LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

THE CALLING OF SAUL OF TARSUS

A RESEARCH PAPER SUBMITTED TO DR. BRANDON JONES

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS For

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e of Contents

Introduction 3 Saul of Tarsus 3 The Damascus Experience 4 The Call 6 The Conversion Debate 8 Conclusion 9 BIBLIOGRAPHY 11

Introduction The Book of Acts is a literary masterpiece filled with stories of miracles, faith, chronicles of the growth of Christianity, Holy Spirit encounters, and stories of supernatural conversions. It is one of the main books of the Bible studied to learn about the power of the Holy Spirit and God’s ability to use anything and anyone for His purpose. The “call” of Saul was …show more content…

Acts 9:1-9 is basically a miracle story of the healing of Paul’s blindness. Acts 22:4-16 appears to be a healing narrative that has been [redacted] into a commissioning narrative; Acts 26:12-18 is a commissioning narrative.” In these verses, a vivid description is written of Saul’s personal encounter with the resurrected Jesus Christ. Saul’s original mission as he embarked on a trip to Damascus was to track, harass and capture Jews that were followers of Jesus. In the midst of his journey, Saul’s encounter with Jesus Christ revolved around a central question. Jesus had already died, arose from the dead, and ascended into heaven when these accounts of Saul’s persecution of Christians were recorded. However, when Jesus appeared to Saul, his question to him was, “why are you persecuting me?” Jesus’ question to Saul makes one wonder why the question was stated in this way. Saul was not persecuting Jesus because He was already in heaven. George Evans elaborates on this theme in his article, “The Calling of the Apostle Paul.” He states, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" [this question] lay[s] the .. doctrine of the church as being one with Christ Himself, that is to say, His body. The term "church" has the meaning of "the assembly of called out ones" and refers to every true Christian whom God has gathered to the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Jesus went on to explain to Saul the purpose of this unorthodox