By Earle Roberts
The disciples scattered from Jerusalem, and the persecutor followed. Saul journeyed to Damascus with authority to bring to Jerusalem any belonging to “the Way,” the early name for believers.
But as his party drew near to Damascus, Saul was blinded by bright light, and a voice asked, “Why are you persecuting me?” The voice identified himself as Jesus! [Saul, I have indeed been raised from the dead.] The blinded Saul was then told to go into Damascus and wait for further word.
That word didn’t come for three days. Meanwhile Saul was without sight, without food or drink, and rethinking all he knew.
A local disciple named Ananias was told by the Lord to go lay his hands on Saul that he might regain his sight. Ananias was understandably hesitant, but went when the Lord told him that Saul was his chosen instrument to take the name of Jesus to Gentiles.
When Ananias found Saul, he addressed him as ‘Brother’ and laid his hands on him. Saul regained his sight, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and was baptized a member of the Way he had been persecuting.
Saul then went to synagogues in Damascus, teaching Jesus as the Son of God! When the Jews plotted to kill him, believers helped him escape. Returning to Jerusalem, he met mixed responses. His relations with the apostles apparently were good, but the Hellenists sought to kill him. Some of the disciples arranged for him to go to Caesarea and then to Tarsus, his home city.
The church spread throughout the land increasing in numbers “in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.”
Peter traveled about in the coastal plain west of Jerusalem. In the community of Lydda he healed a paralytic, bedridden for eight years. About that time, a devoted disciple in the coastal town of Joppa died. Disciples there sent for Peter, who came and was instrumental in Tabitha’s being restored to life. He then remained in Joppa for a while, staying with a man whose vocation would make him “unclean” according to Jewish law.
- How difficult would it have been for disciples to accept Saul as a believer? Have you had a hard time accepting someone as a full member of the church? If not, who could you imagine having difficulty accepting?
- Have you experienced a singular conversion event? Or, have you known someone who did?
- What other details do you notice in today’s reading?
Prayer: Help us, O God, to recognize the goodness of your grace in the lives of others. Strengthen us with your Holy Spirit. Amen.
