Saint Paul the Apostle, the greatest of the apostles
1. Saint Paul’s Place in Scripture:
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explained that Saint Paul wrote more than anyone else in the New Testament—14 epistles with 109 chapters, more than the four Gospels combined. After King David, he is the second most prolific writer in the Bible.
2. His Call and Apostolic Mission:
Paul was neither one of the twelve nor one of the seventy apostles, yet Christ Himself called him to be a chosen vessel to the Gentiles after appearing to him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). He preached in Jerusalem, Antioch, Asia Minor, Greece, Europe, and Rome, establishing many churches.
3. Christ’s Appearances to Him:
The Pope noted that Christ appeared to Paul four times after the Ascension: on the road to Damascus, in Corinth to encourage him, when sending him to the Gentiles, and finally assuring him he would testify in Rome. No other apostle received such repeated appearances.
4. His Revelations and Miracles:
Paul was caught up to the third heaven and heard inexpressible things (2 Cor 12). God performed extraordinary miracles through him—he raised Eutychus from the dead, cast out demons, healed the sick, and even his handkerchiefs brought healing and deliverance.
5. His Letters and Teachings:
Paul spoke of grace more than any other apostle, teaching the balance between grace and works, opposing Judaization, and setting the order for bishops, priests, and deacons. He also wrote about the resurrection, the second coming, the rapture, love, spiritual gifts, baptism, celibacy, and the divinity of Christ.
6. His Character and Wisdom:
Paul firmly defended his apostleship when it was questioned, wisely using his Roman citizenship to protect himself from injustice. His intelligence appeared clearly when he divided Pharisees and Sadducees to escape their plot.
7. His Deep Humility:
Despite his greatness, he said, “I am the least of the apostles, not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the Church of God.” He called himself “chief of sinners” and was humble in presence, serving with tears for the people.
8. His Theological Legacy:
Paul is considered the founder of Christian doctrinal theology, as he taught about salvation, grace, resurrection, and love—forming the theological foundation that continues in the Church to this day.
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