Paul was miraculously reconciled to God by Jesus post-resurrection. That isn't typical.
He was then specifically set-apart with Barnabas, by God, to do a specific work. Atypical as well.
He even received strange visions, one of a Macedonian man calling out to him for help. Standard? Not sure.
Many factors shaped Paul's journey: Gods specific ordination (Acts 13:2), need (Acts 27:3), time (Romans 13:11-12), location (Acts 17:1-2), finance (Philip. 4:14-16), vision (Acts 16:6-10), circumstance (2 Cor. 6:3-10), division (Acts 15:36-41), etc...
Yet the narratives above aren't prescriptive for all believers. Luke simply describes the role of Paul in the spreading of the church as appointed by God. We are all most definitely ambassadors of the Kingdom, yet each one of us is not appointed to live out a Pauline story.
Yet the narratives above aren't prescriptive for all believers. Luke simply describes the role of Paul in the spreading of the church as appointed by God. We are all most definitely ambassadors of the Kingdom, yet each one of us is not appointed to live out a Pauline story.
So while Paul may have been called by God to a specific place here or there, think of the general mass of believers who are called to love and worship and serve out of their homes, in their neighborhoods, as mechanics and CEO's.
There are many spiritual Patriarchs of our faith...and many more bodies of believers:
1 Moses / millions of Israelites
1 David / millions of Jews
1 Peter / 3000 nameless converts heading home
1 Paul / thousands in church plants
Clearly He calls some to specific roles in time and space. Since you nor I know who will be appointed where and when: pray, live open-eyed to His workings in your life, be active with your gifts, love your neighbor, wisely and humbly plan for the future, beware of reading the shapes of the clouds looking the right sign to move here or there.
God does have your days numbered. He is God omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient. He knows your every step. He also knows that you and I are imperfect. Don't focus on the missed opportunities and failures...focus on being like-Christ here and now.
You have a story. It will not be Paul's. What is it?
There are many spiritual Patriarchs of our faith...and many more bodies of believers:
1 Moses / millions of Israelites
1 David / millions of Jews
1 Peter / 3000 nameless converts heading home
1 Paul / thousands in church plants
Clearly He calls some to specific roles in time and space. Since you nor I know who will be appointed where and when: pray, live open-eyed to His workings in your life, be active with your gifts, love your neighbor, wisely and humbly plan for the future, beware of reading the shapes of the clouds looking the right sign to move here or there.
God does have your days numbered. He is God omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient. He knows your every step. He also knows that you and I are imperfect. Don't focus on the missed opportunities and failures...focus on being like-Christ here and now.
You have a story. It will not be Paul's. What is it?