Through the power of Christ, a man who had been a hate-filled villain became a love-filled hero by submitting himself completely to Jesus. Paul was able to spread the gospel throughout the known world. He was originally a Pharisee and grew up in a Jewish home. Because of his upbringing he was fiercely loyal to defending the beliefs and customs of the Old Testament. After his conversion he was the leading figure in the doctrine and mission of the New Testament era. Acts 9:1–20 shifts from one person in particular at the beginning, and then transitions to another key figure at the end. In the beginning there was one man called Saul whose name was later changed to Paul, and he is one of the great leaders of the New Testament.
Paul’s road to Damascus conversion (Acts 9:1–9)
The story of Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus is told in Acts 9:1–19 and is retold by Paul in Acts 11:6–21 and Acts 26:12–18. After the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Saul swore to wipe out the new Christian church. Acts 9:1 tells us that Paul was breathing out ‘murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples’. He obtained letters from the high priest authorising him to arrest any followers of Jesus in the city of Damascus. On the road to Damascus Saul and his companions were struck down by a blinding light. ‘Saul, Saul why do you persecute me?’ (Acts 9:4, NIV). When Saul asked who was speaking the voice replied, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do’ (Acts 9:5–6, NIV). Saul was blinded. His companions led him into Damascus to a man named Judas, on Straight Street. For three days Saul was blind and didn’t eat or drink.
Saul's Confirmation (Acts 9:10–20)
Meanwhile, Jesus appeared in a vision to a disciple in Damascus named Ananias and told him to go to Saul. Ananias was afraid because he knew Saul’s reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church. Jesus repeated his command and told him that Saul was his chosen instrument to deliver the gospel to the Gentiles, their kings and the people of Israel. So Ananias found Saul at Judas’s house, praying for help. Ananias laid his hands on Saul telling him Jesus had sent him to restore his sight and that Saul might be filled with the Holy Spirit. Something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes and he could see again. He arose and was baptised into the Christian faith. Saul ate, regained his strength and stayed with the Damascus disciples three days. After his conversion Saul’s name was changed to Paul.
Points of interest
· Paul’s conversion showed that Jesus himself wanted the gospel message to go to the Gentiles, quashing any argument from the early Jewish Christians that the gospel was only for the Jews.
· This helps us to understand God does not hold our past against us. If God chose a man who was the leading enemy of his movement and who was directly responsible for killing one of the very first deacons or leaders within the Christian movement (Stephen), then certainly he can use us today.
· It is important to know that if God can use a man like Saul, who was the leading figure in making sure that Christians were persecuted, and out of all the people God could have used to advance his kingdom on earth, he chose the one who was completely against him to be the leading figure for him – then that ought to give us encouragement that God can use us as well.
By Khadija Nathan