Who is the man God introduces to take the gospel to the Gentiles after Israel rejects Christ?
Saul of Tarsus, later known as the Apostle Paul, is the man introduced after Israel rejects Christ. He takes the gospel to the Gentiles without benefit of Israel, and next to Christ he is credited with carrying Christianity out to the Gentile world, making an impact on human history.
Les explains that at the point Israel is rejecting everything concerning the Christ, the narrative introduces Saul of Tarsus. He first appears in a poor light, standing and holding the garments of those throwing stones at Stephen. Stephen is stoned while calling upon God, saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit,” and asking that this sin not be laid to their charge. Yet this same man becomes the Apostle Paul, the one who goes to the Gentiles without benefit of Israel. Les notes that a news magazine cover story once listed the Apostle Paul among men who made an impact on history, crediting him with introducing Christianity, though Jesus Christ is the foundation. Les says that next to Christ Himself, he regards Paul and Moses as the two greatest men who ever lived and had the greatest impact on human history.