Unlikely Leaders

How God Educated Paul

This chapter is based on Acts 9:19-30.

Paul remained “some days with the disciples at Damascus. Immediately he preached Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God,” who “died for our sins according to the Scriptures, ... was buried, and ... rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). His arguments from prophecy were so persuasive that the Jews were defeated and unable to answer him. ULe 47.1

He who had journeyed to Damascus to persecute the believers was now preaching the gospel, strengthening its disciples, and bringing in new converts! Formerly known as a zealous defender of the Jewish religion, Paul could reason with extraordinary clearness, and by his withering sarcasm he could place an opponent in an unflattering light. Now the Jews saw this young man of unusual promise fearlessly preaching in the name of Jesus. ULe 47.2

A general killed in battle is lost to his army, but his death gives no strength to the enemy. But when a prominent man joins the opposing forces, they gain a distinct advantage. The Lord could easily have struck Saul dead, and the persecuting power would have lost much strength. But God not only spared Saul’s life but converted him, transferring a champion from the enemy’s side to the side of Christ. Paul was an eloquent speaker and a severe critic. With stern purpose and unflinching courage, he possessed the very qualifications that the early church needed. ULe 47.3

All who heard him in Damascus were amazed. He declared that his change of faith resulted not from impulse, but from overwhelming evidence. He showed that the prophecies relating to the first advent of Christ had been literally fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth. ULe 47.4

Paul “increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that Jesus is the Christ.” But many hardened their hearts, and soon their astonishment at his conversion changed into intense hatred. ULe 47.5

The opposition grew so fierce that Paul was not allowed to continue at Damascus. He “went to Arabia” (Galatians 1:17), where he found a safe refuge. ULe 47.6