Commentary on Acts 9
Chuck Smith explains how Paul’s unique background bridging Grecian and Hebrew cultures prepared him to be God’s chosen instrument to spread the gospel in Acts 9.
In this biographical sermon, Chuck Smith explores the cultural and spiritual background of Paul as presented in Acts 9. He highlights the tension between Grecian and Hebrew cultures and explains how Paul’s upbringing uniquely equipped him to be God’s chosen instrument. Listeners gain insight into the significance of Paul’s conversion and calling, as well as the broader cultural context of the early church.
Text
When Alexander the Great conquered the world, he left pockets of Greek culture throughout the world. So these pockets of Greek culture became very influential. And even though the Roman Empire conquered the Grecian Empire, yet the Grecian culture remained as a dominant characteristic throughout the world. So the world was under the Roman Empire, but it was dominated by Grecian culture.
Now the Grecian culture was more towards the arts, and in contrast, the Hebrew culture was very legalistic. The Pharisees were representatives of the Hebrew culture, very strict, very legalistic. They tended towards the legal side, whereas the Grecian was more cultural, more interested in the various forms of art and all. Thus, there was a real conflict in these cultures.
Now during this time, Israel was divided. The Jews were divided into the Hellenists and into the Hebrews. All Jews but the Sadducees were of the Hellenists culture. They were the materialists, whereas the Pharisees were followers of the Hebrew culture. Thus, for a man to effectively reach the Jewish people, he had to have an understanding of the Grecian culture, but he also needed a keen understanding of the Hebrew culture. So God chose Paul as that instrument.
Paul was born in the city of Tarsus, which was one of the centers of the Grecian culture. And up until the age of fourteen, though he was Hebrew of the Hebrews, that is his parents were of the Hebrew culture, very strong Pharisees, Paul\
Sermon Outline
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I
- Historical background of Grecian and Hebrew cultures
- Conflict between Grecian arts and Hebrew legalism
- Division within Jewish people: Hellenists vs Hebrews
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II
- Paul’s unique upbringing in Tarsus
- Paul’s Pharisaic heritage and Hebrew roots
- Importance of cultural understanding for ministry
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III
- God’s choice of Paul as His instrument
- Paul’s transformation and calling in Acts 9
- Impact of Paul’s background on his mission
Key Quotes
“For a man to effectively reach the Jewish people, he had to have an understanding of the Grecian culture, but he also needed a keen understanding of the Hebrew culture.” — Chuck Smith
“God chose Paul as that instrument because he was uniquely positioned culturally and spiritually to bridge two worlds.” — Chuck Smith
“The world was under the Roman Empire, but it was dominated by Grecian culture.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Recognize how God can use your unique background and experiences for His purposes.
- Seek to understand different cultural perspectives to effectively share the gospel.
- Trust in God’s calling even when it requires a dramatic life change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Paul uniquely suited to reach both Jews and Gentiles?
Because Paul was raised in Tarsus, a center of Grecian culture, yet was also a Hebrew of Hebrews, giving him insight into both cultural worlds.
What was the main cultural conflict during Paul’s time?
The conflict was between the Grecian culture focused on arts and the Hebrew culture focused on strict legalism.
What does Acts 9 describe about Paul?
Acts 9 describes Paul’s dramatic conversion and God’s calling for him to spread the gospel.
How did Paul’s Pharisaic background influence his ministry?
His Pharisaic training gave him a strong foundation in Hebrew law and scripture, which he used to preach effectively.