Transformation from Saul to Paul but am I still Saul….???
We all have heard about the transformation of Paul from a prosecutor to an apostle of Jesus Christ. Today I am going to talk about “The Saul” in me though I am a believer.
Saul was a persecutor as per Acts8:3 which says he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. In Acts7:58-59 – We see that Stephan was stoned to death in the presence of Saul.
And again in Acts 9:1-2 it says Saul, still breathing threats of murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any belonged to ‘the Way ‘whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
But in Acts9:4 – He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ” Saul Saul why do you persecute me?“. We see his encounter with Jesus where Jesus did not appear before him but Saul heard the voice of Jesus. Normally it is told easily that Saul was turned to Paul on encounter with Jesus on his way to Damascus. But to my surprise in Acts 9:5,7 and 8, I found him 2 still as Saul, Then again in 9:11 he is still Saul of Tarsus, then in 9:17 he is still addressed as ‘brother Saul’ by Ananias Again in 9:22 – Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ, but still Saul. In 9:24 – Saul becomes wise enough to learn the plan of his killing. He even spoke boldly for Jesus in Jerusalem but still as Saul
In Acts11:25 and Acts11:30 – Saul is being talked about but not as Paul, and again in Acts 12:25 continues to be Saul. Finally in Acts13:2 and13:7, is Saul who is ‘also called Paul’
After so much searching within me, Holy Spirit made me realise that I am also Saul and I am persecuting Jesus.
Surprised at my findings???
Let me explain-Saul was not alone
Proof
Stephen was stoned to death in his presence by people; as per Acts 9:3, as Saul neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him, blinded him and he had to be led by people into Damascus.
As per Acts9:9 – For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything
What was he doing….???
As per Acts9:11 – The Lord told Ananiasto go search for Saul who was praying and how he had to suffer for Jesus’ name(Acts 9:16) So, if I am not praying and thanking the Lord everyday as per 1 These 5:17&18 am I not persecuting Jesus? If I am getting pleasure in gossiping every day, again I am persecuting my Loving God – Need to change myself.
Changing my attitude, thought, behaviour and activities requires checking myself every day.(Romans 12:2) So I realised that many a times I become Saul and persecute my Lord and Saviour – Jesus Christ. As it is my Spiritual food – I need to prioritise and study the word of God every day for His presence, to fulfil His promise and assurance in my life as per Hebrews13:5
Striving to become from Saul to Paul is an everyday process. To increase my Faith and Trust in this fallen world it is needed so that I am lifted up during rapture and not like the foolish virgins who were without adequate oil and missed out the arrival of the bridegroom.
-Sol.Amit Agarwal