November 10th~A New Life

Acts 8:1b-9:43

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He told the disciples, “When the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about Me everywhere — in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). The author of the book of Acts (whom we believe to be Luke) documented the fulfillment of this prophecy. When the Holy Spirit came to indwell the followers of Christ at Pentecost, they immediately began preaching the Gospel to the people of Jerusalem. Leading the way was Peter, John, and Stephen (Acts 2-6). Next, the author recorded Peter’s travels throughout Judea (9:32-43) and Phillip’s ministry in Samaria (8:4-25). For the remainder of the book, the author followed the ministry of Saul (or Paul), to see how the Lord used him to take the Gospel “to the ends of the earth.”

Notice that as soon as the Church was established in Jerusalem and began to grow exponentially, enemies of the Gospel got organized and motivated to put a stop to it. Their efforts were centralized in one man — Saul of Tarsus — a young Pharisee who had a zeal for the Law of Moses and who could not stomach anyone who proclaimed “a new way to God.” Thus, his passion would be the catalyst to ignite a severe persecution against the Church.

As Saul began to round up, imprison, and even kill “people of the Way,” followers of Christ scattered in all directions. Many of them went to a city far to the north called Damascus. Saul was not deterred; instead, he sought permission from his superiors to pursue these “lawbreakers” as far as possible, in order to bring them to “justice.” However, on his way to Damascus, the Lord confronted Saul, got his attention, and changed his life. He would be God’s chosen instrument to take His message to the Gentiles, to kings, and the people of Israel.

Daily Reflection

Several truths surface from the story of Saul’s conversion. First, God can and does use persecution for His purposes. Did you notice that “a great wave of persecution swept over the church in Jerusalem and all the believers fled into Judea and Samaria”? (8:1, 2). In itself, persecution is terrible, but here, God, in His sovereignty, used it to spread the Gospel.

Second, no one is out of the reach of God. Even the most hardened criminal, angry atheist, strung out addict, or intellectual skeptic can be changed by Christ. Oftentimes, the Lord uses these types of people in mighty ways, to reach and impact others just like them. Saul’s pedigree and misguided passions will make for a tremendous testimony which God will use to draw thousands of people to Him.

Third, when Saul was converted to Christianity, he was given a new name — Paul (Acts 13:9). He was also given a new purpose, a new direction in life. Isn’t it true, when we too come to Christ for salvation, that He gives us a new name — Christian — as well as a new hope, a new purpose, and a new direction in life?

In essence, Saul’s story is our story, your story. How so? How does Saul’s story, in general, reflect the life of every believer, even your own?

Paul would later write, “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun” (2 Cor. 5:17). Praise God today, that He has given you a new name, a new hope, and a new direction in life.

BiAY.org | Day 314 — 51 Days to Go