Acts 9

“Saul was with the disciples in Damascus for some days.  Immediately, he began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues: ‘He is the Son of God.’  But all who heard him were astounded and said, ‘Isn’t this the man who, in Jerusalem, was destroying those who called on this name, and then came here for the purpose of taking them prisoners to the chief priests?’  But Saul grew more capable and kept confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that this One is Messiah.  When he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to associate with the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe he was a disciple.  Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that He talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.”  Acts 9:19b-22, 26-27 (HCSB)

The apostle Paul epitomizes the term “radically saved.”  In a complete 180-degree turn, Saul, a persecutor of the Church for saturating Judaism with Gentiles and apostates, became “Apostle to the Gentiles.”

In Luke’s telling of the Acts of the Apostles, there is what writers call a “condensation of time.”  That is, Luke often lumps together events to prove a greater point; he condenses time.  The downside of this literary approach is that readers can be led to believe events and occurrences happened faster than normal.  A more reliable real-time account of Paul’s conversion and ministry comes from Paul’s own words:

“But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.  Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days.  But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.  (Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.)”  Galatians 1:15-20 (NKJV)

I mention this because verse 22 of today’s passage says, “But Saul grew more capable.”  His growth was not attributed to his Pharisee education or the Apostles’ teaching.  It was directly from the Lord as He revealed the Scriptures to Paul.  

Our understanding of the Gospel, ability to articulate, and discernment of how and when to share is a process.  Don’t be discouraged if you’re not the most eloquent evangelist today.  Be encouraged to know that even great leaders like Paul had to grow into greatness.  Simple prayer and Bible study diligence, matched by the revelation of God’s Word by the power of His Spirit, is the leadership catalyst for all believers.  Perhaps, that is why Paul said,

“Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and above all that you may prophesy [sharing God’s Word as revealed to you].” 1 Corinthians 14:1 (HCSB)

Ask God to reveal something from His Word to you today and give you someone to share it with!