The Conversion of Saul of Tarsus

 

Introduction. �This morning I would like for us to consider a most important event in the life of a most important man.� Before Paul the Apostle obeyed the gospel, he was better known as �Saul of Tarsus.�� Yet, something happened to him that changed his life forever�he was converted to faith in Jesus Christ.� If we can learn how he came to Christ, it can help us to see what we must do to do the same.

 

I.� Background of Saul of Tarsus.

A.� He witnessed Stephen�s death (Acts 7:54-60).

B.� A Pharisee�the �strictest sect� of the Jews (Acts 26:5).

1.� He was the �son of a Pharisee� (Acts 23:6).

2.� He was a Jew from Tarsus (Acts 21:39).

3.� He was a Roman citizen (Acts 22:25-29).

4.� Student of Gamaliel (Acts 22:3).

C.� He persecuted the church (Acts 8:1-3).

1.� �Enraged against them� (Acts 26:9-11).

 

II. Saul on the Road to Damascus.

A.    �On the Road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-5; 22:4-7; 26:12-14).

B.     �Saul�s question:� �Who are you Lord?� (Acts 26:15-18; 9:5-7).

1.      ��What do you want me to do?�

2.      ��You will be told what you must do�

C.     ��Things appointed for you to do� (22:8-10). Was Saul Saved at this Point?

 

III. Saul in Damascus.

A.    �In the city of Damascus (Acts 22:11; Acts 9:7-9).

B.     �Ananias (Acts 9:10-17; 22:12-15). Was Saul Saved at this Point?

1.      �God knew how Saul would serve him.

2.      �Ananias declared how he will serve.

3.      �He does not say he is saved.

C.     ��Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins� (Acts 9:18-22; 22:16-21).

1.      �The saved are freed from sins (Matt. 1:21; Rom. 1:16; 6:1-9). This is exactly how Saul was saved.

 

Conclusion. �There is much about Saul (who became Paul the Apostle) that is unique, but can his conversions serve as an example to us?� Yes.� His conversion is a �pattern� to those after him (1 Timothy 1:12-16).