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- Read Acts chapter 9 verses 1-19a
- Luke the author of Luke and Acts, always takes great care to relay
stories of Jesus and his disciples in such a way to reinforce themes of
great significance. This account of the conversion of Saul is of great
theological significance and pivotal to the wider perspective of Acts.
In Luke 24:46-49 as Jesus is about to ascend into heaven he commands
his disciples to preach "Him", starting in Jerusalem and then to all
nations. Before Saul, evangelism was largely focussed upon Jerusalem.
The story of his conversion takes "the Great Commission" into its next
phase reintroducing significance of the nations. The Gospel has always
been intended for all.
- From this account several other themes are emerging. Here is a very
devout man, firmly committed to his faith - full of zeal. He was on his
way to bring justice upon Christian "heretics". Jesus, in a wall of
blinding light appears to Saul and brings him literally to his knees
(v8). Saul understandably is confused and frightened, Who are you,
Lord?" he asks (v5). After his dramatic calling, coupled with blindness
and confusion, he has three days to consider what these happenings mean
before the obedient and rather brave Ananias finds him, heals him and
prays for filling of the Holy Spirit. After this crisis experience,
Paul (as he later became) puts all of his devout fervour and zeal into
preaching the Lord. A commitment he takes to the point of ultimate
sacrifice. He too travels the same journey as Stephen (Acts 7). The
story of Jesus is so compelling that persecutors become messengers of
"The Way" and ultimately, even themselves - the persecuted.
- For Contemplation:
- From the perspective of Jesus, consider Saul. A man dedicated
zealously to the Father yet persecuting the Son. Consider human hatred
in the name of religion and faith
- From the perspective of Saul, consider his commitment to the Law
and love of the One God (Deut 6:4-5). He was devoted to the point of
immense anger for what he considered a dangerous heresy. Suddenly, he
sees in blindness that he is wrong and has persecuted the One he was
trying to serve. What did he feel as he lay waiting the messenger of
the Lord?
- From the perspective of Ananias, consider his bravery and devotion
to Jesus. This was a dangerous request that went against all reason.
What must he have thought, what strength must it have taken to follow
his masters bidding? Yet he remained firm and committed to action.
- Prayer:
- Lord Jesus as we read your Word and live our daily lives fill us
with your Spirit, fill us with devotion for you and a willingness to
give ourselves totally into your service. At the same time, develop in
us sensitivity for others and a willingness to learn from them.
Amen.
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