Post by iris89 on Apr 14, 2006 21:14:15 GMT -5
The Apostle Paul, a Called One By Jesus (Yeshua) Christ
INTRODUCTION:
There are false prophets that actually challenge the fact that Jesus (Yeshua) Christ is the only begotten Son of God. These same false prophets make false claims such as the Apostle Paul was a corrupter of Christianity, he was the founder of Christianity, and that Jesus (Yeshua) never detoured on his way to Heaven to call Paul. But should we be surprised at what wicked false prophets say? Not at all per Matthew 24:11, “And many false prophets shall arise, and shall lead many astray.” (American Standard Version; ASV).
These ones also make many other false claims about the Apostle Paul, but let us examine what the Bible says with respect his special calling by the resurrected Jesus (Yeshua) Christ and learn the facts directly from the true God (YHWH) of Abraham’s word, the Bible.
THE SPECIAL CALLING OF PAUL TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN:
The Bible shows that at the end of Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) earthly ministry at John 20:17, “Jesus saith to her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended unto the Father: but go unto my brethren, and say to them, I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and my God and your God.” (ASV); for at this time he had NOT yet ascended to Heaven to take up the position he had at the right hand of his Father, the true God (YHWH) and he is shown praying to his Father (YHWH) at John 17:5 to have his former position back, “And now, Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” (ASV).
Now, AFTER Jesus (Yeshua) Christ had ascended to Heaven, he observed from there a Jewish religious leader Saul persecuting his faithful footstep followers on earth, the genuine (true) Christians. But he also could ‘read’ Saul’s heart condition and found it okay, and clearly saw that Saul was doing what was wrong out of ignorance.
So let’s see what Jesus (Yeshua) did from his position at the right hand of his Father, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham in heaven to ‘gather’ Saul to him as a follower. The most extra-ordinary account of what occurred next, as recorded in the Bible at Acts 9:1-22, "But Saul, yet breathing threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
2 and asked of him letters to Damascus unto the synagogues, that if he found any that were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
3 And as he journeyed, it came to pass that he drew nigh unto Damascus: and suddenly there shone round about him a light out of heaven:
4 and he fell upon the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest:
6 but rise, and enter into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
7 And the men that journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing the voice, but beholding no man.
8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw nothing; and they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
9 And he was three days without sight, and did neither eat nor drink.
10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and the Lord said unto him in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus: for behold, he prayeth;
12 and he hath seen a man named Ananias coming in, and laying his hands on him, that he might receive his sight.
13 But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many of this man, how much evil he did to thy saints at Jerusalem:
14 and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call upon thy name.
15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings, and the children of Israel:
16 for I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name's sake.
17 And Ananias departed, and entered into the house; and laying his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, who appeared unto thee in the way which thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mayest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
18 And straightway there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received his sight; and he arose and was baptized;
19 and he took food and was strengthened. And he was certain days with the disciples that were at Damascus.
20 And straightway in the synagogues he proclaimed Jesus, that he is the Son of God.
21 And all that heard him were amazed, and said, Is not this he that in Jerusalem made havoc of them that called on this name? and he had come hither for this intent, that he might bring them bound before the chief priests.
22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews that dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ." (American Standard Version; ASV).
And that is how the Apostle Paul became a genuine (true) Christian, a footstep follower of Jesus (Yeshua) Christ; to wit, by direct calling of him by Jesus (Yeshua) from Heaven.
THE APOSTLE PAUL’S ACCEPTANCE BY THE OTHER APOSTLES OF CHRIST:
We can readily see from the account in the Bible at Acts 9:23-35 that the Apostle Paul was a genuine footstep follower of Jesus (Yeshua) Christ by his acceptance by the other apostles. Now let’s look at one account of his acceptance.
“And when many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel together to kill him:
24 but their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates also day and night that they might kill him:
25 but his disciples took him by night, and let him down through the wall, lowering him in a basket.
26 And when he was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: and they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.
27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.
28 And he was with them going in and going out at Jerusalem,
29 preaching boldly in the name of the Lord: and he spake and disputed against the Grecian Jews; but they were seeking to kill him.
30 And when the brethren knew it, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
31 So the church throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being edified; and, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, was multiplied.
32 And it came to pass, as Peter went throughout all parts, he came down also to the saints that dwelt at Lydda.
33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had kept his bed eight years; for he was palsied.
34 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ healeth thee: arise and make thy bed. And straightway he arose.
35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and in Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.” (ASV).
Now who exactly was Paul? One Bible dictionary says this,
“Hebrew name Saul and the Roman name Paul from childhood (Ac 9:17; 2Pe 3:15), this apostle may have chosen to go by his Roman name in view of his commission to declare the good news to the non-Jews.—Ac 9:15; Ga 2:7, 8.
Paul was born in Tarsus, a prominent city of Cilicia. (Ac 21:39; 22:3) His parents were Hebrews and evidently adhered to the Pharisaic branch of Judaism. (Ac 23:6; Php 3:5) He was a Roman citizen from birth (Ac 22:28), his father having perhaps been granted citizenship for services rendered. Paul probably learned the trade of tentmaker from his father. (Ac 18:3) But, at Jerusalem, he received instruction from the learned Pharisee Gamaliel, suggesting that Paul was from a prominent family. (Ac 22:3; 5:34) Languagewise, Paul was versed at least in Greek and Hebrew. (Ac 21:37-40) At the time that Paul traveled as a missionary, he was unmarried. (1Co 7:8) During this general period, if not already earlier, he had a sister and a nephew who resided in Jerusalem.—Ac 23:16-22.
It was the apostle Paul’s privilege to write more books, or letters, of the Christian Greek Scriptures than anyone else. He was given supernatural visions (2Co 12:1-5) and, by means of the holy spirit, was enabled to speak numerous foreign tongues.—1Co 14:18.” [source – Insight on the Bible, Vol. 2].
Paul on becoming a genuine (true) Christian joined a small group that was despised in the 1 st. century and to a large degree are still despised, and few in number.
GENUINE (TRUE) FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST WOULD BE FEW IN NUMBER.
Of course many will say there are great numbers of individuals belonging to religions that are not genuine (true) Christians, footstep followers of Jesus (Yeshua) Christ, and that is true. But does this mean that they are his followers and/or acceptable to him? No, it absolutely does NOT. Jesus (Yeshua) even prophesied that his footstep followers would be few in number. First let's consider both Luke 13:24 and Matthew 7:13-14, it is in both of these that the road followed by true believers would be narrow and cramped, Luke 13:24, "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." (Authorized King James Bible: AV); And Matthew 7:13-14, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, abroad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." (AV); thereby, clearly showing few would be entering the narrow gate "which leadeth unto life." In reality, it will be difficult for even true Christians to enter as testified to at 1 Peter 4:18, "And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear." (AV). In order to enter, we must have the right sort of guide, Luke 1:79, "To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." (AV). Now, if one picks the wrong group, just because it is popular or the so called 'one to belong to in a community' and not because of Bible Truths, there is an important warning given at Matthew 15:14, "Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch." (AV). In fact, being with the wrong group can mean you are NOT having fellowship with the Son of God, Jesus (Yeshua) as testified to at 1 John 1:6, "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not [have] the truth." (AV). This danger is made abundantly clear at Luke 12:32 when Jesus (Yeshua) spoke of his true followers as a little flock and not a large one, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (AV). Simply stated, his true followers will be relatively few in number which should cause all sincere individuals to question whether mainstream religion with its vast membership is heading for the narrow gate!
CONCLUSION:
As can clearly be seen from the Bible, Paul, the former persecutor of genuine Christians, became the Apostle Paul by direct calling/appointment by Jesus (Yeshua) from Heaven. He became one of the most fearless preachers of the good news about the Christ, and was privileged to be used as the faithful scribe with respect to writing many of the books of the New Testament of the Bible.
Your Friend in Christ iris89
INTRODUCTION:
There are false prophets that actually challenge the fact that Jesus (Yeshua) Christ is the only begotten Son of God. These same false prophets make false claims such as the Apostle Paul was a corrupter of Christianity, he was the founder of Christianity, and that Jesus (Yeshua) never detoured on his way to Heaven to call Paul. But should we be surprised at what wicked false prophets say? Not at all per Matthew 24:11, “And many false prophets shall arise, and shall lead many astray.” (American Standard Version; ASV).
These ones also make many other false claims about the Apostle Paul, but let us examine what the Bible says with respect his special calling by the resurrected Jesus (Yeshua) Christ and learn the facts directly from the true God (YHWH) of Abraham’s word, the Bible.
THE SPECIAL CALLING OF PAUL TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN:
The Bible shows that at the end of Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) earthly ministry at John 20:17, “Jesus saith to her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended unto the Father: but go unto my brethren, and say to them, I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and my God and your God.” (ASV); for at this time he had NOT yet ascended to Heaven to take up the position he had at the right hand of his Father, the true God (YHWH) and he is shown praying to his Father (YHWH) at John 17:5 to have his former position back, “And now, Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” (ASV).
Now, AFTER Jesus (Yeshua) Christ had ascended to Heaven, he observed from there a Jewish religious leader Saul persecuting his faithful footstep followers on earth, the genuine (true) Christians. But he also could ‘read’ Saul’s heart condition and found it okay, and clearly saw that Saul was doing what was wrong out of ignorance.
So let’s see what Jesus (Yeshua) did from his position at the right hand of his Father, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham in heaven to ‘gather’ Saul to him as a follower. The most extra-ordinary account of what occurred next, as recorded in the Bible at Acts 9:1-22, "But Saul, yet breathing threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
2 and asked of him letters to Damascus unto the synagogues, that if he found any that were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
3 And as he journeyed, it came to pass that he drew nigh unto Damascus: and suddenly there shone round about him a light out of heaven:
4 and he fell upon the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest:
6 but rise, and enter into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
7 And the men that journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing the voice, but beholding no man.
8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw nothing; and they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
9 And he was three days without sight, and did neither eat nor drink.
10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and the Lord said unto him in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus: for behold, he prayeth;
12 and he hath seen a man named Ananias coming in, and laying his hands on him, that he might receive his sight.
13 But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many of this man, how much evil he did to thy saints at Jerusalem:
14 and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call upon thy name.
15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings, and the children of Israel:
16 for I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name's sake.
17 And Ananias departed, and entered into the house; and laying his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, who appeared unto thee in the way which thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mayest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
18 And straightway there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received his sight; and he arose and was baptized;
19 and he took food and was strengthened. And he was certain days with the disciples that were at Damascus.
20 And straightway in the synagogues he proclaimed Jesus, that he is the Son of God.
21 And all that heard him were amazed, and said, Is not this he that in Jerusalem made havoc of them that called on this name? and he had come hither for this intent, that he might bring them bound before the chief priests.
22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews that dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ." (American Standard Version; ASV).
And that is how the Apostle Paul became a genuine (true) Christian, a footstep follower of Jesus (Yeshua) Christ; to wit, by direct calling of him by Jesus (Yeshua) from Heaven.
THE APOSTLE PAUL’S ACCEPTANCE BY THE OTHER APOSTLES OF CHRIST:
We can readily see from the account in the Bible at Acts 9:23-35 that the Apostle Paul was a genuine footstep follower of Jesus (Yeshua) Christ by his acceptance by the other apostles. Now let’s look at one account of his acceptance.
“And when many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel together to kill him:
24 but their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates also day and night that they might kill him:
25 but his disciples took him by night, and let him down through the wall, lowering him in a basket.
26 And when he was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: and they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.
27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.
28 And he was with them going in and going out at Jerusalem,
29 preaching boldly in the name of the Lord: and he spake and disputed against the Grecian Jews; but they were seeking to kill him.
30 And when the brethren knew it, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
31 So the church throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being edified; and, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, was multiplied.
32 And it came to pass, as Peter went throughout all parts, he came down also to the saints that dwelt at Lydda.
33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had kept his bed eight years; for he was palsied.
34 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ healeth thee: arise and make thy bed. And straightway he arose.
35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and in Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.” (ASV).
Now who exactly was Paul? One Bible dictionary says this,
“Hebrew name Saul and the Roman name Paul from childhood (Ac 9:17; 2Pe 3:15), this apostle may have chosen to go by his Roman name in view of his commission to declare the good news to the non-Jews.—Ac 9:15; Ga 2:7, 8.
Paul was born in Tarsus, a prominent city of Cilicia. (Ac 21:39; 22:3) His parents were Hebrews and evidently adhered to the Pharisaic branch of Judaism. (Ac 23:6; Php 3:5) He was a Roman citizen from birth (Ac 22:28), his father having perhaps been granted citizenship for services rendered. Paul probably learned the trade of tentmaker from his father. (Ac 18:3) But, at Jerusalem, he received instruction from the learned Pharisee Gamaliel, suggesting that Paul was from a prominent family. (Ac 22:3; 5:34) Languagewise, Paul was versed at least in Greek and Hebrew. (Ac 21:37-40) At the time that Paul traveled as a missionary, he was unmarried. (1Co 7:8) During this general period, if not already earlier, he had a sister and a nephew who resided in Jerusalem.—Ac 23:16-22.
It was the apostle Paul’s privilege to write more books, or letters, of the Christian Greek Scriptures than anyone else. He was given supernatural visions (2Co 12:1-5) and, by means of the holy spirit, was enabled to speak numerous foreign tongues.—1Co 14:18.” [source – Insight on the Bible, Vol. 2].
Paul on becoming a genuine (true) Christian joined a small group that was despised in the 1 st. century and to a large degree are still despised, and few in number.
GENUINE (TRUE) FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST WOULD BE FEW IN NUMBER.
Of course many will say there are great numbers of individuals belonging to religions that are not genuine (true) Christians, footstep followers of Jesus (Yeshua) Christ, and that is true. But does this mean that they are his followers and/or acceptable to him? No, it absolutely does NOT. Jesus (Yeshua) even prophesied that his footstep followers would be few in number. First let's consider both Luke 13:24 and Matthew 7:13-14, it is in both of these that the road followed by true believers would be narrow and cramped, Luke 13:24, "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." (Authorized King James Bible: AV); And Matthew 7:13-14, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, abroad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." (AV); thereby, clearly showing few would be entering the narrow gate "which leadeth unto life." In reality, it will be difficult for even true Christians to enter as testified to at 1 Peter 4:18, "And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear." (AV). In order to enter, we must have the right sort of guide, Luke 1:79, "To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." (AV). Now, if one picks the wrong group, just because it is popular or the so called 'one to belong to in a community' and not because of Bible Truths, there is an important warning given at Matthew 15:14, "Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch." (AV). In fact, being with the wrong group can mean you are NOT having fellowship with the Son of God, Jesus (Yeshua) as testified to at 1 John 1:6, "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not [have] the truth." (AV). This danger is made abundantly clear at Luke 12:32 when Jesus (Yeshua) spoke of his true followers as a little flock and not a large one, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (AV). Simply stated, his true followers will be relatively few in number which should cause all sincere individuals to question whether mainstream religion with its vast membership is heading for the narrow gate!
CONCLUSION:
As can clearly be seen from the Bible, Paul, the former persecutor of genuine Christians, became the Apostle Paul by direct calling/appointment by Jesus (Yeshua) from Heaven. He became one of the most fearless preachers of the good news about the Christ, and was privileged to be used as the faithful scribe with respect to writing many of the books of the New Testament of the Bible.
Your Friend in Christ iris89