Principle, not proof text. You also have no verse to say it started with Paul, so this is why there is a difference of opinion. Virtually all thinking Christian agree that the Spirit/Christ birthed the Church with Jew/Gentile one in Him after the cross. Waiting for Paul's conversion is not the issue. Paul's issue is a missionary calling to expand the gospel and flesh out doctrinal details systematically. The basis for the gospel is Christ who predates Paul (duh).
Hi , and I have written it many times and on many other sites !!
SAUL was called by Grace in Gal 1:15 !!
In Gal 1:15 , it reads , " But when God was pleased , the one separating me from my mother's womb , having called ( me ) by His Grace ".
#1 , The first verb is " pleased " , EUDOKEO , and means " to choose , determine , decide , take pleasure in , perfer !!
#2 , The second verb is " separated " which is APHORIZO and means to Mark off by Boundries , to Limit , to Separate !!
#3 , The third verb is , " called " , which is KALEO , and means " to call , invite , to call by name !!
#4 , And verse 16 reveals why SAUL/PAUL was called , " to reveal His Son in me ".
#5 , To preach Him as the Gospel among Gentiles !!
What was he , SAUL/PAUL to preach , the Revelation of the Mystery , Rom 16:25 , Eph 3:2 and Col 1:25 !!
We have proof texts , and you will not QUOTE your proof Texts , why not ??
Are you Ashamed of your proof texts ??
Do you have proof texts ??
My proof texts , TRUMP whatever you will produce , so lets have THEM ??
The 12 apostles were bound by Matt 10:6 , " But go rather to the LOST SHEEP of the House of Israel ".
How SIDE STEP this ??
DAN P