There’s a deep learning for us from Paul’s life as we look at the repeated descriptions of his encounter with Jesus and his estimation of his importance in light of grace.
A. Paul’s Testimonies:
Increasing Intensity of the Light
- Acts 9:3 (Luke’s narrative of the event)
“…suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.”
Initial description: a light. - Acts 22:6 (Paul before the Jews)
“About noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me.”
Now described as a great light, and at noon (when natural light is strongest). - Acts 26:13 (Paul before King Agrippa)
“At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me…”
Intensified: brighter than the sun at midday.
Takeaway:
The glory of Christ’s appearing becomes increasingly vivid as Paul retells it, mirroring his deepening understanding of Christ’s majesty.
B. Paul’s Self-Descriptions:
Decreasing Estimation of Himself
- 1 Corinthians 15:9 (written AD 55)
“For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle…”
Compared to apostles: least. - Ephesians 3:8 (written AD 60–62)
“To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given…”
Compared to saints: less than the least. - 1 Timothy 1:15 (written AD 63-65)
“…Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost [chief].”
Compared to sinners: first, chief. Takeaway:
The closer Paul walked with Christ, the more acutely he saw his own sinfulness. This humility grows over time.
As the light of Christ’s glory grew brighter in Paul’s remembrance, his self-assessment grew lower.
This is the paradox of Christian maturity: More of Christ = Less of me.
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30