Saul watches on at the stoning of Stephen

Saul is confronted by Jesus and blinded

 

    In Acts, chapter 13, verse 9, Saul becomes known as Paul.  Is this significant?  When you think about the many letters from Paul that comprise the last chapters of the new testament, it is.  Paul often refers to himself as an apostle/bondservant of Christ.  The significance of Paul is that he is transformed by Christ on the road to Damascus.  “Saul” had been one of the chief prosecutors of followers of Jesus.  He had them arrested, imprisoned and watched them stoned to death, including Stephen.  Christ addresses Saul on that road and also blinds him.  He then leads Saul to the place where Saul can do the most good. He leads him to the Gentiles.  Now, Gentiles were not friends of the Jews and Saul was a Jew of Jews, a Hebrew of Hebrews!  He referred to himself this way when explaining his transformation to his brethren and disciples.  

“although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh.  If anyone has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more:  circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;” – Phillipians 3:4-5  NASB

     Praise God he was transformed!  Paul regains his sight and becomes one of the most devout preachers of the gospel.  He travels from Damascus to Jerusalem where he is joined by Barnabas.  They both travel to Antioch and beyond covering many places and offering the message to many Gentiles.  Paul eventually finds his way into Europe.  This is the beginning of the church, Christs church and the spreading of the irrefutable truth of our salvation.  (Scripture describes the only path to salvation and that is through the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.) It’s incredible in its journey over land and time.  It is the mission of discipleship.  It is the message of hope and love, peace and an indescribable joy by those who believe with their hearts. 

     One last note on Paul.  He triumphed and persevered through beatings, floggings, imprisonment, thirst, starvation and loneliness.  Why would he do this?  On that road to Damascus, his heart was transformed.  He met the Lord, the King of glory.  As we meet and come to know our King, may we be so transformed. Peace.

“But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.  More that that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ,  – Phillipians 3:7-8 NASB

Rembrandt’s apostle Paul