The Christ Church Wednesday Bible Study Group is now studying the heroes of faith found in the Bible. In Hebrews 11, we find a remarkable chapter that introduces us to a cloud of witnesses, individuals who exemplified extraordinary faith. However our study will go beyond Hebrews 11 and include the lives of others that are examples of the blessings of having faith in God. We will also talk about other people that exhibited extraordinary faith, some of them are people we may know.
Throughout this Bible study, we will delve into the lives of these individuals, examining the specific trials they endured, the faith principles they embraced, and the lessons we can learn from their examples. Our goal is not merely to admire their accomplishments but to understand the underlying principles that fueled their faith and to apply those principles to our own lives.
In this session we will start our study of Paul who started out as a persecutor of Christianity and after a miraculous encounter with Jesus became one of Christianity's most influential and important figures
Today our hero is one of Christianity's most influential figures: the Apostle Paul. However, before we delve into the remarkable story of Paul's ministry and profound impact on the early church, we must first understand the man he was before his transformative encounter with Jesus Christ.
He was known then as Saul of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia (modern-day Turkey). It's likely that Saul, being a Jew born in the Roman city of Tarsus, had both a Hebrew name (Saul) and a Roman name (Paul). This was a common practice in the ancient world.
Acts 13:9 NIV Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said,
Paul or Saul was a zealous Pharisee, deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and fervent in his devotion to the Law. Far from being a gentle soul, Saul was a formidable figure, a man of intense conviction and unwavering purpose. He was a product of his time, a scholar trained under the esteemed Gamaliel, and a staunch defender of his faith.
A little about Gamaliel
Acts 5:34-40 NIV [34] But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. [35] Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. [36] Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. [37] After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. [38] Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. [39] But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” [40] His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
This passage describes Gamaliel, a Pharisee and respected teacher of the law, addressing the Sanhedrin. He advises them to be cautious in their treatment of the apostles, suggesting that if their movement is not of God, it will eventually fail, but if it is of God, they will be unable to stop it. This shows Gamaliel as a wise and influential figure.
Philippians 3:4-6 NIV [4] though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: [5] 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; [6] as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.
He saw this new movement which was originally called the way as a dangerous heresy, a threat to the very foundations of Judaism. So Acts of the Apostles paints a stark picture of Saul's initial role as a relentless persecutor of the church, actively seeking out and imprisoning those who dared to follow Jesus. He was a man consumed by his mission, breathing threats and slaughter against the Lord’s disciples.
We first see Saul at the stoning of Stephen, the first known martyr for the Way after Jesus' ascension. The whole Stephen story is in Acts 6:8-7:59
Acts 7:57-58, 8:1 NIV[57] At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, [58] dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.
8:1 And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
Acts 8:3 NIV [3] But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.
Acts 9:1-2 NIV [1] Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest [2] and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.
Acts 22:3-5 NIV[3] “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today. [4] I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, [5] as the high priest and all the Council can themselves testify. I even obtained letters from them to their associates in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished.
Acts 26:9-11 NIV [9] “I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. [10] And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the Lord’s people in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. [11] Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was so obsessed with persecuting them that I even hunted them down in foreign cities.
Understanding Saul's life before his conversion is crucial for grasping the magnitude of his transformation. His background as a devout Pharisee, his education, and his fierce opposition to Christianity all contribute to the dramatic narrative that unfolds. This unique combination of factors played a significant role in shaping his ministry and his ability to reach both Jewish and Gentile audiences
It’s a story that highlights the incredible power of God's grace, demonstrating that no one is beyond redemption.
Remember that the Apostle Paul's journey began not with a halo, but with a burning desire to extinguish this movement. His dramatic conversion and unwavering devotion to Christ make him a powerful example of faith in action. We are going to explore key moments in Paul's life, highlighting his heroic faith and its implications for our lives today.
We’ve talked about Saul before his conversion. Now let’s take a look at his miraculous conversion and transformation.
Acts 9:1-22 NIV [1] Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest [2] and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. [3] As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. [4] He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” [5] “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. [6] “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” [7] The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. [8] Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. [9] For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. [10] In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. [11] The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. [12] In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” [13] “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. [14] And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” [15] But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. [16] I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” [17] Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” [18] Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, [19] and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. [20] At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. [21] All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” [22] Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.
Let’s stop here for a few.
What was Saul's purpose before his encounter with Jesus? (Acts 9:1-2)
Describe the encounter on the road to Damascus. What was the significance of the light and Jesus's question? (Acts 9:3-6)
How did Ananias's obedience demonstrate faith? (Acts 9:10-17)
What immediate changes occurred in Saul's life? (Acts 9:18-22)
What does this story teach us about God's ability to transform even the most unlikely individuals?
How does this story demonstrate God's grace?
When considering who wrote the most about faith in the Bible, the Apostle Paul stands out prominently. Here's why:
Paul's letters, which comprise a significant portion of the New Testament, are full of discussions on faith. He delves into the nature of faith, its role in salvation, and its practical application in the Christian life.
Romans 10:17 NIV [17] Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
This verse highlights that faith is connected to hearing and understanding the message of Christ.
Romans 3:27-31 NIV [27] Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. [28] For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. [29] Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, [30] since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. [31] Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.
This is a cornerstone of Paul's teaching, emphasizing that salvation is received through faith, not through adherence to legalistic works.
Romans 5:1-5 NIV [1] Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, [2] through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. [3] Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; [4] perseverance, character; and character, hope. [5] And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
This shows the direct result of faith, which is justification, and peace with God.
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