Knowing Paul never knew Jesus, I think he understood the most.
Knowing Paul never knew Jesus, I think he understood the most.
Oh, they had a meet-up...
Acts 9:1-9
Amplified Bible
9 Now [a]Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord [and relentless in his search for believers], went to the [b]high priest, 2 and he asked for letters [of authority] from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any men or women there belonging to [c]the Way [believers, followers of Jesus the Messiah], men and women alike, he could arrest them and bring them bound [with chains] to Jerusalem. 3 As he traveled he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him [displaying the glory and majesty of Christ]; 4 and he fell to the ground and heard a voice [from heaven] saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting and oppressing Me?”
5 And Saul said, “Who are You, Lord?” And He answered, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, 6 now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
7 The men who were traveling with him [were terrified and] stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was unable to see for three days, and he neither ate nor drank.
Him being a highly educated Pharisee, who studied under the most premier teacher of the day, Gamaliel, Paul was very strict to the law of Moses. All he needed was proof the One those he persecuted followed, truly was indeed the Messiah, and everything fell in place for him.
See, Paul wasn’t like the rest of the Pharisees, he was not a hypocrite, but rather a believer in GOD and follower of the Mosaic law to it full extent. In time, Paul would have been one of the most powerful teachers of Judaism, had he not had his encounter with Jesus.
It is my belief that when the apostles tossed lots to peck a replacement for Judas, were wrong. Jesus already had a plan to choose Paul as Judas’ replacement.
GOD had been preparing Saul of Tarsus for his commission for a long time.