Unveiling the Theological Foundations of Paul
A Conversation with Dr. Thomas Schreiner
In this season of Conversations on the Bible, we’re exploring the book of Acts, where the enthroned Lord Jesus works through his apostles to spread the message of salvation to all who call upon his name. Joining me today is Dr. Thomas Schreiner, a renowned Pauline scholar and author of numerous books, including “Paul, Apostle of God’s Glory in Christ: A Pauline Theology.” Dr. Schreiner’s expertise will help us gain insight into Paul’s conversion, call, burden, theological foundations, priorities, passion, and the problems he faced.
From Persecutor to Apostle
When we first meet Paul in Acts, he’s holding the cloaks of those stoning Stephen, approving of his execution. Dr. Schreiner explains that Paul saw himself as following in the footsteps of Phineas, who demonstrated zeal for God by killing those who disregarded the Torah. Paul’s actions were driven by a sense of duty to uphold the old covenant, not by hatred or anger.
A Zealous but Misguided Pursuit
Dr. Schreiner notes that Paul wasn’t motivated by a guilty conscience, but rather believed he was pleasing God by persecuting Christians. This zeal was rooted in his understanding of the old covenant, where heretics were to be put to death. Paul’s defense of his faith wasn’t ill-informed; he had spent a lifetime studying the old Testament.
A Radical Transformation
In Acts 9, we witness Paul’s dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. Dr. Schreiner highlights the significance of this event, emphasizing that it was entirely God’s work, with no preparation on Paul’s part. The three accounts of Paul’s conversion in Acts reveal a transformed individual, now driven by a passion to spread the gospel.
From Blinded to Enlightened
Dr. Schreiner observes that Paul’s blindness was not only physical but also spiritual, as he had been blind to Christ’s fulfillment of the old Testament. His eyes were opened, and he began to understand the covenantal difference between the old and new testaments. This transformation propelled Paul into his missionary journeys, which we’ll explore further in our conversation.
Stay Tuned for More Insights
Join us next time as we delve deeper into Paul’s theological foundations, his work as a missionary, and the challenges he faced. Dr. Schreiner’s expertise will continue to shed light on the person and work of Paul, helping us better understand the book of Acts and its relevance to our lives today.
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