An Unlikely Convert
The most powerful evidence of the reality of Jesus Christ is the change He brings into the lives of those who know Him. Society attempts to change people with information and rehabilitation. When these don’t work, incarceration is ordered. Only Jesus brings genuine transformation. This truth is beautifully expressed in 2 Corinthians 5:17. Probably no one in the Bible illustrates the transforming power of Jesus more dramatically than Saul of Tarsus. In our passage today we read of Saul’s encounter with Jesus on the Damascus Road and discover three transforming truths.
1. Jesus illustrates saving truth through Saul.
1 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
