The 25th January is the date on which the Christian church marks a dramatic event in the life of St Paul. Paul – or Saul as he was initially known – became one of the chief apostles of the early church. After being convinced that his mission was to persecute the early followers of Jesus Christ he underwent a life changing conversion whilst on his journey from Jerusalem to Damascus.
A vision of the ascended Jesus in brilliant light asking why he was persecuting him left him blinded. He was brought by his companions to the house of Ananias, a follower of Jesus, who cared for him and restored his sight. From that moment Paul began to preach Jesus of Nazareth as the long awaited Messiah and hope of the world.
Paul was responsible for much of the New Testament writings in the Bible. Some of his attitudes can seem outdated by modern standards but one of the most beautiful examples of his work comes in the first of Paul’s letters to the church at Corinth. It is sometimes called ‘The Hymn of Love’ and can be found in Chapter 13 of the First Letter to the Corinthians. It is an inspiring piece and has brought hope and comfort to many, often being read at both weddings and funerals.
The passage finishes with the well known words, ‘And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.’