Acts 9:21-22 , “But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:
If you have ever watched an old western movie you knew who the bad guys were because they wore black hats. Saul was like that; word had spread he was out looking for Christians and wanted to put them all in jail. Everyone knew who he was and what he wanted to do. His reputation was preceding him as he traveled to Damascus. So it was little wonder there was great confusion when he started doing just the opposite and started to preach Jesus was God’s Son and was alive. It is no surprise everyone was afraid of him. Was this just a new trick to win confidence so he could capture those who believed? Saul was not the same man he was when he started out what has happened? Jesus is what happened. Saul was now “proving that Jesus is the Christ” (rather than persecuting Christians), and he was getting stronger the longer he spoke. Everyone was really confused---Saul was just not the same person, and no one knew why.
Have you ever wondered about those who were close to Saul? What did his traveling buddies think about him? Do you think they set him down and tried to talk some sense into him? Did they try to get him to understand the consequences of his change; how his position at work or church was going to be affected he was a Pharisee after all. What will people think about him? How would his family feel. I don't think Saul talked to his employer or his family before he embarked on his new ministry, and I don't think they gave him their permission before he started. All Saul knew was that he had met Jesus and that was all that mattered.
Acts 9:22, “And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:” Saul went from being the hunter to being the hunted.
What kind of courage and conviction would it take for you to completely reverse your previous positions, words, and life work as Saul did? How would your friends and family react?
Do you need someone else's permission to change? Would Saul have been as effective in his ministry if he sought other people's approval before he began? Did Saul allow his past to determine or dictate his future? Do you? What relationship, attitude or previous behavior do you need to change? Where can you begin today?
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