God Welcomes All the Nations - Paul - A Chosen Vessel to the Nations

Paul - A Chosen Vessel to the Nations

Paul's ministry is an outstanding example of how Jehovah progressively prepares his servants to love and help all sorts of people.  At the time of Paul's conversion, Jesus said that Paul would serve as a chose vessel to bear his name to all the nations.  (Acts 9:15) Paul then went to Arabia, perhaps to meditate on God's purpose to use him in declaring the good news to the nations. -Galatians 1:15-17.

During his first missionary journey, Paul showed zeal in preaching to non - Jews.  (Acts 13:46-48)  Jehovah blessed Paul's  activity, proof that the apostle was doing things according to Jehovah's arrangement.  Paul showed that he fully appreciated Jehovah's viewpoint when he courageously corrected Peter, who had manifested partiality in avoiding association with his non-Jewish brothers. -Galatians 2:11-14.

Further evidence that God was directing Paul's efforts is seen in his second missionary journey when the holy spirit prevented  Paul from preaching in the Roman province of Bithynia.  (Acts 16:7)  The time  was apparently not right.  Later, though, some Bithynians became Christians.  (1 Peter 1:1)  In a vision, a Macedonian entreated Paul,  saying:  "Step over into Macedonia and help us."  Paul drew the conclusion that he should change his route in order to declare the good news in that Roman province. -Acts 16:9, 10.

Paul's ability to adapt was strongly tested when he preached to the Athenians.  Greek and Roman law prohibited the introduction of foreign gods and new religious customs.  Paul's love for people moved him to consider closely their religious practices.  In Athens he noticed an altar inscribed "to an Unknown God." He mentioned this detail in his witnessing work.  (Acts 17:22,23)  What a fine way to introduce his message in a kind, respectful manner!

How happy Paul must have been when he looked back on the results of his work as an apostle to the nations!  He helped to establish congregations made up of numerous Christians of non-Jewish origin in Corinth, Philippi,Thessalonica, and towns in Galatia.  He helped men and women of faith, like Damaris, Dionysius, Sergius Paulus, and Titus.  What a privilege to see people who knew neither Jehovah nor the Bible accept the truth of Christianity!  Regarding  his role in helping non-Jews come to a knowledge of the truth, Paul stated:  "In this way, indeed, I  made it my aim not to declare the good news where Christ had already been named, but as it has been written: 'Those to whom no announcement has been made about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.' " (Romans 15:20, 21) Could we share in declaring the good news to people who are not from our culture? 

Next time: God Welcomes All the Nations - Helping All the Peoples of the Earth

The Watchtower, 2002