Why do Christians fall for Paul?

SOCIAL MEDIA QUESTION:

Why do Christians fall for Paul, who openly admitted that he was a liar (Rom 3:7), crafty (2 Cor 12:16), chief of sinners (1 Tim 1:15), a blasphemer (1 Tim 1:13), a murderer (Acts 22:4), preacher of his own gospel (Rom 2:16) who never even met Jesus?

MY REPLY:

Paul, like every one of us, is a sinner. His self-admitted flaws—being a persecutor of Christians (Acts 22:4), a blasphemer (1 Timothy 1:13), and the "chief of sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15)—highlight the universal truth that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory (Romans 3:23, KJV). Even Peter, James, and John were not without sin. Peter, for instance, denied the Lord three times (Luke 22:61-62), yet millions 'fall for Peter' as a saint. Despite these shortcomings, God’s grace transformed their lives and used them mightily for His purposes. Similarly, Paul’s violations you mention are no different from those of any of us. We are all in the same boat as sinners needing a Savior, and Paul’s transformation, as the ‘worst’ of us, underscores the boundless mercy and grace of God (2 Corinthians 12:9, KJV).

Just as the 12 apostles were divinely called, Paul was also chosen by the risen and glorified Lord for a unique ministry to the Gentiles. The Lord Himself declared, "He is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel" (Acts 9:15, KJV). This calling is critical to understanding Paul’s role in God’s plan. The 12 apostles focused on ministering to Israel, but Paul’s mission was to bring a new message of grace to the Gentiles. He described this role in Romans 11:13 (KJV): "For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office." Christians turn to Paul because he was used by the Lord to deliver this doctrine of grace, faith, and hope—a message that is life-changing and vital for salvation.

Paul emphasized that salvation is by grace through faith and not by works, as he wrote in Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV): "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." This doctrine is central to the Christian faith and provides hope for those who feel weighed down by the burden of sin. Furthermore, without Paul’s ministry and teachings, the Gentile world would remain without hope, without salvation, and without God in this world, (Ephesians 2:12, KJV).

Paul also modeled humility and unwavering commitment to spreading the gospel. He often acknowledged his weaknesses, allowing God’s power to shine through him (2 Corinthians 12:9, KJV). His life is a powerful example of transformation and redemption, and his writings continue to guide and inspire believers. He urged Christians to follow his example as he followed Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1, KJV): "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." His perseverance in the face of persecution, as seen in 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)—"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith"—demonstrates his dedication to the mission God entrusted to him.

To answer the original question: Christians "fall for Paul" not because he was perfect, but because he was a vessel chosen by God to bring the transformative message of Jesus Christ to the world. His teachings about Jesus Christ and the gospel of the cross bridge the gap between sinners and a holy God, offering the hope of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul’s life and ministry are a testament to the power of grace and the truth of the gospel, which continues to resonate with believers to this day. Without Paul’s doctrine of grace, faith, love, and hope, a world in desperate need of the message of Jesus Christ and His cross would be left without guidance or salvation. For these reasons, Paul remains a central figure in Christian faith and practice.