I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.

Ephesians 3:7 – 9

Amazing, indeed.  Paul, the Saul of Tarsus who persecuted the church mercilessly, now leads the believers into a new era where Jews and Gentiles are accepted alike by God.

If ever a man was changed, radically, Paul is that man.  God so changed him that he became key in welcoming both Jews and Gentiles into the Body of Christ.  This, incidentally, put Paul at odds with the leaders of the Jews.

Personally, coming to Jesus changed me through and through, yet Paul’s transformation is unparalleled.  As all believers, we had Paul as an example that astounded us. If he can change like that, I can as well!  Allow Jesus to remake me!  Always.

Paul cites what happened to him as a mystery.  He could never imagine loving Gentiles, now he loves them as he loves Jews, as God does.  Mystery of mysteries.

As I look back at my life as a believer in several cultures, I find myself admiring Paul more and more.  I struggled with opening my heart for all believers, no matter what their background.  Still do, I must admit.  But Paul surely showed the way.