What Can We Learn From Paul In The Bible
The apostle Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, is one of the most influential figures in the New Testament. His dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus and subsequent missionary journeys helped spread Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.
Paul wrote 13 of the 27 books of the New Testament, profoundly shaping Christian theology and the growth of the early church. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Paul’s teachings on salvation, unity, spiritual gifts, love, and perseverance in suffering provide timeless wisdom for Christians today on how to grow in faith and fulfill God’s purpose.
In this in-depth article, we will explore key lessons modern readers can learn from the life, writings, and legacy of the apostle Paul to better understand Christian discipleship and what it means to live out the gospel.
Paul’s Radical Conversion Reminds Us Salvation Is by Grace
Paul Persecuted Christians Before His Conversion
Before his conversion, Paul (then known as Saul) was a dedicated persecutor of the early Christian church. As a devout Pharisee, Saul believed the claims of Jesus and His followers were blasphemous and dangerous to traditional Judaism.
He pursued believers relentlessly, arresting men and women in synagogues and bringing them to Jerusalem for trial (Acts 8:3). Saul was present when Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was stoned to death (Acts 7:58). His hatred for the Jesus movement knew no bounds.
The Damascus Road Experience Transformed Paul’s Life
While on the road to Damascus to arrest more Christians, Saul encountered the risen Jesus in a blinding light. Jesus confronted Saul directly: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4). From that moment, Saul’s life was radically transformed.
He was struck blind but after three days, his sight was restored. He was filled with the Holy Spirit and began preaching in synagogues that Jesus was the Son of God (Acts 9:20). Saul, renamed Paul, went from being Christianity’s most vicious adversary to its most fervent advocate.
We Are Saved by Grace, Not Works
Paul’s conversion is a vivid reminder that salvation comes only by God’s grace, not human effort. Paul confessed he was the worst of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15), yet God showed him mercy and changed him from the inside out.
This transforming grace fueled Paul’s missionary journeys to spread the gospel across the Roman Empire. In his letters, Paul taught extensively that salvation cannot be earned by good works or the law, but is God’s free gift to all who have faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Like Paul, when we humble ourselves and recognize our need for grace, we too can experience new life in Christ.
Paul Calls for Unity Within Diversity in the Church
Jew and Gentile Distinctions No Longer Matter in Christ
In several of his letters, the Apostle Paul makes the case that distinctions between Jews and Gentiles no longer matter now that both groups are united in Christ. As he writes in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
This oneness in Christ overcomes past divisions according to Jewish law and custom.
Paul argues that trying to require Gentiles to follow the Jewish law, especially rituals like circumcision, creates barriers and divisions within the church. Since both Jews and Gentiles are saved by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9), such ritual requirements are no longer necessary.
Unity comes through shared faith in Jesus, not conformity to the law.
Unity Does Not Require Uniformity
At the same time, Paul is clear that unity amidst diversity does not require complete uniformity in practice or custom. In Romans 14, he discusses differences between Jewish and Gentile believers over issues like dietary rules and Sabbath observances.
Rather than demanding that one side change to match the other, he advocates for acceptance, patience, and humility on debatable matters.
As Paul writes in Romans 15:7, believers should “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Unity is found in shared love and purpose, not uniform traditions or rituals.
Some diversity in practice and conscience can be maintained while still affirming core doctrinal truths and pursuing mission together.
Pursuing Unity Despite Differences
Paul is realistic that differences of opinion and struggles for power happen even among genuine believers. In the church in Corinth, there were divisions based on spiritual pride and preference for certain teachers (1 Corinthians 1-4).
But Paul continually calls them to humility, self-sacrifice for the common good, and refocusing on the gospel message that unites them.
He challenges them in 1 Corinthians 12:25, “That there may be no division in the body, but that its parts may have equal concern for each other. “ This requires effort and intentionality to apply the unifying grace they have received in Christ.
As modern believers reading Paul’s letters, we can learn from both his theological vision and practical advice for pursuing genuine unity amidst diversity within our churches.
Paul Encourages Proper Use of Spiritual Gifts
Spiritual Gifts Are for Serving Others and the Church
Paul emphasizes in his letters that the spiritual gifts bestowed by God are not for self-aggrandizement but rather to build up fellow believers and serve God’s church (1 Corinthians 12:7). He makes an analogy between the church body and the human body – just as each body part plays a vital role, so does every person with his/her unique gifts and talents (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
These variegated gifts work in symphony when employed properly, fostering unity, mutual care and growth.
Identifying and Using Your Gifts
Gifts Must Be Used in Love
Perhaps Paul’s main emphasis is that exercising spiritual gifts must be enveloped in love, or else they profit nothing (1 Cor 13). He spotlights this vital truth in his great love chapter. Believers can speak eloquently, have penetrating theology or display remarkable faith, but without love’s motivation, such expression of gifts is meaningless, even irritating “a resounding gong or clanging cymbal” (1 Cor 13:1).
As gifts are utilized to cheerfully meet needs, spur spiritual growth and comfort fellow believers, they will constructive cement church unity and avoid divisiveness. The supremacy of love is a timeless principle for the body of Christ.
Love Is the Most Important Virtue for Christians
Paul’s ‘Love Chapter’ – 1 Corinthians 13
In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul dedicates an entire chapter explaining why love is the most essential virtue for followers of Christ. Known as the “Love Chapter,” 1 Corinthians 13 describes love as patient, kind, enduring, and the glue that holds faith and hope together.
Love matters more than any spiritual gift, including speaking in tongues, prophecy, or miracle working. Without love, even the noblest actions are meaningless. This famous passage affirms that love should be the guiding motivator for everything Christians do.
Love Is Greater than Faith and Hope
Paul states that love “is greater than faith and hope” because it outlasts them (1 Cor 13:13). Our human understanding and spiritual gifts are partial and imperfect, but one day “love never fails” when we see God face-to-face in heaven.
Even our faith will become sight, and the hope for Christ’s return will be fulfilled. But love remains as our eternal state. The supreme virtue binding the Christian community together is a selfless, sacrificial love that imitates Christ’s love shown on the cross.
As Paul says, “the greatest of these is love.”
Love Should Guide All Christian Actions
For Paul, letting love guide all that we say and do is essential for following Jesus. In his letters, Paul connects love to bearing with others, serving them humbly, being patient and kind, not acting selfishly or rudely, forgiving wrongs, and bringing peace.
He instructs older women to teach younger women to love their husbands and children (Titus 2:3-4). Husbands must love their wives as Christ loved the church (Eph 5:25). Without loving well, Paul warns, we gain nothing (1 Cor 13:3).
As modern disciples, we would do well to evaluate if love motivates each choice in our careers, churches, and families.
Paul Models Perseverance in Suffering
Paul Endured Beatings, Rejection, and More for the Gospel
The apostle Paul endured tremendous hardship during his ministry, including beatings, imprisonment, rejection, and more. Yet he persevered in spreading the gospel message with joy. In 2 Corinthians 11:24-27, Paul provides a shocking list of the sufferings he endured:
“Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move.
I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.
I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.” (NIV)
Despite such intense persecution, Paul joyfully endured these trials for the sake of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. He serves as an inspirational model of perseverance through suffering.
Our Present Sufferings Are Temporary
Paul encourages followers of Christ that, although we may face trials and tribulations in this world, our suffering is temporary compared to the eternal glory that awaits us. As Paul writes in Romans 8:18, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
(NIV)
Paul himself experienced tremendous persecution, yet he kept an eternal perspective. He knew his struggles were momentary compared to the joy of living forever with Christ. When we undergo challenges as Christians, we can remember Paul’s example and take comfort in the truth that God will deliver us from every hardship and welcome us into eternal life with Him.
God’s Strength Is Made Perfect in Weakness
One of the most paradoxical truths that Paul understood is that God often displays His power through human weakness. When Paul pleaded for God to take away his “thorn in the flesh,” God replied, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV).
Paul learned to rejoice in his weaknesses, because they were opportunities for Christ’s power to shine brightly through him. He writes, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10b, NIV).
Though Paul faced many hardships that reminded him of his limitations, he found comfort knowing that God’s strength was enough to carry him through.
Like Paul, when we feel afflicted, weary, or inadequate for the task God has given us, we can remember that His power reaches perfection in our frailty. By relying on divine strength rather than our own, we become living testimonies of God’s sustaining grace at work within our weakness.
Conclusion
Throughout his epistles, Paul provides insightful commentary on the meaning of following Christ – emphasizing salvation by grace, unity despite differences, the purpose of spiritual gifts, the primacy of love, and persevering through suffering.
As we seek to grow in our Christian walk, Paul’s teachings remain highly relevant in instructing us how to deepen our faith, fulfill our calling within the Body of Christ, and ultimately bring glory to God.
By continuing to study and apply Paul’s letters in our lives today, we gain wisdom and perspective on what it means to live out the gospel message in a fallen world as we await the return of our Savior.
Just as Paul spread the good news of Christ crucified and risen to the farthest reaches of the empire, may we follow Paul’s example in furthering God’s kingdom until the day of Jesus’ return.
