Under the theme, “The
Joy of the Resurrection,” we find the joy of a new life in the risen Lord
as we hear of the conversion of Paul.
The man known
both as “Paul,” his Roman name; as well as “Saul,” his Hebrew given name,[2]
describes in his letter to the Philippians (3:4b-6) that he was taught by
Gamaliel. (A prominent Jewish Rabbi) He describes himself as a genuine, pious
and zealous member of Judaism. In fact, from the Pharisaic viewpoint, he was “blameless.”
According Galatians 1:14 he notes that he was ahead of
many of his own age in his zealousness for the traditions of his faith. In this
zeal he became the leading agent of those seeking to stamp out the blasphemous
section of believers in Christ. For Saul there was no other alternative.
According to his letter to the Philippians (3:7-11)
Saul notes that as a Pharisee so highly treasured he now is a grateful he is to
be considered a servant of Christ. Several times in his letters he expressed
his ongoing amazement that God would choose him to be His called missionary to
the Mediterranean world. From the time of his conversion to the time of his
execution, he faithfully strove day and night to share the Gospel of salvation
through faith in Christ as persuasively as possible, but, always without
compromise.
Vv. 1-3 sets the tone for the story. Saul received from
the high priest letters of extradition to permit him to bring Jewish Christians
from Damascus to Jerusalem for trial.
This right was given to the high priest by Julius Caesar in 47 BC with
respect to religious matters. As with the trial of Jesus; the Jewish court
could find Jesus guilty of death however only the Roman Governor could grant an
execution. To which, Pilate declared Jesus innocent, washed his hands of the
entire affair and said to the crowd and the religious establishment in
particular, “see to it yourselves.”
From references to the wringing of the Jewish
historian Josephus, it is evident that the ancient emporium of Damascus had a
large Jewish population. Note also that Luke uses the term, “The Way,” as the official designation of
what we now refer to as “the Christians.”
Collect for the Third Sunday of Easter: O God, through the humiliation of Your Son You raised up the fallen world. Grant to Your faithful people, rescued from the peril of everlasting death, perpetual gladness and eternal joys; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen [3] –
[1]
The Resurrected Christ, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[2]
Remember this apostle was Jewish by birth and heritage but also a recognized
Roman citizen; in which case he used his citizenship as an opportunity to make
his appeal for the gospel to the Emperor in Rome.
[3]
Collect for Easter 3, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House,
St. Louis,
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