Why Didn't Jesus First Appear to Paul in a More Public Place When He Knew No One Would Believe Paul's Testimony?

This question often arises when we consider the critical event of Jesus appearing to Paul on the road to Damascus. Why would He communicate such an important and life-changing message to someone who was initially filled with hostility, in such a private and secluded setting rather than a more public one where everyone would have witnessed and believed his transformation? This article explores the reasons behind this choice and why such an appearance had profound significance.

Jurisdiction and Spiritual Ministry

The biblical narrative provides insights into Jesus' mindset and intention. He chose Paul, a Jewish Pharisee, to spread the gospel to the Gentiles. This choice exemplifies the wisdom of divine strategy in spiritual ministry. Jesus, the master of spiritual situations, knew that the encounter with Paul needed to be a deeply personal and transformative experience. A public appearance might have garnered instant attention, but it would not have had the same profound effect on Paul's soul.

The Significance of Jesus' Spirituality

The nature of this encounter was deeply spiritual. Jesus knew Paul's heart and was aware of the depth of his hatred for Christians. This personal and intimate encounter allowed for a profound spiritual transformation. A public appearance would have been less effective in reaching Paul's heart, as it would have been easier for his initial beliefs and prejudices to prevail.

The Importance of a Private Confirmation

The appearance of Jesus to Paul in a less public setting served as a personal confirmation of the gospel message. This intimate and personal encounter is key to the authenticity of Paul's testimony. As stated in Matthew 1:16, “Jesus was found with child of the Holy Ghost,” emphasizing the supernatural nature of his conception. Similarly, the appearance to Paul was intended to confirm a unique spiritual moment, not just a public declaration.

Multiple Testimonies in Scripture

Biblical tradition supports the idea that multiple testimonies are necessary to establish a truth. In Matthew 18:16 and Deuteronomy 19:15, it is stated that the words of God are established by the testimony of two or more witnesses. This principle is applied to confirm various facts and messages throughout the scriptures. For instance, the genealogy of Jesus, recorded in Matthew 1 and Luke 3, is substantiated by additional confirmations from other parts of the Bible, such as Zechariah 12:10-14.

Genealogical Confirmation

The genealogical record of Jesus is another significant aspect that supports the authenticity of the biblical narrative. Interestingly, the genealogy in Luke traces Jesus back to Nathan, the son of David, through Solomon. However, the authoritative witness of Zechariah 12:10-14 confirms Nathan as the seed, indicating that the genealogy in Matthew (which traces Jesus back to Solomon) and Luke (tracing back to Nathan) are both valid but required confirmation by the witness of Zechariah.

The Role of Zechariah in Confirming Nathan's Lineage

The account in Zechariah 12:10-14 provides a detailed prophecy concerning the future mourning over Jesus, involving families of David and Nathan. The passage identifies Nathan as both a descendant of David and a prophet. In the Aramaic Targum on Zechariah, Nathan is consistently identified as a descendant of both David and Nathan, confirming the accuracy of Luke’s genealogy.

The 2 witness rule is critical in verifying the authenticity of the genealogical records. This confirmation process ensures that the lineage of Jesus, as recorded in the scriptures, is accurate and spiritually verified. The absence of a second witness in religions like Islam, for instance, makes it difficult to establish a similar level of spiritual confirmation.

Conclusion

Jesus' choice to first appear to Paul in a less public setting was a strategic and spiritually important decision. It allowed for Paul to undergo a profound and personal transformation, one that would have been less likely in a public setting where external evidence might have precluded belief. The multiple confirmations from other parts of the Bible provide a robust foundation for the faith, ensuring that the core truths of the gospel have been spiritually verified and authenticated.