Paul's One-on-One Instruction by Jesus After Conversion
The passage where Paul indicates that Jesus taught him one-on-one after his conversion is found in Galatians 1:15-17, but more specifically, Paul writes in Galatians 1:16 that God revealed His Son to him, and then he went to Arabia, implying a period of personal instruction from the Lord. Paul's encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus was a dramatic conversion experience, and his subsequent time in Arabia was likely a period of intense spiritual instruction and preparation for his future ministry. This event is significant because it highlights the personal and direct nature of Paul's calling and commission by Jesus Himself.
Paul's experience demonstrates that Jesus is actively involved in the lives of His people, guiding and teaching them, even after His ascension. This truth matters because it underscores the importance of personal, divine guidance in the life of a believer, and it underscores the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture, as Paul's teachings are rooted in his personal encounter with Jesus.
The idea that Jesus personally taught Paul after his conversion has significant implications for our understanding of the nature of Christian ministry and the role of Scripture in guiding our lives. Paul's writings, which make up a significant portion of the New Testament, are a testament to the power of personal, divine instruction, and they continue to guide and instruct believers to this day, as Paul writes in Romans 8:28 that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.