Saul: Opposer to Gospeler

Few of us could identify anyone who was so radically changed for Jesus than Saul. But the fact that this man, one who “[breathed] murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples,” would one day know Jesus and boldly share the gospel should encourage us.

Saul was such an opponent of Jesus’ followers that even after his conversion, the disciples did not readily trust him. When he tried to join them, “they were afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple” (Acts 9:26). However, Scripture tells us that the disciple Barnabas believed him and encouraged the others to accept him as a fellow disciple. It’s doubtful Barnabas knew the impact he would have on generations by welcoming this once murderous Jesus follower. Saul, who was also called Paul, later went on to write many books in the New Testament.

Paul’s life is a beautiful example of how no one is past hope, no matter how opposed to Jesus their life is. And after Paul’s life was changed, he went on to do the very thing he was arresting and killing people for doing. Not only that, but he was the one being beaten and persecuted. However, he knew it wasn’t about him anymore. It was about Jesus and telling as many people about Him as possible. Even after being miraculously freed from prison, Paul and Silas did not flee but stayed. They seized an opportunity to share the good news with their prison guard, who led his entire family to believe in Jesus.

Though we may not know anyone with such a radical “road to Damascus” experience, let us remember that the hope of the good news can reach anyone if we’re obedient to share it.

Consider: Is there anyone in your life who you feel is “beyond hope”? Pray for God to open a door and remind you that His hope can reach anyone.