Heroes of the Faith Series

Paul—Apostle to the Gentiles

Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!

There is no conversion recorded in Scripture that is more dramatic and amazing than when Saul of Tarsus was blinded by a brilliant light on the road to Damascus and asked by Jesus, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" (Acts 9:4) God radically transformed Saul, a tormenter of Christians, into Paul, a bold gospel preacher and apostle to the Gentiles. Let’s take a closer look at just a few things that God teaches us through the life of Paul after this strict and zealous Pharisee repented and trusted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.


Learn It! First of all, Paul reminds us that learning the Scriptures is the key to growing our faith when he explained to the Romans that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). The fact that God’s word increases our faith is critically important, because Hebrews 11:6 teaches us that without faith it is impossible to please Him.


Speak It! The Apostle Paul eagerly took advantage of opportunities to speak fearlessly to unbelievers about the truth of God’s Word. For an example, when Paul visited the city of Athens, he observed an altar with the inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD, and then proceeded to tell the religious men of Athens about his known God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth (Acts 17:24).

Live It! Paul’s walk measured up to his talk as he ministered to the saints in Jerusalem (Romans 15:25), remembered the poor (Galatians 2:10), praised God after being flogged and put in prison (Acts 16:25), constantly prayed for believers (2 Thess. 1:11), endured persecution (1 Corinthians 4:12), and worked tirelessly so that he would not be a burden to others while he preached the gospel (1 Thess. 2:9).

Paul described himself as an ambassador in chains as he fearlessly made known the mystery of the gospel (Ephesians 6:20), and proclaimed, Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). May this be a challenge for all of us as we strive to follow Paul’s bold and courageous testimony!

Discussion Question: Look back again at the ways that Paul lived out his faith before others. In what ways can you be a more effective ambassador for Christ?

Memory Verse: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:1-2 NKJV).

Prayer: Lord, increase my faith as I study and learn your Holy Word. As my faith grows, help me to put my faith into action and to always be sensitive to your leading. I surrender myself to you and offer my body as a living sacrifice, all for your glory!

All quotations from Scripture are taken from the New King James Version.
Devotional written by Mark Rasche
Illustration by Jonathan Chong

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