The Inspiration Of Paul

But I ask, have they not heard? Yes, they have: Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world. But again I ask, didn’t Israel understand? First Moses says, “I will make you jealous by those who are not a nation; with a senseless nation I will provoke you to anger.” And Isaiah is even bold enough to say, “I was found by those who did not seek me; I became well known to those who did not ask for me.” But about Israel he says, “All day long I held out my hands to this disobedient and stubborn people!” Romans 10:18-21 NET

Paul draws upon the evocative imagery found in Psalm 19:4, which beautifully states: “Yet its voice echoes throughout the earth; its words carry to the distant horizon. In the sky, He has pitched a tent for the sun.” This passage intricately reveals the magnificent glories of God, not merely in a singular or isolated manner but as a profound demonstration of His omnipresence permeating the vast expanse of creation. A thought-provoking question arises: Have people truly heard the resonant voice of God echoing in the natural world? Does Israel, with all its rich history, covenantal relationship, and heritage, not recognize the clarity and urgency of His divine call? Paul presents this inquiry for deep reflection, confidently providing a poignant answer: “Yes, they have.”

To enrich his message further, Paul references the stirring words of Moses from Deuteronomy 32:21, which poignantly record: “They have made me jealous with false gods, enraging me with their worthless idols; so I will make them jealous with a people they do not recognize; with a nation slow to learn, I will enrage them.” In this decisive moment of scriptural citation, Paul seeks to awaken his people to the gravity of their spiritual condition, urging them to feel the weight of their disobedience and its dire consequences. By evoking a sense of righteous jealousy, he illustrates how God has deliberately turned His attention to a Gentile nation—one that lacks both a historical and covenantal relationship with Him—to showcase that His divine mission can flourish beyond the confines of Israel’s expectations and biases. God is not constrained by human limitations or traditional boundaries; He passionately desires Israel’s engagement and active participation in His unfolding plan for humanity, yet He is fully capable of executing His sovereign will independently of their involvement.

Moreover, Paul once again references a powerful scripture that strikes at the heart of his message, aimed at provoking the emotions of his Jewish audience. He cites Isaiah 65:1-2, which reads: “I made myself available to those who did not ask for me; I appeared to those who did not seek me. I said, ‘Here I am! Here I am!’ to a nation that did not invoke my name. I spread out my hands all day long to my rebellious people, who lived in morally unacceptable ways and pursued their own desires with complete disregard for my guidance.”

These passages, while challenging to receive, encapsulate the narrative of God’s enduring patience, long-suffering, and grace towards Israel, even amidst their persistent rebellion and disobedience. Paul’s approach is both direct and unyielding; he confronts his fellow Jews with the stark reality of their spiritual state, calling them to introspection and repentance. His hope is to ignite a profound sense of jealousy within them regarding their estrangement from God. He emphasizes that, despite their failures and waywardness, God has not abandoned His chosen people. Instead, He continues to reach out with open arms, expressing a passionate desire for them to embrace their identity as His elected people—uniquely set apart for the divine purpose of reaching out to others and fulfilling His mission of salvation for the nations. Through this message, Paul aims to inspire a deep reflection and a renewed commitment to their faith, heritage, and the intrinsic value of their relationship with God.

Why does Paul feel the need to pursue this type of communication with the Jews? Namely it is because he is a Jew himself, and is approaching them from familiar territory, from the scriptures they so dearly profess and admire, even though they are not living up to them in ways that God desires. Paul is using their passion to communicate something that they will understand, and hopefully take to heart to change their lives for the better. This type of approach in Christian apologetics is effective in evoking an emotional response. Still, it depends upon the Spirit of God to reach the deeper recesses of the mind to evoke change or revelation in the soul. 

We can draw profound insights from Paul’s dynamic approach to communicating the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. His method was nothing short of masterful; he adeptly employed scripture not just as a tool, but as a bridge to engage his audience. By weaving together familiar texts with the everyday experiences and cultural contexts of his listeners, Paul created a powerful connection that resonated deeply with them. This unique approach is unmatched in its effectiveness and impact.

Many contemporary preachers strive to replicate Paul’s model of sharing the gospel, yet few have achieved the same transformative results. This might be due in part to Paul's pioneering role as the first evangelist to the Gentiles, a bold endeavor that broke down cultural and religious barriers, allowing the gospel to flourish in diverse communities. Paul not only preached the message of Christ but also took on the vital role of mentor, empowering and equipping a new generation of leaders who shared his vision for reaching the lost.

The Pauline letters—such as Romans, Ephesians, Corinthians, and Galatians—are treasures of theological richness, revealing Paul’s deep understanding of the character of Christ. Through his writings, Paul deftly illustrates how the Old Testament unveils God’s overarching redemptive plan through the law and prophetic messages, ultimately leading to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Moreover, scholars have proposed that Paul may have utilized an amanuensis, or secretary, especially during his challenging periods of incarceration. This individual would have transcribed Paul’s dictated thoughts and helped shape them into eloquent and cohesive letters, specifically tailored to address the needs and concerns of various church communities. The possibility of this collaborative effort highlights not only Paul’s ingenuity but also the urgency and importance of his message during times of personal struggle.

Regardless of the truth of the amanuensis theory, there’s no denying that Paul’s writings continue to inspire, challenge, and guide countless individuals on their spiritual journeys. Through these profound texts, believers are invited to explore the boundless depths of Christ’s message, enriching their faith and understanding in ways that open new avenues of spiritual growth.

Stephen Barnett