Saul of Tarsus was the church’s most feared enemy. He had approved of Stephen’s death, and now he was breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples. With letters from the high priest, he headed to Damascus to arrest believers. But on that road, the risen Jesus met him. Saul would become Paul, the apostle who wrote much of the New Testament. His story gives hope to anyone who thinks a person is too far gone, and it shows how God uses humble believers to help new converts.
Why Persecutest Thou Me?
As Saul came near Damascus, a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? Saul asked, Who art thou, Lord? The answer was, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. Notice that Jesus did not say, Why do you persecute my people? He said, Why do you persecute me? Jesus is so joined to His church that what is done to them is done to Him (Matthew 25:40). Saul rose blind and was led by the hand into the city. For three days he did not eat or drink. Later Paul called himself the chief of sinners, saved so that Christ could show His patience to others (1 Timothy 1:15-16). If God could save Saul, no one is beyond His reach.
Who is the person you have quietly given up on, and how will you begin praying for their salvation by name every day this week?
Brother Saul
The Lord spoke in a vision to a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. He told him to go to Straight Street and find Saul, who was praying. Ananias was afraid. He had heard how much evil Saul had done to the saints. But the Lord said Saul was a chosen vessel to carry His name to the Gentiles, kings and the children of Israel. So Ananias went. He laid his hands on Saul and said, Brother Saul. What powerful words! The man who came to arrest believers was welcomed as family. We are called to be kind and forgiving, as God in Christ forgave us (Ephesians 4:32), and to receive one another as Christ received us (Romans 15:7). Ananias is mentioned only briefly in Acts, yet his obedience shaped church history.
Which new believer or newcomer at church could use a warm welcome, and what will you do this Sunday to treat them like family?
From Persecutor to Preacher
When Ananias prayed, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes. He received his sight, arose and was baptized. After eating, he was strengthened. Then straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. The people were amazed. Was this not the man who had destroyed those who called on this name? The change was real and deep. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, and old things are passed away (2 Corinthians 5:17). The churches later said the one who once persecuted them now preached the faith he once tried to destroy (Galatians 1:23). Saul increased in strength and confounded the Jews in Damascus, proving that Jesus is the Christ. By the grace of God he became what he was (1 Corinthians 15:9-10).
What part of your old life still shows up, perhaps a temper or a habit, and what one change will show you are a new creature this week?
Conclusion
Saul set out to destroy the church, but Jesus stopped him on the road. The Lord revealed Himself, sent a fearful but faithful Ananias, and turned an enemy into a brother and a preacher. Saul’s story is a picture of grace. None of us earned salvation. Christ came to us while we were still far from Him. The same Jesus can open blind eyes and change hard hearts today, and He still uses ordinary believers who say yes when He sends them.
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