Dare to Be WeakNäide

Saul, a powerhouse?

“But Saul, still breathing threats and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord …” (Acts 9:1).

It can make quite an impression: Someone is furious, threatening you, and, with the permission of the authorities, authorized to kill you. Saul had received a thorough religious education. He possessed great knowledge of the words that God had passed on to the people of Israel for centuries through the prophets. As Christians, we now call this the Old Testament in the Bible. And on the basis of his knowledge and his own understanding, Paul radically rejected the idea that Jesus was the Son of God. Just as drastically, he persecuted anyone who believed in Jesus and followed Him.

While Paul was on his way to track down some of those hated followers (Acts 9:1-9), he was stopped by Jesus Himself. Stopped in such a way that in just a short moment, he changed from being a powerful, straightforward, and opinionated man to someone completely dependent. Blinded, he needed the help of others to guide him. This Saul, who thought he stood strong in his own convictions, changed from being an enemy to a faithful and devoted follower of Jesus. He began to experience how Jesus' strength would take shape in him even in his weakness.

In Acts 9:10-19 we read how Saul’s life continued on after this event.

How did you come to meet Jesus?

How has this encounter changed your life?