Understanding Paul’s Calling to Share Jesus with the World
Who Was Paul and Why Is He Called the “Apostle to the Gentiles”?
Paul is one of the most famous early Christian leaders. But he wasn’t always a follower of Jesus. In fact, he started out as Saul, someone who strongly opposed Christians. Everything changed for Paul when he had a dramatic encounter with Jesus, which completely turned his life around.
From that moment, Paul didn’t just become a believer — he got a very special job. God chose him to spread the message of Jesus, not just to other Jewish people, but especially to everyone else — the Gentiles (which just means “non-Jewish people”). That’s why you’ll often hear him called the “apostle to the Gentiles.”
Why Did God Choose Paul for This Mission?
Paul’s calling wasn’t by chance. The Bible tells us in several places that God had a plan for him. Here’s what the Bible says about it, in simple terms:
· God’s Messenger: In Acts 9:15, God tells a man named Ananias, “Paul is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles…” This means God picked Paul for a special mission — to tell people who weren’t Jewish about Jesus.
· Sent on Purpose: In Acts 22:21, Paul says Jesus told him, “Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.” Paul didn’t come up with this plan himself — God sent him.
· Official Responsibility: In Romans 15:16, Paul calls himself “a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles.” He saw his work as an official assignment from God.
· A Light to All People: In Acts 13:47, Paul quotes God as saying, “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” Paul believed his mission was part of a much bigger plan to bless everyone, everywhere.
What Made Paul’s Message So Unique?
Back then, the first Christians were all Jewish and followed the Jewish religious laws. Many people thought you had to become Jewish first to follow Jesus. Paul argued that anyone — regardless of their background — could have a relationship with God just by trusting in Jesus. You didn’t have to follow all the old rules or traditions. This message might seem normal now, but at the time, it was groundbreaking!
How Did Paul Share the Message?
Paul traveled far and wide, talking to people in big cities and small towns. Here’s what he did:
· Started in Antioch: Paul and his friend Barnabas began teaching in Antioch, a city filled with people from different backgrounds. Many non-Jews heard about Jesus for the first time there.
· Settled Disagreements: Some thought Gentiles should become Jewish before following Jesus. Paul and other leaders met in Jerusalem to discuss this. In the end, everyone agreed: Gentiles could follow Jesus just as they were.
· Wrote Letters: Paul wrote lots of letters (like Romans, Galatians, and Corinthians) to help new Gentile believers understand and grow in their faith. These letters are still read today!
How Did Paul Feel About His Mission?
Paul didn’t see preaching to the Gentiles as a backup plan or something he did on the side. He considered it his life’s work — his mission from God. He often called it his “ministry to the Gentiles,” and he spoke about it with excitement and pride.
Why Is Paul’s Work Still Important Today?
Because Paul took his calling seriously, Christianity didn’t stay a small group within Judaism. It spread throughout the world and became a faith open to everyone, no matter where they were from. Paul’s story is a reminder that sometimes, the least likely people are chosen for the most important jobs.
In Simple Terms…
Paul was chosen by God to make sure that the good news about Jesus was shared with everyone, not just with one group of people. That’s why he’s remembered as the person who opened the doors for all kinds of people to become part of God’s family.
Blessings,
Minister A Francine Green
July 2025
afrancinegreen.com 