Bible Discussion Thread

Was paul a leader ?

Paul was hand-picked by God to do one of the most important works within the church. He was called to be all things to all people so that he may win some over to the gospel of Jesus. He had exceptional training as a Jewish Pharisee. He learned from Gamaliel, who was one of the most respected teacher and leader in the Sanhedrin. Paul was totally immersed in Judaism all of his life up to his conversion. Unlike most of the other apostles, he was well-educated, able to read and write with great skill. He was excelled at oration and debate. Above all this, he was entirely zealous for God. He was exactly the man God desired to preach the gospel in most any setting, to refute those who opposed him, to explain the gospel and doctrinal teachings in ways that could reach those all over Asia Minor, where many towns were isolated mountainous terrain and steeped in pagan practices. Paul not only knew Judaism, but he knew quite a bit about the pagan practices and belief of the people he was hoping to reach. He was fearless before those in authority who opposed him. He was tenacious in that he held fast to Judaism in the face of Gentile influence. he lived in Tarsus, a city in the river plain on the coast of south Asia Minor. God provided for him to become this man in the Jewish faith, and then he called him out of it in a jarring way.

On the way to Damascus in the north near the Syrian border he was on a campaign to root out and kill any he found that followed Jesus. He saw Messiah and God as a rival sect to true Judaism that threatened the purity of the Jewish faith. He was on a mission to kill any and all believers in Jesus with great passion and hatred. Suddenly, Jesus arrived on the road in front of Paul, shining with such a bright light that Paul was blinded by the light. The power of God knocked him off his horse (or the horse bucked him off). The other people with him did not sere Jesus. This encounter was for Paul only. God was to make a radical change in Paul.

Hi Beatrice When I consider what Gods word says about this man it is beyond remarkable , he knew the judean law inside out he was a pharisee of pharisee figure of speech the top in His class taught under Gamaliel this guy before born again green beret special forces working for the enemy out of ignorance but absolutely committed to God and His Word under the law. Imagine His mind hearing we no longer have to live by the law his mind was who the Hell do you think you are disobeying my God.

When Jesus Christ appeared to Him God knew there was no other way to convince this man also Jesus Christ never beat Him up instead Hey bub why are you doing this. The shock must have been beyond belief and the quilt I can't imagine, no wander he went into the desert after being born again to talk to God and say whats going on. like our change His also was not over night.

In Galatians 1:15-19 after 3 years he shows up to talk to the leaders in Jerusalem that had to blow there minds the change, then this guy starts witnessing to gentiles and fellowships with converted jews, how many do you think he fellowshipped with that he may have murdered family members. Talk about a spiritual leader, this guy was given all the needed information from Romans to Thessalonians on the operation of The Body of Christ in this the Age of Grace and how to walk in that as individuals. There will never be another Paul what an example to follow, what George Patton was in the Army, this man was for Gods Plan fearless and unstoppable. I've only scratched surface. God Bless

Paul fell to the ground and Jesus said, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" And Paul said, "Who are you Lord?" He did not know it was Jesus, but knew He was in the presence of God or an angel. Jesus answered and said, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads." (which means that it will be difficult for Paul to resist this call.) Jesus was being forceful with Paul in a way that he could not get away from Him or refuse Him. Paul did not happen to become a Christian. he was hard pressed into service to Jesus, and his conversion was immediate, firm, and lasting through many trials and persecutions. Paul was born t fulfill the calling Jesus was putting on him in this encounter, all of his learning and training, the tenacity of character formed in him, the all or nothing attitude formed in his heart. God had guided all of his days to accomplish a wide-spread work into the Gentile world. Jews, especially Pharisees did not associate with Gentiles in any way. Gentiles were seen as filthy, subhuman, idolaters. What a change of mind and heart Christ did in Paul that day, and for the rest of his life. This conversion was exceptional, unique, and powerful.

Interesting question, some would call him a leader because of his role in the Church, because of his writings. Yet most of all he was a follower of JESUS, that made him such a powerful, dynamic leader. Phillipians 3:1-17,

Hopefully that answers your question.