I occasionally write blogs on myspace regarding my thoughts which is why some of the information may be stuff that people here already know but I thought I'd post this one here too...maybe somebody can be blessed by reading about a great example in history of what a Christian looks like...I know he inspires me...



The Apostle Paul (formerly Saul) is such an interesting figure in history. I have become an avid reader of his greatest works in the Holy Bible. From his beginnings as a son of a Pharisee from the tribe of Benjamin he was part of a VERY prestigious sect at his time. He studied to be a tent maker and then went on to study scripture as was the custom at his time. After his education was completed he was probably working with the synagogue for years and then finds himself back in Jerusalem shortly after the death of Jesus. For two years after Jesus died a sect called the Nazarenes spread throughout the city and eventually testimony was more aggressively given that Jesus was the Messiah. It was at this point that the Jewish community began to experience division and unrest. Persecution of the Nazarenes increased in aggressiveness and "Saul" (now Paul) was one of the main "hunters" or "exterminators" of these Nazarenes. He was a tough son of a gun. People feared him on many levels and he was held with great regard. Saul received word that the Nazarenes had fled to Damascus and obtained permission to make the 130 mile journey to continue his role as exterminator. On the last leg of his journey Jesus appeared to him and asked him, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" The risen Savior was there, clothed in the vesture of his glorified humanity. In answer to the anxious inquiry of the stricken persecutor, "Who art thou, Lord?" he said, "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest" This was a defining moment in Sauls life! He converted to Christianity. After this moment in life Saul become Paul the Apostle (a messenger or ambassador). He fights the good fight...he gives his all...his belongings...his prestige...his love....EVERYTHING. He goes from having it all to giving it all. He is eventually imprisoned...beaten...disrespected and ostracized and he remains faithful through it all till the very end. What would it have been like to have a conversation with this man of great faith? He is the master advice giver and one of the greatest human beings I've ever read about. I marvel at his willingness to complete the assignment handed to him by his Savior and Master despite any personal cost. I don't believe there is any dispute about whether or not the Apostle Paul actually existed or whether or not he wrote certain letters to Churches which are a part of the Holy Bible. This is one of the "logical" reason's I believe the Bible to be the inspired word of God. Would Paul have went through everything he wrote about if he was promoting a lie? I try to put myself in his position. Say I decided one day to start a false religion...I promoted it and swore it was truth and began to have followers and Churches. Then...the persecution...the beating...the imprisonment and threat of death came...would I still continue with the lie or would I admit the lie? I know that I would not die for a lie, however, I would die for the truth knowing that my Savior was there to greet me on the other side...you bet! That is exactly what Paul did. He is definitely one of my heros!