From Persecutor to Proclaimer

Persecution on the horizon

Acts 9:1–4 KJV

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

Consider the intent that Saul had

Acts 8:3–4 KJV

As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

Persecution to the hinderer

Acts 9:8–9 KJV

And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

Have you ever wondered, why do the evil and wicked seem to prosper so well?

It is in God’s timing that all who spew evil, shall reap their reward.

But, what if there is potential for more?

Consider the ferocity of his hatred, the evil energy now being turned to a raging zeal for The Lord?

Acts 9:5–6 KJV

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Someone intense with rage and hatred can become intense in love and service.

In our lives, intervention can become intensity for God.

Persecutor now Heeds

Acts 9:10–16 KJV

And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.

Imagine you are the one that Jesus says I want you to seek out your Goliath, becuase he is now My chosen.

V14 - Ananias shows a shaken faith, but a willing vessel

V15-16 - Ananias learns that it is by his touch that this prosecutor can regain his ability to either slaughter or serve

Would you be nervous?

Persecutor now Proclaims

Acts 9:17–20 (KJV)

And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

How many giants, enemies and tormentors could be turned to Jesus if we would just be a willing witness.

Ananias calls him Brother - V.17a

Ananias claims his purpose of Him that Blinds - V.17b

Ananias carries the Persecutor to Baptism and to a new beginning - V. 19

2 Corinthians 4:17–18 KJV

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.