and converted on the way to Damascus. He now becomes a follower of "the Way" and continues the proclamation of Stephen's message. Before beginning his public ministry, he "goes off for fourteen years" (symbolic of preparation and suffering).
On his return to public life, he is sent to the Gentiles to preach the Gospel. Saul, the Pharisee, is converted outside of Israel (on the road to Damascus) and is made holy through serving the gentiles. This should not be lost on the reader. Pharisees had a great reverence for the Holy Land, and to such a degree that many saw it as to unvirtuous to leave its hallowed precincts. Certainly, to associate with heathens, even through business, was deemed unholy -- ritual purity was the order of the day. And yet, Saul's salvation and mission lay outside Israel - a deep and meaningful foreshadowing of Paul's "obedience of faith".
Paul's pastoral letters are all written from this theological/ethical perspective. The advice he gives, the conflicts he encounters, and the problems he faces are all focused on and inspired by this wellspring. For Paul, the early Christian communities are faith communities struggling to be renewed in the likeness of Christ.
On his return to public life, he is sent to the Gentiles to preach the Gospel. Saul, the Pharisee, is converted outside of Israel (on the road to Damascus) and is made holy through serving the gentiles. This should not be lost on the reader. Pharisees had a great reverence for the Holy Land, and to such a degree that many saw it as to unvirtuous to leave its hallowed precincts. Certainly, to associate with heathens, even through business, was deemed unholy -
Paul's pastoral letters are all written from this theological/ethical perspective. The advice he gives, the conflicts he encounters, and the problems he faces are all focused on and inspired by this wellspring. For Paul, the early Christian communities are faith communities struggling to be renewed in the likeness of Christ.
