Jesus’ appearance to Paul was his last appearance on earth. By that time he had already ascended to heaven. On the road to Damascus Paul saw a light flashing from heaven and heard Jesus’ voice speaking to him. Paul’s companions also heard the voice (Acts 9:7), which shows that the appearance was not merely a dream or vision.
Jesus’ appearance to Paul was necessary in order for Paul to become an apostle. Having made Paul an eyewitness of his resurrection, he sent Paul into the world to testify about him. (The word apostle
literally means one who is sent.
The apostles were sent out to proclaim what they themselves had seen and heard. Therefore they needed to be eyewitnesses of the resurrection (Acts 1:21–26).)
Paul describes himself as one untimely born.
The word untimely
is sometimes taken to mean that Paul came later than the other apostles. Yet the Greek word used here refers to a child that was born early, due to abortion or miscarriage. By describing himself in this way, Paul stresses his own unworthiness and the grace that God has shown him in Christ. As a hater of Christ and his church, he was as good as dead. Yet Christ appeared also to him!
8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.