Saul’s story is one we have all heard many times, but it is a story that shows that God can use us, even when we have tried to run as far away from him as we could. His story is found in the books of Acts, a book written by the one of the apostles. Without Saul’s conversion to Christianity, thousands would have not been saved. His ministry brought hope to many because they could see that Saul, or Paul, had not always been perfect. He is a great example for everyone who has been human because all humans make mistakes.
Saul was a “…a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God”(22: 3).
However, something turned Saul away from God. His first mention in the Bible is at the death of Stephen. Men had taken Stephen out of the city to be stoned. As a custom, the men laid the clothes at someone’s feet, which happen to be Saul’s feet, entrusting him with their clothes. After Stephen’s death, Saul “…made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison”(8:3).
Saul became outraged because prophets were spreading God’s word. While “…breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem”(9:1-2).
The Term Paper on John Updike Ritual God Man
Here's a report on John Updike and some of the things that he has written. If someone wants to use it, be advised that they should change all of the "its" referring to morality and etc... to something else. My extremely anal english teacher marked me off a point for every "it" that I used. Janice Tsai Senior-Munster High School Existence is like a creature that hides and then reveals itself. ...
On his way to Damascus, suddenly a bright shined around him. “And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink”(9:4-9).
This was a real revelation for Saul. God then called upon the Ananias telling him to “…Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight”(9:11-12).
Ananias, having heard of Saul, was afraid, but did as the Lord had instructed. “…Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God”(9:17-20).
It took some time before the Jews in Jerusalem trusted Saul, who was now referred to as Paul. Eventually, the people would listen to what Paul was preaching and thousands would be saved. Paul’s ministry would not be an easy one, but his faith in God is what helped him through it. May we all learn to have that kind of faith.
