The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1936-08-07

Sunday School Lesson for Sun
day, August 9.
Scripture: Read Acts 9:1-31 ;
1921; Gal. 1:11-17; l Timothy
1:12-17. Study Acts 9:1-9, IT.
TO-. l Timothy 1:12-14.
The most remarkable CONVEX
sion in the world was that of Saul
of TarsuS, which occurred about
So A. D., near Damascus, with
en- he had gone with authority
from Jerusalem to stamp out
Christianity. But after the great
change, he was enlightened by
the evangelist whom he intended
| to imprison and joined the church
which he meant to destroy.
| A BITTER PROSECUTOR
(Acts 9:1-2)
Jonathan of Jerusalem sent
forth Saul as bitter prosecutor
who was not content to scatter
the church at Jerusalem, but de-
sired utterly to annihilate Chris
tianity. Hearing of the vigorous
| church at Damascus, he thirSted
also for its blood; hence, he Sc
cured from the High Priest at
Jerusalem, probably Jonathan,
the successor of Caiaphas who
| had been deposed the year before,
legal permission and authority to
90 to Damascus and arrest the
Christians in that city and bring
them to Jerusalem for trial. We
may we'll imagine with what eager
bitterness Saul and his attend
Iants set out on the journey Of
lao miles northward to Damascus
and with what anticipation he
Ijourneyed day by day.
| A SINCERE PENlTENT
(Acts $3.50
Jesus on the Highway changed
Saul into devout penitent at a
memorable spot just before reach
ing Damascus. 1t was at high
noon on the fifth or sixth day of
the journey that a light surpass-
ing that of cloudless sun flash
ed down upon them, the sudden
glare striking Saul to the earth.
To the PROSTATE Sanhedrist there
came in clear ringing tones the
Voice which was unmistakablc to
him, but apparently inarticulate
to his companions. The fevered
and fretful mind Of Saul recog-
nized the divine presence, and
Jesus identified himself. with his
followers, interfering at the right
moment with their great persecu-
tor. The astonished and trembling
traveller now became a contritc
suppliant. Thereupon the Lord
tod him to proceed to the city
and wait for further instructions.
Then Saul, blinded by the light,
led by the hand, and aided by his
companions, entered Damascus in
very different plight from what
he expected. For three full days
without sight or food and in ag-
ony of prayer he abode in the
house of Judah on the street call
ed Straight.
A BAPTIZED BELIEVER
(Acts 9:17-19)
Ananias of Damascus was hap
by to see Saul become a baptized
believer. While waiting for light,
Saul in the dust and ashes of con-
triton and confession poured out
his ardent soul at a Throne of
Grace. In the meantime, Ananias
who was a notably good man and
probably the leading Christian in
Damascus was designated as the
evangelist to lead Saul into the
fuller light. 1t is little wonder
that Ananias knowing the havoc
wrought by Saul at Jerusalem and
realizing the purpose Of his pres
ent visit to Damascus, hesitated,
fearing that Saul might be play
ing a game to entrap the Damas-
Gus disciples. But his suspicious
were cleared and he gladly did
his duty.
A GRATEFUL APOSTLE
q Timothy 1:12-14)
Timothy of Lystra received
from Paul the Apostle a para
graph of personal thanksgiving to
God for his conversion and COM
mission. He was grateful to Christ
Jesus the Lord who met him in
the way and assembled the throne
of his heart, counting him faith
full, giving him power, and open
ing before him a wide field of
| service. He could not forget his
OVsC NEEkIIT