RBWords

  

     Today's first scripture recounts one of the most significant events in the history of Christianity after the death and resurrection of Jesus!  The conversion of Saul, who would become Paul, resulted in a man whose missionary zeal and whose theological reflection would shape Christianity in enormous ways.  His missionary zeal resulted in the spread of Christianity around the Mediterranean region because he began to preach to non-Jewish audiences.  His theological reflection continues to serve as a foundation for our belief, since his writings are older than and contemporary with the composition of the four gospels.

 

     There are three accounts of the conversion in the Acts of the Apostles.  The other two are in 22:1-21 and 26:9-18.  I recommend reading all three today.  Note the differences in the story and in the circumstances in which the story is told, even though the author is the same:  Luke the Evangelist, a companion of Paul in some of his journeys.  In fact, reading the whole of the Acts of the Apostles in this Easter season can amaze one with the enthusiasm and zeal of the early preachers.  The event of the "council of Jerusalem" which freed non-Jewish converts from the constraints of Mosaic Law should be noted.  [For extra "credit," read Paul's own account of that event in Galatians 2.]

     The rapid spread of Christianity was a marvel in its own right.  Paul has been called the "second founder of Christianity."  His story is worth our reading and contemplating!  AMEN

 

[Note to the Beloved Congregation.  I will be preaching two parish missions in Alaska over the next two weeks.  My preaching will seem to appear later than usual because of the three hour time difference from Houston - Alaska time.  I will be in Petersburg and Wrangell, Alaska in the Diocese of Juneau!  Please pray for this "mission."]