Introduction to RomansSample

He Was Converted and Called

As we continue to study Romans, we consider the life of an extraordinary figure: Paul, the author of Romans. His story is not just a testament to personal transformation but a narrative that embodies the gospel’s power.

Paul introduces himself as a “bondservant of Christ Jesus,” a title that humbly acknowledges his complete devotion and submission to his Savior. This self-identification is particularly striking when we consider Paul’s past. Before his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, Paul was a fervent persecutor of Christians, actively opposing the very faith he would later champion. His transformation from a persecutor to a proclaimer of Christ vividly illustrates the redemptive power of the gospel.

This transformation was so profound that even years after his conversion, the early Christian community found it hard to believe that Saul of Tarsus, now Paul, had truly become a disciple of Christ. Paul’s life serves as a powerful example of God’s grace; his conversion is a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love.

Paul was not only a converted man but also a called one. He describes himself as “called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God.” This calling was not of Paul’s own making; it was a divine appointment foreordained before his birth. His mission was to carry the gospel to the Gentiles, kings, and the people of Israel—a calling that underscores the inclusivity of God’s salvation plan.

Paul’s message, the gospel he was set apart to preach, centers on Jesus Christ. Paul reaffirms that the gospel is not a new concept but one that fulfills the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah.

Paul’s life and ministry challenge us to consider the depth of our own lives and service to God. Have we experienced a transformation that mirrors the radical change seen in Paul? Are we aware of our calling and purpose in God’s grand narrative? As we reflect on Paul’s journey from persecution to proclamation, let us embrace our own calling with renewed vigor and dedication. We can serve as instruments of God’s grace and truth in a world in need of the gospel.