The Apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, is one of the most influential figures in Christian history. His life, mission, and calling into ministry intertwine closely with the divine purpose outlined in the New Testament.
This article explores Paul’s life, his dramatic conversion, and his divinely ordained mission as specified in Acts 26:17–18, which encapsulates his purpose: to bring the light of the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles, turning them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God.
Early Life and Background
Paul was born in Tarsus, a city in the Roman province of Cilicia, around the beginning of the first century. He was a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin and a Pharisee, deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and the Law of Moses.
His upbringing in a Hellenistic city, combined with his strict Pharisaic training under Gamaliel in Jerusalem, gave him a unique perspective and skill set, enabling him to bridge the cultural divide between Jews and Gentiles.
Zealous Persecutor of Christians
Before his conversion, Saul was a fervent persecutor of Christians. He saw the nascent Christian movement, known as “The Way,” as a dangerous sect that threatened the purity of Jewish faith and tradition.
With the authority of the high priest, he went to great lengths to arrest, imprison, and even take part in the execution of Christians. Acts 8:3 highlights Saul’s zeal, as he disrupted the church by invading households and imprisoning people.
The Damascus Road Conversion
Paul’s life took a dramatic turn on the road to Damascus, where he intended to continue his campaign against Christians. As recounted in Acts 9, a bright light from heaven suddenly surrounded him, and he fell to the ground. He heard a voice saying, “Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” When Saul asked who was speaking, the voice replied, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” Trembling and astonished, Saul asked, “Lord, what do You want me to do? Jesus instructed him to go into the city, where he would receive instructions on what to do.
Saul’s companions led him into Damascus after the encounter rendered him blind. For three days, he neither ate nor drank, reflecting on the profound experience he had just undergone.
Meanwhile, the Lord spoke to a disciple named Ananias, instructing him to go to Saul. Despite his initial hesitation because of Saul’s notorious reputation, Ananias obeyed. He laid hands on Saul, and in an instant, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Saul was baptized, received the Holy Spirit, and began preaching that Jesus is God’s Son.
Calling and Mission
Acts 26:17–18 clearly outlines Paul’s goal in appearing before King Agrippa. The man tells how Jesus appeared to him and gave him his mission: “I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, 18 to open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.”
This passage does a masterful job of capturing Paul’s calling. He had to overcome considerable cultural and religious barriers to fulfill his calling to be an apostle to the Gentiles. His mission was to:
- Open Their Eyes: Paul’s mission was to teach the gospel truth to Jews and Gentiles. This allegoric “opening of the eyes” represents the introduction of spiritual insight and awareness, exposing the identity of Jesus Christ as the Messiah and Savior.
- Turn Them from Darkness to Light: This exemplifies how ignorance and sin can give way to knowledge and righteousness. Darkness symbolizes the absence of divine truth, while light represents God’s truth and salvation.
- Turn Them from the Power of Satan to God: Paul’s mission involved liberating people from the dominion of Satan, who blinds and enslaves, to the freedom and power of God, who forgives and sanctifies.
- Receive Forgiveness of Sins: Central to Paul’s message was the proclamation that, through Jesus Christ, people could receive forgiveness for their sins, thus reconciling them with God.
- Receive an Inheritance Among the Sanctified: Paul taught that believers, both Jews and Gentiles, are co-heirs with Christ, sharing in the promises of God’s kingdom and sanctified by faith in Jesus.
Paul’s Ministry and Writings
After his conversion, Paul spent several years in relative obscurity, preparing for his mission. He eventually embarked on multiple missionary journeys, traveling extensively throughout the Roman Empire, preaching the Gospel, establishing churches, and writing letters to various Christian communities. These letters, known as epistles, form a significant portion of the New Testament and provide profound theological insights and practical guidance for Christian living.
First Missionary Journey
Paul’s first missionary journey, recorded in Acts 13–14, took him to Cyprus and regions of Asia Minor. Paul endured persecution while preaching in synagogues and to Gentiles, with Barnabas by his side. Despite resistance, many people embraced faith and established churches.
Second Missionary Journey
On his second journey (Acts 15:36–18:22), Paul, accompanied by Silas, revisited the churches established on his first journey and ventured into Europe, bringing the Gospel to Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth. His preaching in these cities met with varied responses, from enthusiastic acceptance to fierce opposition.
Third Missionary Journey
Paul’s third journey (Acts 18:23–21:17) focused on strengthening the churches and extending his ministry further into Asia Minor and Greece. He spent considerable time in Ephesus, where his preaching led to many conversions and notable confrontations with local artisans who profited from idolatry.
Imprisonments and Final Years
Paul’s unwavering commitment to his mission led to his arrest and imprisonment. He was detained in Jerusalem, transferred to Caesarea, and ultimately sent to Rome, where he spent several years under house arrest. During these imprisonments, Paul continued to write letters, offering encouragement and instruction to the churches.
Theology and Legacy
Paul’s theology is foundational to Christian doctrine. His writings emphasize salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, the unity of Jews and Gentiles in the body of Christ, and the ethical implications of the Gospel. Key themes in his letters include justification, sanctification, the resurrection, and the return of Christ.
Paul’s legacy is profound. His missionary efforts and theological contributions significantly shaped the early Christian church and continue to influence Christianity today. Scholars study his letters for their profound theological insights and practical guidance.
Conclusion
The life and mission of the Apostle Paul are a testament to the transformative power of God’s calling. From a zealous persecutor of Christians to a devoted apostle of Christ, Paul’s journey exemplifies the radical change that faith in Jesus can bring. His mission, as articulated in Acts 26:17–18, was to get the light of the Gospel to all people, opening their eyes, turning them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God so that they might receive forgiveness and an eternal inheritance. Despite immense challenges, Paul’s dedication to this mission underscores the enduring impact of his ministry on the spread of Christianity and the spiritual growth of believers throughout history.
His letters provide a rich resource of spiritual wisdom and doctrinal clarity for those seeking a deeper understanding of Paul’s life and teachings. Through his writings, Paul continues to fulfill his mission, guiding believers from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God.