The conversion of Saul of Tarsus stands as a testament to the transformative power of God’s grace and the possibility of redemption for even the most hardened of hearts.  Paul was an ordinary man whose life is an example of how we can follow our extraordinary God. It is tempting to see Saul’s conversion as a case of God saving someone instantly, however, this is not what Luke describes here.  Paul tells us this story in chapters 22 and 26 and he warns us to expect people to take time before coming to genuine conversion. In Acts 26:14 Jesus is telling Paul to stop resisting his painfully persistent call to believe the Gospel. In fact, in Acts 22:16 Paul tells us that he only surrendered to Christ after three days of soul-searching when Ananias prodded him with the final goading question, “What are you waiting for?”

Phil Moore in his commentary, states: “Saul didn’t meet Christianity on the road to Damascus.  He met Christ. That’s what changed him.”  This pivotal moment underscores the importance of a personal encounter with Jesus Christ as the catalyst for true conversion and spiritual transformation.

Following his encounter with Christ Saul had a dramatic change of heart and identity.  Saul’s name changed to Paul marked the end of one life and the start of another. His conversion also resulted in a complete overhaul of his character, priorities, and mission – a testament to the radical nature of God’s saving grace which in Paul’s case took place over three years of obscurity in Arabia (Galatians 1:17-18) and six years of obscurity in Tarsus (Acts 9:30, and 11:25) studying, praying, and hearing Gods will for his life. 

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Questions:

In what areas of my life do I need to emulate Saul’s humility and willingness to submit to God’s will, even when it contradicts my own plans and expectations?

Prayer:

Father, help us emulate Paul’s humility, patience and courage as we navigate our own journey of discipleship.  Amen.