The Apostle Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, is one of the most prominent figures in the New Testament, renowned for his pivotal role in the spread of Christianity and his extensive contributions to the New Testament writings. His call to special religious duty is a profound example of divine intervention and transformation, illustrating the power of God's grace and purpose.

Background and Early Life

Paul was born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, and was a Roman citizen by birth (Acts 22:28). He was a Pharisee, educated under Gamaliel, a respected teacher of the law (Acts 22:3). Paul was zealous for the traditions of his ancestors and initially a fierce persecutor of the early Christian church, believing he was serving God by opposing the followers of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:13-14).

The Damascus Road Experience

Paul's call to special religious duty began with a dramatic encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. As he traveled to persecute Christians, a light from heaven suddenly surrounded him, and he fell to the ground. He heard a voice saying, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?" (Acts 9:4). When Paul asked who was speaking, the voice replied, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting" (Acts 9:5). This encounter left Paul temporarily blinded, and he was led into Damascus.

Ananias and the Commissioning

In Damascus, the Lord spoke to a disciple named Ananias, instructing him to visit Paul. Despite his initial hesitation due to Paul's reputation, Ananias obeyed. The Lord revealed to Ananias that Paul was "a chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel" (Acts 9:15). Ananias laid hands on Paul, restoring his sight and filling him with the Holy Spirit. Paul was baptized and began to preach that Jesus is the Son of God (Acts 9:17-20).

Paul's Missionary Journeys

Following his conversion, Paul embarked on several missionary journeys, spreading the Gospel across the Roman Empire. His travels took him to regions such as Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome. Paul established numerous churches and wrote letters to these communities, many of which are included in the New Testament. His epistles, such as Romans, Corinthians, and Galatians, provide theological insights and practical guidance for Christian living.

Paul's Theology and Teachings

Paul's teachings emphasized salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from works of the law (Ephesians 2:8-9). He articulated the doctrine of justification, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the unity of believers in the body of Christ. Paul also addressed issues of Christian conduct, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection of the dead.

Suffering and Perseverance

Paul's call to special religious duty was marked by significant suffering and persecution. He endured beatings, imprisonment, shipwrecks, and opposition from both Jews and Gentiles (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). Despite these hardships, Paul remained steadfast in his mission, declaring, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13).

Legacy

Paul's legacy as an apostle to the Gentiles and a foundational theologian of the Christian faith is unparalleled. His writings continue to influence Christian doctrine and practice, and his life exemplifies the transformative power of God's call to special religious duty. Through his obedience and dedication, Paul fulfilled his divine commission, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Christianity.Acts 9:4-6,15,16
And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why persecute you me?
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Acts 13:2,3
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
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Romans 1:1
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God,
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1 Corinthians 1:1
Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
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2 Corinthians 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:
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Galatians 1:1
Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
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Ephesians 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
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Colossians 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,
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1 Timothy 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;
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2 Timothy 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
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The Sixth Season
... by vain thoughts, humble yourself before God, and call in assistance ... It will be of
special use to keep your ... Your religious seasons are your seed times, and in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/vi the sixth season.htm

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Colossians --The Epistle of ...
... Philemon and the circular which we call "Ephesians," by ... the heresy taught by the
religious agitators at ... they kept the sabbath with special scrupulousness, and ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xiv the epistle of.htm

Introduction
... adapted to what I still like to call Sunday reading ... of this volume in looking for
religious classics for ... only other work which deserves any special mention as a ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/introduction.htm

The Yoke of Christ.
... who above the rest may be taken to remind us of the duty of mortification, it ... If
you call to mind some of the traits of that special religious character to ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon viii the yoke of.htm

The True Nonconformist.
... And I can, therefore, only call your attention to one or ... As you enter upon a season
of special religious activity, you ... That our duty in such matters, is not to ...
/.../vincent/amusement a force in christian training/the true nonconformist.htm

The Collection for St Paul: the Farewell
... In the Greek world "mysteries" were systems of religious belief and ... and emperors
downwards; with the special hope of ... in the Roman "colony" would call themselves ...
/.../moule/philippian studies/chapter xii the collection for.htm

The Preacher as an Apostle.
... Church has failed in making use of special gifts. ... it disposes a man to answer to
your call if he ... and eternity may depend on their own religious condition; you ...
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The Call of Matthew - the Saviour's Welcome to Sinners - Rabbinic ...
... will cast a peculiar light on the call of Matthew ... to whom, as we are told, repentance
offered special difficulties ... whom they look upon as the religious and pious ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xvii the call of.htm

Acts 17:16-17. Athens.
... I call the special attention of my readers to this point. ... Examine the religious
condition of East London, or of Southwark, or Lambeth. ...
/.../chapter ix acts 17 16-17 athens.htm

God's Law Immutable.
... keep His commandments, will especially call upon them ... The special characteristic
of the beast, and therefore ... very act of enforcing a religious duty by secular ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /25 gods law immutable.htm

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