Visionary Variations:

Apostle Paul & Joseph Smith as Examples

This essay reviews an essential counter-argument that must be considered in discussions about the variations in Joseph Smith's first vision experience – and that is the variations in the Apostle Paul's first vision experience. For both individuals we have multiple versions of their first encounter with Christ. Yet, both told the truth as best they could.

Before elaborating on the above theme, I wish to remind the reader of a couple of points. When Joseph Smith told others during the 1820s to the 1840s about his first vision, he sometimes heard complaints “that there were no such things as visions or revelations in these days; that all such things had ceased with the apostles, and that there would never be any more of them” (Joseph Smith History 1: 21). (See my short essay on "Cessationism").

We need to remember that Jesus experienced the same basic complaint. During the earthly ministry of Jesus there were groups of Jewish people who did NOT believe in continuing revelation. For example, the Sadducees believed only in the Books of Moses (the first five books of the Bible); they did NOT believe in angels, a resurrection, or in an afterlife (e.g., Acts 23:8). Jesus taught to beware of the teachings of the Sadducees (e.g., Matt. 16:12). (See also: LDS Bible Dictionary entry for "Sadducees").

As a second point, we need to remember that the four Gospels of the New Testament tell the story of Christ quite differently, with events in different orders, with missing or inserted details, probable borrowing of information from "Q" or other sources, and possible confounding and mixing of story events. Matthew, Mark, and Luke (the so-called synoptic gospels) are the most similar, and John is quite distinct from the other three. These differences are usually NOT seen by Christians as being incompatible.

My point is that having vocal and vehement critics is to be expected when the message is important. Further, variation or variability is NOT a convincing evidence of falsehood.

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Critics have been bothered that Joseph Smith over the years told (slight) variations in his "First Vision" story. The critical implication is that the basic story is false. (For other counter-arguments and data sources, see Tim Malone's essay "Multiple Versions for the First Vision," which provides many basic links to follow). But, the Apostle Paul ALSO told his "First Vision" story differently – with much greater variation (See Acts 9:1-9; Acts 22:6-21; Acts 26:12-18; and Galatians 1:6-24; Acts 9:7 versus Acts 22:9 appear to contradict each other) than that found in Joseph Smith's versions. It is a human characteristic that repeated stories vary.

Concerning the first vision, Joseph Smith compared himself with Paul. Here is a tiny portion of his "official" story:

Joseph Smith History 1: 24-25
24 … I felt much like Paul, when he made his defense before King Agrippa, and related the account of the vision he had when he saw a light, and heard a voice; but still there were but few who believed him; some said he was dishonest, others said he was mad; and he was ridiculed and reviled. But all this did not destroy the reality of his vision. He had seen a vision, he knew he had, and all the persecution under heaven could not make it otherwise; and though they should persecute him unto death, yet he knew, and would know to his latest breath, that he had both seen a light and heard a voice speaking unto him, and all the world could not make him think or believe otherwise.
25 So it was with me. I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; …

The scholarly Bible atlas, Biblica (2006, p. 463) states, “It is perhaps not surprising that we have variant attempts to describe the Damascus road event [Paul’s conversion story], for how can one describe an encounter with the risen Lord?” If Paul can be excused for his rather large variations, then Joseph can be excused for his rather small variations. We might remember the words of the prophet Moroni who acknowledged the imperfections in his writing (Mormon 9:31). Prophets, except Jesus, are NOT perfect people.

As flawed as they were, the Church owes much to both Paul and Joseph Smith. Joseph ran the Church from 1830 to 1844 and accomplished more in that 14 years than most persons could accomplish in several lifetimes. Similarly, it was the work of Paul over about 20 years that established the beginnings of the Christian Church -- again, accomplishing a great amount.

Paul’s first mission was to Cyprus and Asia Minor (see Acts 13 – 14). His second mission (see Acts 15 – 18) began from Jerusalem and went to Asia Minor and Greece (Thessalonica, Athens, and Corinth). He visited Ephesus and then returned to Jerusalem. The date of this second mission was around C.E. 51, a date obtained from Acts 18:12, which refers to Gallio, a proconsul of Corinth and Achaia who served at that time. Paul’s third mission (see Acts 19 – 22) began in Antioch, Syria and from there he visited many of the same churches he established on his second mission; at the end he returned to Jerusalem. His last great journey was to Rome (Acts 27 – 28). Very quickly, he was thrown in prison for two years. Paul died in C.E. 66 or 67.

The four basic versions of Paul's First Vision story are found in the following verses: Acts 9:1-9; Acts 22:6-21; Acts 26:12-18; and Galatians 1:6-24. Below are just two of the versions. One should note that Apostle Paul's story is told with great variation.

Conversion story: Version #1

New International Version : Galatians 1: 6 – 24 [italics mine]
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! 9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!
10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
11 I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
13 For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus. 18 Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Peter and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord's brother. 20 I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie. 21 Later I went to Syria and Cilicia. 22 I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only heard the report: "The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy." 24 And they praised God because of me.

Conversion story: Version #2

New International Version: Acts 9: 7 – 22
7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.
10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, "Ananias!" 
 "Yes, Lord," he answered.
11 The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight."
13 "Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name."
15 But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."
17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. 21 All those who heard him were astonished and asked, "Isn't he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn't he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?" 22 Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.

It seems to me that Versions #1 and #2 have significant differences. I will not go into them all, but Version #1 suggests that Paul did not "consult any man," and that he went immediately into Arabia -- maybe for years. By contrast, Version #2 indicates that Paul was assisted by Ananias (if not more individuals) and spent some time in Damascus. The book of Acts gives no mention of Paul's trip to Arabia at all.

No doubt, one can spin these stories to create reconciliations, but my point is that Joseph's variations did not set a precedent and were no greater than Paul's. Maybe prophets are NOT exempt from the human tendency to (slightly) vary their stories. Different versions emphasize some details over others, and some versions omit details entirely. The essential point is that BOTH Paul's and Joseph's stories show the human tendency to tell stories in a somewhat inconsistent manner. Are the fundamentals of their stories wrong? I do NOT think so.

It is easy to criticize Paul or Joseph, but we Latter-day Saints would rather appreciate the magnitude of their efforts. Their flaws were minor by comparison.

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Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

Copyright 2008 S.Faux (Email: foxgoku54 [at] gmail [d0t] c0m; URL: http://mormoninsights.blogspot.com). Readers may distribute this post for noncommercial purposes provided such distributing is of the entire post, including author's copyright and contact information. All other rights reserved.




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