The review. [volume] (High Point, N.C.) 1908-19??, 1916-03-30
LESSON FOR APRIL 2
CONVERSION OF PAUL.

| lis r. "
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 &c.
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-
mascus knew OF his work ". 49, and
he himself testifies as to his activities
(22: 3-26:1D. ca ReIigiously he be-
1onged to the strictest of the strict,
the Pharisees (26: 5-9-1D. His anger
at Jesus and the disciples was a con-
Stunning passion; literally, he "breathed
threatening and slaughter" ". u. In
all his violence he was conscientious,
but yet he was awfully and terribly
were not alone against the disciples
but against Jesus ". 81. (3) Politi-
caliy Saul was perfectly legal in keep
ing the law and in his executions in
the name of the law. Doubtless a
member of the Sanhedrim (26:1O), his
hatred knew no pity; 1t included all
who believed in Jesus. "a Mentally
this man transcends all who have ever
followed Jesus. A man of intense con-
science, a titan of gigantic force and
power once in the right channel.
II. Saul Saved. CD This man was
first humbled ". ~. God put forth
his hand to save the elect at Damas-
Gus, though he let Saul go long way
q Sis mad career. When he did act,
1t was suddenly" and by means Of
the glory of 'Christ's resurrection
". Z, l. Cor. 1879. Though it was
about noon.'' yet this glory outshone
the brightness of the Syrian sun
(ch. 1918. 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 it is called from above ". 81.
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 a lurk-
was wrong and Jesus was truly the
Messiah.
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:O,
as this is the translation used else
where. Saul Is given three days for
meditation ". 81, and he made good
use of the time. ca Praying ". ID.
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 ". /
l5). (a) to the Romans-'kings,"
OBJ Greeks-"Gentiles," and (c) Jews
of>Israel." Along with his
vision and commission there was Civ !
IN enabling power. the enduement Of .
he Spirit. The agent God chose for
the bestowtng was Ananias, not an Of
icial, merely "a certain disciple
The gift of the Spirit for power and
service is not necessarily by the clay
ng on Of hands" 1t came to Mr..
Moody as he walked the streets of
New York without earthly compan-
ons. But the other conditions were
fulfilled, a repentant, prayerful man
md ready and obedient servant who,
hough filled with fear and protest ".
g, 14) yet takes God at his word
md goes at once to his task. AS we
cad verses II and Is we discover
hat this special filling of the Spirit
vas very evidently given to Saul be-
cad the order of events carefully.
w. Saul Serving % At Damascus.
Saul is given refreshment Che always
avs emphasis upon the body and
traightway began to testify to the
of the people. From Gal
.:15, II it is plain that he did not
emain all of the time in the city, nor
lid he at once return to his friends in
jerusalem. This period is similar to
he hidden years at Nazareth" which
'ur Lord spent ere he began his min
stry.
It was time Of rest, reflection,
meditation and formulation
f his gospel" (Rom. 3:19-2S).
(2) At Jerusalem. His testimony
vas distasteful at Damascus w. 23-25)
nd SO he sought Jerusalem, only there
lso to find distrust and rejection.
Then Barnabas did great work
or the Kingdom by showing his broth
rly fellowship and trust and becom-
ng sponsor for him to the early
hurch.
It was not long ere he had to fee
erusalem and finally return to his F.
hildhocd home, Tarsus ". 81.
Saul the Pharisee becomes preach
r of the Cross, the Master Empire
'uilder.
Let this lesson be a trumpet call to
ne uncnnYnrfed in-vn11r ond