The Last Apostle, One as Untimely Born - Paul

 

For I [Paul] delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. (1 Corinthians 15:3–10 ESV).

 

The Apostle Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, is widely regarded as the most influential figure in the history of Christianity after Jesus Christ. Born a devout Jew and a Roman citizen in Cilicia (modern-day Turkey), he initially worked as a zealous Pharisee who actively persecuted early followers of Jesus. His life took a radical turn during a dramatic encounter with the resurrected Christ on the road to Damascus. Following this pivotal event, he transformed into the premier "Apostle to the Gentiles," dedicating the rest of his life to spreading the gospel across the Roman Empire.

 

It is worth noting the stages in his life. Born around 5 AD in Tarsus, he inherited prestigious Roman citizenship. He later moved to Jerusalem to study Jewish law under the highly respected rabbi Gamaliel. There he was a witness to the martyrdom of Stephen and ultimately became one of the most feared individuals in the early church. Armed with authority to arrest Christians, Saul was struck blind by a brilliant heavenly light while traveling to Damascus. Jesus spoke to him directly, a moment that completely redefined his purpose and identity. It was through that experiences that he launched three major missionary campaigns through Asia Minor, Greece, and Macedonia. He successfully established numerous local churches and argued that non-Jewish converts did not need to follow traditional Mosaic laws. He set the tone of inclusivity for the church. However, since his teachings caused civil unrest, Roman authorities arrested Paul in Jerusalem. He spent his final years under house arrest in Rome before being executed, traditionally by beheading under Emperor Nero around 64–67 AD.

 

Paul shaped Christian doctrine more than any other early church leader. Out of the 27 books in the New Testament, 13 epistles (letters) are traditionally attributed to him. These theological texts—including Romans, Corinthians, and Galatians—laid the groundwork for core Christian tenets such as salvation by faith through grace rather than by keeping strict religious laws. His writings represent some of the earliest surviving Christian literature ever recorded.

 

Of all the many things we may learn from Paul, it is that grace is never late, but always on time! His life serves as a testimony to what God can do in the life of anyone placing their faith in Him!