Does Paul Deserve Our Trust?

That's important to know whether Paul That's important to know whether Paul tells the truth or not. So h is there a tells the truth or not. So h is there a tells the truth or not. So h is there a way way way to know he's speaking the truth? That's to know he's speaking the truth? That's to know he's speaking the truth? That's the issue. That's what the seminar is the issue. That's what the seminar is the issue. That's what the seminar is about. Well, how does Paul argue for his about. Well, how does Paul argue for his about. Well, how does Paul argue for his credibility as a spokesman for the credibility as a spokesman for the credibility as a spokesman for the living God? [music] Paul is not living God? [music] Paul is not living God? [music] Paul is not oblivious to the problem. oblivious to the problem. oblivious to the problem. And in Galatians [music] And in Galatians [music] And in Galatians [music] 1, he undertakes to say something which 1, he undertakes to say something which 1, he undertakes to say something which sounds like he's trying to help the sounds like he's trying to help the sounds like he's trying to help the Galatians [music] Galatians [music] Galatians [music] credit his testimony. credit his testimony. credit his testimony. It's a given that there are people whose It's a given that there are people whose It's a given that there are people whose words carry weight because we've come to words carry weight because we've come to words carry weight because we've come to trust them. But trust isn't automatic, trust them. But trust isn't automatic, trust them. But trust isn't automatic, is it? I'm your host, Dan Kruever. In is it? I'm your host, Dan Kruever. In is it? I'm your host, Dan Kruever. In this episode of Light and Truth, John this episode of Light and Truth, John this episode of Light and Truth, John Piper looks at how Paul answered the Piper looks at how Paul answered the Piper looks at how Paul answered the question, "Why should anyone [music] question, "Why should anyone [music] question, "Why should anyone [music] believe what he's saying?" The seminar believe what he's saying?" The seminar believe what he's saying?" The seminar was originally delivered at Bethlehem was originally delivered at Bethlehem was originally delivered at Bethlehem Baptist Church in [music] September of Baptist Church in [music] September of Baptist Church in [music] September of 2001.

How can we justify the claim that the How can we justify the claim that the Bible makes for itself Bible makes for itself Bible makes for itself and credit the inspiration, inherency, and credit the inspiration, inherency, and credit the inspiration, inherency, and authority of all the books of the and authority of all the books of the and authority of all the books of the Bible? I'm going to talk first about Bible? I'm going to talk first about Bible? I'm going to talk first about Paul's Paul's Paul's testimony and how we credit Paul. So, testimony and how we credit Paul. So, testimony and how we credit Paul. So, this is kind of a historical argument this is kind of a historical argument this is kind of a historical argument and the other one will be a more and the other one will be a more and the other one will be a more theological spiritual kind of approach. theological spiritual kind of approach. theological spiritual kind of approach. Why do we want to credit Paul's Why do we want to credit Paul's Why do we want to credit Paul's testimony? So, here we are trying to to testimony? So, here we are trying to to testimony? So, here we are trying to to find historical warrant for crediting find historical warrant for crediting find historical warrant for crediting Paul's testimony. Why? Why should we Paul's testimony. Why? Why should we Paul's testimony. Why? Why should we care? care? care? Well, he claimed to write with words Well, he claimed to write with words Well, he claimed to write with words taught by the spirit. We saw this last taught by the spirit. We saw this last taught by the spirit. We saw this last night. 1 Corinthians 2:12. night. 1 Corinthians 2:12. night. 1 Corinthians 2:12. We've received not the spirit of the We've received not the spirit of the We've received not the spirit of the world, but the spirit who is from God, world, but the spirit who is from God, world, but the spirit who is from God, that we might know the things freely that we might know the things freely that we might know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also given to us by God, which things we also given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human speak, not in words taught by human speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the wisdom, but in those taught by the wisdom, but in those taught by the spirit, combining spiritual thoughts spirit, combining spiritual thoughts spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words, or interpreting with spiritual words, or interpreting with spiritual words, or interpreting spiritual things to spiritual people.

spiritual things to spiritual people. spiritual things to spiritual people. But a natural man does not accept the But a natural man does not accept the But a natural man does not accept the things of the spirit of God. things of the spirit of God. things of the spirit of God. We'll say more about that in a minute in We'll say more about that in a minute in We'll say more about that in a minute in another place. But he teaches in words another place. But he teaches in words another place. But he teaches in words taught by the spirit. That's true. We taught by the spirit. That's true. We taught by the spirit. That's true. We want to know it. So how do we credit want to know it. So how do we credit want to know it. So how do we credit whether it's true? whether it's true? whether it's true? He said that the Old Testament He said that the Old Testament He said that the Old Testament scriptures were inspired and profitable. scriptures were inspired and profitable. scriptures were inspired and profitable. We saw that in 2 Timothy 3:16. So we We saw that in 2 Timothy 3:16. So we We saw that in 2 Timothy 3:16. So we want to know if uh that's true because want to know if uh that's true because want to know if uh that's true because that'll undergird our confidence in the that'll undergird our confidence in the that'll undergird our confidence in the Old Testament. He made stunning claims Old Testament. He made stunning claims Old Testament. He made stunning claims about the universal authority of Jesus. about the universal authority of Jesus. about the universal authority of Jesus. Although he existed in the form of God, Although he existed in the form of God, Although he existed in the form of God, did he not regard equality with God a did he not regard equality with God a did he not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped? Equality with God, thing to be grasped? Equality with God, thing to be grasped? Equality with God, this Jesus before he was born, but this Jesus before he was born, but this Jesus before he was born, but emptied himself, taking the form of a emptied himself, taking the form of a emptied himself, taking the form of a bondervant. bondervant. bondervant. Therefore also God highly exalted him, Therefore also God highly exalted him, Therefore also God highly exalted him, bestowed on him a name that is above bestowed on him a name that is above bestowed on him a name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every name, that at the name of Jesus every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow. So if these every knee should bow. So if these every knee should bow. So if these things are true, I want to know because things are true, I want to know because things are true, I want to know because my whole history and life hangs on my whole history and life hangs on my whole history and life hangs on whether that's true about Jesus. Every whether that's true about Jesus. Every whether that's true about Jesus. Every knee is going to bow to him either knee is going to bow to him either knee is going to bow to him either willingly or unwillingly. He was in the willingly or unwillingly. He was in the willingly or unwillingly. He was in the form of God before he came to earth. He form of God before he came to earth. He form of God before he came to earth. He came to earth. He became obedient. He came to earth. He became obedient. He came to earth. He became obedient. He died to death. God exalted him. Those died to death. God exalted him. Those died to death. God exalted him. Those are spectacular claims that this man is are spectacular claims that this man is are spectacular claims that this man is making. Does he speak the truth?

for by him all things were created. So for by him all things were created. So he's creator. He's your creator. He made he's creator. He's your creator. He made he's creator. He's your creator. He made you. Would you want to know that true or you. Would you want to know that true or you. Would you want to know that true or not? If somebody made you not? If somebody made you not? If somebody made you and you're not a a collection of energy and you're not a a collection of energy and you're not a a collection of energy and chemical plus time, but a person and chemical plus time, but a person and chemical plus time, but a person made you the way you make a pie only made you the way you make a pie only made you the way you make a pie only more amazing because he did it with less more amazing because he did it with less more amazing because he did it with less to work with like nothing to work with like nothing to work with like nothing when he created your soul. [snorts] when he created your soul. [snorts] when he created your soul. [snorts] That's an important thing to find out. That's an important thing to find out. That's an important thing to find out. Visible and invisible, whether thrones Visible and invisible, whether thrones Visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. or dominions or rulers or authorities. or dominions or rulers or authorities. He made all that. He made Bin Laden. He He made all that. He made Bin Laden. He He made all that. He made Bin Laden. He made made made everybody. All these all things have everybody. All these all things have everybody. All these all things have been created by him and for him. For been created by him and for him. For been created by him and for him. For him. Wouldn't you want to know what him. Wouldn't you want to know what him. Wouldn't you want to know what everything is for? everything is for? everything is for? Everything is for. Boy, that would give Everything is for. Boy, that would give Everything is for. Boy, that would give some unity to your life. and get some some unity to your life. and get some some unity to your life. and get some direction to your labors in life. If you direction to your labors in life. If you direction to your labors in life. If you know what everything is for, what's milk know what everything is for, what's milk know what everything is for, what's milk for and pizza for and air conditioners for and pizza for and air conditioners for and pizza for and air conditioners for and cars are for and business is for for and cars are for and business is for for and cars are for and business is for and media is for and TV's for and sex is and media is for and TV's for and sex is and media is for and TV's for and sex is for and money is for. What's it for?

for and money is for. What's it for? for and money is for. What's it for? Answer, if he's right, Jesus. Everything is for Jesus. Everything is for Jesus. If that's true, changes everything. We If that's true, changes everything. We If that's true, changes everything. We got to know if this is true. got to know if this is true. got to know if this is true. or not. I mean, I've staked my whole or not. I mean, I've staked my whole or not. I mean, I've staked my whole life. What a fool I've been. life. What a fool I've been. life. What a fool I've been. Get up here in this pulpit week after Get up here in this pulpit week after Get up here in this pulpit week after week declaring with all my might that week declaring with all my might that week declaring with all my might that these things are so. these things are so. these things are so. If they're not so. He is before all things. In him all He is before all things. In him all things hold together. Would if you were things hold together. Would if you were things hold together. Would if you were a physicist, wouldn't you want to know a physicist, wouldn't you want to know a physicist, wouldn't you want to know that that that the molecules hold together? Weather the molecules hold together? Weather the molecules hold together? Weather systems hold together. Galaxies hold systems hold together. Galaxies hold systems hold together. Galaxies hold together. Solar systems hold together. together. Solar systems hold together. together. Solar systems hold together. The sea stays in its place and the The sea stays in its place and the The sea stays in its place and the mountains stay in their place because of mountains stay in their place because of mountains stay in their place because of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. He is also the head of the body, the He is also the head of the body, the He is also the head of the body, the church. If you're a Christian, you church. If you're a Christian, you church. If you're a Christian, you belong to the church. You'd want to know belong to the church. You'd want to know belong to the church. You'd want to know that.

Colossians 2:9, in him all the fullness Colossians 2:9, in him all the fullness of deity dwells in bodily form. Now, so that's why it's important. Now, so that's why it's important. It just didn't get any more important. It just didn't get any more important. It just didn't get any more important. That's important to know whether Paul That's important to know whether Paul That's important to know whether Paul tells the truth or not. So, how is there tells the truth or not. So, how is there tells the truth or not. So, how is there a way a way a way to know he's speaking the truth? That's to know he's speaking the truth? That's to know he's speaking the truth? That's the issue. That's what the seminar is the issue. That's what the seminar is the issue. That's what the seminar is about. Well, how does Paul argue for his Well, how does Paul argue for his credibility as a spokesman for the credibility as a spokesman for the credibility as a spokesman for the living God? Paul is not oblivious to the living God? Paul is not oblivious to the living God? Paul is not oblivious to the problem. And in Galatians 1, problem. And in Galatians 1, problem. And in Galatians 1, he undertakes to say something which he undertakes to say something which he undertakes to say something which sounds like he's trying to help the sounds like he's trying to help the sounds like he's trying to help the Galatians credit his testimony. Galatians credit his testimony. Galatians credit his testimony. So he put yourself now in the Galatians So he put yourself now in the Galatians So he put yourself now in the Galatians shoes shoes shoes and say we want to know can this man be and say we want to know can this man be and say we want to know can this man be trusted. I mean he's a killer. He's a trusted. I mean he's a killer. He's a trusted. I mean he's a killer. He's a murderer. And now he's starting to murderer. And now he's starting to murderer. And now he's starting to preach preach preach some pretty amazing things. So here's some pretty amazing things. So here's some pretty amazing things. So here's the way he argues. We have to decide is the way he argues. We have to decide is the way he argues. We have to decide is this true or not. For I would have you this true or not. For I would have you this true or not. For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which know, brethren, that the gospel which know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not was preached by me is not was preached by me is not according to man.

according to man. according to man. These are not just human These are not just human These are not just human words and message you're getting here. words and message you're getting here. words and message you're getting here. For I neither received it from man For I neither received it from man For I neither received it from man nor was I taught it, nor was I taught it, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation but I received it through a revelation but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. So his claim is that of Jesus Christ. So his claim is that of Jesus Christ. So his claim is that these amazing things he says about these amazing things he says about these amazing things he says about Christ in the gospels was not learned by Christ in the gospels was not learned by Christ in the gospels was not learned by ordinary human means but that he ordinary human means but that he ordinary human means but that he received it from Jesus received it from Jesus received it from Jesus Christ as a revelation. And then comes Christ as a revelation. And then comes Christ as a revelation. And then comes this word for which shows you that he this word for which shows you that he this word for which shows you that he cares about giving a ground. If you draw cares about giving a ground. If you draw cares about giving a ground. If you draw a four, you say I say this for I say this and this is the for I say this and this is the foundation of that. You use that kind of language all the You use that kind of language all the time.

The four introduces the basis or the The four introduces the basis or the foundation for I received it as a foundation for I received it as a foundation for I received it as a revelation of Jesus. revelation of Jesus. revelation of Jesus. All right. So what's his argument? All right. So what's his argument? All right. So what's his argument? For For For you have heard you have heard you have heard you have heard of my former manner of you have heard of my former manner of you have heard of my former manner of life life life in Judaism. in Judaism. in Judaism. how I used to persecute the church of how I used to persecute the church of how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy God beyond measure and tried to destroy God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. it. it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond And I was advancing in Judaism beyond And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my many of my contemporaries among my many of my contemporaries among my countrymen being more extremely zealous countrymen being more extremely zealous countrymen being more extremely zealous for my ancestral traditions. Stop right for my ancestral traditions. Stop right for my ancestral traditions. Stop right there. So what he does with his first there. So what he does with his first there. So what he does with his first premise in this argument is to say premise in this argument is to say premise in this argument is to say you have access to knowledge here that you have access to knowledge here that you have access to knowledge here that you know is true. Namely, I was one you know is true. Namely, I was one you know is true. Namely, I was one amazing Pharisee. I was ahead of everybody.

I was ahead of everybody. I was a persecutor. I was advancing. You I was a persecutor. I was advancing. You I was a persecutor. I was advancing. You knew I didn't believe this. Jesus was an knew I didn't believe this. Jesus was an knew I didn't believe this. Jesus was an absolute hoax as far as what I was absolute hoax as far as what I was absolute hoax as far as what I was concerned. I was on my way to Damascus concerned. I was on my way to Damascus concerned. I was on my way to Damascus to put people in jail. I didn't anymore to put people in jail. I didn't anymore to put people in jail. I didn't anymore believe this. And the man in the moon, believe this. And the man in the moon, believe this. And the man in the moon, my conscience was clear. I was doing for my conscience was clear. I was doing for my conscience was clear. I was doing for God what he wanted done, namely to keep God what he wanted done, namely to keep God what he wanted done, namely to keep these pretenders from sweeping Jews into these pretenders from sweeping Jews into these pretenders from sweeping Jews into hell by their false messiahship. Just hell by their false messiahship. Just hell by their false messiahship. Just another one of those crazy rebellious another one of those crazy rebellious another one of those crazy rebellious pretenders that gets the Romans to crash pretenders that gets the Romans to crash pretenders that gets the Romans to crash down on us and make life hard. down on us and make life hard. down on us and make life hard. That's the way I was. You know, that's That's the way I was. You know, that's That's the way I was. You know, that's the way I was. That's premise number the way I was. That's premise number the way I was. That's premise number one. Now, here comes verse 15. one. Now, here comes verse 15. one. Now, here comes verse 15. But But But when he who had set me apart even from when he who had set me apart even from when he who had set me apart even from my mother's womb my mother's womb my mother's womb called me through his grace called me through his grace called me through his grace was pleased to reveal his son to me that was pleased to reveal his son to me that was pleased to reveal his son to me that I might preach him among the Gentiles. I might preach him among the Gentiles. I might preach him among the Gentiles. I did not I did not I did not consult with flesh and blood, consult with flesh and blood, consult with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me.

who were apostles before me. who were apostles before me. I went to Arabia I went to Arabia I went to Arabia and then I returned to Damascus. Then and then I returned to Damascus. Then and then I returned to Damascus. Then three years later, three years later, three years later, I went up to Jerusalem to become I went up to Jerusalem to become I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cphus. and I stayed with acquainted with Cphus. and I stayed with acquainted with Cphus. and I stayed with him 15 days, him 15 days, him 15 days, but I did not see any of the other but I did not see any of the other but I did not see any of the other apostles except James, the Lord's apostles except James, the Lord's apostles except James, the Lord's brother. Then he takes an oath. Now, in brother. Then he takes an oath. Now, in brother. Then he takes an oath. Now, in what I'm writing to you, I assure you what I'm writing to you, I assure you what I'm writing to you, I assure you before God that I am not lying before God that I am not lying before God that I am not lying cuz he sees some possibility there that cuz he sees some possibility there that cuz he sees some possibility there that they'd say, "Oh, you're just making that they'd say, "Oh, you're just making that they'd say, "Oh, you're just making that up." Even though that's credible. He up." Even though that's credible. He up." Even though that's credible. He gave him 15 days. He said, "Chus, you gave him 15 days. He said, "Chus, you gave him 15 days. He said, "Chus, you can go check this out." can go check this out." can go check this out." Then I went into the regions of Syria Then I went into the regions of Syria Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cissia, and I was still unknown by and Cissia, and I was still unknown by and Cissia, and I was still unknown by the sight by sight to the churches of the sight by sight to the churches of the sight by sight to the churches of Judea, Judea, Judea, which are in Christ. But only they kept which are in Christ. But only they kept which are in Christ. But only they kept hearing, "He who once persecuted us is hearing, "He who once persecuted us is hearing, "He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith which he once now preaching the faith which he once now preaching the faith which he once tried to destroy, and they were tried to destroy, and they were tried to destroy, and they were glorifying God because of me."

glorifying God because of me." glorifying God because of me." That's his argument. I was once I was once utterly out and out moving towards the utterly out and out moving towards the utterly out and out moving towards the destruction of Christianity destruction of Christianity destruction of Christianity and advancing in Judaism. and advancing in Judaism. and advancing in Judaism. And now 180 degrees I'm preaching Jesus And now 180 degrees I'm preaching Jesus And now 180 degrees I'm preaching Jesus Christ Christ Christ who appeared to me on the Damascus road. who appeared to me on the Damascus road. who appeared to me on the Damascus road. And I want you to know I didn't get all And I want you to know I didn't get all And I want you to know I didn't get all this by running to flesh and blood this by running to flesh and blood this by running to flesh and blood or going up to Jerusalem or going up to Jerusalem or going up to Jerusalem or talking to the apostles. or talking to the apostles. or talking to the apostles. I went away I went away I went away and only three years later did I get and only three years later did I get and only three years later did I get together together together and have a and have a and have a talk with Peter and the others. talk with Peter and the others. talk with Peter and the others. Now the point there is to say I'm not Now the point there is to say I'm not Now the point there is to say I'm not dependent on them even though they have dependent on them even though they have dependent on them even though they have the apostolic tradition. I'm not the apostolic tradition. I'm not the apostolic tradition. I'm not dependent on them for my authority. I dependent on them for my authority. I dependent on them for my authority. I got got got through a revelation of Jesus Christ through a revelation of Jesus Christ through a revelation of Jesus Christ my gospel.

my gospel. my gospel. Now he will say later that he faithfully Now he will say later that he faithfully Now he will say later that he faithfully handles the tradition of the apostles handles the tradition of the apostles handles the tradition of the apostles but he does not say I do it the way but he does not say I do it the way but he does not say I do it the way other people do it. other people do it. other people do it. I am one of the apostles. I had direct I am one of the apostles. I had direct I am one of the apostles. I had direct access to Jesus Christ. He called me. He access to Jesus Christ. He called me. He access to Jesus Christ. He called me. He set me apart even before I was born. set me apart even before I was born. set me apart even before I was born. Made me his apostle. Made me his apostle. Made me his apostle. And I lay out my life here and the And I lay out my life here and the And I lay out my life here and the change that you see as the primary change that you see as the primary change that you see as the primary evidence of it. And I add that I didn't evidence of it. And I add that I didn't evidence of it. And I add that I didn't consult with them early on in my consult with them early on in my consult with them early on in my Christian walk, but went to Ra to Arabia Christian walk, but went to Ra to Arabia Christian walk, but went to Ra to Arabia and came to my own God-given convictions and came to my own God-given convictions and came to my own God-given convictions about this. about this. about this. Now, let's ponder this argument. Now, let's ponder this argument. Now, let's ponder this argument. Let's see whether it has any warrant or Let's see whether it has any warrant or Let's see whether it has any warrant or any validity. any validity. any validity. Is there some historical control here Is there some historical control here Is there some historical control here that shows Paul is not free to that shows Paul is not free to that shows Paul is not free to fabricate? fabricate? fabricate? Well, there are several.

Well, there are several. Well, there are several. Everybody agrees that he wrote Everybody agrees that he wrote Everybody agrees that he wrote Galatians. Galatians. Galatians. There's not a single liberal radical There's not a single liberal radical There's not a single liberal radical scholar who denies to Paul Galatians. scholar who denies to Paul Galatians. scholar who denies to Paul Galatians. We'll start there. They deny to him We'll start there. They deny to him We'll start there. They deny to him first and second Timothy. They deny first and second Timothy. They deny first and second Timothy. They deny Ephesians, Colossians, Thessalonian Ephesians, Colossians, Thessalonian Ephesians, Colossians, Thessalonian correspondence. A lot of arguments about correspondence. A lot of arguments about correspondence. A lot of arguments about certain letters that Paul wrote whether certain letters that Paul wrote whether certain letters that Paul wrote whether he wrote them. Nobody denies Galatians. he wrote them. Nobody denies Galatians. he wrote them. Nobody denies Galatians. too many traits of his own personal way. too many traits of his own personal way. too many traits of his own personal way. Number two, the description of his Number two, the description of his Number two, the description of his pre-Christian days includes his pre-Christian days includes his pre-Christian days includes his passionate persecution of the church of passionate persecution of the church of passionate persecution of the church of Christ. You have heard of my former Christ. You have heard of my former Christ. You have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism, how I used to manner of life in Judaism, how I used to manner of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond persecute the church of God beyond persecute the church of God beyond measure. measure. measure. Luke confirms this in Acts nine. Luke confirms this in Acts nine. Luke confirms this in Acts nine. And of course, they would have known it. And of course, they would have known it. And of course, they would have known it. They in Galatia they they knew all this They in Galatia they they knew all this They in Galatia they they knew all this and they could have easily falsified and they could have easily falsified and they could have easily falsified this had they wanted to or been able to.

this had they wanted to or been able to. this had they wanted to or been able to. Now this would be public knowledge Now this would be public knowledge Now this would be public knowledge especially among those who oppose especially among those who oppose especially among those who oppose Christianity. They'd want to know very Christianity. They'd want to know very Christianity. They'd want to know very much about that. much about that. much about that. Third observation or historical control. Third observation or historical control. Third observation or historical control. The description of his pre-Christian The description of his pre-Christian The description of his pre-Christian days includes his passionate devotion to days includes his passionate devotion to days includes his passionate devotion to the Jewish law and traditions. the Jewish law and traditions. the Jewish law and traditions. So this is public. This too would be So this is public. This too would be So this is public. This too would be public verifiable knowledge. It's public verifiable knowledge. It's public verifiable knowledge. It's extremely unlikely that he could be extremely unlikely that he could be extremely unlikely that he could be fabricating this in t in a time and fabricating this in t in a time and fabricating this in t in a time and setting where falsification would be so setting where falsification would be so setting where falsification would be so easy. easy. easy. Four. Now after his Damascus road Four. Now after his Damascus road Four. Now after his Damascus road experience, he's 180 degrees opposed to experience, he's 180 degrees opposed to experience, he's 180 degrees opposed to what he gave his life to before and is what he gave his life to before and is what he gave his life to before and is claiming Jesus to be the son of God and claiming Jesus to be the son of God and claiming Jesus to be the son of God and the Christian gospel to be the truth. the Christian gospel to be the truth. the Christian gospel to be the truth. They kept hearing, "He who once They kept hearing, "He who once They kept hearing, "He who once persecuted us is now preaching the persecuted us is now preaching the persecuted us is now preaching the faith." This change in Paul was also faith." This change in Paul was also faith." This change in Paul was also public among those who had known him on public among those who had known him on public among those who had known him on both sides of his conversion.

Now Paul is making claims for Jesus that Now Paul is making claims for Jesus that are so universal, so demanding on the are so universal, so demanding on the are so universal, so demanding on the allegiance of everyone that he seems to allegiance of everyone that he seems to allegiance of everyone that he seems to have here. Here here seem to be the have here. Here here seem to be the have here. Here here seem to be the options that I could think of. He's lost options that I could think of. He's lost options that I could think of. He's lost his mind and and almost all these have his mind and and almost all these have his mind and and almost all these have been developed in scholarly ways to to been developed in scholarly ways to to been developed in scholarly ways to to reject Paul's legitimacy. reject Paul's legitimacy. reject Paul's legitimacy. He's he's had he's lost his mind. He's He's he's had he's lost his mind. He's He's he's had he's lost his mind. He's got a serious psychosis. something got a serious psychosis. something got a serious psychosis. something happened Damascus happened Damascus happened Damascus or he's a con man he's become a great or he's a con man he's become a great or he's a con man he's become a great trickster become an Elmer gantry type trickster become an Elmer gantry type trickster become an Elmer gantry type or he's making an honest mistake or he's making an honest mistake or he's making an honest mistake as a sober and reasonable man or as a sober and reasonable man or as a sober and reasonable man or he's speaking truth he's speaking truth he's speaking truth as a reasonable and honest man. Those as a reasonable and honest man. Those as a reasonable and honest man. Those are possibilities that seem to me we are possibilities that seem to me we are possibilities that seem to me we would have to entertain for Paul to would have to entertain for Paul to would have to entertain for Paul to write all the crazy things that he write all the crazy things that he write all the crazy things that he writes about Jesus Christ if he's not writes about Jesus Christ if he's not writes about Jesus Christ if he's not true. So let's let's think about each of true. So let's let's think about each of true. So let's let's think about each of those the historical likelihood or those the historical likelihood or those the historical likelihood or evidences for them.

evidences for them. evidences for them. I think this is just putting into I think this is just putting into I think this is just putting into formalized thought. formalized thought. formalized thought. I think the way you intuitively go about I think the way you intuitively go about I think the way you intuitively go about crediting somebody's testimony. crediting somebody's testimony. crediting somebody's testimony. Somebody comes along and says, "I saw Somebody comes along and says, "I saw Somebody comes along and says, "I saw such and such." such and such." such and such." And you don't you weren't there. And you And you don't you weren't there. And you And you don't you weren't there. And you don't know if that happened. So, you can don't know if that happened. So, you can don't know if that happened. So, you can either try to find it on TV or try to either try to find it on TV or try to either try to find it on TV or try to find somebody else to corroborate or find somebody else to corroborate or find somebody else to corroborate or whatever, but you also immediately do a whatever, but you also immediately do a whatever, but you also immediately do a checklist in your head. Is this person checklist in your head. Is this person checklist in your head. Is this person crazy? Well, he hasn't always been crazy? Well, he hasn't always been crazy? Well, he hasn't always been crazy. Does he look like he's having an crazy. Does he look like he's having an crazy. Does he look like he's having an illusion? Are there some traits here of illusion? Are there some traits here of illusion? Are there some traits here of some psychosis? No, he seems to be some psychosis? No, he seems to be some psychosis? No, he seems to be normal. You you you run through this normal. You you you run through this normal. You you you run through this mental checklist and to the degree that mental checklist and to the degree that mental checklist and to the degree that you have some experience with this you have some experience with this you have some experience with this person, your credibility, I mean, his person, your credibility, I mean, his person, your credibility, I mean, his credibility rises and and and falls. And credibility rises and and and falls. And credibility rises and and and falls. And that's what we're trying to do with that's what we're trying to do with that's what we're trying to do with Paul. Paul. Paul. The writings of Paul do not fit the way The writings of Paul do not fit the way The writings of Paul do not fit the way lunatics or psychotics speak.

lunatics or psychotics speak. lunatics or psychotics speak. His writings like Romans are reasoned in His writings like Romans are reasoned in His writings like Romans are reasoned in an extended and coherent way. an extended and coherent way. an extended and coherent way. His writings bear the marks of many warm His writings bear the marks of many warm His writings bear the marks of many warm personal relationships. personal relationships. personal relationships. His writings bear the mark of much His writings bear the mark of much His writings bear the mark of much interest and concern with others. Now I interest and concern with others. Now I interest and concern with others. Now I I if you say where'd you come up with I if you say where'd you come up with I if you say where'd you come up with this list why why are you mentioning this list why why are you mentioning this list why why are you mentioning those things? These are the thing I know those things? These are the thing I know those things? These are the thing I know a lot of of of schizophrenics a lot of of of schizophrenics a lot of of of schizophrenics and there's a lot in this neighborhood and there's a lot in this neighborhood and there's a lot in this neighborhood and and you talk with people who have and and you talk with people who have and and you talk with people who have mental problems over the years long mental problems over the years long mental problems over the years long enough you learn certain traits that and enough you learn certain traits that and enough you learn certain traits that and you try to figure out what is it about you try to figure out what is it about you try to figure out what is it about this person that's not normal. I can't this person that's not normal. I can't this person that's not normal. I can't quite figure out why it is. And then you quite figure out why it is. And then you quite figure out why it is. And then you start to realize this person never has start to realize this person never has start to realize this person never has any thought about anybody but himself. any thought about anybody but himself. any thought about anybody but himself. Things like that. And there are certain Things like that. And there are certain Things like that. And there are certain traits of people who are mentally ill. traits of people who are mentally ill. traits of people who are mentally ill. And these are the ones that I'm saying And these are the ones that I'm saying And these are the ones that I'm saying Paul doesn't manifest.

Paul doesn't manifest. Paul doesn't manifest. His writings bear the marks of many warm His writings bear the marks of many warm His writings bear the marks of many warm personal relationships. Mentally ill personal relationships. Mentally ill personal relationships. Mentally ill people don't have warm personal rel I'm people don't have warm personal rel I'm people don't have warm personal rel I'm I'm talking serious mental psychosis I'm talking serious mental psychosis I'm talking serious mental psychosis here. Now I don't mean depression and here. Now I don't mean depression and here. Now I don't mean depression and things like that. things like that. things like that. His writings bear the mark of much His writings bear the mark of much His writings bear the mark of much interest and concern with others. interest and concern with others. interest and concern with others. psychotic people are just unbelievably psychotic people are just unbelievably psychotic people are just unbelievably wrapped up in their own in their own uh wrapped up in their own in their own uh wrapped up in their own in their own uh world. world. world. His writings evidence a wide range of His writings evidence a wide range of His writings evidence a wide range of normal emotions normal emotions normal emotions in general. No one would get the in general. No one would get the in general. No one would get the impression from these 13 letters, this impression from these 13 letters, this impression from these 13 letters, this man's insane. So I I'm not inclined to think that So I I'm not inclined to think that that's a very good solution to what he that's a very good solution to what he that's a very good solution to what he says that he's insane. So here's my says that he's insane. So here's my says that he's insane. So here's my second response. second response. second response. The price Paul was paying to be a The price Paul was paying to be a The price Paul was paying to be a Christian and an apostle ruled out the Christian and an apostle ruled out the Christian and an apostle ruled out the idea that he was using it as a platform idea that he was using it as a platform idea that he was using it as a platform to con others.

to con others. to con others. He proved repeatedly that he was not He proved repeatedly that he was not He proved repeatedly that he was not being driven by money. being driven by money. being driven by money. He was a tent maker. He didn't take He was a tent maker. He didn't take He was a tent maker. He didn't take offerings for himself. He had others offerings for himself. He had others offerings for himself. He had others handle offerings when he was trying to handle offerings when he was trying to handle offerings when he was trying to collect the money for the saints in collect the money for the saints in collect the money for the saints in Jerusalem. This man was not driven by Jerusalem. This man was not driven by Jerusalem. This man was not driven by greed, not driven by money, greed, not driven by money, greed, not driven by money, wasn't using this message as a platform wasn't using this message as a platform wasn't using this message as a platform to con others. He accepted suffering to con others. He accepted suffering to con others. He accepted suffering constantly and documented it in a way constantly and documented it in a way constantly and documented it in a way that was publicly verifiable. I don't I that was publicly verifiable. I don't I that was publicly verifiable. I don't I don't think I'll take the time to to don't think I'll take the time to to don't think I'll take the time to to read these accounts of his suffering, read these accounts of his suffering, read these accounts of his suffering, but he documents them in a way that but he documents them in a way that but he documents them in a way that people can say that isn't true. people can say that isn't true. people can say that isn't true. You've never even been on the sea or you You've never even been on the sea or you You've never even been on the sea or you never even been in the country or you never even been in the country or you never even been in the country or you never had trouble with false brethren. never had trouble with false brethren. never had trouble with false brethren. He they could He they could He they could document whether that was so or not.

So I conclude to say that Paul is making So I conclude to say that Paul is making an honest mistake an honest mistake an honest mistake as a reasonable man is to miss the as a reasonable man is to miss the as a reasonable man is to miss the point. The problem is not just that he point. The problem is not just that he point. The problem is not just that he might have made an honest mistake in his might have made an honest mistake in his might have made an honest mistake in his conversion, which would be inexplicable conversion, which would be inexplicable conversion, which would be inexplicable enough. The problem is that he goes on enough. The problem is that he goes on enough. The problem is that he goes on year after year making the most year after year making the most year after year making the most outrageous claims about his own outrageous claims about his own outrageous claims about his own revelatory experiences and the reality revelatory experiences and the reality revelatory experiences and the reality of Christ and the Holy Spirit and the of Christ and the Holy Spirit and the of Christ and the Holy Spirit and the nature of reality. This is not an honest nature of reality. This is not an honest nature of reality. This is not an honest mistake. This is a lifetime of sustained mistake. This is a lifetime of sustained mistake. This is a lifetime of sustained delusion or deceit delusion or deceit delusion or deceit if he's not telling the truth. You can't if he's not telling the truth. You can't if he's not telling the truth. You can't say, "Oh, the poor Paul, he's an honest say, "Oh, the poor Paul, he's an honest say, "Oh, the poor Paul, he's an honest and good man and he made a few honest and good man and he made a few honest and good man and he made a few honest mistakes." He is not making a few honest mistakes." He is not making a few honest mistakes." He is not making a few honest mistakes. He's making many dishonest mistakes. He's making many dishonest mistakes. He's making many dishonest mistakes or he's crazy. mistakes or he's crazy. mistakes or he's crazy. The evidence is strong that Paul is The evidence is strong that Paul is The evidence is strong that Paul is speaking as a reasonable, honest man who speaking as a reasonable, honest man who speaking as a reasonable, honest man who knows what he is saying and why. His knows what he is saying and why. His knows what he is saying and why. His explanation is that Christ appeared to explanation is that Christ appeared to explanation is that Christ appeared to him and that he receives revelation.

him and that he receives revelation. him and that he receives revelation. With such revelation, he credits the Old With such revelation, he credits the Old With such revelation, he credits the Old Testament and speaks a full message Testament and speaks a full message Testament and speaks a full message about the person and work of Jesus about the person and work of Jesus about the person and work of Jesus Christ as God's truth. We must decide if Christ as God's truth. We must decide if Christ as God's truth. We must decide if we believe he is credible witness. There we believe he is credible witness. There we believe he is credible witness. There is good reason to believe that he is. is good reason to believe that he is. is good reason to believe that he is. Now, I didn't used to argue this way. I Now, I didn't used to argue this way. I Now, I didn't used to argue this way. I didn't used to to develop it like this. didn't used to to develop it like this. didn't used to to develop it like this. But I've been preaching now for 21 But I've been preaching now for 21 But I've been preaching now for 21 years. And before that, I taught for six years. And before that, I taught for six years. And before that, I taught for six years. And before that, I was a years. And before that, I was a years. And before that, I was a Christian for all my life, since I was Christian for all my life, since I was Christian for all my life, since I was six years old. And so, I've I've lived six years old. And so, I've I've lived six years old. And so, I've I've lived with Paul and and Matthew and Mark and with Paul and and Matthew and Mark and with Paul and and Matthew and Mark and Luke and John for a long, long time. Luke and John for a long, long time. Luke and John for a long, long time. And I have had my faith threatened and And I have had my faith threatened and And I have had my faith threatened and challenged by almost every conceivable challenged by almost every conceivable challenged by almost every conceivable side. There may be new challenges that side. There may be new challenges that side. There may be new challenges that emerge that I haven't thought of. But emerge that I haven't thought of. But emerge that I haven't thought of. But and over time, I've begun to think of and over time, I've begun to think of and over time, I've begun to think of these writers not in some magical way, these writers not in some magical way, these writers not in some magical way, but rather as people like you that I but rather as people like you that I but rather as people like you that I know.

I know them, in fact, better than most I know them, in fact, better than most of you. I've lived with them longer. of you. I've lived with them longer. of you. I've lived with them longer. I've seen more about what they think I've seen more about what they think I've seen more about what they think than what you think. And I have been than what you think. And I have been than what you think. And I have been posed repeatedly in in down times and up posed repeatedly in in down times and up posed repeatedly in in down times and up times and hard times and good times. Are times and hard times and good times. Are times and hard times and good times. Are these guys reliable? And and Paul Paul is special to me And and Paul Paul is special to me because Paul has 13 letters and they are because Paul has 13 letters and they are because Paul has 13 letters and they are letters. letters. letters. They're not like the gospels like They're not like the gospels like They're not like the gospels like Matthew. Matthew is hidden. Matthew. Matthew is hidden. Matthew. Matthew is hidden. You Matthew never says, "I felt this You Matthew never says, "I felt this You Matthew never says, "I felt this like I felt this or I felt that." Paul, like I felt this or I felt that." Paul, like I felt this or I felt that." Paul, he's talking about himself all the time. he's talking about himself all the time. he's talking about himself all the time. You really get to know Paul when you You really get to know Paul when you You really get to know Paul when you read the letters of Paul. He talks about read the letters of Paul. He talks about read the letters of Paul. He talks about his angers. He talks about his his angers. He talks about his his angers. He talks about his anxieties. He talks about his failures. anxieties. He talks about his failures. anxieties. He talks about his failures. He talks about his successes. He talks He talks about his successes. He talks He talks about his successes. He talks about his conflicts. He There's Paul all about his conflicts. He There's Paul all about his conflicts. He There's Paul all over the place. Whereas you read over the place. Whereas you read over the place. Whereas you read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and you Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and you Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and you meet Jesus. And Matthew, Mark, and Luke, meet Jesus. And Matthew, Mark, and Luke, meet Jesus. And Matthew, Mark, and Luke, they're kind of hidden back here. the they're kind of hidden back here. the they're kind of hidden back here. the the the genre of a gospel was not to the the genre of a gospel was not to the the genre of a gospel was not to intrude themselves in there but to tell intrude themselves in there but to tell intrude themselves in there but to tell the story and yet you can see the way the story and yet you can see the way the story and yet you can see the way they go about it and you have to decide they go about it and you have to decide they go about it and you have to decide is the Jesus they're presenting and are is the Jesus they're presenting and are is the Jesus they're presenting and are they reliable but with Paul it's special they reliable but with Paul it's special they reliable but with Paul it's special it's different he's got so many letters it's different he's got so many letters it's different he's got so many letters and you can kind of get to know this man and you can kind of get to know this man and you can kind of get to know this man and he can become a friend and he can become a friend and he can become a friend and he can either be a fool to you or he and he can either be a fool to you or he and he can either be a fool to you or he can be a wise counselor to you. So, I

can be a wise counselor to you. So, I can be a wise counselor to you. So, I have I have felt like it's almost a like have I have felt like it's almost a like have I have felt like it's almost a like a thing with my wife. I can either trust a thing with my wife. I can either trust a thing with my wife. I can either trust her or distrust her. I can have this her or distrust her. I can have this her or distrust her. I can have this notion she's really always cheating on notion she's really always cheating on notion she's really always cheating on me. She's got to figure it out how to do me. She's got to figure it out how to do me. She's got to figure it out how to do it without me finding out. it without me finding out. it without me finding out. And she's not reliable. And she's not reliable. And she's not reliable. This is possible. I could be totally This is possible. I could be totally This is possible. I could be totally deluded. She could I mean, my wife is deluded. She could I mean, my wife is deluded. She could I mean, my wife is away from home hours every day. We don't away from home hours every day. We don't away from home hours every day. We don't see each other. That's possible. So am I see each other. That's possible. So am I see each other. That's possible. So am I going to live that way? And and and going to live that way? And and and going to live that way? And and and subjectively, you know what? I don't subjectively, you know what? I don't subjectively, you know what? I don't lose any sleep over that. lose any sleep over that. lose any sleep over that. There is this profound deep sense, which There is this profound deep sense, which There is this profound deep sense, which I don't feel is naive at all. She's not I don't feel is naive at all. She's not I don't feel is naive at all. She's not doing that. I trust her big time. doing that. I trust her big time. doing that. I trust her big time. And that's sort of the way I've grown And that's sort of the way I've grown And that's sort of the way I've grown with to be with Paul. with to be with Paul. with to be with Paul. I just have lived with this man so long. I just have lived with this man so long. I just have lived with this man so long. I've struggled with what appear to be I've struggled with what appear to be I've struggled with what appear to be inconsistency so long and found such inconsistency so long and found such inconsistency so long and found such deep and wonderful consistency. I I've deep and wonderful consistency. I I've deep and wonderful consistency. I I've seen the way he handles conflict and seen the way he handles conflict and seen the way he handles conflict and I've seen the way he talks about God I've seen the way he talks about God I've seen the way he talks about God that uh I just can't reject Paul that uh I just can't reject Paul that uh I just can't reject Paul as a friend and counselor and a wise as a friend and counselor and a wise as a friend and counselor and a wise knower of Jesus who had an encounter knower of Jesus who had an encounter knower of Jesus who had an encounter with him that I never had and had a with him that I never had and had a with him that I never had and had a unique call on his life. So I I mean unique call on his life. So I I mean unique call on his life. So I I mean just personally that's the way I relate just personally that's the way I relate just personally that's the way I relate to the Apostle Paul.

to the Apostle Paul. to the Apostle Paul. I I I >> want to thank you for listening to this >> want to thank you for listening to this >> want to thank you for listening to this episode of Light and Truth where we are episode of Light and Truth where we are episode of Light and Truth where we are committed to providing God- [music] committed to providing God- [music] committed to providing God- [music] centered teaching to help you see Christ centered teaching to help you see Christ centered teaching to help you see Christ clearly and treasure him truly. I'm your clearly and treasure him truly. I'm your clearly and treasure him truly. I'm your host Dan Kroover. On our next episode, host Dan Kroover. On our next episode, host Dan Kroover. On our next episode, John Piper continues our eight-part John Piper continues our eight-part John Piper continues our eight-part [music] series, The Bible We Trust, with [music] series, The Bible We Trust, with [music] series, The Bible We Trust, with a session titled How the Spirit a session titled How the Spirit a session titled How the Spirit Persuades Us. I hope you'll join us. For Persuades Us. I hope you'll join us. For Persuades Us. I hope you'll join us. For more resources, visit desiring.org.