The Apostle Paul. Saul of Tarsus. Saint Paul. There are several names that all describe the same man: Paul, the former persecutor of Christians whose life was changed forever when he had an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus.
What we know about Saul of Tarsus could be viewed by some as quite a resume of achievements and accolades. Others, however, would see him as a confused, angry man who held so tightly to the law that he was willing to end the lives of Christians.
Chapter 8
Saul was going to Damascus in pursuit of Christians to bring to prison, according to Acts 22:1-16. Suddenly, a great, heavenly light appeared all around him, causing him to fall to the ground, and a voice was heard, saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
Because Paul was a Roman citizen, as well as a Jew, the Sanhedrin were not thrilled by his spiritual transformation, and soon Paul found himself being persecuted in the same ways that he had persecuted Christians before.
While in his third missionary journey, Paul traveled to Jerusalem, despite his friends and fellow believers telling him not to go. He told them he was not only prepared to be captured by his enemies, but to die for his work for Jesus Christ (Acts 21).
likely beheaded
Paul’s life and impact on the church is seen not only in how he experienced spiritual conversion on the road to Damascus, but also in his teachings. Paul rejected what the world saw as success and considered it success only if all was surrendered to God.
Some may not believe the life that Saul-turned-Paul led, from being a Christian-hating persecutor to redeemed by God and follower of Christ. But his life epitomizes the spiritual transformation that takes place as we shed our world-based lives and embrace our spirit-filled lives.
Blair Parke is a freelance writer for BibleStudyTools.com and freelance book editor who wrote her first book, "Empty Hands Made Full," in 2021 about her journey through infertility with her husband. She previously worked for eight years with Xulon Press as an editor. A graduate of Stetson University with a bachelor's in communications, Blair previously worked as a writer/editor for several local magazines in the Central Florida area, including Celebration Independent and Lake Magazine and currently writes for the Southwest Orlando Bulletin. She's usually found with a book in her hand or enjoying quality time with her husband Jeremy and dog Molly. You can order her book at Christian Author Bookstore - Xulon Press Publishing and visit her website at Parkeplaceediting.
He is a cross pendant.
He is engraved with a unique Number.
He will mail it out from Jerusalem.
He will be sent to your Side.
Emmanuel
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