When God Rewrites Our Thinking

Paul’s time in Tarsus shows how God rewrites our thinking to reshape beliefs and understanding, preparing us for faithful and fruitful ministry.

“When he had come to Jerusalem … he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him. And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus” (Acts 9:26–30).

After Jesus appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus, “immediately he proclaimed Jesus” (v. 20). But, facing strong opposition, he was forced to flee. When he arrived in Jerusalem, he went through similar circumstances. To prevent his assassination, he was sent to his home in Tarsus where he remained for several years.

What did he do in Tarsus? We don’t have much information, but he clearly must have spent much time in study and prayer. He had much to learn as well as unlearn.

Paul had spent a lifetime studying the Law, history, doctrine, interpretation, tradition, and much more. These studies formed the fabric of his thoughts. But once he met Jesus, Paul was forced to rethink everything he’d been taught, to allow God to teach him afresh about His Kingdom, following Jesus, the Word, the Law, and the Holy Spirit. Finally by the time Barnabas came to find him (Acts 11:25–26), Paul was refined and ready for his ministry.

Following Jesus requires that we leave everything behind, allowing Him to shape our thoughts, change us, and help us become all that He wants us to be.

No matter where you are in your spiritual life, be willing to lay everything on the altar. Ask God to remove anything that doesn’t please Him—any doctrine, idea, or tradition that may block you from His truth. Be willing to unlearn, so He can teach you!

Reflection Question: What might God be asking you to unlearn right now?