Outside
of the Jesus’ typical appearance to the Apostles, when he is seen on
the third day, is the most important resurrection appearances, for the
Gentiles, is his appearance to the Apostle Paul.
This
was long after the resurrection, accession and gift of the Holy
Spirit. The new community based on Jesus’ resurrection had become
firmly established in Jerusalem. The community was growing, in spite of
the opposition from the Jewish community. The resentment from the Jews
had reached the point where Stephen, one of seven deacons appointed by
the Apostles, was stoned to death for standing up for “The Way” beliefs.
It
was through the death of Stephen that the growing Christian community,
decided that Jerusalem was no longer safe. A disbursement of the
Christian community began which spread the Christians, and their belief
in the resurrected Jesus, throughout the Roman Empire.
Paul
was a Pharisee, committed to traditional Judaism, and committed
stopping this new movement based on Jesus. A community dedicated to The
Way was rumored to be in Damascus. Paul volunteered to find them and
“bring them bound” to Jerusalem.
It
was on the way to Damascus that Jesus appeared to Paul (Acts 9).
Striking him to the ground and blinding him Jesus asked Paul why he was
persecuting him. In that vision and the answer Jesus created the
Apostle who would bring the word of God to the Gentile community.
Join us as we continue celebrating this Easter Season with our May 14th Worship Service.
St. Paul the Apostle. Russian icon. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons