Acts 9: 1-25
When Saul became Paul the believers in Damascus couldn’t believe it. You can’t blame them. Paul was authorized to persecute members of “The Way” and was passionate about his mission. He was arresting Christians. The Bible says men and women alike, and bringing them back to Jerusalem to be thrown in jail. The Bible even says he was passionate about killing them! We do know that Paul approved of the stoning of Stephen; letting the mob lay their coats at his feet as they threw rocks at Stephen until he died. So what changed?
Saul had an encounter with Jesus! Jesus revealed Himself to Saul on the road to Damascus. Saul, blinded by the light, was led into town where he fasted for three days waiting for a man named Ananias to come and pray for him. Meanwhile, Jesus spoke to Ananias and sent him to pray for Saul. Ananias was reluctant, reminding Jesus all that Saul had done against the Body of Christ. Jesus reassured Ananias and even told him that Saul would suffer much “for My name’s sake.”
After Ananias prayed for Saul and Saul regained his eyesight Saul was baptized and began preaching Jesus in the synagogue! The people were amazing! Nobody had Saul being converted to Paul on their bingo card.
Paul would go on to suffer greatly for the name of Jesus. He would also reach Gentiles all over the world with the message of salvation through Jesus Christ! A message that is still spreading today through Paul’s letters to the churches he planted. Paul did write most of the New Testament, you know. Saul was brought up a Pharisee of Pharisees and knew his scriptures. Saul was zealous for the wrong cause. God took that zealousness and used it for His purposes. To save Saul! And spread His good news.
Do you know any Sauls? People zealously against God? The conversion of Saul to Paul is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond God’s reach. The worst of sinners, as Paul referred to himself, can be changed into God fearing… people loving… faithful servants! Pray for unbelievers, even those that persecute you. Such were some of you. You never know, they might end up leading a Bible study at your church someday!