Acts 9:20-31 Trust Saul?

Acts 9:19b-31 NIV
The saying that it's easier to forgive than to forget seems to apply to Saul (Paul). As soon as he is baptized, Saul begins to preach that Jesus is the Son of God. Some of the people want to kill him for his preaching; others do not trust him.

God can change anyone's heart. But, after so zealously persecuting (mega bullying) others, followers of Jesus are not so sure that he could have made such a drastic change. Simply put, they did not trust him. In Jerusalem, Barnabas had to witness to Saul's conversion so that Saul could freely witness to the fact that Jesus is the Son of God; so that the people would trust and listen to him.

It took only a few moments for God to change Saul's heart; but, it took much longer for the people to understand that he had really changed. Be careful then how we treat one another in order that our witness might be believable and accepted.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 9:1-19 Saul's Eyes Opened

Acts 9:1-19 NIV
God can heal anyone he chooses of blindness. God can call whomever He chooses to serve Him. Here is the story of Saul's spiritual healing; his conversion. On the way to Damascus, this murderous enemy of God and God's people has an encounter with the ascended Jesus. He has, in short, a conversion experience. Saul loses his physical sight even as he gains spiritual insight. Through yet another vision to him; as well as a vision to a disciple named Ananias; he regains his physical vision even he is filled with the Holy Spirit. This man, who just days earlier, is on his way to destroy Christians, desires and is baptized into the Body of Christ. He receives the Holy Spirit, is baptized and sets forth on the mission God has called him to; to proclaim the Word to the gentiles and kings and all of Israel. In just one encounter with the Lord he is converted from persecutor to persecuted.

And, so we pray for our enemies, even as Stephen prayed for his in the moments he was being stoned to death. We pray and hope that the Lord would call, even our worst enemies, to serve him. It can happen. Just read the story of Saul (whom we know as St. Paul) and you will have hope even for those who would destroy the church on earth. One can never know whose eyes God will open or whom He will call.

Again, it is said that we should love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. (Matt 5:4)

God's Peace - Pr. J.