Paul: Apostle to the Gentiles

Paul: Apostle to the Gentiles

Larry R Evans

A Few Introductory Reflections

Some time ago I found the following quote etched on the American pavilion at Epcot in Orlando, Florida: “Throughout the centuries there were men who took the first steps down new roads armed with nothing but their own vision.” This was certainly the case with Saul who became the Apostle Paul. The encounter with the risen Christ changed everything. He saw Christ, himself and others differently. The temporary blindness revealed a spiritual blindness he had never “seen” before. What a difference the new understanding brought to his life and to the life of others. Nothing, not persecution nor sufferings of any kind, could erode away his new found hope. He had a new lease on life. His zeal did not decrease but it had a new focus. The persecutor had a new vision. The passion with which he sought to capture and persecute others now changed. He had a new story to tell. Despite a frightful past, he was a man chosen to be a medium through whom the risen Christ would change the world and the destiny of multitudes in generations to come. Not only do we today benefit from Paul’s ministry but we are also called to share the hope he found on that Damascus road. We too can have a part in changing the world but it all begins with our own encounter with Christ.

Reflective Quiz

1. Adventists have avoided the book of Galatians because it minimizes the law. True or False?

2. Theology can be hazardous to one’s health. (Acts 6:9-15, John 16:2, Rev. 13:5) True or False?

3. Paul changed religions after his conversion on the Damascus road. (Phil 3:6; Gal. 2:15; Rom. 121:1-3; Gal. 1:13) True or False?

4. Saul believed. Saul acted on his belief. Saul received grace. This shows that we are saved by belief plus obedience. True or False?

5. Some of the greatest spiritual insights come to us when we are at our lowest. (Acts 9:3-8) True or False?

6. Every church needs an appointed “fruit” inspector. (Gal. 5:22,23; 1 Sam 16:7; Matt 7:1, 1 Cor.4:5 and Matt 13:30) True or False?

7. The first Christian church was established in Damascus. (Acts 11:19-21,26) True or False?

8. The devout Paul, when confronted by the risen Christ, asked, “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 9:6; 22:10) True or False?


[RESPONSES WILL BE POSTED ON FRIDAY]

Comments

Corleen Johnson said…
Thanks for alerting me to this blog. Very helpful insights. Great ideas to include in teaching the lesson as well as to apply to my life!
Friday, September 30, 2011 1:31:00 PM
Corleen Johnson said…
Thanks for alerting me to this blog. Very insightful info for teaching the lesson and for personal application. Thanks.
Friday, September 30, 2011 1:34:00 PM
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