Acts 9 - The Conversion of the Apostle Paul!
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 in Damascus and Jerusalem
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 Messiah.
In Acts 9, we read of the conversion of "Saul of Tarsus", who later became the great apostle Paul. As we learn from other parts of scripture, Paul was a, Pharisee of Pharisees, a student of the famous Rabbi, Gameliel, and from the tribe of Benjamin. He was named after the King Saul, the first king of Israel.
Because he was a Pharisee and did not yet believe in Jesus, he became passionate about rounding up Jewish and Greek Christians, who were formerly Jewish. He was present at the stoning of Stephen. But today on the road to Damascus, Saul's life is about to change in a dramatic way.
Saul was traveling toward Damascus and was blinded by a bright light and a voice said, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me!" We see that Saul has an idea it was a divine encounter as he says, "Who are You Lord?" To which Jesus replied, "It is me, Jesus, who you are persecuting." When Saul regains his senses, he is blind. His friends lead him to a house in Damascus.
Jesus says something significant about Saul when he is talking to Ananias, who was the man Jesus instructed to visit Saul and restore his sight. Jesus says, "This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings, and the people of Israel."
You talk about a dramatic conversion story. Why do you think God chose Saul to become the greatest apostle and missionary to the Gentiles?
I think the Lord saw Saul's zeal even though it was misplaced. And sure enough with the same intensity that Saul tracked down and persecuted Christians, he brought the Good News of Jesus to many Gentile nations fearlessly and tirelessly. Eventually he did wind up testifying the Roman Emperor, as Jesus had prophesied.
We each have a conversion story. Some are more dramactic than others. Oftentimes our conversion story will connect with what the Lord will call us to do. There are many times I will see a passionate and talented person and wonder how much God could do with them if they were converted to Christianity. No matter what we have done in our lives, God can turn it into good. The bible says,
"Whoever has been fotgiven much, loves much!"
I love to say, "God never wastes an experience." What Satan may have meant for evil God can use for good!
Paul had a brilliant mind, as evidenced by being trained by the most well known Jewish rabbi of his time, Gamaliel. Once Paul became a Christian, he used his brilliant mind as an evangelist. Acts 9:22 says, "He baffled the people in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Messiah."
It is Paul who becomes the first great theologian in the Christian church. From his writings in the New Testament, we get the most important doctrines of our faith. I.e. We are justified by grace through faith based on the Word of God, the Priesthood of All Believers, the Church, and the role of the Holy Spirit and His gifts!
Though we may not be an Apostle Paul, we each have a story to tell. We each have natural gifts given to us by God that can be used to build God's kingdom here on earth. God can even use the worst moments in our lives to show how amazing His grace is.
How can God use your story to lead other people to him? If you ever had a time when you were opposed to Jesus, or Christianity, how might God use that time in your life to reach others? We usually are most effective at reaching people who have had similar life experiences as our own.
Jesus, just as you used the apostle Paul to be the most powerful church planter in history, use us and our testimony to reach those who don't yet know you! Thank you that you redeem even our worst choices and can use them for your glory. Amen.
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