PAUL THE APOSTLE ( Part 3 )

Pastor Christopher Choo

Lesson 3102

PAUL THE APOSTLE ( Part 3 )

Yesterday we studied the most famous conversion story in the Bible.

But what we should understand is Paul had a personal encounter with Christ the Risen Saviour. None of his traveling companions did: they thought it was a rumbling of thunder however awe-struck they themselves were.

He who had come to take captives of Jewish believers in Christ was now captured by Christ Himself. It was a life-changing experience - for the Jesus he despised as the founder of a deviant sect was actually alive and in heaven!

Meanwhile, Jesus appeared in a vision to a disciple in Damascus called Ananias. He was told to lay hands on Paul and restore his sight.

But Ananias had fear for Paul's reputation as a merciless persecutor of the early church preceded his arrival. But nevertheless, he went in obedience to his calling.

And sure enough, as he laid his hands on Paul and prayed for him to regain his sight, a miracle happened...that sealed for Paul the divine and merciful power of His new Lord and Master.

Abba Father, Paul took the step of faith, confessed Jesus as his Lord, and was baptized. The persecutor of believers in Christ was now, as Ananias addressed him, a "brother" in Christ. He would later learn that it was You "who had set him apart from birth" ( Galatians 1:15 ). For You to forgive Him and Christ to appear before he was a double blessing of undeserving grace -  something he would remember for the rest of his life.