What Really Changed Paul’s Life?
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles Tags: Bible Lessons on PaulAll of Jerusalem was disturbed (Acts 21:30). Paul has been seized, dragged out of the temple, almost beaten to death, and falsely charged with desecrating the temple (Acts 21:30-32).
Of interest, when he was finally allowed to defend himself, he talked about — of all things — his conversion.
He spoke of:
1) His “education” at the feet of Gamaliel (Acts 22:3).
2) His “convictions” relative to his the strictness of the law (Acts 22:3-4).
3) His “dedication” as a zealot, persecuting the church (Acts 22:3-5).
4) His “immersion” for the remission of sins (Acts 22:6-16).
5) His “commission” as one sent to the Gentiles (Acts 22:17-21).
Question: What really changed Paul’s life? What turned him from one religion to another? What redirected his energies? Why was he converted?
Answer: He saw Jesus! On the road to Damascus, his associates saw the same light Paul encountered, but only Paul was temporarily blinded. Why? Because Paul was the only one to actually see the Lord in His glory, and it changed his life forever (Acts 22:6-9).
Even so, when you and I study the Old Testament, we are encouraged to anticipate a Savior. When we study the New Testament, we are introduced to Jesus as that Savior. If we are baptized into Him (Gal. 3:26-27) and allow Him to live in us (Gal. 2:20), like Paul, it will make all the difference in our lives ….. and our eternity.
—Dan Winkler, via the Montana Street bulletin
Related Articles:
- Paul – An Example Of Commitment
- “For When I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong”
- “Dying — Well, That’s Better Yet!”
- “Hold Fast The Pattern”
- Imitating Christ
- “I Am Crucified With Christ”