Paul, at least in his Epistle to the Galatians, his autobiography there, tells how he “met” the Lord Jesus Christ, how the Saviour was “revealed” to him (how he was “saved”) … “that he might preach Him (Jesus) among the heathen.”
Here’s this clause in a bit of context. “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, THAT I MIGHT PREACH HIM AMONG THE HEATHEN (GENTILES); immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood. Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but …” Galatians 1:15-17
The astounding thing to me is that it appears Paul was “called” to preach … almost immediately after his “conversion!” I am not saying Paul began a full-fledged ministry with no time of preparation and maturity. Not at all! He was taught of God several years (seems to me) before launching into “fill-time” evangelization! But we will learn of that tomorrow, Lord willing.
In fact, only three days into Paul’s Christian life, a godly man named Ananias was commissioned of God to go tell Paul some things. Let’s read that account: “And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, and hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto 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 …” Acts 9:10-15, that is, “to preach!”
And preach Paul did, again … without delay!
“And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. AND STRAITWAY HE PREACHED CHRIST in the synagogues, THAT HE IS THE SON OF GOD.” Acts 9:17-20
“Called” to preach?
Yes, a heavy and assured belief that God is asking, urging one to be His servant, to declare the Scriptures! (And yes, many have rejected that Call, to their own loss! But, praise God, many have not!)
A Call, to proclaim The Word!
In fact, even stronger than that!
In Paul’s life anyway, it became a “necessity!”
Read it. 1 Corinthians 9:16 … “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for NECESSITY is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” Wow!
And what did Paul “think” of this “call to preach?”
“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.” 1 Timothy 1:14, forever grateful for that “call!”
This is the man who later wrote, partly quoting Isaiah the Prophet … “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that PREACH the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:13-16, beautiful!
Hallelujah!
Have you heard?
He is STILL calling Preachers!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell