Saul's Astonishing Conversion 

Acts chapter 9 

     "Saul was breathing out murderous threats against the disciples." He and others were on the road to Damascus to arrest any who "belonged to the Way and take them as prisoners to Jerusalem." 

     "...suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground (blinded) and heard a voice say, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? Jesus told him to continue into Damascus. There, Ananias knew Saul's reputation, but the Lord assured him, This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name. 

(C)   After Paul (formerly called Saul) encounters Jesus and accepts him as Lord and Messiah, he fasts and prays for guidance with deep commitment to God.

     Ananias (verse 13) calls believers "saints." In the church's early years, all believers were called saints, a term for those separated from sin and to God. They were "God's separated ones," or "God's holy ones," those who turned their backs on the world to follow Jesus. The term "saint" did not mean the believer is perfect or incapable of sin. It did convey a conformance to God's ways of righteousness and the necessity that holiness be an internal reality. 

     As for suffering, in Christ's kingdom, suffering for his sake is a sign of God's highest favor. Death-to-self permits true life to flow from the believer to others (Romans 8:17-18). 

     * Seeking the Spirit's fullness should be centered on the Holy Spirit himself and not on external manifestations. 

     The uproar subsided, and "...the church in Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened by the Holy Spirit, and grew in numbers, living in the (respectful) fear of the Lord." It is God-fearers who formed the starting point for the Gentile mission. Fear of the Lord produces trust and obedience. 

Tomorrow: Angel visits a soldier