Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-08-08

History records no greater event in
the annals of the Apostolic Church
than the conversion and commission
of Saul. 1t was an experimenting event
that changed the character and career
of the brilliant young rabbi, who had
headed the movement to prosecute the
members of the church. In Jerusalem.
the members had felt the crushing
power of his efforts. He made havoc
of the church." following his active
part in the death of Stephen. He in
vaded the sanctity of the homes OF
the followers of Jesus. In his zeal for
the preservation of his nations past,
which he considered was seriously
threatened by the new faith. Saul had
entered every house and shut up many
saints in prison, Not only the men, but
three times he refers to the fact that
in his persecution of the church he
made women suffer at his hands. He
went from synagogue to synagogue.
compelling the tinid to renounce their
faith in Jesus, scourging or imprisoning
those who refused to give up their
religion.
Saups success as a prosecutor in Je-
ruSalein and Judea resulted in the scat
tering of the church. Not being able
to find any more to punish in JeIusa-
lem, his soul seemed to be moved with
the irrepressible desire to thoroughly
destroy every Christian, because from
his point of view it was dangerous and
destructive in its influence upon the
faith of his fathers. The deadly germs
had to be destroyed among the Hell
lenists, who appeared to this earnest
and devoted Pharisee to be a possible
source of danger. He sought authority
from the high priest Theophilus, son
of Hanan, to carry the persecution into
Damascus. Armed with power to arrest
all believers in Jesus and bring them
bound to Jerusalem for trial, Saul had
left for a ride of A140 miles to the
worlds Oldest city. Frequently he re-
called the scene at Stephens death, the
dying face Of the first martyr kept
reappearing to him like that Of an
angel His recollection of Stephens
prayer for him disturbed his soul. It
had served to fan his hatred for the
Christian sect, but during the week S
journey that carried them over the
desert, Saul had no opportunity to carry
on the work of persecution. The trip
gave him time foS meditation. Damas-
Gus had about appeared to his view,
when Saul was challenged by the voice
of the Lord concerning his work as
the leader in prosecuting the Christians.
Prosecutor Converted.
While thinking of the glory Of Da-
mascus, as it appeared to him that
MONDAY, and his approaching work,
suddenly there shone about him light
from heaven that was greater in its
brilljancy than the MONDAY sun, and
voice spoke to Saul, calling him by
name: Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou
me?" The words disturbed the troubled
soul, who may have been recalling the
logic of Stephens review OF Jewish his
tory and the testimony of the Saartyr to
his risen Lord. Saul's conscience was
touched The indictment charged him
with perss cutting some divine person.
He had sincerely and earnestly been
trying to do what he thought was his
duty to his nation and to their ancient
faith. He recognized his sin, The
trembling sinner asked. who are thou,
Lord?" Evidently the light had dawned
upon him. The question sought the
facts. The answer was a wonderful one :.
81 am Jesus, whom thou persecutest"
From that moment Saul of Tarsus
was changed man. His sudden con-
version was proven to be genuine be-