Saul of Tarsus—who journeyed to Damascus to persecute Christians—became a Christian at Damascus by calling on the name of the Lord through baptism, thus washing his sins away (Acts 9:2, 18; 22:16). The change in Saul became evident immediately while he was still at Damascus.  “And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ” (Acts 9:20-22).

Saul (or Paul) preached the truth that Jesus is the Son of God. He did not whisper about his new-found discovery, nor did he suggest that Jesus might be or probably is the Son of God. No, he proclaimed it as it were from the rooftops (Matthew 10:27). It was not merely an assertion but a truth that he proved (Acts 9:22). Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, lived and taught like no other human being, and worked miracles that proved His claims to be the Son of God. Paul used these proofs to boldly show that Jesus truly is Christ. Paul was courageous because he knew the Lord was with him, and if the Lord was with him it mattered little who was against him (Joshua 1:9; Romans 8:31).

This radical change in Saul of Tarsus arrested the attention of those at Damascus. Here was a man who had given his support to the deaths of Christians (Acts 26:10), but now he was one! Jewish officials in Damascus became aware of Paul’s conversion and kept a close watch on the gates of the city in order to kill him (Acts 9:23-24). Paul specifically mentions in 2 Corinthians 11:32-33, “In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.”

The Gospel has its place in the king’s palace. Many do not want the Gospel in the palace, like Amaziah did not want God’s message in the king’s court in Amos’ day (Amos 7:12-13); but Paul brought the Gospel to the palace of Caesar (Philippians 1:13; 4:22). Jesus made efforts with the leaders of His day (John 3:1-21; 12:42). In following Christ, Paul appealed to Felix, Festus, and Agrippa (Acts 23-25). No person is in too high of a position to hear the Gospel. It is important for those in authority to know that they will be judged on how they have used their authority (John 19:11; Acts 24:25).

Saul was in a position of power; he was a rising star in Judaism. When he became a Christian, his old friends became his enemies. I remember when I became a Christian, my old friends found out soon enough that I wasn’t going to do the same old things with them. It was not easy to hear them speak against me. Those who have grown up with friends in the church may not have to go through this experience, but we all have to face the world.

Do people know that we are Christians? Do we retreat from the battle when the truths of Christianity are at stake? Have we given up ground on the central truths of Christianity in order to please other people who are in authority? Do we give the impression that Jesus is one of many ways to heaven in order to get along? The first-century church was spoken against (Acts 28:22). Paul was spoken against and persecuted. We are not looking to make people angry, but our stand for the truth should be strong enough that others take notice. Christianity is not something done in a corner (Acts 26:26); the church should be turning the world upside down with the bold proclamation of the Gospel (Acts 17:6).

-Mark Day

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07.11.18 Lesson Audio – Jordan Conley – How to Pray

07.08.18 PM – Mark Day – The War in Ourselves