THE CONVERSION OF SAUL Acts 9:1-9

1 We are first introduced to Paul in Acts 7:58 where he is called by his birth name, Saul.

1Ti 1:13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

2 Paul was one of the most religious men on the face of the earth!

Php 3:4-7 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh Php 3:4-7 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

1Ti 1:14-16 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

3 Consider the radical transformation of Paul 3 Consider the radical transformation of Paul. Paul actually goes from being the chief misery of the church—to the chief missionary of the church!

4 Religion (tradition) always has a way of attacking Truth and keeping people blind.

Gal 1:13-14 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

5 It was the same zeal against Christians that helped make Paul become the great Christian he was. Often the strongest people in our churches are those who once zealously opposed what we believe

ZEAL: Passionate ardor in the pursuit of anything; an eagerness of desire to accomplish or obtain some object

Psa 69:9 For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me. Tit 2:14-15 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

6 Do take note that in Acts 26 Paul notes that Jesus spoke to him in Hebrew.

7 Take note that Jesus asks Paul why he is persecuting me when in fact he was persecuting the Church!

Jer 29:11-13 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

8 Kick against the Pricks: hurt oneself by persisting in useless resistance or protest.    An ox goad was a stick with a pointed piece of iron on its tip used to prod the oxen when plowing. The farmer would prick the animal to steer it in the right direction. Sometimes the animal would rebel by kicking out at the prick, and this would result in the prick being driven even further into its flesh. In essence, the more an ox rebelled, the more it suffered.

Pro 15:10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. Pro 13:15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.

Luk 3:10 And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? Act 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Joh 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. 1Co 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

Psa 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

Joh 12:28-29 Father, glorify thy name Joh 12:28-29 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.

10 The ministry and witness of Paul (and all Christians) is mentioned here in Acts 26; deliver people, open their eyes, turn them from darkness to light, from power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith in Christ.

Exo 34:28-30 And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments. And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him.