The Watertown weekly leader. [volume] (Watertown, Jefferson County, Wis.) 1912-1917, 1916-03-28

GO14DEN 1EAI-Falthful us the saying
and worthy of all acceptation, that
Christ Jesus came into the world to save
sinners: of whom 1 am chief Tim.
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 2G
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 man
of tremendous vitality. Distant Da-
mascus knew of his work (v. 49, and
he himself testifies as to his activities
(22:3-26:1D. CD Religiously 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. CD 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 $40, 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 misdirected con-
science, a titan of gigantic force and
power once in the right channel.
H. Saul Saved. Cd This man was
first humbled (v. ~. 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 Christs resurrection
w. 7, l. Cor 1879. Though it was
about noon," yet this glory outshone
the brightness of the Syrian sun
| (ch. 1913. Many who speak bold
blasphemous words would also be
cast down did they but really see his
glory. CD Saul is not left thus strick-
en-, but it is called from above (v. ..
The question of Jesus (v. A. was
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. g. 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 g. His companions
heard but did not understand. There
is no contradiction (v. 7, Acts 22:9),
as this is the translation used else
where Saul is given three days for
meditation (v. 81, and he made good
use of the time. 90 Praying ". ID.
The result was 60 vision (v. 12)
mot only one as there are others re-
corded which resulted in changed in
dividuals and nations. But his vision
was (4) a thorough commission ".
15). ca to the Romans kings"
(b) Greeks-"Gen and Co 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 1t came to Mr..
Moody as he walked the streets Of
New York without earthly compan-
ions. But the other conditions we're
fulfilled, repentant, prayerful man
and a ready and obedient servant who,
though filled with fear and protest ".
10, 14) yet takes God at his word
and goes at once to his task. AS we
read verses II 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
uuisite of the church, priesthood, no.
the result of any order of ceremon!
followed by men. Jesus instruction.
to AnaniaS were very simple ant
plain; most of the great events tina
have changed the courses of historl
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 "
| I'D 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 I'll Cor $40, always referred tc
/ as Lord. and we do well to follow the
Bible example.
". Saul Serving ID At Damascus
Saul is given refreshment Che always
| lays emphasis upon the body ano
straightway began to testify to the
amazement of the people. From Gal
lis, II 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
1t was a time of rest. reflection,
analysis, meditation and formulation
of his gospel (Rom. 3:19-2S).
90 At Jerusalem. His testimony