YOUTH STS LESSON 193 THE CONVERSION OF SAUL

MEMORY VERSE

“And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do” (Acts 9:6).

TEXT:Acts 9:1–43

The conversion of Saul was a remarkable and unforgettable encounter that stood out among the events in the early Church. His life and ministry marked him out as one of the greatest followers of Jesus Christ the world has ever known. He was used of God to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentile world. Himself said:

“Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting” (1 Timothy 1:16).

Question 1: Who was this Saul?

“I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day” (Acts 22:3).

Saul whose name was changed to Paul (Acts 13:9) was born in Tarsus, a city of Cilicia (Acts 21:39). He was a Roman citizen (Acts 16:37,38; 22:25–28) and studied under Gamaliel who was a Pharisee and a Doctor of the Law (Acts 5:34). Saul was a Pharisee (Acts 23:6; Philippians 3:5) and persecutor of saints (Acts 22:4; Philippians 3:6; 1 Timothy 1:13).

After conversion, he became a prayerful saint (Acts 9:11; Romans 1:9,10), a preacher of the Saviour (Acts 9:20; Colossians 1:28), a prisoner of the Saviour (Ephesians 4:1), persevering soldier (2 Timothy 2:3,4) and a pastor of the Saviour’s Church (Colossians 1:23). He was a disciplined, diligent, dedicated, devoted and dependable soldier of Christ. He wrote thirteen books out of twenty-seven books of the New Testament.

In our study today, we shall see how the power of God’s grace changed his life.

SAUL: THE PERSECUTOR OF THE CHURCH, FORGIVEN BY CHRIST

(Acts 9:1–9; 8:1–3; 22:3–11; 26:9–15; Galatians 1:13–16; Philippians 3:3–6; 1 Timothy 1:13–16)

“And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem” (Acts 9:1,2).

Saul was once an arrogant persecutor of Christians. He was pictured as the sworn enemy of the Church, who persecuted and wasted it beyond measure.

“For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it” (Galatians 1:13).

He was present at the stoning of Stephen and consented to his death (Acts 7:57–59; 8:1; 22:20). In our text, he threatened to slaughter the disciples of the Lord. This he did with the support of the high priest.

“And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven” (Acts 9:3).

As Saul was journeying to Damascus, a great light from heaven shone round about him and a voice asked him a question that brought deep conviction and total submission to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Question 2: In reality, whom did Saul persecute?

“And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” (Acts 9:4).

From our text, we see a strong relationship between Jesus and His Church. Twice did Jesus state that Saul was persecuting Him and not the disciples (Acts 9:4,5). Hence, any persecution to Christ’s disciples is seen as persecution directed to the Lord Jesus personally.

However, a mighty change took place as the persecutor was ready to accept the Lord’s offer of His mercy and goodness.

Question 3: What should be the attitude of sinning youth when the Lord calls?

“And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do❞ (Acts 9:6).

At the revelation and utterance of the voice, Saul surrendered his life to the Lord. He said: “Who art thou, Lord?” “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” This showed the depth of his conviction and experience with the Lord. He called Jesus “Lord”, depicting Christ’s divine ownership and absolute control of his life.

In his unforgettable encounter with the Lord, Paul surrendered to Christ and willingly submitted himself to the Lord’s, ready to do His bidding. When we genuinely repent of our sins and believe in Christ as our Lord and Saviour, there will be absolute commitment to Christ as the Lord of our lives. At salvation, we submit to the Lordship of Jesus and affirm our faith in His name, atonement, death and His will becomes our command. His words become the guiding principle of our lives and conduct.

Question 4: What do you understand by the word “conversion” in Christ?

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Conversion means the resigning of trust in self to the Saviour who died for your sins. It means the surrendering of self to the Saviour’s guidance and control. Conversion is a change of heart, thought, life, direction and destiny.

The conversion of Saul was proved by a change of life and the fruits he possessed. He gave himself unreservedly to the Lord.

“And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink” (Acts 9:8,9).

Humbled, purged and penitent, “Saul arose from the earth” temporarily blind. For three days, he was without sight, food and drink. This was the most crucial moment in his life. Yes, he had to be blind to the values he had lived for all his life no matter how materially profitable they were (Philippians 3:7,8).

He was a persecutor of the Church but pardoned by Christ. He needed to be purged of his cherished traditions as a Jew. His solitary moment and personal contact with the Lord laid a solid foundations for his new life in Christ and ministry.

After the direct revelation through a light from heaven, fellowship with fellow men was necessary. Ananias was the disciple God used to establish Paul, who is the new convert of Christ. He was wholly available for the Lord to use him.

“And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord” (Acts 9:10).

Also, Ananias must have been in close relationship with the Lord because only a person that is deeply connected to God can be used of Him.

“And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth” (Acts 9:11).

Ananias was hesitant because the fame of Saul had spread throughout the region. His persecution of the Christians in Jerusalem had scattered the disciples throughout Judaea and Samaria except the apostles (Acts 8:1).

Saul’s trip to Damascus was the first time to enforce persecution to non-Jewish cities. From Ananias’ reply, he had received information concerning Saul’s authority from the high priest to bind and imprison the saints in Damascus.

“Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name” (Acts 9:13,14).

After the Lord’s explanation to Ananias, he believed and obeyed without any further argument. While Ananias was coming to Saul, he (Saul) was fervently praying to God. Jesus said: “… men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1).

As air is essential to life, so is prayer to a Christian. A new convert should develop the habit of praying from the time he receives Christ. Saul prayed, he got saved, sanctified and Spirit filled (Acts 9:17). Also, Christian youths must cultivate the habit of praying regularly (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We should also pray for new converts to be steadfast in Christ.

“But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake” (Acts 9:15,16).

Jesus affirmed to Ananias that there was a divine purpose for Saul. He was calling him into a special service to take the gospel to the Gentile world.

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

Today, every believer is a chosen vessel. Everyone who has had an encounter with the Lord is a chosen vessel and sent forth to preach the gospel and bear fruits. We are saved to serve.

Following the instruction of the Lord, Ananias went to Saul in the house of Judas along the street called Straight. He laid his hands on him and he recovered his sight and Saul was filled with the Holy Ghost. He was immediately baptised in water and this brought a permanent change in him.

He would henceforth live no more for self but for his Saviour. He later declared:

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

He began to have a fruitful fellowship with others in the church. There was a change of association and companion. What about you?

SAUL: THE PROCLAIMER OF THE CRUCIFIED CHRIST

(Acts 9:20–31; 22:17–21; 26:16–20; 1 Timothy 1:11–16; 2 Timothy 4:1–5; Romans 1:14–16; 1 Corinthians 2:1,2; 9:16,17)

“And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God” (Acts 9:20).

Immediately Saul was strengthened, he began to preach and proclaim the crucified Christ in Damascus; the faith which he once destroyed. The effect of his preaching was remarkable.

People were amazed and said:

“Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?” (Acts 9:21).

He had a supernatural change of life and conduct through the grace of God.

Question 5: What are the benefits of sharing the gospel with others by a new convert?

“But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ” (Acts 9:22).

Saul grew in strength and power. His preaching became more persuasive in presentation and this confused and dismayed the unconverted Jews the more. When a new convert shares the gospel with others, he will be strengthened in faith and obtain power to overcome temptation and persecutions.

“And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him” (Acts 9:23,24).

However, the result of his preaching from those who did not accept and believe the gospel was persecution. The Jews took counsel to kill him but the disciples “let him down by the wall in a basket” by night. That was caring and protection of a fellow soldier of the cross.

The persecution of Saul should not surprise anyone. During the discussion between the Lord and Ananias, the Lord said he will “bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake” (Acts 9:15,16).

Therefore, the persecution was a fulfilment of the word of the Lord. The persecution did not make him lose his faith in the Lord. Rather, his disciplined attitude displayed an unbroken perseverance and unquenchable courage with determination to serve the Lord.

“And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple” (Acts 9:26).

At Jerusalem, the brethren were scared of Saul because they doubted his conversion. The first disciple to accept him was Barnabas, a man who constantly demonstrated a trusting and consoling spirit.

We therefore see the necessity of promptly, gladly and trustfully giving our hands of fellowship to the repentant while forgetting the past. The moment Jesus pardons, receives and begins to use one who had long profaned His name, we must also pardon and receive such as “a brother beloved”, and welcome such also as a fellow-labourer (Philemon 16).

After a brief ministry in Jerusalem, he went to Caesarea and from there he sailed to Tarsus, his hometown.

“Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied” (Acts 9:31).

The churches had rest and were edified in the Lord. They were also walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Spirit. In the early Church, there was both spiritual and numerical growth. Their manner of life, conduct and conversion were worthy of the gospel of Christ.

In conclusion, the call and challenge to conversion is not only to Saul of Tarsus but to all unsaved youths in this generation. To the saved youths, God is looking for soul-winners to take the gospel to the dying youths in this generation. Such youths must be saved, sanctified and Spirit-filled. They should also be saturated with the knowledge of Scriptures. Will you accept the challenge?

SAINT WITH CHRIST’S POWER TO HEAL AND RAISE THE DEAD

(Acts 9:32–43; Romans 12:11; Isaiah 8:18; Mark 16:15–20; Luke 10:17)

“And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda” (Acts 9:32).

Apostle Peter continued with his exploits by the power of the Holy Spirit. We have seen in the past lessons how after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, he preached a message and about three thousand souls were converted (Acts 2:37–40).

At the gate called Beautiful was a lame man begging for alms. He became whole after the ministration of Peter and John to him in the name of Jesus (Acts 3:6–9). Peter went on preaching and continued “daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ” (Acts 5:42). He was a fervent and fearless preacher of the word of God. This should be emulated by every Christian youth.

As he continued in obedience to the responsibility given to him by Jesus to feed His lambs and sheep, God confirmed His word with signs and wonders (John 21:15,16; Mark 16:15–18).

“And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately” (Acts 9:33,34).

It was on the course of his devotion to duty, he met the sick Aeneas who had been sick of palsy for eight years, but, by the power in the name of Jesus Christ, he was healed.

“Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did” (Acts 9:36).

In Joppa was a woman named Tabitha (Dorcas), a disciple of Christ “full of good works and almsdeeds”. She was a woman, yet a disciple of Christ, who shared her substances with other believers. She was not selfish but sacrificial in giving. In our time, good works and almsgiving complement preaching, and they will go a long way in bringing more souls into the Kingdom (James 1:27).

Question 6: Mention some good works a believing youth should be committed to in order to win souls into the Kingdom of God.

“And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful” (Titus 3:14).

Young believers should strive to embody these admirable qualities: showing respect, offering help to the needy, generously giving financial and material support to fellow youths, voluntarily tutoring peers in challenging subjects before exams, praying for those facing difficulties and cultivating humility.

Peter had been with Jesus. He was there when He raised several people from dead. He experienced Jesus raising Jairus’ daughter from death (Mark 5:35–42), the widow of Nain’s only son (Luke 7:11–18) and the raising of Lazarus (John 11:2–43). He had known of Christ’s power and was now strong and full of faith.

With the knowledge of Christ’s personality, power and possibility, he went in and prayed for her to come alive again. God’s ability is beyond human understanding. Only those boys and girls that know their God “shall be strong, and do exploits” (Daniel 11:32).

The raising of Tabitha from the dead through Peter followed Christ’s pattern (Mark 5:35–42). In praying for the dead to come alive, caution must be taken. Therefore, we must follow God’s leading.