Evening star., 1925-05-16

Sauls. conversion. is recognized as
the most momentous event in the his
tory OF apostolic Christianity. 1t is
one or the strongest proofs Of the
power of the Gospel. 1t is one of the
pivotal events in the worlds history
1t is story of one Of those profound
ly significant events in the annals of
men on which the whole complexion
OF future thought and the course of
future progress turned. No one
dreamed of its Importance to Chris
tianity, civilization and the coming
centuries1
The importance of the conversion
of Saul appears in the New Tesla
ment, that gives US three different ac-
counts OF this ochmaking event.
In addition to the one written by
Luke. as a historian, that forms to-
days lesson, we have two records
given us by Paul. One was given in
connection with. his effort to propitiate
Jewish mob, Who thought him a re-
ligious renegade. The other, and
third. is found in his address before
two educated sceptics, a, Roman ruler
and a grandson of Herod the Great.
The three accounts differ in some
minor details, due to their purpose,
but these differences are easily haF-
II,
would not have left them unexplained
had he regarded them as discrep-
ancies.
Christianity never made more
thorough conquest than the one that
turned the pernicious prosecutor of
the early church into it's greatest
preacher and interpreter. Modern
life," says Robertson, lis chiefly a
blend Of the Jewish contribution to
religion, the Greek contribution to
culture and the Roman contribution
to government, and all these were con-
tained in Saul OF Tarsus, the Roman
citizen and brilliant student of Gam
ahil, the eminent rabbi. Head and
heart were completely transformed
when the leader of the persecution,
who was making havoc" Of the new
faith, became a disciple of the Lord
Jesus. The narrow view of the rigid
Pharisee expanded to the worldwide
view Of the liberal apostle. He saw in
his . old faith forerunner and
prophecy of Christianity. His views
of the teachings Of the Christ have
become the fundamental statement of
all Christian communions and creeds.
When he set aside all the ties of his
ancient faith to respond to the high
calling of God in Christ Jesus he
the master empire builder of all
history
The Prosecutors Program.
Saul considered that he was doing
his duty when he commenced his
prosecuting work. The earnest, en-.
thusiastic and educated young rabbi
believed that he was doing Gods will
when he-was seeking to force rever-
ence and agreement. believing that a
bended knee and a broken formula,
If only in the sacred name, would be
pleasing to Jehovah. He tells us that
he was wretched, restless and almost
in despair because he did not obtain
spiritual rest through obedience to
the law. 1t is possible that it was
due to his own spiritual unrest that
prompted him to engage in his per
scouting effort so fiercely hoping to
obtain peace OF mind.
= The spiritual unrest started at
Stephens death. The martyrs poise
and prayer was revelation to the
sincere and strict Pharisee. 1t start
ed a doubt in his mind. He found
himself commencing to question his
own faith. He felt that if stephen 5
words and faith were true, then all
his legal virtues and = JudaistiC
learning were worthless. The secret
doubt gave him no rest. He tried &c
shake it off by prosecuting the
church. entering into their homes sc
as to obtain men anad-women whom
he could commit to prison Although
Jerusalem was under Roman rule, the
Jews were allowed to exercise. au
thority in all matters pertaining to
their faith. His prosecuting spirit
increased as he continued to make
havoc in the ranks of the early
church, until he sought and obtained
from the high priest the authority
to carry his persecution program into
Damascus, where he expected to find
many followers of the Lord Jesus