Back to Acts. The first 8 chapters describe the birth of the church, and its break out into Samaria. Now we come to its break out into the rest of the world. There are two key events which formed the foundation for this. One was the conversion of Saul (later to be called Paul), and the other was the actions of Peter. Saul's conversion on the Damascus road is the first one to be described.
This incident shows above all the sovereignty of God, and that we should never imagine that we have everything worked out. We first came across Saul when he was holding the coats of those stoning Stephen and approving of the whole affair. We should notice that there is no indication of Saul having any change of heart. He was on his way to Damascus to persecute as many Christians as possible. Saul's heart was set on destroying the church, the only reason he was saved as because of the sovereign act of God. We sometimes place too much emphasis on the human side. We should pray fervently for friends or relations (or enemies) who do not believe. There may be no signs of the least bit of interest on their part, but this does not mean that nothing will happen.
God intervened in a dramatic manner, appearing as a bright light and speaking to Saul. Jesus asked Saul why he persecuted Him. Saul has no idea who Jesus is. Jesus then commands him to go into the city. Note that there is no overt repentence here, no debate, just God commanding Saul what to do, and Saul obeying.
Saul was now blind and was led to the city, where he fasted for three days.
No comments:
Post a Comment