Last week we talked about Paul’s past – he was brought up in Judaism, he was fervent about following the law, and he was a well-respected Pharisee. He had built his entire life on his Jewish identity. At one point, he even hated and persecuted the church of Jesus Christ, having Christians jailed and even killed for their faith.
Then, something happened. As a result, Paul became one of the most influential evangelists for Jesus Christ, one of the most important Christian theologians, and one of the most prolific church planters to ever live.
What happened takes place in Acts 9. Paul is on his way to Damascus to persecute and arrest more Christians. While he’s on the way, he has an encounter with Christ that literally knocks him on his butt. As a result of this encounter, the trajectory of his entire life is completely changed.
- Paul sees with new eyes (Acts 9:17-18; 26-28). As he encounters Ananias and the disciples, he sees people whom he used to hate in a new light. They also see him with new eyes.
- Paul doesn’t hesitate (Acts 9:18, 20); he is immediately obedient to what the Lord has called him to do. He is baptized, marking a separation from his old life, and immediately begins preaching the gospel with boldness.
- Paul made a sacrifice (Acts 9:23,29). In short order, people who once respected Paul now wanted to kill him. Word of his conversion would have spread quickly throughout Jewish leadership. He knew this would burn bridges, but he couldn’t deny what Christ had done in his life.
- The truth that we experience is sometimes more impactful than the truth that we’re told (Acts 9:4-8). Paul had heard the gospel before; he knew what Christians believed. But it wasn’t until he had an experience with Christ that he changed. Much like Thomas; he wouldn’t believe until he saw. The Christian faith isn’t information or a philosophy, it’s a relationship. Those of us who have accepted Christ know that well, and now see the world in vivid color.
It’s these events in Acts 9 – this undeniable encounter with Jesus Christ – that made Paul unashamed of the Gospel. Broadly speaking, it’s the same boldness that disciples have held for centuries in the face of persecution. They preached boldly – not because it was popular or easy or because they benefitted personally. They preached boldly because the gospel is true.
May we be a people like Paul and those who came before us, who are unashamed and bold about the truth of Jesus Christ, and he sends us into the world he came to save.
