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Showing posts from September 2, 2007

Conversion, Call and Consequences

These are some observations regarding Paul's conversion in Acts. Acts contains elements of conversion and call in each passage. Ananias doubted Paul’s status until God’s revelation (Acts 9:13). Paul only received the Holy Spirit when Ananias laid hands on him (Acts 9:17). Paul was baptized, demonstrating belonging to Christ (Acts 9:18). If strictly a calling, he would have previously been baptized. Acts 22:16, “…be baptized and wash your sins away” indicates conversion, the significance of which Paul teaches in Romans 6:3, 4; Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 4:4-6 and Colossians 2:12. Each passage implicates new life in Christ. Baptism’s presence signifies conversion. Paul’s commissioning is also intrinsic to the pericopes. God tells Ananias of Paul’s work (Acts 9:15). Paul immediately started preaching in the synagogues (Acts 9:20). God sends Paul to the gentiles (Acts 22:21). God appoints Paul as a servant and witness (Acts 26:16). Could this indicate conversion (servant) and

Apostle Paul, a Brief Introduction

Being “born in Tarsus , an important city of Cilicia ,” [1] would insure that there was Greco-Roman influence in Paul’s life. He was born a Roman citizen, through his father, which: Assured certain privileges, among them the right to appeal to the imperial court (Acts 25:11, 21; 25:32; 28:19). Paul’s use of Greek confirms his origin as a Hellenistic Jew of the Dispersion, at home in the urban culture of the Greco-Roman world. Paul’s loyalty to his ancestral faith remained a mark of pride. [2] Paul took great pride in his Jewish heritage. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless (Phil 3:4-6). His family was evidently very pious since he was sent to Jerusalem as a youth to study under Gamaliel (see Acts 22:3). A