In the magnificent tapestry of the New Testament, the Apostle Paul shines as a radiant example of transformation through beholding. His life is not just a historical tale; it is a living blueprint for our pursuit of Jesus Christ. Paul’s extraordinary journey from a fervent persecutor of the early church to a fervent follower of Christ offers a model of discipleship that transcends time and place.
Paul’s remarkable place in the New Testament is not by chance. It is not merely a historical record but an invitation to replicate his response to the call of Christ. His story, unlike that of the disciples who walked with Jesus, mirrors the experiences of many contemporary believers. It is a story of radical transformation, a beacon of hope for all who may find themselves distant from God.
In the annals of history, the choice to highlight Paul’s life is intriguing. He was an adversary of the early church, never physically encountered Jesus, and was not one of the twelve disciples. What sets Paul apart is that he represents the prototype of conversion and discipleship for the rest of us. He is the model of how we can encounter and pursue Christ.
Paul’s life goes beyond being a historical account; it is a pattern for life in the Church today and a glimpse into what future messengers of the Gospel will resemble. The Book of Acts is not just a historical narrative; it is a prototype of the triumphant Church at the end of the age. It encapsulates the past and future of the Church, guiding us in our present pursuit of Christ.
Beholding the Beauty of Christ
Beholding Christ, as Paul experienced on the road to Damascus, lies at the heart of the apostolic pattern of discipleship. Paul’s journey commenced with a divine encounter that shook the very core of his existence.
Saul, once a zealous persecutor of Christians, was suddenly enveloped by a blinding light from heaven. Falling to the ground, he heard the voice of Jesus, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” This encounter left him asking, “Who are you, Lord?” This brilliant theologian, well-versed in Scripture, reduced his inquiry to this one profound question.
Paul’s transformation was not a result of persuasive arguments but a result of divine revelation. The theological knowledge he possessed about God paled in comparison to encountering God’s beauty in the person of Jesus. It was a revelation that was immediate, profound, and life-altering.
This revelation was twofold. Paul not only discovered the beauty of Christ but also realized Jesus’ profound identification with His people. Persecuting the Church was, in fact, persecuting Christ Himself. This encounter unveiled the glory of the Church and its vital connection to Christ’s mission.
The Journey of Beholding
Paul’s journey of discipleship commenced with beholding. He was a man of immense intellect and knowledge, but until he beheld Christ, he remained distant from God. How many in our churches today are well-versed in theological knowledge about God, yet have never truly beheld the person of Jesus? Like Paul, they need to ask, “Who are you, Lord?”
Paul’s revelation of Christ and His people was transformational. The man who had once been an instrument of suffering for Christians became willing to endure suffering for Christ and His Church. His lifelong pursuit of the knowledge of Jesus was ignited by that one moment of revelation.
The beauty of Christ knows no bounds, and our journey of discipleship is an ongoing quest to behold His ever-unfolding glory. Paul also saw the splendor of the Church, a vision that exceeded the understanding of most Christians. This understanding began with his encounter in Acts 9, an encounter that forced him to his knees and completely transformed him.
Paul’s desire for us is to read Acts 9 and be captivated by the beauty of Jesus and His people. We must appreciate both, for without one, our understanding of the Gospel remains incomplete.
The foundation of our faith is not reason or argument but revelation. While apologetics has its place in defending Christianity, true conversion requires beholding Christ by the Spirit. This may not always be as dramatic as Paul’s experience, but it is no less profound.
Beholding: The Basis of Transformation
Beholding was not only the foundation of Paul’s conversion but also the basis of his ministry. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, he encourages believers that transformation begins with corporate beholding, a concept deeply rooted in the ancient pattern of discipleship. From the Garden of Eden to the apostolic era, transformation through beholding has been God’s method for shaping His people.
As we journey forward, it is essential to rediscover this ancient pattern and assess whether we have veered from the paradigm of beholding. The apostolic blueprint, as embodied by Paul, remains a guiding light for all disciples of Christ. It all begins with beholding Christ, the beauty of the Lord, and His people.
A.F.O.S.O.M., an anonymous contributor, involve with MFAM, helping Unreached People Group (Southeast Asia) Believers be connected with other authentic believers and helping to strengthen their faith. A.F.O.S.O.M transitioned from Islam to Christianity when he was 16, he attends a church in Singapore, and writes for ‘Beholding Messiah‘ blog.
This article is my personal notes that I read from the book “Discipleship begins with Beholding” by Samuel Whitefield.
