Real Hope: Paul the ApostleSample

Paul the Misfit

Almost immediately, our newly converted Pharisee took to the local synagogues. He tried convincing the Jews that Jesus was indeed the Messiah they’d been waiting for, but this caused all sorts of confusion. Wasn’t this the man who had been trying to persecute Jesus’ followers only a matter of weeks before?

Next, an unsuccessful assassination attempt drove Paul back to Jerusalem. Unfortunately, the welcome wasn’t warm. First, he tried to join in with the gathering of Jesus’ original followers. However, suspecting foul play, he wasn’t able to join with them until Barnabas got involved. Next, he began to interact with the Jews – his own people – but they didn’t take kindly to his message. Paul found himself on the outside of both groups and was sent away. With the troublemaker gone, the early church enjoyed a time of peace.

It’s clear that, from the outset, Paul was a misfit. He didn’t gel neatly with any of the pre-existing groups when he came onto the scene. The man from Tarsus was forced to forge his own way, and we can be glad he did. This helped him lead the church through some of its early crises and, in doing so, set an example that remains to the present day.

When we follow the way of Jesus, like Paul, we often find ourselves outside the groups and categories of our world. Can you relate to his experience? If so, how does Paul’s example encourage you to stay the path?

Written by CHRIS GRESHAM-BRITT