Chapter 15

In Chapter 15, Drane goes through a proposed chronology of Paul’s conversion and the beginning of his ministry thereafter. Paul is introduced in the book of Acts as a Jewish persecutor of Christians. He soon is met by Jesus on his way to bring Christians to Jerusalem for trial. Paul converts to Christianity and then proceeds to travel to various locations and then joins the Christian movement in Antioch. Here Paul begins his ministry with the Gentiles; however it is still clear from his letters and testimony that the Jewish people had always been a priority to share the gospel with. I wonder when, where and by whom Paul underwent discipleship following his conversion. Was it a gradual learning process or did he not need formal leadership training?
Before Jesus came to Earth, many prophets discussed the Messiah and the restoration he would bring to the Jewish people. Perhaps as God communicated to humans the prophecy was made into being something different than what God was trying to tell us. The Jewish people’s idea of what a Messiah was to be was extremely skewed due to the Jewish teachings and understanding of salvation at that time. Were there though Jewish people that did have a deeper relationship with God that wasn’t legalist and would be able anticipate the true Messiah? I imagine this question could be answered through the gospels. The disciples, Mary, and individuals like Nicodemus were open or curious about Jesus’ character rather than his battle skills.
The Jews violent acts toward Stephen (Acts 7:54-8:1) and Paul’s perusal to persecute Christians don’t seem as absurd when knowing the background context. The Jewish people were absolutely convinced that Jesus was not the prophesied Messiah and therefore Christians with huge claims regarding Christ’ sovereignty would have sounded like blasphemy to them. This however does not give justification to their actions but merely understanding as to their reactions. The Jews acting in violence and hatred at this time had a faith based not on God’s character or principles and therefore resulted in hurtful decisions and actions.
Paul was an individual whom due to his upbringing and personal choices had put up many blinds preventing him from seeing who Jesus actually is. Paul’s conversion is a powerful statement of the lengths Jesus will go to save. This reveals his deep love for his people and the active role he longs to have in all our lives.
After Paul’s conversion he was quick to proclaim his new faith and meet with other believers. Was there a time period of study and discipleship though? Perhaps this was done by Barnabas in their time at the Antioch church? Paul would have been well versed in the scriptures and teachings of Jesus before he was a Christian. Maybe though, he would have still needed intentional discipleship regarding Christian community.