Renewing Your Mind The Apostle's Defense
Dec 20, 2025
Derek Thomas, a teaching fellow at Ligonier Ministries and Chancellor's Professor at Reformed Theological Seminary, delves into the transformative experience of Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus. He discusses Paul’s fierce opposition to Christianity, emphasizing the dramatic shift in his life. Thomas asserts the divine nature of Paul’s conversion, challenging secular interpretations. He also highlights Paul’s unique gospel, received through revelation, and elaborates on the apostolic dynamics between Paul and Peter.
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Saul's Violent Past Threatened The Church
- Saul violently persecuted the early church and nearly extinguished it.
- Derek Thomas emphasizes everyone knew Saul’s past of imprisoning and killing Christians.
Conversion Framed By Sovereign Election
- Paul frames his conversion as rooted in God's sovereignty from before birth.
- Derek Thomas highlights Paul’s wording: he was 'set apart before I was born' and called by grace.
Effectual Calling Explains Paul's Faith
- Paul attributes his turning to Christ to an effectual, sovereign call by God.
- Derek Thomas connects this to doctrines emphasized by Augustine, the Reformers, and the Synod of Dort.