The Green Forest tribune., 1916-03-31
LESSON FOR APRIL 2
CONVERSION OF PAUL.

l.l0 R. v.
 made such an impress upon history as the Jew of Tarsus' Read care fully and repeatedly Acts, chapters 9:22, 23 and 26.
 l. Saul the Man. CD Physically. We know but little of Saul (see Ramsey, Conybeare and others), but we know from his labors that he was man of tremendous vitality Distant Da- mascus knew of his work (v. 13) and he himself testifies as to his activities
 (22:3-26:1D. CD ReligiousIy he be- longed to the strictest of the strict the Pharisees (26: 5-9-1D. His anger at Jesus and the disciples was a con- suming passion; literally, he "breathed threatening and slaughter" (v. D. 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 (v. 5. (3) PoIit- 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 (26:10), 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-
 v1ctions, a slave to a misdirected con- science, titan of gigantic force and
 power once in the right channel.
 II. Saul Saved. CD This man was first humbled (v. 4). 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 (v. ', l. Cor. 15:8). Though it 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
 caT down did they but really see his
 gss (2l Saul is not left thus stSles; | ell, put it is called from above (v. ).
 The question of Jesus (v. 4) 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 Then follows the question of an humble man (v @ and the clear instructions as to his immediate con duct.
 III. Saul Sent. The first evidence of the change wrought in Saul was: CD Obedience (v 8. His companions heard but did not understand. There is no contradiction (v. ', Acts 22:9), as this is the translation used else where. Saul is given three days for meditation (v. 9, and he made good use of the time. CD Praying (v. ID. The result was (3) a vision (v. 12) (not only one, as there are others re- corded) which resulted in changed in- dividuals and nations. But his vision was () thorough commission (v. 15). (a) to the Romans-"kings, (b) Greeks-"Gentiles," and (c) Jews -"children of Israel" Along with his vision and commission there was giv- C1A Cilopiih5 poWCl, ChC Ol the Spirit. The agent God chose for the bestowing was Ananias, not an of ficial, merely "a certain disciple" The gift of the Spirit for power and service is not necessarily by the Hay ing on of hands" It came to MT. 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 filled with fear and protest (v. 13, 14) yet takes God at his word and goes at once to his task. As we read verses IF and IS we discover that this special filling of the Spirit was very evidently given to Saul be- fore he received Christian baptism read the order of events carefully. Gods gift or the Holy Spirit for testimony and service is not the per quisite of the church, priesthood nor the result of any order of ceremony followed by men. Jesus instructions to Ananias were very simple and plain; most of the great events that have changed the courses of history have also been hinged upon like sim pie actions. Ananias had no instruc- tions about the Holy Spirit, only to re- store Saul's sight. Much as he dread him, he salutes Saul as "brother" (v. ID in the name of the Lord Jesus"- such is the only true brotherhood that stands the acid test of time and usage. Jesus is, outside of the Cos pels GIT. Cor. 5:16), always referred to as Lord, and we do we'll to follow the Bible example.
 ". Saul Serving CD 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. 1:15, IT it is plain that he did not 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.