What did Paul do after converting?
BREAKDOWN
Following his dramatic encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, Saul of Tarsus, who would later be known as Paul, underwent a profound transformation that immediately redirected his life's trajectory. Far from the persecutor he once was, his initial actions demonstrated an immediate commitment to proclaiming the very Gospel he had sought to suppress. After being blinded and led into Damascus, he was visited by Ananias, a disciple, who laid hands on him, restoring his sight and instructing him in the faith, leading to his baptism (Acts 9:17-19). Immediately after this, Paul did not retreat or hesitate; he began to preach boldly in the synagogues of Damascus, asserting that Jesus is the Son of God, confounding the Jews who heard him (Acts 9:20-22). This was a complete reversal of his previous zealous persecution of Christians. His early post-conversion period also included a significant, though debated, time spent in Arabia, as he himself recounts in Galatians 1:17: "nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and again returned to Damascus." This period in Arabia, possibly for personal reflection, divine instruction, and preparation for his future ministry, lasted an unknown duration before he returned to Damascus. Upon his return, he continued to preach Christ, leading to a plot by the Jews to kill him, necessitating his escape from Damascus by being lowered in a basket through the city wall (Acts 9:23-25; 2 Corinthians 11:32-33). He then journeyed to Jerusalem, where he was initially met with suspicion by the disciples until Barnabas championed him, introducing him to the apostles Peter and James (Acts 9:26-28; Galatians 1:18-19). After encountering further threats in Jerusalem, he was sent by the brethren to his hometown of Tarsus, where he remained for some time before Barnabas sought him out to assist in the burgeoning church in Antioch (Acts 9:29-30, Acts 11:25-26). These foundational experiences shaped his understanding of divine grace and his apostolic calling to the Gentiles.
KEY TERMS
Saul of Tarsus
The original name of the Apostle Paul, who was a zealous Pharisee and persecutor of Christians before his conversion.
Ananias
A disciple in Damascus whom God sent to restore Saul's sight and baptize him after his encounter with Jesus.
Arabia
A region to which Paul retreated for a period of time after his conversion, possibly for reflection and divine instruction, before returning to Damascus.
Damascus
The city where Saul encountered the risen Christ, was healed, baptized, and first began to preach the Gospel after his conversion.
Barnabas
A Levite from Cyprus, known as a 'Son of Encouragement,' who vouched for Paul to the apostles in Jerusalem when they were suspicious of his conversion.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Acts 9:17-19
Ananias departed and entered into the house. Laying his hands on him, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me, that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he received his sight. He arose and was baptized. He took food and was strengthened. Saul stayed with the disciples in Damascus for several days.
Acts 9:20-22
Immediately in the synagogues he proclaimed the Christ, that he is the Son of God. All who heard him were amazed, and said, "Isn't this he who in Jerusalem made havoc of those who called on this name? And he had come here for this intent, that he might bring them bound before the chief priests." But Saul increased more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.
Galatians 1:17
nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and again returned to Damascus.
Acts 9:23-25
When many days were fulfilled, the Jews conspired to kill him, but their plot became known to Saul. They watched the gates both day and night so that they might kill him, but his disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall, lowering him in a basket.
2 Corinthians 11:32-33
In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king guarded the city of the Damascenes in order to arrest me, and I was let down in a basket through a window by the wall, and escaped his hands.
Acts 9:26-28
When Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join himself to the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. He was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
Galatians 1:18-19
Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and stayed with him fifteen days. But of the other apostles I saw no one, except James, the Lord's brother.
Acts 9:29-30
He spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and he disputed against the Hellenists, but they were seeking to kill him. When the brethren knew this, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him off to Tarsus.
Acts 11:25-26
Barnabas went forth to Tarsus to look for Saul. When he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. It happened that for a whole year they were gathered with the church, and taught a large number of people. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
ORIGINAL LANGUAGE ANALYSIS
ἀπόστολος
apostle
DefinitionOne sent forth with a commission, an envoy, a messenger.
εὐαγγέλιον
gospel
DefinitionGood news, glad tidings; specifically, the message of salvation through Christ.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The conversion of Paul occurred in the early 1st century CE, likely between 30-36 CE, during a period of intense Roman rule and burgeoning Jewish-Christian movement. Damascus was a major trade city in the Roman province of Syria, known for its strategic location and diverse population, including a significant Jewish community. The city lay on a crucial trade route connecting Mesopotamia with the Mediterranean. The 'synagogues of Damascus' would have been vibrant centers of Jewish life, where theological debates and the enforcement of Jewish law, as Saul originally intended, were common. Roman governance, while maintaining order, generally allowed local religious practices, which is why Saul could travel with authority from the High Priest in Jerusalem. The mention of 'Aretas the king' in 2 Corinthians 11:32-33 refers to Aretas IV Philopatris, the Nabataean king whose territory extended north to Damascus at certain times, indicating the complex political landscape where Roman authority might be exercised through local client kings or governors. The broader historical context includes the nascent Christian movement struggling for identity within Judaism and facing external persecution, exemplified by Saul's initial mission. The shift from a persecutor to a preacher in such a prominent figure was historically unprecedented and pivotal for the spread of Christianity beyond Judea.
THEOLOGICAL INSIGHT
Paul's actions immediately following his conversion profoundly illustrate several core theological tenets. Firstly, it underscores the sovereign and transformative grace of God, capable of converting the most ardent opponent into a fervent advocate. His radical change from persecutor to preacher exemplifies God's power to renew individuals and redirect their lives for His purposes, as described in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new." Secondly, his immediate proclamation of Christ in Damascus signifies the intrinsic nature of true conversion, which compels an individual to share the good news. This zeal, though previously misdirected, was now consecrated to Christ. Thirdly, his retreat to Arabia before consulting with other apostles (Galatians 1:16-17) suggests a period of direct divine revelation and instruction, establishing his apostolic authority as not being 'from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father.' This independent commissioning was crucial for his later ministry to the Gentiles, establishing the universality of the Gospel.
COMMENTARY SYNTHESIS
Rashi (Jewish)
While Rashi does not directly comment on Paul's post-conversion actions as a Christian, his general commentary on prophetic calls, such as those of Isaiah or Jeremiah, often emphasizes the immediate and often uncomfortable nature of a divine summons. For a Jew like Saul, a radical shift in belief would signify a profound divine intervention, akin to a prophetic calling that demands immediate obedience, regardless of personal cost or social ostracism.
John Calvin (Christian)
Calvin highlights the immediate change in Paul's conduct as undeniable evidence of a genuine conversion, asserting that his prompt evangelistic efforts were not born of human counsel but of divine impulse. He sees Paul's boldness in preaching Christ directly after conversion as a testament to the Holy Spirit's power, overcoming all natural fear and opposition, and demonstrating God's efficacious grace that not only pardons but also empowers for service.
Matthew Henry (Christian)
Matthew Henry marvels at the swiftness and sincerity of Paul's conversion and subsequent actions. He notes that Paul's immediate preaching of Christ in the synagogues was a public and courageous declaration, a stark contrast to his former hostility, showcasing the profound change wrought by God's grace. Henry emphasizes that true conversion leads to a fervent zeal for God's glory and a desire to declare His truth, even at great personal risk.
Augustine of Hippo (Christian)
Augustine often points to Paul's conversion as a prime example of God's irresistible grace and predestination. For Augustine, Paul's immediate conversion and subsequent actions demonstrate that God's grace initiates faith, not merely follows it. The immediate transformation and zeal for Christ show that God not only calls but also effectually works in the individual to bring about His will, transforming the 'vessel of wrath' into a 'vessel of mercy' and service.