Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1916-03-30
LESSON FOR APRIL z
CONVERSION OF PAUL.

LESSON TExT--Acts 81, 81 (See also
Gal. Ill, II; Tim. 1:12, I'D.
GOLDEN TExT-Faithful is the saying
and worthy of all acceptation, that
Christ Jesus came into the world to save
sinners: Of whom I am chief.-I Tim.
Ills 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
9:22, 20 and 26.
/. Saul the Man. (1) Physically. We
know but little Of Saul (see Ramsey,
Conybeare and others), but we know
from his labors that he was q man
of tremendous vitality Distant Da-
mascus knew of his work ". 49, and
he himself testifes as to his activities
(22:3-26:1D. (2) ReIigousiy he be-
longed to the strictest Of the strict.
the Pharisees (26: 5-9-1D. His anger
at Jesus and the disciples was con-
Stunning passion; literally, he "breathed
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. 60 Politi-
caIIy 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 (26:10), 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, slave to a misdirected con-
science, titan of gigantic force and
power once in the right channel.
II. Saul Saved. % This man was
| first humbled ". A.. God put forth
his hand to save the elect at Damas-
| in his mad career. When he did act,
| it was suddenly and by means of
| the glory of Christ's resurrection
". 7, /. Cor. 1879. Though it was
"about noon" yet this glory outshone
the brightness of the Syrian sun
Ich. 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 it is called from above ". 81.
The question Of Jesus (v. Al was a
most startling one and that, with the
answer to his honest inquiry, convict
ed him of what must have been Turk
ing suspicion in his mind, viz: that he
was wrong and Jesus was truly the
Messiah.
III. Saul Sent. The first evidence
of the change wrought in Saul was.
! (1) Obedience ". g. 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 ". I'D.
The result was 60 vision ". 12)
| (not only one, as there are others re.
corded) which resulted in changed in.
dividuals and nations. But his vision
was "a a thorough commission ".
15). (a) to the Romans kings"
| ~ Greeks-"Gentiles," and (c) Jews
-"children 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.
ions. But the other conditions were
| fulfilled, repentant, prayerful man
and ready and obedient servant who,
though filed with fear and protest ".
| 10, 14) yet takes God at his word
and goes at once to his task. AS we
read verses IL and Is we discover
that this special filing Of the Spirit
was very evidently given to Saul be-
fore he received Christian baptism
read the order of events carefully.
w. Saul Serving % At Damascus
Saul is given refreshment Che always
lays emphasis upon the body and
straightway began to testify to the
amazement Of the people. From Gal
LID, IL II lS pldlH IHdL uo uiu uos
remain all Of the time in the city, nor
did he at once return to his friends In
Jerusalem. This period Is similar to
the hidden years at Nazareth which
our Lord spent ere he began his min
istry.
It was q time Of rest, reflection
analysis, meditation and formulation
of his gospel (Rom. 3:19-28).
(2) At Jerusalem. His testimony
was distasteful at Damascus ". 23-25)
and SO he sought Jerusalem, only there
also to find distrust and rejection.
Then Barnabas did a great worn
for the Kingdom by showing his broth
erly fellowship and trust and becom
ing sponsor for him to the early
church.
It was not long ere he had to fee
Jerusalem and finally return to hi
childhood home. Tarsus ". 81.
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