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