Sketches from the Life of Paul (1883) — PDF Scan 40
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PAUL ENTERS UPON HIS MINISTRY . 33 The Jews were thoroughlysurprisedand confoundedby the conversionof Paul. They were aware of his positionat Jerusalem, and knew what was hisprincipalerrandto Damascus,and that he was armed with a commission from the high priest,that authorizedhim to take the believersin Jesus,and tosendthem as prisonersto Jerusalem; yet now they beheldhim preaching the gospelof Jesus, strengtheningthosewho were alreadyitsdisciples,and continuallymaking new converts to the faith he had once so zealouslyopposed. Paul demonstratedto all who heardhim thathischangeof faithwas not from impulsenor fanaticism,but was brought about by overwhelming evidence. As he laboredinthesynagogues,hisfaithgrew stronger;hiszealin maintainingthat Jesuswas the Son of God increased,in theface of the fierce oppositionof the Jews. He couldnot remain long inDamascus,forafterthe Jews had recoveredfrom theirsurpriseat his wonderfulconversionand subsequentlabors,theyturnedresolutelyfrom the overwhelming evidencethus broughttobearinfavorofthedoctrineof Christ. Their astonishment at the conversion of Paul was changedintoan intensehatredof him,likeunto thatwhich theyhad manifestedagainstJesus. Paul'slifewas inperil,and he receiveda commission from God to leave Damascus for a time . He went into Arabia ; and there, in comparativesolitude,he had ample opportunityforcommunion with God ,and for contemplation. He wished to be alone with God , to search his own heart,to deepen hisrepentance,and to prepare himselfby prayerand studytoengagein a work whichappearedtohim toogreatandtooimpor 3