As we continue to think about Saul's amazing transformation after his encounter with Jesus, let's consider two more things we see in Acts 9:20-31.
Saul's Unbelievable Transformation
Because Saul was such a public figure and because he had made such a name for himself opposing the church and the followers of Jesus, people were understandably surprised when he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus truly was the Messiah. Not only were they surprised by this, they had to have been "astonished" by the compete change in Saul's attitude and demeanor. The change in Saul was so pronounced that it simply could not be "stepped over" like one would step over a log laying across a trail. Saul's growing testimony for Jesus just couldn't be ignored.
What about our testimony for Jesus? Can others see Jesus living in us or would others be surprised if we told them we attended church, and read the Bible, and were a followers of Jesus?
As you can imagine, those who traveled with Saul to Damascus were none too happy about this change in Saul. He was the reason they were there and he was their leader and now he had become a traitor!! It is not too hard to believe these same men went to the Jews in Damascus and provoked them to rage against Saul. As the days and weeks passed and it bcame obvious that Saul was not only sincere but also an amazingly powerful preach of the gospel, it should come as no surprised that Saul would now make the "hit" list. How ironic that the very man who traveled to Damascus to persecute the followers of Christ and destroy the church would become a wanted man himself for the exact same things!!
Do we provoke a strong reaction from people in our lives because of our passion for Jesus? Have you been rejected by your family, friends, coworkers?
Saul was "on fire" for Jesus and whole world took notice and watched him burn...but some burned with anger!!
Can the world see our fire for Jesus?
Saul's Unbelievable Transformation
- couldn’t be IGNORED by those who came in contact with Him.
Because Saul was such a public figure and because he had made such a name for himself opposing the church and the followers of Jesus, people were understandably surprised when he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus truly was the Messiah. Not only were they surprised by this, they had to have been "astonished" by the compete change in Saul's attitude and demeanor. The change in Saul was so pronounced that it simply could not be "stepped over" like one would step over a log laying across a trail. Saul's growing testimony for Jesus just couldn't be ignored.
What about our testimony for Jesus? Can others see Jesus living in us or would others be surprised if we told them we attended church, and read the Bible, and were a followers of Jesus?
- provoked a STRONG REACTION from those who opposed the church.
As you can imagine, those who traveled with Saul to Damascus were none too happy about this change in Saul. He was the reason they were there and he was their leader and now he had become a traitor!! It is not too hard to believe these same men went to the Jews in Damascus and provoked them to rage against Saul. As the days and weeks passed and it bcame obvious that Saul was not only sincere but also an amazingly powerful preach of the gospel, it should come as no surprised that Saul would now make the "hit" list. How ironic that the very man who traveled to Damascus to persecute the followers of Christ and destroy the church would become a wanted man himself for the exact same things!!
Do we provoke a strong reaction from people in our lives because of our passion for Jesus? Have you been rejected by your family, friends, coworkers?
Saul was "on fire" for Jesus and whole world took notice and watched him burn...but some burned with anger!!
Can the world see our fire for Jesus?
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