[Zechariah11]

Paul was already a devout God-fearing man. He had just not had any experience with a living Spirit.

Paul was as hardened an unbeliever as could be.And you suggest it was because he hadn't had an ecstatic experience with the Holy Spirit.

Wow!! That is hillarious.

[pageonetoo]

Paul was as hardened an unbeliever as could be.And you suggest it was because he hadn't had an ecstatic experience with the Holy Spirit.

Paul did not believe Jesus was the Messiah. His teachings brought him to the place where he was useful to God. But, Saul of Tarsus was definitely a devout, God-fearing Jew. He was so zealous that he took the role of chief persecuter of the believers in the risen Christ. When God approached, he heard Him speak.

God chose a man with an inside connection, to bring the Gospel, the Good News. His zeal against Christians made him that much more useful to God. He was able to minister to the gentiles. But, he was also welcome in the synagogues.

Hilarious? Yes, your understanding of Jews in those days... and about his 'ecstatic' experence. God doesn't cut through stone hearts... you must have 'ears' to hear!