Describe a random encounter with a stranger that stuck out positively to you.
The story of Saul of Tarsus, later known as Paul, is one of the most dramatic and transformative experiences in the Bible. Saul was a devout Jew who vehemently opposed the early Christian movement and persecuted its followers. However, his life was forever changed by a random encounter with Jesus, whom he had never met before.
The story of Saul’s encounter with Jesus is told in Acts 9:1-19. As he was traveling to Damascus to arrest and persecute Christians, a bright light from heaven shone down on him and he fell to the ground. Then a voice spoke to him saying, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4).
Saul was stunned and asked who was speaking to him, and the voice replied, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do” (Acts 9:5-6). Saul was blinded by the encounter and had to be led into Damascus by his companions.
Saul’s encounter with Jesus was a life-changing moment for him. He was filled with remorse and realized the error of his ways. In Acts 9:9, it says, “For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.” During this time, he reflected on his encounter with Jesus and had a change of heart.
After three days, a disciple named Ananias came to him and restored his sight. Ananias also baptized Saul, who immediately began preaching the gospel to all who would listen. In Acts 9:20-22, it says, “At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, ‘Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?’ Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.”
Saul’s encounter with Jesus was a transformative experience that changed the course of his life. He became one of the most influential figures in the early Christian movement, writing many letters that make up a large part of the New Testament. His teachings have had a profound impact on Christian theology and continue to be studied and debated to this day.
In his letters, Paul frequently references his encounter with Jesus and the impact it had on his life. In Galatians 1:11-12, he writes, “I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.”
In Philippians 3:7-8, he writes, “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.”
Overall, Saul’s encounter with Jesus was a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith. It shows us that no matter how far we may have strayed from God’s path, it is never too late to turn our lives around and become dedicated followers of Jesus.
The Message Bearer, Cornelius Bella
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