Read: Acts 9:1-9
And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” (v. 5)
Saul was not content to imprison the Jewish followers of Jesus in Jerusalem. He “went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem” (vv. 1–2). Such hatred and murderous threats emanating from the chief persecutor of the church! To him as a Jew, this Way was a false sect that was misleading people. It had to be stopped.
Left on his own with powerful weapons of destruction, Saul would have no trouble in quashing the small group of followers. But Saul was not left on his own—God intervened. Saul was forced to his knees by a bright light from the heavens and a voice that said, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Confused at first, Saul quickly realized that it was Jesus speaking to him.
William Barclay writes in his Daily Study Bible commentary: “In that moment the long battle was over and Saul surrendered to Christ.” He was a changed man: he had traveled to Damascus as an angry man breathing out murderous threats against followers of Jesus, but he entered Damascus blind and helpless. Saul had met Jesus. That meeting would be the key to the rest of his life. Meeting Jesus is also the key factor in the life of every Christian. —John Koedyker
As you pray, thank God that he continues to meet people and change lives.
About the Author
Rev. John C. Koedyker is an ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America. He has served as a missionary to Japan as well as pastor of several churches in Iowa and Michigan. Until recently he served Muskegon Classis as its Stated Clerk for 18 years. He resides in Grand Haven, Michigan.
