Study 2: Reaching Through Barriers
Saul’s conversion teaches that the gospel message isn’t only for “the right kind of person”. Saul was deeply opposed to Jesus and deeply committed to his own path, but none of that stopped God’s plan. God works through all kinds of people and situations to bring people to himself.”
The Jesus Bible commentary
At this time of the early Church, there was probably no opponent to Christianity that seemed more dangerous to followers of Jesus than Saul of Tarsus. It was his mission, as a deeply devout Jew and the strictest of Pharisees, to protect God’s honour and remove any spread of what he considered to be false teaching. His figure is darkly present in the stoning of Stephen in Acts 7. Saul was undoubtedly seen as a barrier to the spread of the Gospel and a direct threat to Christians.
With the growing spread of Christianity, Saul’s work had to expand beyond Jerusalem. Under the authority of the high priest, Saul traveled to Damascus to capture more followers of Jesus. It was as Saul was traveling to Damascus with this singular mission that he had a shocking and direct encounter with Jesus Christ, Messiah. Saul’s conversion serves as an encouraging reminder that even those most hostile to Christianity can be reached with the love of Christ Jesus.
Read Together
Acts 9:1-19 (NIV): Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.
Pray Together
Oh, Lord! Some days we are heavy-hearted about the state of humanity with so many pockets around the globe that are hostile to Christianity.
Give us Your eyes and Your heart to truly see the deep void beneath the hostility.
Spirit of God, please help us to build bridges that dissolve barriers so that the message of salvation reaches each precious soul.
Amen
Suggested Resources
Book: Tom Wright – Acts for Everyone: Parts 1 & 2
Book: Timothy Keller & John Inazu – Uncommon Ground: Living Faithfully in a World of Difference
Book: Nabeel Qu’reshi – Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus
Book: Richard J. Mouw – Uncommon Decency: Christian Civility in an Uncivil World.
Video: Why a Hindu Priest Left the Religion to Follow Christ; https://be/09n8WRCcb78?si=qKObO3STVVe9t6eD