Middletown transcript., 1916-04-01
LESSON FOR APRIL 2
CONVERSION OF PAUL.

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No other man, save our Lord, has
made such an impress upon history
as the Jew of Tarsus." Read care
fully and repeatedly Acts, chapters
1922. % and 26.
1. Saul the Man. ~ Physically. We
know but little Of Saul (see Ramsey,
Conybeare and others), but we know
from his labors that he was a man
of tremendous vitality. Distant Da-
msscus knew of his work ". 13) and
he himself testifies as to his activities
(22:3-26:1D. (2) ReIigiousIy he be-
longed to the strictest of the strict.
the Pharisees (26: :5-9-1D. His anger
at Jesus and the disciples was con-
suming passion; literally. he "breathed
I threatening and slaughter ". u. In
all his violence he was conscientious.
but yet he was awfully and terribly
wrong, and what is more, his actions
were not alone against the disciples
but against Jesus ". 81. (3) Politi-
cally Saul was perfectly legal in keep
ing the law and in his executions in
the name of the law. Doubtless
member of the Sanhedrim (26: 10Y, his
hatred knew no pity; it included all
who believed in Jesus. (4) Mentally
this man transcends all who have ever
followed Jesus. A man of intense con-
victions, a slave to a misdirected con-
science, a titan of gigantic force and
power once in the right channel.
II. Saul Saved. (D This man was
first humbled ". A.. God put forth
his hand to save the elect at Damas-
Gus. though he let Saul go long way
in his mad career. When he did act.
it was suddenly" and by means of
the glory of Christ's resurrection
". Z, l. Cor. 1879. Though 1t was
about noon," yet this glory outshone
the brightness of the Syrian sun
(ch. 26: 13). Many who speak bold
blasphemous words would also be
cast down did they but really see his
glory. (2) Saul is not left thus strick-
en-, but 1t is called from above ". y.
The question of Jesus ". ~ was a
most startling one and that. with the
answer to his honest inquiry. convict.
ed him Of what must have been lurk-
ing suspicion in his mind, viz: :~that he
was wrong and Jesus was truly the
Messiah. Then follows the question
of an humble man ". g. and the clear
instructions as to his immediate con.
duct
III. Saul Sent. The first evidence
Of the change wrought in Saul was:
ID Obedience ". 81. His companions
heard but did not understand There
is no contradiction ". Z, Acts 22:9).
as this is the translation used else
where Saul is given three days for
meditation ". 81, and he made good
use of the time. (2) Praying ". III
The result was (3) a vision ". 12) |
(not only one, as there are others re-
corded) which resulted in changed in |
dividuals and nations. But his vision |
was (4) a thorough commission " |
15l. (a) to the Romans-"kings."
(b) Greeks-"Gentiles," and (cl Jewv |
of Israel" Along with his
vision and commission there was Civ.
en- enabling power. the enduement OF
the Spirit. The agent God chose for
the bestowing was Ananias, not an Of
fetal, merely "a certain disciple"
The gift of the Spirit for power and
service is not necessarily by the 'lay-
Ing on of hands" It came to Mr..
Moody as he walked the streets of
New York without earthly compan-
ons. But the other conditions were
a repentant. prayerful man
and ready and obedient servant who,
.hough filled with fear and protest ".
I3, 14) yet takes God at his word
Ind goes at once to his task. AS we
cad verses II and 1S we discover
hat this special filling of the Spirit
vas very evidently given to Saul be-
ore he received Christian baptism
cad the order of events carefully.
Gods gift or the Holy Spirit for
estimony and service is not the per-
luisite of the church. priesthood. nor
he result Of any order of ceremony
ollowed by men. Jesus instructions
o Ananias were very simple and
lain; most of the great events that
ave changed the courses of history
ave also been hinged upon like SIM
lie actions. Ananias had no instruc-
ions about the Holy Spirit. only to re-
tore Saul's sight. Much as he dread
i'm, he salutes Saul as brother" ".
u in the name of the Lord jesus
uch is the only true brotherhood
hat stands the acid test of time and
sage. Jesus is. outside Of the Cos
els Ill Cor. 5:16). always referred to
s Lord. and we do well to follow the
ible example.
w. Saul Serving ~ At Damascus.
aul is given refreshment Che always
lys emphasis upon the body and
began to testify to the
nazement of the people. From Gal. a
:15, II It Is plain that he did not I
smain all of the time in the city. nor
Id he at once return to his friends in v
srusalem. This period is similar to c
le hidden years at Nazareth" which
IT Lord spent ere he began his min f
try.
It was time of rest, reflection,
ldlysis. meditation and formulation
his gospel" from. 3:19-2S).
~ At Jerusalem. His testimony
as distasteful at Damascus ". 23-25)
Id SO he sought Jerusalem. only there 4
so to find distruSt and re1ection | +
Then Barnabas did a great work !
r the Kingdom by showing his broth
Iy fellowship and trust and becom. ,