Zeal Without Knowledge: Paul (Part 1)

Some qualities in Scripture call a name to mind at once. Mention faith, and we think of Abraham. Mention wisdom, and we think of Solomon. Mention strength, and we think of Samson. The New Testament has its own heroes: Barnabas the encourager (Acts 4:36), Stephen full of wisdom and the Spirit (Acts 6:8), and Dorcas known for generosity to the poor (Acts 9:36-39). But when we ask who epitomized commitment, one name stands out: Paul, who wrote of "the daily burden of my concern for all the churches" (2 Corinthians 11:28). To understand what drove him, imagine an interview with Paul. In it, Paul asks to be called "brother," because all who belong to Christ are heirs to the same promise (Galatians 3:28-29).

Asked who he was, Paul describes himself as a Hebrew of the tribe of Benjamin, a Pharisee, and the chief persecutor of the church (Philippians 3:5-6). He was committed, but for the wrong reasons. He calls it zeal without knowledge (Romans 10:1-3), a belief that strict observance of the law could make him right with God. That was spiritual blindness, and it lifted only when Ananias prayed for him and the scales fell from his eyes (Acts 9:18). Paul's conclusion sets the foundation for everything that follows. True commitment to good works begins with obedience to the gospel, including baptism, because we are made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:22), and not the other way around. This conversation continues in the next part.