Paul's Conversion Revisited

Paul's conversion has been used in the past to show that Paul was not forgiven at faith, but at least 3 days after meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus and some time after praying and receiving a vision. 

1. Typically faith only groups teach we are saved at belief and the Spirit is given to us at that time.

2. Paul called Jesus Lord, had a vision, was in constant prayer, and later Ananias laid hands on him that he might receive his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

3. Then he was told to arise and wash away his sins.

It is an interesting timeline because he was still in his sins 3 days after calling Jesus Lord, and after being filled with the Spirit it seems.

The question: was Paul filled with the Spirit before meeting Ananias, when Ananias laid hands on him, or after his baptism? It really isn't totally clear.

This does show having a vision and being filled with the Spirit seems to be two different actions of God, perhaps different measures of the Spirit. Or one was not by the Holy Spirit at all.

What we do know.

• • Paul did not receive forgiveness at faith.

  • Paul did not receive forgiveness initially through prayer.

  • Paul was not filled with the Holy Spirit at faith.

One interesting point is that we can show the following statement from Acts 22 followed his receiving Ananias' hands and receiving his sight.

Act 22:16  And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. 

The word now distinguishes it in relation to time. We know he wasn't forgiven yet. Since these verbs are aorist tense they depict a set order.

Arise

Be Baptized

Wash Away thy Sins

It is noteworthy Paul is told to be baptized before having sins washed, in faith only theology baptism is seen as a symbol after being forgiven, the order doesn't match their pattern.

Because Paul and Cornelius both had visions before meeting their messengers, it does seem to match the prophecy in Acts 2:17-21

Act 2:17  And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 

It seems these could occur before individuals were saved, to facilitate and validate the process, or after to help lead teachers to the right converts. Both Paul and Ananias had visions despite only one being a forgiven christian.