Christian History Course

CHRISTIAN HISTORY ESSAY

John Ozanich

The Christian History course was a wonderful walk through the people, places and events in the formation of the Christian Church.  The emphasis placed on the fathers of the early Christian Church was particularly enlightening.

Through Paul’s writings to the church of Galatia we learn how God prepared things in preparation for the arrival of Jesus.  Throughout the course we learn of the interplay between Jews, Romans and Greeks which shaped Christianity, the church and the challenges which would come to the faith.  Highlighted is the notion that the place, time and events surrounding the coming of the Savior was carefully chosen by God to ensure the proper affect.  The first large and organized unification of disparate nations under Romans rule helped facilitate the spread of Christ’s message throughout the known world.  Had He come prior to this time, the lack of organized interaction between all the people’s of the known world would have prevented the effective spread of His word.

The plethora of pagan religions present at the time in the many various culture provided an early challenge to the church.  Even willing converts to Christianity had difficulty in letting go of their long held Gods and practices.  The early church fathers spent considerable time teaching the proper theology of Christianity and its practices.  Continuous issues of apologetics and polemics erupted and were dealt with in order to maintain trueness to the faith.

The wisdom and logic of Greek faith was pervasive in Roman at the time both assisted in the resolution of theologic matters and frustrated them as many tried to place their own spin on Christianity through the filter of Greek philosophy.  Due to Alexander the Great’s earlier conquest and unification of the region, Koine Greek served as the single common language among all the disparate groups of the mideast region.  For this reason, Green was used to write the first Christian scripture, thus ensuring is readability to the largest possible audience.

The course also discusses some of the historicity of Jesus, citing references by various non-believers from the time period of Christ.  References by scholars are included such as Tacitus, Pliny, Suetonius and Lucian.  Other evidence to the historicity of Jesus’ life is offered.  A brief overview of the life, words and works of Jesus is provided.  The spread of Christianity among the Jews and the establishment of the first Jerusalem church are explained.

A lengthy and interesting exploration of the life and works of the Apostle Paul are presented.  Paul is credited with bringing Christianity to the gentiles.  His life, philosophy, writing and theology in regards to his work in converting gentiles to the Christian faith are presented.  Paul battled the legalism of Judaism and the philosophical interference of Greece to maintain the true faith.

A description of the scrolls and scriptures, the various letters and writings of the early members of the faith which became the foundation for Christian theosophy and organization of the early church is presented.  The development of church government, the various offices and operations is quite interesting.

The social and political impact of the birth of Christianity is described.  This fascinating convergence of various nations, religions, philosophies and cultures is explained along with their individual contributions to the development of Christianity.  Along with this is explained the unintended influence of all these outside factors which tended to pollute the true theology and teachings of Christ and required continuous vigilance by church authorities.

Probably the most valuable teaching of the course is the extensive explorations of the church fathers, their lives, their works, their influences and writings.  Through the understanding of these early players in the development of Christianity we understand the true teachings and intent imparted to them by Jesus Christ.

This course is highly informative and enjoyable.

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have various classes in Christianity, one on Wicca, along with several Pagan courses, more than a few courses about Metaphysics with more being added regularly.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, legal and lasts for life, so please take advantage of our Free Online Ordination.

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Christian History

Rev. Chris Richard

Master of Christian History

This course work on Christian History was one of two courses I have been taking over the past twenty weeks, and I believe that I have learned a great deal of information; most of which I did not know beforehand. I found many things new and exciting and others new and disappointing.

I was really surprised in what I read in the first lesson of how the Roman Empire was the start of the spread of the Christian gospel; no other ancient empire has ever been able to unite with each other, until the rise of Rome. My heritage is Roman; it was fascinating to learn some of their history. I really enjoyed lesson two when the qualities, work, and character of Jesus Christ was discussed. His personality was not separated from all of the work that He did. He is the only one on earth that had nothing to hide and was always faithful and kind to humanity, even at the sacrifice of his own life. His ministry and everything He accomplished before He was crucified is extraordinary. All of the miracles that He did really revealed His glory and power. Jesus' greatness was especially shown when He was resurrected three days after dying on the cross. I also learned that Jesus gave the Christian message to the Jews first. He wanted them to spread the Good News all around the world and with them doing so He gave them the Holy Spirit to empower them while they spread the word of God. I have never realized that Judaism was the beginning of Christianity.

I was very disappointed when I read lesson seven in which it was discussed that the Romans persecuted the Christians because they thought that they were a secret society. The Romans destroyed all the Christian Churches, meetings were shut down, and those who confessed they were Christians were thrown into prison, and so many were killed. The Romans also stated that there was no such thing as private religion. It didn't seem fair to me that the Romans did not adopt a mindset regarding freedom of Religion. We are very privileged to live in a country today where such a freedom is granted. Many Societies have come so far since the Roman Empire ruled the "world."

I enjoyed reading about the best of the Church fathers. There were many Church fathers, but I think Augustine was the greatest. He was the creator of the Christian historiography that is still used today. Pope Gregory I played another major role in Christian History. While he was bishop of Rome, the greatest accomplishment he made was the expansion of papal power. He did this so that he could assert the spiritual supremacy of the Roman bishop, among other goals. Once this was accomplished, Christian Churches were transformed from being ancient to medieval. All bishops who came after Pope Gregory I followed in his foot steps. Pope Gregory's accomplishments shaped the Church into the middle ages.

I really enjoyed this course on Christian history. I like how the literature was explained in a detailed, yet a simple way. I'm looking forward to starting the next course.

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Become a Chaplain

Master of Chaplaincy essay. Colin Burgess.

While in the military my observances of a Padre or a Chaplain (more general term) is a go between.

I was only a private and if I had a problem with my immediate family whereas the Padre was a Captain and could boldly act as a go between for myself and the higher ups I dare not approach, since they have a working relationship with everyone. Their role seems to be very passive or neutral.

Regardless of their religious background (Muslim; Jewish; Christian) their task was as a moral officer and I could choose to seek them on a religious capacity if I so chose to.

I can see the importance of Chaplains not only being trained in their religious views but also in counseling.

In view of disastrous events taking place their training in counseling is much needed. Something as simple as a Chaplain in a mall or an airport (someone who is readily available to talk to) may be what prevents someone from taking their life or someone else. This may be the bit of advice a person needs to prevent their marriage that is on the rocks from failing or falling into an extra-marital affair.
I believe chaplaincy is something (from my Christian perspective) we are all called in some way or another to do. The scripture says in 1 John 2:26-27
“These things I have written to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you. As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you.; but as His anointing teaches you about all things and is true and not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.”
My goal through this course (and through other courses I have taken is not to replace what the Holy Spirit is teaching me as I grow in my faith but to polish and refine the way I present it to the world.
Apart from my career goals as a minister I want to be ready with an answer at all times, prepared to counsel; admonish and build up anyone in need.
The job of a Chaplain is not a lot unlike therapist. You are in a position of trust and when you are called upon to function as a Chaplain you are put in a position of trust. You cannot violate their trust (unless their or another persons life is in danger.)
I loved the term in Lesson 2 of this course. “The divine Mark.”
One thing I have certainly notices what separates an army Chaplain apart from the other commissioned officers is their gentleness. Their goal is not to teach people to harm other (they cannot even touch a weapon apart from their pocket knife.) but their goal is to build up and help those in distress from a rough tour or a crisis at home. After seeing how the role these people play it is my desire to re-enlist in the forces to be a mediator between the troops and the higher ups who have forgotten how hard it is to be at the bottom. These young guys need an advocate and I would also love to start Bible studies on the base in my town for the weaker Christians who have gotten caught up in the military behaviour.
One thing that separates a Christian apart from a Christian who preaches the word of God is they really have to hunger and thirst for Gods word. They jealously guard their time alone with God in prayer and reading the word. In order to grow as a Christian you have to feast upon the word of God and in order to help others mature as a Christian you have to be maturing yourself. While doing this you yourself have to be in a position of humility and knowing you too sin and have the same weaknesses. It is you however who has a bit of education and a “WHOLE BUNCH” of Gods Holy Spirit anointing upon you. Without the Holy Spirit your education is dead.
Pertaining to Lesson 3.
I like the listening part. As Chaplains we have accrued a lot of head knowledge and knowledge puffs up. When someone is chattering away we might want to chime in. The best way to help someone is to simply shut up and listen. By the end of the conversation they may have talked themselves through the problem and all is left for you to do is shake their hand.
But in the case of being a teacher. I so firmly believe a teachers Bible must be worn out from use and they are surrounded in their own time by books authored by strong teachers.
I believe teachers should rise early and be on an exercise routine to keep their minds alert as well as their bodies. Their diet is clean and they present themselves well not as an act of deception to mask their inadequacies, but if I see a pastor wearing a stained shirt covered in potato chip crumbs all over his protruding stomach I am going to say, “this man simply does not care.”
Lead by example. Set a good one. This I believe falls in line with Titus 1:8 where it says an elder must be self-controlled. Not given over to their own lusts.
We must also take into consideration before opening taking the role of a teacher or chaplain James 3:1.
“Not many of you should become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgement.”
Before acting in the capacity of a Chaplain. Examine yourself first so you can carry out the role not out of an act of arrogance or being tempted but out of a position of being led by the Holy Spirit.
If you yourself catch yourself being led astray I sure hope you have a life line to God through prayer and have surrounded yourself with godly friends. Proverbs 27:17
“Iron sharpens iron,
So one man sharpens another.”
There are so many places that need chaplains.
The course pointed out a few.
- Shopping Malls; Cruise Ships; Police/Fire departments; Militaries; Nursing/Care homes. These are all opportunities to help people with practicing their faith if you share their practices and to pray with them or simply talk. If someone is dying in a hospital you may be the one they trust and you can also offer comfort to their families.
This as lesson 8 puts it building a relationship and not being a random person that enters their lives.
Once you take someone under your wing as a pastor you need to be consistent and follow through with meetings with them or to be somewhat available to them. This may involve getting a cell-phone (no matter how much you hate the things) in order to be reachable. If you seem like a phantom to someone in need this may lead to distrust; discouragement or depression.
　
In the interest of keeping this essay somewhat short and sweet I cannot cover every lesson.
But in conclusion. Pray, pray and pray more. Get into Gods word. He will put you in the position that suits you best.

He may put me in the role of a military chaplain but He may put you in the role of an evangelist that reaches millions on television telling them about the redemptive power of God.
Keep yourself from becoming proud and at the end of your sermon or your teaching no one should know your name so much as they do the name of God who inspired it in you.
So whether you are performing a funeral or preaching to the masses. Do it for God.

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have various classes in Christianity, one on Wicca, along with several Pagan courses, more than a few courses about Metaphysics with more being added regularly.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, legal and lasts for life, so please take advantage of our Free Online Ordination.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and am proud to have started the Seminary.

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Christian History

Dr. of Christian History Final Essay

By Rev. Patricia Buben

According to the course, Judaism gave us the most perfect system of moral philosophy in existence.  The Jews saw sin as a violation coming from an impure heart that resulted in external sinful actions. Salvation was viewed as being only from God, and not in human ethical works or subjective mystery cults.

Because of the location of Rome, at Christianity's birth and in the first three centuries of its existence, conditions were more favorable for the spread of the Christian gospel throughout the Mediterranean world than at any other time in previous eras. Of all the religions and cults practiced in the Roman Empire at the time of Christ's birth, only Judaism and Christianity have been able to successfully survive the changing course of world history and still be a major influence today.

The life, death and resurrection of Christ began the era of Christianity.  Unlike other traditions, Christ cannot be separated from Christianity.  Christ did not leave a structure—just the apostles and the Holy Spirit from which the apostles were instructed.  The entirety of the church structure came from the apostles with the Holy Spirit working through them and continues to this day.

The members of the original Christian church were Jewish.  It wasn't until the apostle Paul went out to "all corners of the earth" that the Gentiles were invited to hear the gospel message.  This work is still not complete and is the continuing goal of the Christian church.  Although there was splintering of the church, it forced the creation of a canon, organizing the content of the doctrine and eliminating heresies created by those who wanted to wield authority.  All of these challenges served to strengthen, not weaken, the church.

Over the years, many errors entered into the church as a result of pagan influence, scholarly debates and other doctrines brought into the church by St. Augustine and others.  The Protestant Reformation was an attempt at bringing the church back to the purity of salvation by grace through faith alone.

It is interesting that the dogmas and doctrines that have further "defined" Christianity were mainly a result of specific people's interpretations (personal opinions).  I always thought they were inspired by God, like the Bible.  This course gave a great overview of the historical events of Christianity giving timelines and putting everything into sequence—including how doctrines were formed, and who was involved in making these decisions.  It's interesting because these doctrines have always been communicated as fact, not the result of consensus or opinion of the church fathers.

Putting all of this information into the right context can be a challenge because of differing opinions and rhetoric.  This course was very objective in its presentation and outlined the facts.  Therefore, one gets a good sense of how Christianity developed and why it is still viable today.

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Mystical Christianity

1. How do you view the Bible and how do you use Scripture in your daily life?

HOW I USE SCRIPTURE:

I keep a small copy of the New Testament in my department jacket at all times. It has a glossary of sorts in the very beginning that guides the reader to verses that apply to a great variety of situations. When I need guidance or I need a reminder of God’s presence I turn to the constant companion I carry in my pocket.

HOW I VIEW THE BIBLE:

The Bible serves as an outstanding guideline with which one can live their life. The stories contained within provide illustrations that help illuminate some of life’s most pressing matters. We find these stories in the form of parables: the story of the prodigal son, the light and the bushel basket, and the good Samaritan, just to name a few. Here we learn that God will accept us no matter what we’ve done if we turn to him with a pure heart, we learn that God has given us his light and love and the true sin would be to hide it from others, and we also learn that even those we consider to be our mortal enemies deserve our respect and our aid should the chance to offer it arise.

2. Describe a myth that is currently a part of your life. What is its origin? How does it influence you in a positive or a negative way?

Superstitions tend to play a role in my life to some degree, and these usually contemporary myths with sometimes ancient histories. Here are just a few:

MYTH #1

It’s bad luck to put shoes on the table or a countertop.

ORIGIN:

This myth shows up in many cultures, from Hungary to Ireland. It’s origins stem not from luck, but from the fact that shoes spend much of their time in contact with the ground, which is generally quite dirty. The idea is that you don’t want the dirt from the bottom of your shoes on your table. Even still, if I buy a new pair of shoes, I will not put the box containing the shoes on the table.

MYTH #2

It’s Bad luck to toast someone with water.

ORIGIN:

From what I understand this is an old sailor’s superstition. The first incarnation seems to have centered around the idea that toasting someone with water was actually a curse designed to bring about the drowning of that person. Last I checked, drowning is incredibly unlucky…

3. As you read the first three chapters of the book of Genesis, what feelings do these words evoke? Where are these feelings coming from?

As I read these words I feel a connection with whoever first put pen to paper and decided to write this account of how the world came to be and how we found ourselves in the position we’re in today. Maybe through deep contemplation, meditation, or a divine conversation with the almighty, this person was able to summarize a series of events that we humans have yet to wrap our heads around. This doesn’t just apply to the relationship between men and women or to mankind’s relationship with God; it applies to everything! Genesis, if given the chance, is a beautiful realm within scripture. It’s place where science and religion have the opportunity to share what they’ve discovered; a place where the two disciplines do not cancel each other out, but support one another. Think about the ancients that wrote these passages. There was no conception of physics, of space outside the earth, of an ever expanding universe. These are facts that we know are just as solid as the table my computer is sitting on. Maybe God, knowing that we had limited information, simply said “In the beginning there was darkness… Then I said ‘Let there be light!’ and there it was...” Darkness is nothingness and nothingness is the absence of a universe. Maybe this is just a simple interpretation of what science has come to recognize as the “big bang.” It’s just a metaphor. God and Jesus are both big on metaphors, as we can clearly see from the parables. How hard is it to believe that some of what is found within the pages of Genesis is also metaphorical?

4. What difference would it make to you as a woman or a man to re-interpret these verses of scripture as has been suggested in this lesson?

As I read through this lesson I was thrilled to hear another interpretation of the Genesis account. Throughout my life I have focused less on the equality of men and women, because I believe that we are all equal in the eyes of the Lord. I had no reason to examine the text in this way, because of my own controversial interpretation of what’s written, which implies our inherent equality. I believe that the creation account is the culmination of millions of years of evolution. Scientific evidence points towards evolution as the origin of our species, but that in and of itself does not by any stretch of the imagination rule out the existence and intervention of a divine being. On the contrary, it conjures the image of a God that is far more intelligent than we can even comprehend. The Bible states clearly that God created mankind in his image, however in all the years I’ve been reading and studying I have never found a recipe with which to create mankind. Scripture states that God created us out of dust and clay. It has been theorized that comets and asteroids brought the building blocks of life to this planet, which God must have orchestrated. One of these basic chemicals is carbon, upon which the foundation for all life is laid. God brought life forth from the dust of the earth, that came from space, and slowly molded that life like a sculptor molds clay, into the human form.  If we acknowledge that God is indeed all powerful, then we also realize that with that power comes the ability to do ANYTHING. Is it too far fetched to believe that he worked within the confines of the natural laws that he undoubtedly put in place to create mankind?  By that logic, if God points to a monkey and orders said monkey to evolve, it is indeed going to evolve.

Interpreting Genesis in this light negates the need to see equality spelled out in the words that it is comprised of because equality is implied. Instead we see the emergence of the human species, both male and female, simultaneously.  For scriptural evidence of this fact one need not look further than the verse that reads “in his image he created them, male and female, he created them.”  This verse is found prior to the mentioning of Adam or Eve.  Having said all that, I have to say that any interpretation of the Biblical texts that argues for equality, rather than against it, is an incredibly beautiful thing.

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training. 

 

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

 

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Christian History

A Time Without Schisms AND THE "SCHISMS" CONTINUE… on and on, perhaps as long as the spirit is housed in a human body, or leaves hang on the limbs of a tree, but for sure, as long as the ego is in control of man's soul. My family came to what is now the United States in the middle 1700's.  Family oral tradition passed on stories of priest within my mother's family that broke with the Catholic church over the requirement of celibacy, but also over the political control that had replaced sincere spiritual matters.  They settled outside of Philadelphia (in Reading, Pa.) and organized the first Lutheran church and later other Lutheran churches in North Carolina and Tennessee.  As former priest, they were educated and wanted an education for their children in the new world, so they went in search in their new communities, for good teachers, as well as building new churches.  However, when two brothers moved south and married two Methodist sister (who were teachers), the family faith would have their own schisms. Again like the Eastern and Western Catholic church they would split.  Those in the North remained true to the original Lutheran believes and the two moving to the South gave way toward the Methodist faith.  Of course like myself these Methodist children would marry and the schisms of faith would continue, some believing one must have his head and body dipped under the water and other believing just a few symbolic sprinkles for cleaning was enough to show the world you had made a commitment of faith to God. Being highly developed in my right hemisphere I was not one to follow the minister or my parents when told "to do as I say for I know best."  If they all believed in the same God, how could they all be right, I questioned.  I loved my family and all the extended families.  However, I could not understand all of the many religious family members who each disliked the other - for sure they had the "one and one only" path to finding God.  Nevertheless, they all agreed on one point. "All Catholics were going to hell! Had not our ancestors risk their lives to come to a new unknown land to flee the evil Catholic Church?  I wasn't allowed to play with Catholics at school or date them in college.  I even dated a Muslim a few times and while my family did not like the idea they were sure if I brought him to church with me he could be converted. But they were equally sure that a Catholic was set in his ways and could not be changed, and thus, he was doomed to hell.   Well, I did date a Catholic even one that was studying to become a priest. (We kept his faith a secret and I did not take him home.) I learned, actually the two of us believed almost the same things.  He did not "buy into" his faith 100's anymore than I did mine.  What I knew foremost, was this guy had a soul of so much love and compassion for mankind that he could love my family even though they could never love him. Thus, I knew too, the part about all Catholics going to hell was not right. Of course the "celebrate priest" rule put limits on our relationship, but the schisms were put aside for a wonderful friendship where we both saw the honoring of Love for God, self, and mankind as equal duty, and if love always came first who need all the other "stuff."  We both felt Jesus himself, and perhaps even the Buddha had came to tell mankind we had our focus too much on the ego and it's need for power and not enough on Love, Compassion and Forgiveness.  Knowing my friend's heart to serve mankind I can see why he may have chosen the path of priest as a career path, but for me that same heart chose a path as a professional student studying psychology, philosophy and religions around the world to help find a reason for all the schisms and a way to live in peace with one another without the schisms.               I have been enrolled in two classes in the History of the Christian faith this semester.  The local class has many elder students like myself seeking answers to "why."  I wonder about my Catholic friend, the priest. Has he studied the whole history behind his church as given in these last lessons, or does he have to remain blind to it to remain Catholic.  I am finding to remain Christian harder and harder after my studies in Christian History, but then again, I have studied most world religions and could not adopted them either. In the study of religion the leaves of faith come in so many colors.  As a child most of the leaves seemed to be green.  As an elder facing the fall season of my life cycle I am finding myself less and less religious but more and more spiritual. Perhaps when the wind comes to snatch me away from the tree and gravity finds me on the ground looking up at the big tree I will finally begin to see it was never about the leaves or me but about the big picture - THE TREE.  In fact, as a creative dreamer I could see this almost as a child, but it often appears religious people know more about facts, rules and power than creative imagination that might allow them to see the whole tree before that final snip of the wind that takes them to look from below the tree and see the whole picture. There is a legend that the American Indian came to know God through the voice of Mother Nature but he allowed the coming of the big white sails (thought to be birds at first) with white men aboard to trick his vision and he gave way to their ways. However, it is predicted that a time will come when the native American Indian will remember the ways of his Father and he will teach the white man to return to listen to the voice of Mother Earth and Father Universe. Nothing is possible if mankind cannot dream of it first… Cars instead of buggies, electric lights, phones, computers etc.  If this legend should have any truth within it then I choose to dream of time without schisms….. PEACE.        Rev. L. Francis ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Christian History

Christian History
By Patrick Schwab

The Beginning

Since the beginning of time we have searched the heavens and within ourselves for answers to that which surrounds us. The mysteriousness of it all draws us to seek out answers that seem to be just out of our gasp as we attempt to understand the dawning of our existent. Some of us have come to the belief that religion, as we know it today is of man and in no way that of a God or gods. However from time to time there are those who come forth with an inner knowledge. People who we know as priests, ministers, Shamans, or Holy men and women who have been instrumental in aiding us in finding our way as we journey on our path of trying to understand this thing we call faith. Some of these men and women have touched the world with their beliefs and their understanding of religion. One such man steps out of the pages of our Christian Bible. We will explore Judaism through his eyes within the Laws Of Moses.

His name is Saul as we entry his story. He is a Jew of the Roman colony of Israel. He was known as Saul of Tarsus chief persecutor of the early Christians.

Shortly after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and his resurrection those who live the Laws of Moses declared war on those who profess Jesus as the messiah. Saul was an enthusiastic member of the Pharisees. A sect within the Jewish faith that promoted purity and fidelity to the Laws of Moses. He meant his means as a tent maker. Saul entries the biblical account as a silent witness to the stoning of Stephen and his blasphemy to the Law. Those who stoned Stephen laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. (Acts 8:1) According to Luke, Saul was not actual member of the Sanhedrin that condemned Stephen. But as a member of the Synagogue he may of taken part in the original dispute, and Luke suggest he gave moral consent to the execution which carried as much as the actual deed itself. After this incident Saul begins to participate in the campaign against Christians. Strange as it may sound the wakes of Moses, of Buddha, of Confucius, gave a greater influences over humanity today, than when these men were pondering over faith and happiness.

After Stephen’s stoning those of the Christians sect of Judaism were dispersed throughout the land. They were homeless and driven from Jerusalem. One of the cities where the Christians came was Damascus. A city today consider to be the oldest in existence as well as the oldest continued inhabited and now the capital of Syria. It was a main trade route between the east and west.

Saul knowing this as his reputation grew, as persecutor of Christians, went to the leaders of the synagogue the Sanhedrin and made a case to go to Damascus and bring the Christians bound to Jerusalem.

Now the Apostles (Greek apostolos [person sent]) were in Damascus. These were who Saul sought as he prepared to go.

Now most likely he was given about 20 men from the synagogue guard and they set off for Damascus. Set in their mission they had no idea what laid ahead. As they came upon a rise overlooking the city a bright light appeared. Saul was knocked down and from the light which none had saw brighter a voice came

(Acts 9: 4-9 KJV) 4. and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul why persecute thou me.

5. and he said who art thou Lord? And the Lord said I am Jesus who thou persecuted; it is hard for thee to kick against the picks.

6. and he trembling and astonished said Lord, what wilt thou have me do? And the Lord said unto him, arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

7. and the men, which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one.

8. and Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were open he saw no man; but they led him by the hand and brought him to Damascus.

9. and he was three days without sight and neither did eat or drink.

Within Damascus was a certain follower of Christ named Ananias. Ananias was a common man and when the Lord in a vision called Ananias, Behold I am the Lord (acts 9:10)

(Acts 9:11-15) [Paraphrased] arise and go to the street, which is called Straight. Now this street was like any street in our cities of the world today where the wine women and desires were plenty. One of those streets where if you wanted it and asked no question for a price it was yours. Ananias wasn’t sure of what he heard let alone of what was to come. The Lord spoke saying Ananias I want you to go to the house of Judas for one called Saul, of tarsus; for behold he prays. He knows from a vision you are coming and you shall lay hands on him and restore his sight.

Ananias wasn’t sure of what he heard. “Lord I have heard of this man how must evil he has brought against the saints in Jerusalem. I know that he has authority to bound all who call upon your name.”

The Lord spoke again to him: Go thy way; for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings; and the children of Israel.

Now in the story of Saul, Ananias is overlooked and cast aside in Paul’s shadow. Yet he played a very important part in what was to become the beginning of the church and spread of Christianity. Ananias was the link from the bright light on the road overlooking Damascus and the journeys to Asia Minor, Greece and into Rome.

Ananias interpreter the experience Saul had happen to him. It was he who translated the blinding light and the directions and duties, which were to come to Saul. He was far a lesser man in terms of worldwide happing but throughout our history a lesser one has launched the greater one. Who in the long run can actually say who is the lesser or the greater?

So reluctantly Ananias went to Straight Street and found the house of Judas. As the story goes he laid hands on Saul and scales fill from his eyes (Acts 9: 18). Then Saul arose and Ananias baptized him. As Saul received food and gained strength he spent days with the disciples.

The other disciples were persecuted men by the Jewish faith. Considered a sect to be destroyed. For they preached this new Messiah message of forgiveness and faith. Interesting is the fact that the Jews believed that Jesus wasn’t the messiah for they expected a warrior like god to lead them out of the roman rule. Now from the very seem ones, who persecuted them, comes into their life a man they all knew to be an enemy of their faith let alone each of them.

So Ananias introduction to them and Saul’s story of his conversion fell on deaf ears. Plus there is some conflict in Saul’s account and that of Luke in Acts.

First lets look at how Saul became Paul. Most likely Saul was his Jewish name and Paul was the name of his Roman citizenship. His Roman citizenship most likely came by mercenary services of his family within the roman army in one or more wars of the empire.

So for his own protection of the persecution he was under with the Jews as well as those of the Christian faith he took on his Roman name for it offered him protection under Roman law.

Paul in Gal. 1:17 claims that right after his conversion he went away to Arabia. But Luke’s account in Acts is historically interesting that he went to the synagogues and immediately proclaimed Jesus. Even tho if the authorities in Damascus had authority to hand over Christians to an emissary from Jerusalem most likely they would of not let him preach the faith they persecuted.

Paul as well had physical handicaps and spiritual weakness. It is not the vessel that counts but the contents, which it holds. The vessels may crack; leak, and sometimes breaks and Paul’s handicaps seem to work against him in his new ministry. Paul as well wasn’t an eloquent speaker either as he struggled to proclaim his message. Yet these very things became his greatest strength.

Of course the first obstacle he had to overcome was his past. All those who knew him or of him held this against him. Just like today when we do wrong no one forgets and when we do right no one remembers. Just a few days before he was the Christians greatest enemy. Then as now it was know a leopard does not change his spots. Nor does a man or women change overnight.

Because of all this the Jews of Damascus plotted to do away with him. Paul having a few faithful friends among the disciples in Damascus and know this managed to get him safely out of the city. His first attempt to preach was a total failure. No one believed him because they knew his past. From Damascus he went to Jerusalem. He found that Jesus new vessel when he found the disciples there did not open their arms for him. For they had not forgotten Stephen and Paul’s part in his stoning for they believed him to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Paul knew all of this, and the Jews watched the gates of Damascus day and night waiting to kill him. So with a few faithful follows they lower him over the wall in a basket and he escaped their gasp and went to Jerusalem. Acts 9:25

We will end here and pick up the story in Jerusalem.

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