How Did Jesus Convert Paul?
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21
These are the words of Paul after he was converted by Christ. Originally named Saul, he was a Pharisee who persecuted Christians, put them in jail and, sometimes, they were executed. But on the road to Damascus to arrest Christians he met Jesus who had already been crucified and ascended into Heaven.
As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” (Acts 9:3-4 BSB) Jesus got Paul’s attention by appearing as a light from Heaven.
Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. (Acts 9:5 BSB) Paul recognized the Light as divine because he called him Lord. When we minister to people, we have to back up everything we say from scripture, otherwise people may think it is just our opinion. Just as Christ revealed himself as divine, we reveal our message as divine.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied. (Act 9:5 BSB) Christ revealed himself as divine, and he answered Paul’s question with his earthly name, Jesus. When Jesus was ministering, Paul heard him speaking and knew he died by crucifixion. He heard that Jesus arose from the dead, but he didn’t believe. Now Paul is thinking, Jesus is the Christ. We always minister, bringing the Truth from the Word.
Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. (Acts 9:8-9) Christ blinded Paul for three days to reduce his pride and enable him to think. Paul was a Pharisee and he knew the Old Testament scriptures, and now he is relating the prophecies about Jesus, and making the connection in his mind that Jesus is the Christ. We bring the Truth and place a thought in the mind of others. Hopefully, later on, that will cause them to think deeply about it. We emphasis the importance of thinking deeply about the Word of God, and how the scriptures changed our life to the narrow road that leads to Heaven.
At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. (Acts 9:20) Once Paul realized the prophecies showing Jesus is the Christ, and he began to preach that Jesus is the Christ. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1:22) We emphasize the importance of not just reading the Word, but doing what is says; otherwise, what good is the Word to us?
Today, when ministering to someone, pray and ask the Lord for divine guidance. The more we commune with the Lord, the closer we are to Him and the more we will experience his divine help. Spend the day walking with the Lord and his divine guidance.
Prayer: Lord, I pray for your guidance today, especially when ministering to someone. Thank you for always being willing to guide me through life as your servant. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, Amen