How One Man Formed the Minds of Millions of Elect Churchmen

 How One Man Formed the Minds of Millions of Elect Churchmen


I remember being in a Humanities-type class in college in the 1970's, when the atheist Jewish philosophy professor made a statement like this: "Besides Jesus Christ Himself, no one has made a greater impact on the world than the Apostle Paul."  I myself was a newly regenerated Christian; and the instructor's words made quite an impression on me; and I still reflect on what he said (even today).

 

I think the professor was absolutely right on.  Think about this with me: is it not true, that the minds of all genuinely born again Christians have been formed by the doctrine, the words, the priorities, the passions, and the teachings of the Apostle Paul--as they are related to us in his 13 Epistles (or 14, if we include Hebrews); plus the Book of Acts; (and Peter's statement found in 2 Pet. 3:16)?  The entire regenerated world of the universal church of Jesus Christ has been shaped by the gospel, the experience, the pattern, and the example of the Apostle Paul.  It is virtually impossible to be a real Christian, and not think like this man, who was one "born out of due season," (1 Cor. 15:8).

 

When we say things like this about the Apostle Paul, we are really saying that our minds are formed by the Holy Spirit, the very One who applied Christ's righteousness to Paul; and gave him (Paul)--just as He did all the rest of the true saints of the church--the "mind of Christ," (1 Cor. 2:16b).

 

Paul actually wrote specific words that back-up our bold claim, that we have our minds formed by his (Paul's) faith, doctrine, devotion, and direction.  A notable example of this is taken from 2 Tim. 3:14, which says this: "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it . . . " (ESV/emphasis mine).  The Apostle then goes on to mention Timothy's knowledge (even from youth) of the other sacred scriptures.

 

When we think of God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, the blessed Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity altogether, the gospel of grace itself, the church as the body of Christ, the sacraments, the Lord's Day, Sunday worship, the life of the Spirit, the bringing together of Jews and Gentiles, plus so many other wonderful doctrines--we simply cannot separate our understanding of these wonders from the life, example, and ministry of the Apostle Paul.

 

And as great as all the other apostles were, and as fabulous as all the Old Testament prophets were, and as faithful as all the other scripture writers were--it is simply an undeniable fact that none of them had as much influence on God's blood-bought church, as the Apostle Paul has had.  He was the one--under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit--who codified everything in scripture that came before him (and us).  He, by God's grace and direct commission, put it all together for us.

 

The simple fact is, that every true disciple of Jesus Christ is a growing and maturing disciple because he or she is following the Apostle Paul, who, in turn, followed the Lord Jesus Christ.  Another good text along this line comes from 1 Tim. 4:6, which says this: "If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed," (ESV); and 2 Tim. 3:10 reads this way: "You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness," (ESV).

 

The reason true Christians think alike, is because we all follow our Master Jesus via His own appointed apostolic teacher, the Apostle Paul.  Anyone who seeks to live or believe as a Christian, without primary reference to Paul and his writings, embraces a religion that is totally foreign to the True Religion.  Let us bless God for all of His ministers; and let us be sure to thank Him for Paul and his enormous influence on us.


[Addendum on 9/9/26 . . . The reason the atheist professor's comment (above) is true, that Paul had more "impact" than anyone [other than Jesus], is because the regenerated/heavenly minds of the church's saints end up ruling the whole world.  All opposing doctrines are aligned against us; but none of them can succeed against us. . . . Also, Paul's instruction forms the categories of how Spirit-indwelt believers think.  Our Christian belief system is built on Pauline doctrine--particularly starting with Christology and justification.]

 

Rev. Mark J. Henninger

Treatise #132

8 September 2026

 

https://theologicaltreatisesinretirement.blogspot.com

https://henningerdevotions.blogspot.com

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