The conversion of St. Paul January 25, 2004 - Preaching Helps

Acts 9:1-22

Psalm 67

Galatians 1:11-24

Luke 21:10-19

First Reading

Paul's conversion to Christianity is of such importance to the church that the story appears three times in Acts (9:1-22; 22:3-21; 26:9-20). Jesus appeared to Saul, an enemy of the church, and Paul submitted himself completely to Christ. This day marks the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. We pray on this day that, as God established one church from among the nations through the preaching of Paul, we might follow Paul's example and be witnesses to the truth of Christ (cf. Prayer of the Day).

Paul's conversion is often thought to be instantaneous. Yet, Paul was prepared for this moment as Paul witnessed both the stoning of Stephen and the persistence of those whom he persecuted. Paul's vision is presented using ancient symbols. The light from heaven signifies divine revelation, and the heavenly voice recalls the supernatural word heard in rabbinic debate. Jesus' words make clear that persecuting the church is the same as persecuting the Christ. In this account Paul hears but does not see Jesus. Paul's blindness should be understood not as divine punishment but as the result of the radiance of the vision. Paul not eating of drinking may be understood either as the effect of the impact of the vision or as penitent fasting. Recalling Paul's persecution of the church, Ananias is reluctant to obey Jesus, emphasizing the greatness of Paul's conversion. The one who persecuted the church in the past is Christ's chosen instrument to bring Christ's name to the world After being restored by Ananias and spending time with the disciples in Damascus, Paul began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogue. While this account tells us much about the external signs of Paul's conversion, we learn nothing of what was going on inside Paul.

Though these verses in Galatians are the most explicit reference to Paul's conversion found in his letters, none of the external details recounted in Acts are present here. Instead, Paul provides some insight into the way be understood his conversion. Paul emphasizes that both the gospel he preaches and his call to preach it originate with God. Paul claims God's initiative in calling him. Like the prophets of the Old Testament, Paul believes that he was called before he was born (of. Jer 1:5; Isa 49:1). While Acts suggests that Paul was converted by Christ then commissioned by the church, Paul himself makes no such distinction. Paul's call to preach came directly from Christ. Paul's call is specific; Paul is to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. In order to reinforce the divine nature of his gospel and call, Paul asserts his independence from Jerusalem and the apostles. Paul did not go to Jerusalem to learn from or to confer with the apostles. Three years after his conversion, Paul went to Jerusalem for a short time, where he merely spoke with Peter and saw James.

The reading from Luke seems to pick up the risen Christ's words to Ananias: "I myself will show [Paul] how much he must suffer for the sake of my name" (Acts 9:16). Jesus predicts the persecution of the faithful--imprisonment, being brought before rulers and governors--and promises to provide powerful testimony in the hour of trial. Jesus' prediction and promise are both fulfilled in Paul's life and ministry. Most important, Jesus promises that, though Christians be persecuted and even executed, not one hair on our head will perish. Ultimately, we cannot be destroyed because in Christ our salvation is secure.

Pastoral Reflection

After a week of praying for Christian unity, we may find ourselves a bit unsettled by the good news that the feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul brings. Paul's conversion and call suggest that Jesus has more in mind than the church getting its own house in order. We pay for unity for the sake of something greater, namely, God's mission to the world. Like death and resurrection, like our baptism, Paul's conversion and call are two sides of the same coin. Better yet, they are God's seamless and saving activity. Yes, Paul is converted by grace so that he might be united with Christ. At the same time, Paul is called by God to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. God's will and intent is that all people come to Christ, even those like Paul who would persecute the church. As Paul fulfills this calling, he will bear his own cross for Jesus' sake. But Jesus will be with Paul and give him the words to say.

Paul's conversion makes clear that people are not brought to faith in Christ merely so that their souls might be saved. The church will not be united so that it can settle in and spend its life quietly and in peace. As we are saved by grace through faith, we are at the same time called to make Christ known to the world. Though our call, like Paul's, is concrete and specific, its goal is ultimately that all people will come to Christ.

Paul's conversion invites us to consider three characteristics that all of our specific calls seem to share in common. First, I am struck by the fact that Jesus stepped outside the church in order to call someone to preach to the Gentiles. Paul strongly asserts his independence from Jerusalem and the apostles. Could Paul's conversion suggest that God is so intent on bringing all people to Christ that, if the Christian, the congregation, or any expression of the church refuses to answer this call, God in Christ will step outside the system in order to find someone who will? This possibility is both exciting and overwhelming as the church, like Paul, must close its eyes to the past in order to be touched by grace to see with new vision.