Questions From Readers

His conversion was abrupt and traumatic. A premature birth often comes as a surprise. As Saul (who later became  known as Paul) traveled Damascus to persecute the Christians there, he was not expecting  to see a vision of  the resurrected Jesus.  Paul's conversion was a surprise  not only to him but also the Christians whom he was planning to terrorize in that city.  Additionally, this experience was so traumatic that he temporarily lost his sight. - ACTS 9:1-9, 17-19.

He was converted at "the wrong time." The original Greek word translated "one born prematurely" can also be rendered "one born at the wrong time."  The Jerusalem Bible puts it this way: "It was as though I was born when no one expected it." By the time of Paul's conversion, Jesus had already returned to heaven.  Unlike those whom Paul had referred to in the preceding verses, he had not seen the resurrected Jesus  prior to his ascension to heaven. (1 Corinthians15:4-8) Jesus' unexpected appearance to Paul granted him that opportunity. even though it seemed to be at "the wrong time." 

Next time: Questions From Readers - Conclusion 

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