The Significance of Apostle Paul’s Salvation

To me, the salvation experience of Paul the Apostle is the most fascinating one in all of the Bible. This guy was the most passionate enemy of Christ. Formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, he persecuted the disciples and the Christian church.

But even while Saul was doing this evil stuff, here is what the Lord said to a man by the name of Ananias about Saul: “He is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15).

After Paul's conversion, the Lord used him more than He used any of His other apostles. Paul was even taken up to the third heaven, he says, and he heard things he referred to as being “not lawful for a man to utter” (2 Corinthians 12:4).

So what is the significance of Paul’s salvation?  Here is what he says about that: “I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:16). I think anyone familiar with Paul’s story would agree that the Lord was extremely patient with him, given his persecution of the church and his hatred for Christ.

Moreover, the verse above says that the patience the Lord showed toward Paul the Apostle is an example for all others who would come to Christ and receive eternal life. I will be the first to say Amen to that. The Lord was very patient with me. As a young person, I was interested in everything except Christ. But He never gave up on me. And when I was ready to accept Him, He readily accepted me.  Perhaps you had a similar experience.

Secondly, think about how deceived and wicked Paul the Apostle was. He was not your average sinner. What he did to the Christians of his day most of us would never think of doing. Still, God radically saved him and used him like He used no other. The point is that if God can save someone like Apostle Paul , who referred to himself as the chief of sinners, He can save anybody. That’s what I see as the significance of Paul’s salvation experience.

Let us proclaim this life-changing message of the gospel to the world. God does not only save model citizens. He also saves those whose lives seem to be broken beyond repair. He can make anyone a new creation and use him for His glory.

Copyright © 2013 by Frank King. All rights reserved.