God gave Saul divine revelation to Saul on the road to Damascus. Contrary to what Saul believed, Jesus is the Son of God. Saul thought he was doing the will of God by persecuting followers of Jesus. He did this because he thought they were heretics. Suddenly, Jesus confronted Saul. Acts 9:4 Saul fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” 5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting![1]
When Saul opened his eyes, he realized he was blind, and his friends led him into Damascus in a state of humility. Three days later, God sent a believer named Ananias to pray for Saul and restored his sight. Saul then got up and was baptized as the Lord set him on a new path that would change his life. Saul’s worldview ended in Damascus and was rebuilt on the unshakable pillars of the truth about Jesus.
Saul Put His Faith into Action
Acts 9:19Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. 20 And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!” [2] Saul was so moved by his conversion and encounter with Jesus that he wanted other people to come to know Him. Saul became a living testimony of how Jesus can change someone’s heart, and he does the same for people today.
As Saul proclaimed Jesus as Messiah, God gave him three insights. The first was Jesus had an intimate and unique relationship with God the Father. Also, Jesus was in the kingly line of King David. Finally, Jesus as the Son of God made Him the long-awaited Messiah.
With great zeal, Saul desperately wanted his fellow Jews to know Jesus and have their lives radically changed just as his was. Saul knew what it was like to walk in unbelief of Jesus and had great compassion for others who were just like him before his conversion. The compassion for others to know Jesus would remain a driving force throughout Saul’s life.
The Good News of Jesus
When the Lord draws people to faith, it is the work of His hand. John 6:40For it is my Father’s will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day.” [3] No matter how God drew us to faith, He wants us to tell others about Jesus.
Faith comes by hearing because God’s word changes you. There is power in the cross of Jesus to wash away our sins. God can change a stony heart to a receptive one that is good soil. How has Jesus changed your life? Where is the Lord calling you today to take the next step of faith?
To learn how Jesus is the Son of God, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/from-persecutor-to-preacher
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.