When God in mercy claimed him, that persecutor, Saul, he called him, and renamed him his own Apostle Paul. Give thanks for his salvation when light from heaven showed a new redeemed creation on that Damascus road. A Jew by long tradition, there then to Paul was shown a world-embracing mission to make the gospel known; that all might hear the story of why Messiah died, the life-imparting glory of Christ the crucified. Paul lived to serve his Master and see his work fulfilled, as shepherd, preacher, pastor, the church of Christ to build. Of all that God imparted one aim alone sufficed with Paul, the single-hearted: 'for me to live is Christ.' Wherever sin abounded his calling was to tend the churches that he founded and labored to defend. Though fettered and in prison his letters still record how Jesus, died and risen, is everlasting Lord. Paul's earthly course is finished, yet still we hear his voice, with triumph undiminished: 'Rejoice, I say, rejoice!' Rejoice in sins forgiven, a race unwearied run, in hope at last of heaven, to hear the Lord's 'Well done!'