T he only good news that we ought to know and remember is that Jesus Christ had already won the war against sin and death. He has made it possible for us to join Him in the afterlife. All we need now to do is accept Him as He is. God is alive today and it may be sometimes be difficult to see this. The world and its demonic nature has still made it look like that only worldly things matter and that the ultimate goal of each one is to achieve their own personal happiness. This is the biggest lie of all, that we should do all to make us happy. Individual happiness at the expense of someone else is the biggest deception of all. The truth is, our lives are never really about us. It is ultimately about God and about others. It is about how you can provide and give joy even at our own expense. This is the model of ultimate and genuine love that Jesus shown us at the cross. "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s frie...
Saul of Tarsus, later known as Paul the Apostle, was a significant figure in early Christianity. Born in Tarsus (modern-day Turkey) around the early 1st century, he was a Roman citizen and a devout Pharisee who strictly followed Jewish law. Before his conversion, Saul was a persecutor of Christians, believing that they were a threat to Jewish traditions.
His Conversion to Christianity
Saul's transformation happened on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19):
- He was traveling to arrest Christians when he was blinded by a bright light.
- He heard the voice of Jesus, saying, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?"
- He was struck blind and led into Damascus, where he fasted for three days.
- A disciple named Ananias was sent by God to heal him. When Ananias laid hands on him, Saul regained his sight and was baptized.
Becoming Paul the Apostle
After his conversion:
- Saul began preaching about Jesus as the Messiah, shocking those who knew his past.
- He spent years traveling, preaching, and writing letters to churches, which later became part of the New Testament.
- He adopted the Greek name "Paul", which was common in the Roman world, especially as he spread Christianity to Gentiles (non-Jews).
His Mission and Legacy
- He undertook several missionary journeys, spreading Christianity across the Roman Empire.
- He wrote 13 letters (epistles) in the New Testament (e.g., Romans, Corinthians, Galatians).
- He was eventually arrested in Rome and is believed to have been martyred by beheading under Emperor Nero.
Paul's teachings shaped Christian theology, emphasizing faith in Jesus, grace, and salvation, making him one of the most influential figures in Christian history.