New Testament Description
Within the New Testament, Paul's conversion experience is discussed in both Paul's own letters and in the book known by the title Acts of the Apostles. According to both sources, Paul was never a follower of Jesus nor knew him before Jesus's crucifixion; instead he persecuted the early Christians. Although Paul refers to himself as an "Apostle" of Jesus, it is clear that Paul was not one of "The Twelve" apostles. Paul's conversion occurred after Jesus's crucifixion, and the accounts of Paul's conversion experience describe it as miraculous, supernatural, or otherwise revelatory in nature. The author and theologian the late John Stott is of the opinion that Paul's conversion was gradual, and that the Damascene Road experience was the climax of his conversion. Stott bases this theory on Acts 26:14: "...it is hard for you to kick against the ox goads" (Greek). The inference is that God had pricked Paul's conscience at Stephen's execution (and possibly Stephen's trial), and that Paul was in addition troubled and aware that Christ's death and subsequent resurrection was attested by hundreds, fulfilling Old Testament scripture.
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