Paul

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Romans 1:1 KJV)

I wish I knew more about Saul’s name change. I’ve read in Henry’s Commentary that Saul meant one called. How appropriate! This man who set out to destroy believers:

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. (Acts 9:1-2 KJV)

He sought the position of prosecution. It took direct intervention by our Lord for the change in Paul’s life. At that point, he asked the question we all do when we accept Christ as our Lord:

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? (Acts 9:6a KJV)

After giving his name, he gives his title. A servant of Jesus Christ. Not a preacher, not a teacher, not a companion. Simply, a servant.

Could we accept such? Or do we seek acknowledgement of our work for the Lord? Do we serve, or do we put our talents on display?

There is no doubt Paul was called, as were the other apostles, separated under the gospel of God.

The gospel -- that good news – a promise made, and fulfilled.

(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: (Romans 1:2-4 KJV)

From the beginning, God’s word tells of the Messiah, the son of David, His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. We know this because of His resurrection, displaying the full power of God. From Genesis forward we are told one would come. Paul’s calling was to spread this good news.

For the remainder of his life, Paul will share this good news with people around him. His travels would spread that word geographically, but his letters to the congregations would spread it through time.

Paul closes giving credit where it is due:

To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. (Romans 16:27 KJV)

This coming Sunday we’ll spend time learning more about this book, and the man who wrote it. I’m looking forward to it, for he, and his writings are mentioned elsewhere:

And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. (2 Peter 3:15-16 KJV)