Romans: Week 1

The opening chapter of Romans and Paul's introduction of himself introduces us to one of Scripture's most profound transformations: Saul the persecutor becoming Paul the apostle. We encounter a man who once hunted down Christians with religious zeal, only to experience such a radical encounter with the risen Christ that his entire life trajectory changed forever. This isn't just ancient history—it's a powerful reminder that God never wastes our experiences. Every chapter of our past, even the painful or misguided ones, becomes material God can redeem and use for His purposes. Paul's extensive training in Judaism, which seemed destined for one purpose, became the very foundation God used to bridge understanding between Jewish and Gentile believers. As we wrestle with our own past choices, career changes, or difficult experiences, we can take comfort knowing that our God specializes in taking what seems wasted and transforming it into something beautiful for His kingdom. The question becomes: will we, like Paul, remain obedient to the vision God places before us?