You might know some very religious people who would argue strongly to defend their religion. Saul had been fanatical in defending his religion, violently opposing any who spoke against his beliefs. But then, something happened to change all that, and he began to preach the very things he had punished others for teaching!
“He went straight to the synagogues and began to preach that Jesus was the Son of God. All who heard him were amazed and asked, ‘Isn’t he the one who in Jerusalem was killing those who worship that man Jesus?’” (verses 20-21.)
This was indeed a converted religious fanatic! For a long time, Saul had been forcefully defending that his religion, with all its sacraments and liturgy, would make him acceptable with God. But now, he is preaching that only one Priest can get us to God - Jesus the Son of God; and only one sacrifice will satisfy God – Jesus’ once and for all sacrifice made on the cross. (verses 20,22. 1stCorinthians 1:17-18. 2:1-5. Galatians 1:3-9. 2:16.)
Many people turned against Saul. What about YOU? Would you have rejected and opposed Saul for turning away from his religion, to faith in Jesus alone to save him? (Philippians 3:4-9.)
The religious people tried to argue against his preaching. “But Saul’s preaching became even more powerful, and his proofs that Jesus was the Messiah were so convincing that the Jews who lived in Damascus could not answer him.” (verse 22.) Saul could clearly prove from the Bible that he now believed the true message of God. (John 5:39-40.)
Would those religious people want to change, to trust the Messiah, Christ Jesus, as their only Priest and Saviour? They met together, but it was NOT to carefully check their beliefs with God’s Word, the Holy Bible. (Jeremiah 7:23-28. 44:16-17.) Instead, they “made plans to kill Saul. Day and night, they watched the city gates in order to kill him.” (verses 23-24. John 3:19-20.)
What do you do if someone challenges what you believe? Do you react violently, because someone has dared to put your faith in question?
Your reaction should be, to carefully check up in the Bible to make sure you are believing what God wants you to believe. (Acts 17:11.)
Saul was able to escape from those unconverted religious fanatics. His new friends took him one night and “let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.” (verse 25.) From now on Saul would be a fanatic for his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Instead of working in hate, now he would work in love; and instead of using weapons, now he would use words - the message of the Gospel. (Acts 10:42-43. 26:17-20.)
If YOU will trust Jesus as your Saviour you should want to become a fanatic, living and witnessing for your Saviour, using words of love and not weapons of hate - but don't be surprised at the religious opposition you will meet! (2ndTimothy 3:10-17. John 17:14-20.)
Read Acts chapter 9, verses 19-25.
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