Acts 9 – August 8

Today we read about one of the most consequential moments in the history of the church – the conversion of Paul. However, I want to consider several other aspects of this chapter that surround the main story that may serve as an encouragement to you.

1. God used an average Christian man to lead Paul to Christ

Don’t get so wrapped up in the dramatic experience on the road to Damascus that you miss the fact that God sent a man to preach the good news to Paul. God sent a faithful messenger named Ananias. Obviously, God could have just spoken to Paul directly. But, God chooses to use people like Ananias, and you and me to be imperfect but faithful messengers. Ananias had no way of knowing just how significant Paul’s ministry would be. You have no idea how God will use your faithfulness. But, just like Ananias, go and tell.

2. Use whatever platform God has given you as an avenue for sharing the gospel

Notice that Paul doesn’t just cancel his speaking engagements now that he is a Christian. Rather, Luke tells us that his preaching in the synagogues began immediately after his salvation. It is important to understand that Paul had not yet become the world’s greatest theologian. He was a baby Christian. The only time he had ever heard Jesus teach directly came about when Jesus had one short conversation, albeit an intense and impassioned one. The only theological training he probably had at this time was whatever Ananias had shared with him. He was what many people today call a baby Christian. Even so, it seems that he already had a fiery zeal for evangelism that he would later describe in 1 Cor. 9:16, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” 

3. Your testimony is one of your greatest tools for evangelism

Paul was enraptured by the love of Jesus. He was immediately filled with awe of God that never faded. The gospel gripped his heart and he spent the rest of His life growing in his delight of Christ and sharing that with anyone that would listen. When you become a Christian, there is a radical transition that occurs in your life that should be noticeable to people around you. 2 Cor. 5:17 says that you are a new creation. Colossians 1:13-14 says it this way, “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” This salvation reorients the goals of your life. Your passions are made new. Pastimes that used to give you pleasure, you now find repulsive. Conversations that used to make you laugh now make you cringe. Things that used to make you angry now fill you with joy. Things that you used to find boring and dull are the very truths that you find life-giving and joy-producing. Even if you were already nice, you are now a loving person. Even if you were a happy person, you are now a joyful person. There is a difference and the world can see it. Jesus said during the sermon on the mount, “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” But they can only give Him glory for the change if you tell them that He is the one doing the work. Share your testimony and give them a reason for the hope that is in you.