average mind a miracle. Saul of Tarsus was a devoted
student and observer of the law, a strict Pharisee. We find no
intimation that he ever met or saw Jesus during the Lord's life in the
flesh; and his contact with the Christian movement appears to have been
brought about through disputation with Stephen. In determining what he
would call right and what wrong the young enthusiast was guided too much
by mind and too little by heart. His learning, which should have been
his servant, was instead his master. He was a leading spirit in the
cruel persecution of the first converts to Christianity; yet none can
doubt his belief that even in such he was rendering service to Jehovah
(compare John 16:2). His unusual energy and superb ability were
misdirected. As soon as he realized the error of his course, he turned
about, without counting risk, cost, or the certainty of persecution and
probable martyrdom. His repentance was as genuine as had been his
persecuting zeal. All through his ministry he was tortured by the past
(Acts 22:4, 19, 20; 1 Cor. 15:9; 2 Cor. 12:7; Gal. 1:13); yet he found a
measure of relief in the knowledge that he had acted in good conscience
(Acts 26:9-11). It was "hard for him to kick against the pricks"
(revised version "goad," Acts 9:5; 26:14) of tradition, training, and
education; yet he hesitated not. He was a chosen instrument for the work
of the Lord (Acts 9:15); and promptly he responded to the Master's will.
Whatever of error Saul of Tarsus had committed through youthful zeal,
Paul the apostle gave his all--his time, talent, and life--to expiate.
He was preeminently the Lord's apostle to the Gentiles; and this opening
of the doors to others than Jews was the main contention between himself
and Stephen. In accordance with the divine and fateful purpose, Paul was
called to do the work, in opposition to which he had been a participant
in the martyrdom of Stephen. At the Lord's word of direction Paul was
ready to preach Christ to the Gentiles; only by a miracle could the
Jewish exclusiveness of Peter and the Church generally be overcome (Acts
10; and 11:1-18).

5. Rapid Growth of the Primitive Church.--Eusebius, who wrote in the
early part of the fourth century, speaking of the first decade after the
Savior's ascension, says: "Thus, then, under a celestial influence and
cooperation, the doctrine of the Savior, like the rays of the sun,
quickly irradiated the whole world. Presently, in accordance with div