Saul’s Conversion
Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.
Acts 9:1-2
Saul was a pharisee and he was motivated to imprison those who believed in Christ, know as the Way. While on his to Damascus to imprison those who believe in Way, Christ converted Saul.
As he neared 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) After Saul fell to the ground he asked: Who are you, Lord? (Acts 11:5) Notice that Saul used the word “Lord” because it was divine moment. The answer to Saul’s question was: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. It was important that Christ identified himself as Jesus, because Saul had seen Jesus and he knew he was crucified and died and placed in a tomb. Now Saul knows that Jesus is the Christ, which he didn’t believe until now.
We need to be prepared with scripture to convert people that don’t know Christ. We need to do this with love, peace, and joy, and through prayer for the scriptures we need to convert lost souls.
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 11:8-9) Christ blinded Saul to kill his pride, and he needed to be led by others. But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (James 4:6) Christ had to kill his pride and blind him to make him think and know the truth.
Being blind gave Saul time to think deeply, and he realized he was wrong, Jesus is the Christ. Saul now knows the truth and he has been converted. When we minister to others, we need scriptures to overcome the lies they believe from Satan, and we need to explain the scriptures.
But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.” (Acts 11:15) Christ had a definite plan for Saul to minister to the gentiles, and Christ has a definite plan for us. If we pray and ask for Christ to guide us; Christ will open doors, that fulfills the plan Christ has for us.
At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. (Acts 9:20) Once Saul knew the truth, he was baptized and immediately went out and preached the truth; and God renamed Saul to Paul.
Today may sure you know the plan the Lord has for you, and fully depend on Christ to be with you.
Prayer: Father guide me to fulfill the plan you have for me. In Jesus name, Amen