“…as obedient children, do not conform yourselves to your former lusts…but as He who called you is holy, you also BE HOLY IN ALL YOUR 1CONDUCT, because it is written, “BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.” (1 Peter 1:13-16) 1anastrophē: way of life, behavior. Paul talked about his unholy conduct before he got saved, “You have heard of my previous way of life…With all my strength I ATTACKED THE CHURCH OF GOD. I TRIED TO DESTROY IT.” (Gal. 1:13) Before his conversion Paul’s zeal for Judaism was so great that HE VIOLENTLY PERSECUTED THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH as a Jewish heresy. Beyond this, Paul was highly educated in the traditions of Judaism. According to (Acts 22:3)
Paul said, “I PERSECUTED THE FOLLOWERS OF THIS WAY TO THEIR DEATH…traveled to Damascus…went there to bring…Christians…to Jerusalem to be punished…About…near Damascus, a “bright light” from heaven flashed around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’ “‘Who are you, Lord?’ I asked. “‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting…What shall I do, Lord?’ I asked. “‘Get up, and go into Damascus. There you will be told ALL that you have been assigned to do.” (Acts 22:4-8, 10) Paul was blinded by the “bright light” so God sent Ananias to pray for Paul’s, eyes to be opened and PAUL BEGAN HIS POWERFUL MINISTRY.
-Bill Stockham