Journal Acts 9 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation and notes are mine)
Scripture: [Saul proclaims Jesus in synagogues] “For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus.
(and) Immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, ‘He is the Son of God.’ And all who heard him were amazed and said, ‘Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?’
But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ…
And when [Saul] had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. (Acts 9:19-22 and 26)
Observation: Looking backward, I wonder if these folks might feel a little foolish…doubting Paul and his calling?
Back to the discernment drawing board, I guess…
Application: The more questionable a reputation should lead to a stronger doubt, yes? It did for Saul—and it should have.
The scripture probably doesn’t do Saul’s real reputation justice. Out of every word Saul was described with, the end description “murderer” sums it all up. I can imagine every story concerning religious terrorists in the Middle East and Saul could have been right there.
I am wondering–Saul had a conversion experience like no other. If I discount the experience (so I don’t envy or idolize it), then Saul was functionally converted the same as I was. What were Saul’s responses?
- Got baptized.
- Broke bread with the local church.
- Hung out with the disciples at Damascus for several days; not hours, days.
After that, argued in the local temple that Jesus is the Christ, and put the priest’s panties in a knot. And then, wanting to hang out with more disciples, they held him off at arm’s length because of fear.
There are a few things to pull out of this:
- Fellowshipping (hanging out) is an imperative for new believers. However, note there are purposes for this:
- To learn from those who have trod the road before you got there, and;
- Learning biblical friendship is important.
- Break bread, share meals (even if it is just coffee). Take the time to ask questions about new faith and listen to others for a while.
- Learn what happened to you and then learn how to share it authentically. Be OK with making mistakes. Best way to learn? Share first with other believers.
Most conversions don’t have the theological background that Saul had—he was an extremely learned man.
It doesn’t mean that I cannot catch up. I can start with coffee and pie…
Prayer: Father, there are several things I am grateful for in yearning to be a mature man. One is that the basic message of the Gospel and the process doesn’t change—the process order may get jumbled around, but they don’t change.
Bring deep, abiding, biblical friendships, please Lord.
AMEN.
Ricky Two Shoes