Paul wrote at the end of a completed revelation. Jesus himself had declared, "It is finished." That great movement-which began with the call to Abram and concluded with Jesus returning to the Father-was over. Paul could write concerning the completed knowledge of the meaning of human life, as he stood in the full revelation that came to him through Christ Jesus. It does not matter to the church whether Paul directed this process or he simply recorded it in his epistles. Paul speaks to us as one who has stood in the light of the glory of God, as seen in the face of Jesus. He calls to us as we face life in the midst of the terrifying world that is the twenty-first century. Come with me as we consider the thoughts of Paul.
