“This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name to the Gentiles.” (Acts 9:15)
We have unpacked the first four of Paul’s visions. We will now proceed to the last two of them. Paul had an intense encounter with God that resulted in his conversion. This led to a progressive comprehension of the Spirit of God transforming his life with a trajectory in the direction of God’s kingdom. Simultaneously, with all of this, Paul was appropriating a confidence in God’s overarching authority and sovereignty in his life. God Himself was Paul’s security, refuge, and protection.
A call or purpose was emerging. As with other believers, he was commissioned to make disciples of all nations. Specifically, Paul was the forerunner to take this message to the Gentile nations, ordained with a specially crafted purpose to engage the culture, train others in ministry, and plant seeds for the future of the church. Regardless of any of Paul’s mistakes, trials, or troubles, God confirmed in Paul His intended purpose in the latter season of his life.
“The Lord stood near Paul and said, ‘Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.’” (Acts 23:11)
See also: Philippians 1:6, Psalm 138:8-9, Jeremiah 1:4-7, Psalm 139.