5 Smooth Stones

22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.” We will never be able to answer our question as to when Saul’s calling originated without understanding perspective; God’s perspective and man’s perspective. Answering this question is quite important to understanding the discipleship, calling, commissioning and activities of the men and woman called to serve as apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers in our day and time, and not understanding this has led to much confusion, wounding, and unnecessary frustration, as well as hindering the gift ministries from ministering to His church in the way that He speci fi ed in the scripture. When it comes to perspective we can be enlightened about records in scripture which are confusing to the untrained, and even have led to the false accusation that the Bible, or Scripture, contradicts itself. As the Word of God “... never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:19-21). 2 Peter 1:19 “And so we have the prophetic word con fi rmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; 20 knowing this fi rst, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” A good example of scriptural perspective can be found in the records regarding the death of King Saul. In this fi rst record, King Saul fell upon his own sword when his armor bearer refused to kill him at the King’s own request: 1 Samuel 31:4 “Then Saul said to his armor bearer, “Draw your sword and pierce me through with it, otherwise these uncircumcised will come and pierce me through and make sport of me.” But his armor bearer would not, for he was greatly afraid. So Saul took his sword and fell on it. 5 When his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his sword and died with him. 6 Thus Saul died with his three sons, his armor bearer, and all his men on that day together.” This record seems to be con fi rmed by the record in 1 Chronicles 10:4-6:1 Chronicles 10:4 Then Saul said to his armorbearer, “Draw your sword, and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised men come and abuse me.” But his armorbearer would not, for he was greatly afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword and fell on it. 5 And when his armorbearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his sword and died. 6 So Saul and his three sons died, and all his house died together.

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