Evidence of a Changed Life

No person, apart from Jesus himself, shaped the history of Christianity like the apostle Paul. From Acts 13 through 28 we read of how Paul brought the spread of Christianity to Jews and Gentiles across the Roman world.

In Acts 7-12 we read of Saul, a Pharisee who went from persecutor to being persecuted. In Acts 13:9, Luke, the author, says this: “Then Saul, who also is called Paul.” From this point forward, Saul is referred to as Paul.

Something I’ve always wondered is why Saul was changed to Paul. The Bible doesn’t tell us why Saul was also called Paul, but the implication is that Paul (Roman name) was better suited for his ministry to the Gentiles. If anything, Saul to Paul shows us evidence of a changed life.

THE BEGINNING OF CHANGE

Saul was an up and coming prospect in Judaism (Ac. 22:3; 26:10). His education and religious associations caused him to be extremely zealous for the traditions of his denomination (Ac. 26:5; Gal. 1:14).

The change began when Jesus called Saul as he was on his way to persecute Jesus’ people (Ac. 9:1-3). God’s call for Saul would run contrary to everything he’d learned thus far (Ac. 9:15-16).

For the next decade, Saul prepared for the greater mission to come (Ac. 11:25; Gal. 2:7-8). During this time he likely studied the way of the Gentiles (Ac. 17:16-34).

THE EVIDENCE OF CHANGE

Visible. Paul was obedient to God’s commands (Ac. 13:2; Lk. 3:8). He embraced his mission and now went to preach Jesus instead of persecuting His followers. 

Committed. Paul endured through difficult times (Ac. 13:6-10, 13; cp. 15:37-38). Paul did not give up but continued in the grace of God (Col. 4:10; 2 Tim. 4:11).

Focussed. Paul lived for the sake of the gospel (Ac. 13:42-43, 49-52). The gospel was the most important issue in Paul’s life. He avoided any frivolous issue that would hinder it (1 Cor. 9:12, 24-27).

THE STRUGGLE TO CHANGE

Lasting change doesn’t happen without dedication. Turning to Jesus means no turning back (Ac. 22:16; 1 Tim. 1:12-17).

Drastic change calls for drastic measures. Turning to Jesus means confession and commitment (Phil. 3:4-11; Ac. 19:17-20).

Observable change takes time and patience. Turning to Jesus means we have to overcome the failures of the past (Ac. 9:26; 22:19-20).