Paul and Gods Will

There are two accounts (Acts 9 and 22) of Paul's conversion and the events following. What is interesting about the events following Paul's conversion is Paul's disobedience to God through good intentions. Paul is instructed to preach to the Gentiles but immediately goes to the Jews and in addition, argues with God about it. It is not inherently "wrong" for Paul to preach to the Jews, but it was not what God had instructed him to do. Once Paul obeys, we see an increase in believers and peace is restored to the church.
In Acts 9:15 God speaks to Ananias and provides the vision/purpose of Paul. He is to go to the "Gentiles, the kings, and the children of Israel." -- in that order.

In Acts 22:15 Paul recounts the story and explains that Ananias relays God's vision to him, explaining that Paul is to be a witness to all men (typically the Gentiles)

Next, Acts 9:21-23 shows Paul immediately going to the temple in Damascus and arguing with the Jews, whom he irritates tot he point that they want to kill him. After escaping Damascus Paul travels to and in Acts 9:29 he is at the temple again. Once again he argues with he Jews to the point they want to kill him too. We see two points: (1) God is not blessing the actions of Paul because of his disobedience; (2) Paul is winning arguments, but not hearts.

In Paul's recount (Acts 22:17-21) he explains God stepping in while in Jerusalem. While in a trance, God plainly states that Paul is to leave because the Jews will not accept him. In v19 Paul argues, as many of us do, using logic and explaining why we are qualified. Paul has the pedigree, experience, and ability to relate to this very specific group of people. He’s the man for the job in his eyes, but God’s plan is to confound the wise, something that Paul later understands as he writes to the church in Corinth. “For it is written, 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the cleverness of the clever I will set aside.' Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” – 1 Corinthians 1:19-20. (Isaiah 29:14)

In Acts 9:31 -- after Paul has listened and leaves -- we see that peace is restored and the numbers grew.

In Acts 13:5 while on his 1st missionary journey, Paul is still preaching at the Jewish Synagogue

In Acts 13:7 the proconsul (Sergius Paulus) invites Paul and Barnabas to tell their message.  We see Bar-Jesus, who Paul labels as the son of the devil try to interfere with the presentation of the message. The situation concludes, in Acts 13:12 with Paul having success and converting a prominent Gentile official.

Act 13:13-46 we once again see Paul preaching in a Synagogue.  But this time, in Acts 13:42 (KJV) we see the Jews leave while the Gentiles beg to hear more.  In Acts 13:46, Paul accepts God's plan and states he is done with the Jews and will go the Gentiles.  In Acts 13, we see God working in Paul's life, setting up circumstances to get Paul where he needs to be.


Created over 1 year ago