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2 Timothy 1:1
In 2 Timothy 1:1 the Apostle Paul identifies himself as the originator of this letter to Timothy. He declares that his apostleship is “by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:1, NKJV). This is such a true statement as it was not Paul, or should we say Saul, that made the decision to be an apostle of Jesus, but by the grace of God as Jesus called Paul to minister to the Gentiles. Paul, at the time of his conversion was called Saul, and this is recorded in Acts 9. When Jesus sent Ananias to Saul so that he may receive his sight after he was blinded by the light from heaven (Acts 9:3, 10–12), He declared in Acts 9:15, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.”
This is a promise of the apostleship of Paul being that of God’s calling on his life through Christ Jesus.
After Saul’s encounter with Jesus, he was left blind for three days and he ate nor drank anything (Acts 9:9) while being blind. He simply spent three days in prayer during which he saw visions from God (Acts 9:11–12). I believe it was this time, while being blinded, that God gave Saul/Paul all the information that he would then preach.
After the resurrection of Jesus, He appeared to His disciples and opened their ability to understand the Scriptures. In Luke 24:45 the Bible teaches, “And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.” I believe it was this same opening of Saul/Paul’s understanding that took place during the three days while he was blind.
Dear LORD,
Please help us to learn from the teachings of the Apostle Paul as it is teachings that are given to him directly from You. Please give us the understanding to grasp these lessons so that we may grow in our relationships with You through Christ Jesus and fulfill Your callings on our lives. In Jesus name I pray, amen.