Few figures in Christian history stand out as boldly as the Apostle Paul. His dramatic conversion, tireless missionary work, and theological contributions laid the foundation for much of Christian doctrine. Yet, what makes Paul especially unique is that his entire knowledge of the gospel came not from walking with Jesus on earth, but from a direct revelation by the risen Christ. Unlike Peter, John, or Matthew, Paul did not witness Jesus’ miracles, listen to His parables firsthand, or sit at His feet during His earthly ministry. Instead, he received one-on-one instruction from the glorified Lord, which transformed him from Christianity’s fiercest enemy into its greatest advocate.
Though Scripture does not disclose exactly how Christ taught him, Paul’s writings are filled with unmistakable truths that he refused to compromise—even when it meant standing against the established apostles. This essay will explore Paul’s radical transformation, his supernatural training, the core teachings he received, and how his time of solitude with Christ shaped the rest of his life. His unwavering zeal should challenge every believer to serve Christ with the same unshakable passion.
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1. Paul the Persecutor: A Man of Zeal Without Knowledge
Before his encounter with Christ, Saul of Tarsus was not just a bystander in the persecution of Christians—he was a leader in the effort. As a devoted Pharisee, he saw the followers of Jesus as dangerous heretics, corrupting Jewish tradition with blasphemous claims about a crucified Messiah.
His pedigree was impressive:
- “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.” (Philippians 3:5)
- “As for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.” (Philippians 3:6)
Paul’s zeal for the law of Moses drove him to violence. He was present at the execution of Stephen, approving his stoning (Acts 7:58; 8:1). He went from house to house, dragging believers off to prison (Acts 8:3). His hatred for Christianity was not passive—he actively sought its destruction.
Determined to eradicate the followers of Jesus, Saul obtained official authority from the high priest to hunt Christians down, even in foreign cities like Damascus (Acts 9:1–2). But just before he reached the city, everything changed in an instant.
2. A Blinding Light: Paul’s Encounter with the Risen Christ
As Paul traveled toward Damascus, the glorified Christ appeared to him in a dazzling display of divine authority:
- “As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.” (Acts 9:3)
- He fell to the ground and heard a voice: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4)
This moment is profound for two reasons:
- Jesus personally identified with His followers—persecuting Christians was equivalent to persecuting Christ Himself.
- Paul, the enemy of the gospel, had just encountered the risen Lord in undeniable glory.
When Paul, stunned and blinded, asked “Who are you, Lord?” the reply came:
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” (Acts 9:5)
It is significant that Paul had never met Jesus in person before this moment. His only knowledge of Christ had come from what he opposed. Now, in a single moment, he realized two things:
- Jesus was alive—meaning everything His followers preached was true.
- He had been fighting against God Himself.
Blinded and led into Damascus, Paul spent three days in darkness, fasting and waiting. He who once arrested Christians was now helpless, awaiting further instruction.
3. Taught by Christ: Paul’s Time in Arabia
After Ananias healed him and baptized him, Paul did something unexpected: he did not immediately go to the apostles in Jerusalem. Instead, he withdrew to Arabia, where he received direct revelation from Christ.
- “I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 1:12)
- “I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.” (Galatians 1:17)
What happened in Arabia? The Bible does not give specifics, but we can infer that this was Paul’s time of divine instruction. Just as Jesus had spent 40 days after His resurrection teaching His disciples (Acts 1:3), He likely spent time revealing deep truths to Paul.
Paul was in Arabia for approximately three years after his conversion, where he was instructed by the risen Christ. This is inferred from Galatians 1:17-18, where Paul writes:
“I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus. Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days.”
4. The Core Teachings Paul Received
Paul’s letters emphasize certain doctrines he held with unshakable conviction—ones he often had to defend against Jewish legalists and even fellow apostles. These teachings were so essential that Paul rebuked anyone who compromised them, including Peter (Galatians 2:11–14).
A. Justification by Faith, Not by the Law
Paul’s most defining doctrine is that salvation comes by faith alone, apart from works of the law:
- “A person is not justified by the works of the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 2:16)
- “For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.” (Romans 3:28)
He defended this even against James and Peter, refusing to allow legalism to creep into the gospel (Galatians 2:11–21).
B. The Mystery of the Church
Paul uniquely revealed that Jew and Gentile are one in Christ:
- “This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel.” (Ephesians 3:6)
- “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
This truth was a radical departure from Jewish exclusivity and was central to Paul’s mission.
C. The End of the Mosaic Law
Paul boldly declared that believers are not under the Law of Moses:
- “Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.” (Galatians 3:25)
- “Having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:14)
Paul’s teachings reflect a direct revelation from Christ, not a modified version of Judaism.
5. A Life of Zeal Until the End
Paul’s mission was relentless. He traveled over 10,000 miles, planted churches across the Roman world, and endured beatings, imprisonments, and persecution (2 Corinthians 11:23–28). Yet, his passion never wavered.
His teachings form the backbone of Christian theology, and his legacy calls every believer to live boldly for Christ, never compromising the gospel.
Conclusion: A Call to Zeal for Christ
Paul’s life is a testament to God’s grace and transformative power. If a persecutor of the Church could become its greatest advocate, there is no limit to what God can do through those who surrender to Him. Like Paul, we are called to boldly proclaim the truth, resist compromise, and embrace the mission of Christ—no matter the cost.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
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