he was not a believer he was knower of Christ Jesus.
For now we see in a mirror dimly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
I see that quote as Paul seeing the kingdom (of God). Luke 17:21
Thomas says it with more clarity:
Jesus said, "If those who lead you say to you, 'See, the kingdom is in the sky,' then the birds of the sky will precede you. If they say to you, 'It is in the sea,' then the fish will precede you. Rather, the kingdom is inside of you, and it is outside of you.
When you come to know yourselves, then you will become known, and you will realize that it is you who are the sons of the living father. But if you will not know yourselves, you dwell in poverty and it is you who are that poverty."
Paul was taught by the Spirit, just as we are.
Galatians 1:
11 But I certify you, brethren, t
hat the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
12
For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
15 But when it pleased God,
who separated me from my mother's womb, (the flesh) and called me by his grace,
16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen;
immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: (Jewish priests, the same, he explains, that influenced Peter in the next chapter, Galatians 2:12)
Jesus "said" that the gospel was a mystery. And he said the "word of God" was a seed. Paul prospered the seed cultivating it as Jesus said. Without the knowledge from the Spirit (gnosis), the gospel remains a seed.
Ephesians 3:
4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
5
Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men (the Jews)
, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets
by the Spirit;
6 That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
One can read the gospels over and over and still not see it, unless the Spirit reveals it.
Jesus words came by the Holy Spirit speaking through him, and once given, spoke in men as well (like Paul). The OT never had it, and Paul says it didn't. (verse 5 above, as well as others)
