As part one (May 2003 issue) of this exploration of the Apostle Paul's life brought out, he was not at first a supporter of the Christian message. In fact, as a Pharisee and expert in the religious law, he actively persecuted the early Church for what he felt were wrong teachings. But in a dramatic vision on the road to Damascus, Paul perceived Jesus in a wholly new light. This transformed him. He joined in the Christians' evangelizing work. The same energy he had devoted to hunting down Christians, now was put to seeking out potential converts and winning them over.
Paul's transformation came at a time when many people in the Middle East —Gentiles as well as Jews—were undergoing profound political and mental turmoil. His clear preaching and personal transformation gave these people something they could believe in.
Like many pioneers, he made enemies. While large numbers responded to his message, there were people who either didn't understand or didn't want to hear what he had to say. Some people attempted to injure Paul—even to kill him. Among his critics were Jews who were offended by what seemed like radical departures from the traditional way of believing. But Paul, on fire with the gospel, continued to work and preach, no matter how strong the opposition was.
