The Conversion of Saul
Categories: Biographical Sermon Outlines, Sermon OutlinesINTRODUCTION: Acts 9
1. The conversion of Saul is given a great deal of space in the New Testament. This speaks to its importance.
1) It shows us what conversion really means. How far do I go?
2) It shows us that God is no respecter of persons in conversion. An apostle had to trust and obey just like you.
3) It shows us that the proper response when one had sinned gravely is submission and not bemoaning that one has sinned too greatly to be saved.
4) It introduces us to the man through whom we would be given so much of the New Testament.
2. This cannot be a study of the life of Paul but must be limited to a study of the conversion of Saul.
DISCUSSION:
I. WHO WAS SAUL? ACTS 9:1-2
1. A young man who kept the garments of those who stoned Stephen (Acts 7:58).
1) “I gave my vote against them,” Acts 26:10 (ASV, ESV). Member of the council or Sanhedrin.
2) “Exceedingly mad against them,” Acts 26:11. “In raging fury against them” (ESV). “Beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it,” Gal. 1:13.
2. A man of position in Judaism (Php. 3:5-6; Gal. 1:14) and out of Judaism (Roman citizen, Acts 22:25-28).
3. An educated man (Acts 22:3; 5:34).
4. An unbeliever. Seems to have seen the miracles of and had disputed with Stephen (“of Cilicia” Acts 6:9; 22:3). If he was among these then it explains Acts 9:5, 26:14, “it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks (goads).”
5. Saul had dedicated himself to the eradication of Christianity. Perhaps he saw himself in the role of Phinehas at Baal-peor (Num. 25:1-11).
II. THE MIRACULOUS ELEMENT IN THE CONVERSION OF SAUL. ACTS 9:3-9
1. Saul was, perhaps, within sight of the walls of Damascus when Jesus appeared to him.
1) Only Saul saw the vision and heard the instructions of Jesus.
2) His companions saw nothing and only heard the voice without understanding.
2. The appearance of Jesus was not for the purpose of converting Saul miraculously. As he headed toward Damascus again he was still in his sins (Acts 22:16).
3. It was for the purpose of qualifying Saul to do a particular work, i.e., the work of witness, Acts 22:14-15; 1:8, 22; 2:32.
4. It must be pointed out that there is nothing in scripture that would lead us to believe that Saul’s conversion was miraculous, i.e., that God converted him.
1) Jesus appeared to him and presented evidence of the risen Lord but Saul had to believe it.
2) Jesus showed that Saul was wrong but Saul still had to repent.
III. THE TERMS OF THE CONVERSION OF SAUL. ACTS 9:10-18
1. It is glorious to me to think that the terms of my conversion are precisely the same as Saul’s.
2. From the first turning of the keys of the Kingdom (Acts 2) the terms of conversion have been:
1) Hear the Gospel (Acts 2:14, 37, 41; Rom. 10:17).
2) Believe that Jesus is the Son of God (Mark 16:16; Acts 8:37).
3) Repent of sins (Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 2:38).
4) Confess Christ before men (Matt. 10:32-33; Rom. 10:9-10).
5) Be baptized for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38).
6) Live faithfully unto death (Matt. 28:20; Rev. 2:10).
3. Saul:
1) Heard the Gospel from Stephen (Acts 6:8-10), Jesus (Gal. 1:11-12) and then from Ananias (Acts 22:12-16).
2) Believed that Jesus is the Son of God (Acts 9:20).
3) Repented of sins (John 3:8; Acts 9:20-21).
4) Confessed Christ before men (Acts 22:16; 9:20).
5) Baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 22:16; 9:18).
6) Lived faithfully unto death (Acts 9:23-25).
IV. THE EXTENT OF THE CONVERSION OF SAUL. ACTS 9:19-25
1. Too many are converted, …sort of.
1) It has become cliche to say “pew sitting Christians” and “Sunday Christians.”
2) Many have “obeyed the Gospel” yet never assemble.
3) Many have “repented” but continue in a lifestyle of sin.
2. Saul shows us what conversion really is.
1) He was willing to travel to persecute Christians. Now willing to travel to preach Christ to them.
2) He was willing to have Christians beaten. He is now willing to be beaten for Christ.
3) He gave his life to the defense of Judaism, now, for Christ.
4) Straightway he preached Christ, Acts 9:20-22.
5) Preached to Damascus, Jerusalem, Judea and to the Gentiles, Acts 26:20.
6) The persecutor preaches the Faith, Gal. 1:23.
7) Saul suffered for his faith, 2 Cor. 11:23-28; 2 Tim. 4:6-8.