Read: Acts 9:23-25
But his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket. (v. 25)
Saul learned very quickly that his life and mission as a Christian would not be an easy road. Here he had barely started following Jesus and he narrowly escaped with his life—in a basket over a wall! And this was just the beginning.
Saul was embarking on a great adventure, but it would not be without difficulties. He seemed to realize this early on. After all, he had seen what happened to Stephen. And he knew the story of Jesus. Still, he didn’t seem to shrink from any of this. In 2 Corinthians 11, he listed his trials and named things like imprisonment, flogging, being pelted with stones, shipwreck, and a host of other perils. If he wanted to boast, he had plenty to boast about—although he is clear in that letter that he does not boast of these things.
Paul certainly had courage! Where did it come from? It came from within—where Christ lived in him. Sometime later he wrote: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Gal. 2:20). Commentator William Barclay says, “Counterfeit Christianity is always safe; real Christianity is always in peril.” If we are to truly follow Jesus, we also will need courage. Trials will come. But Christ’s presence will see us through. —John Koedyker
As you pray, ask the Lord for courage.
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.
