Was Paul the apostle really converted?
Acts 9:1 - 43
ESV - 1 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 And asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
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Asked October 13 2018
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Anonymous
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Tim Maas
Supporter
I think that that question is answered in three ways: in passages from Paul's own writings (such as 1 Corinthians 15:3-11 and 2 Corinthians 11:22-12:10) that describe his conversion, his sense of humility and shame over having previously persecuted the church, and the subsequent hardships that he endured for the sake of the gospel in his missionary travels; accounts of his conversion and of his later public proclamation of it, as recorded by others (in passages such as in Acts 22:3-21 and Acts 26:9-23); and (although it is not recorded in the Bible) his ultimate willingness to be martyred for his faith.
James Marstaller
Supporter
God said through Paul: "Therefore, if any man is in Christ he is a new creation old things have passed away, behold all things have become new." Paul's life drastically changed. He lived a Christ centered life after the Damascus road experience. The first commandment states that "You shall have no other gods before Me" (no face before My Face). Paul put God and Jesus Christ first in his life. He was able to say: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. There is in store for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge will give to me..." (contrast this with Demas in the same passage in 2 Timothy 4). His writings state he put all self-righteous efforts behind (as nothing) and it was in Christ alone by grace alone through faith alone that was his only hope. His conversion is the clearest example in the NT of a what happens in a life that is changed by God.
Derrol PORTER
Supporter
To convert means to change in form and/or character. Saul became Paul, not only in application but I believe as evidenced in Scripture. His whole form, as in eyes, body changed from the light and the beatings. His character changed from non-believer in Jesus to devoted ambassador, and he poured out offering of his complete self. But the greatest change I see is 1 Corinthians 13, his soliloquy on life changing Love. God is Love, Light, and Life. Paul acquired all three infusions when the converting experience of Jesus entered his existence.
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