus, Paul was able to spread the gospel throughout the known world. After his conversion, Saul changed his name to Paul. On occasion, late-’60s goldtops and Customs are converted, and even Les Paul Specials and Juniors are sometimes made into “’Bursts.” Maybe the most famous conversion is Peter Frampton’s ’54 Black Beauty, which had its P-90 and Alnico-magnet pickups replaced with three PAF humbuckers, effectively creating a late-style Les Paul Custom. 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