The Apostle Paul stands as a pivotal figure in the New Testament, renowned for his profound theological insights and missionary zeal. His confession of Christ is a central theme throughout his epistles and the Acts of the Apostles, reflecting a transformative encounter with the risen Lord and a life dedicated to proclaiming the gospel.

Conversion and Initial Confession

Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was a zealous Pharisee and a fierce persecutor of the early Christian church. His dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus is a cornerstone event, marking the beginning of his confession of Christ. In Acts 9:3-6 , Paul encounters a divine light and hears the voice of Jesus, leading to his spiritual awakening: "As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?' 'Who are You, Lord?' Saul asked. 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' He replied."

This encounter not only transformed Paul's life but also set the stage for his unwavering confession of Christ as Lord and Savior. His immediate response was one of obedience and submission, as he was baptized and began to preach that Jesus is the Son of God (Acts 9:20).

Confession in Preaching and Teaching

Paul's confession of Christ is evident in his missionary journeys and epistles, where he consistently proclaims the death and resurrection of Jesus as the foundation of the Christian faith. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 , Paul succinctly articulates the gospel message: "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures."

Paul's letters are replete with affirmations of Christ's divinity, atoning work, and lordship. In Philippians 2:9-11 , he exalts Christ, stating, "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Confession in Suffering and Perseverance

Paul's confession of Christ was not limited to words but was demonstrated through his willingness to suffer for the sake of the gospel. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 , he recounts the hardships he endured, including imprisonments, beatings, and shipwrecks, all for the sake of Christ. His perseverance in the face of persecution underscores the depth of his commitment to his confession.

In Romans 1:16 , Paul boldly declares, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek." This statement encapsulates his unwavering dedication to proclaiming Christ, regardless of the cost.

Confession as a Model for Believers

Paul's life and writings serve as a model for believers in confessing Christ. He exhorts Christians to hold fast to their confession and to live in a manner worthy of the gospel. In Romans 10:9-10 , he emphasizes the importance of confessing Christ: "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved."

Through his teachings and example, Paul encourages believers to boldly proclaim their faith, to endure trials with steadfastness, and to live out their confession in every aspect of life. His legacy as a confessor of Christ continues to inspire and challenge Christians to this day.Acts 9:29
And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

When Confessing the Divinity of Christ we Ought not to Pass Over ...
... Chapter VIII. When confessing the Divinity of Christ we ought not ... Paul, speaks thus:
"The Jews," says he, "seek signs, and the Greeks ask for wisdom. ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter viii when confessing the.htm

The Apostle Paul.
... told that he would become a minister of Christ. From that time Paul preached and
taught the Christian ... such treatment, and went on openly confessing his faith ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/wee ones bible stories/the apostle paul.htm

Mr. Moody and Mr. Radstock.
... Mr. R."Paul says: "To him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth
the ungodly" bad ... Mr. M."There is something said about confessing Christ. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sovereign grace/iii mr moody and mr radstock.htm

The Epistles of Clement
... Chapter XLVII.--Your Recent Discord is Worse Than the Former Which Took Place in
the Times of Paul. ... Chapter III.--The Duty of Confessing Christ. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/keith/the epistles of clement/

Twenty Third Sunday after Trinity Enemies of the Cross of Christ ...
... all the world must be ashamed of it in his presence, confessing themselves guilty ...
We who are baptized and believe in Christ, Paul's thought is, do not base our ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty third sunday after trinity.htm

Christ Our Righteousness.
... What does Paul mean by the affirmation? ... They were baptized of him in Jordan, "confessing
their sins." While he did not know Jesus to be the Christ, he knew ...
/.../xii christ our righteousness.htm

The Christ Crowned, the Fact
... us."[28] The great bother in Paul's day and ... Every tongue Thy name confessing, Worship,
honor, glory ... coming this peculiar opportunity of crowning Christ while He ...
/.../i the christ crowned the fact.htm

Results of True Repentance.
... Peter said: "Repent, and be converted." The Revised Version reads: "Repent, and
turn." Paul said that ... Thank God for the privilege we have of confessing Christ. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/results of true repentance.htm

The Progress of the Gospel from the Death of Christ to the Death ...
... Though the imminent peril of confessing Christ was well known, such ... Paul declares
that he derived a knowledge of the gospel immediately from Christ; [60:6 ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter iv the progress of.htm

Psalm LXXV.
... For the Apostle Paul was one pillar of them when he said, "Would ye receive ... Do ye
think, my brethren, that all those who by confessing Christ even willed to die ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxv.htm

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