What makes Paul the best character witness of Christ

There is nothing like that feeling when a hater turns into a fan. 

I’ve often found that critics tend to be rigorous in character. They don’t let anything slide. They are thorough when examining claims and relentless when questioning statements. Nothing gets past them easily. You must avoid contradicting yourself. Use practical examples where necessary. Make sure your facts and evidence align. Consistency is essential, and if you don’t practice what you preach, you might as well not speak at all. 

Critics often carry a natural zeal. They ask the right questions and tend to see the weaknesses in structures, systems and even humanity itself. It’s easy to assume they are simply negative or quick to point out flaws. In reality, however, they are often calling for higher standards, reassessing what is broken, stripping away sugar coating, and confronting harsh realities and truths that many people are not ready to face. 

Before becoming the apostle who would help shape the New Testament, Paul the Apostle was known as Saul of Tarsus. He was a devout Pharisee, a Roman citizen and a zealous persecutor of the early Christian church. Having studied under the rabbi Gamaliel in Jerusalem, Paul actively sought to destroy the church, imprisoning Christians and opposing the message of Jesus Christ.

When studying Paul’s archetype, he seems like the last person you would expect to become a follower of Jesus Christ. Persecution involves ridiculing, mocking, interrogating, imprisoning and even killing those who hold opposing beliefs. Paul was so convinced that Christians were wrong that he approved the stoning of Saint Stephen (Acts 7:58). He went from house to house seeking to destroy the church.

They say the truth is learned, never told. 

Human beings carry natural biases when deciding what to believe. We are often sceptical of those who have never wrestled with doubt, assuming they have not been tested and may be blinded by familiarity. If something is all a person has ever known, we question whether they have truly examined it. We instinctively look for tension, trials and transformation before accepting someone’s testimony as credible. For critics, a simple “just because” is never enough.

What makes Paul the Apostle such a compelling figure is that he began at the opposite end of the spectrum. He had no social, religious or personal incentive to join the Christian movement. In fact, his background as a Pharisee, trained under Gamaliel, positioned him firmly against it

According to his testimony, his transformation came through a direct encounter with the risen Christ. It was not the result of debate, witnessing miracles, persuasion or gradual reasoning but a personal and life-altering experience. What began as hostility became devotion. The persecutor became the preacher. The opponent became one of the most influential voices in Christianity. 

There is a certain beauty in beginning as an opponent. Observing those who criticise Christ and Christianity, I notice a deep frustration with human behaviour and the way reality has been set up. Critics can be harsh, driven by their expectations of how things should be. They see all the loopholes in human behaviour, are quick to ridicule those who try and fail, spot contradictions, point out hypocrisy, ask difficult questions, and assess whether actions align with words. When channelled correctly, what opposition often accomplishes - without realising it- is the indirect raising of standards. Critics can organise, create structure, ensure nothing is neglected, and hold people accountable.

In a similar way, Paul’s ministry demonstrates the transformative potential of opposition. He established key doctrines on grace, faith, and salvation while addressing practical issues in young churches. His letters were written to specific communities to resolve controversies, guide conduct, provide encouragement, and correct misunderstandings. By doing so, he created a lasting framework for Christian belief, promoting a unified message across diverse communities, particularly regarding the inclusion of Gentiles. Once a formidable opponent, he transformed into a passionate defender of the faith.

What makes Paul the best character witness of Christ? He began as a fierce opponent - a hater turned fan. Convincing someone like that is no small feat. Interestingly, most music artists are always trying to convert haters into fans. Critics aren’t easily impressed, so winning them over shows you’re doing something right.

C O N S I D E R . . .

Mind -  In what ways do your own biases shape which voices or perspectives you trust? 

Body - How might changing your mindset or beliefs lead to tangible changes in your habits or lifestyle?

Soul - How are you using your gifts and calling to contribute meaningfully to the world around you?