Read: Acts 9:1-19
Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. (v. 17)
“Amazing grace (how sweet the sound), that saved a wretch like me!” These words of slave trader turned preacher John Newton are a fitting banner to fly over the story of the conversion of the apostle Paul. We learn from Stephen’s martyrdom that Saul of Tarsus not only approved of Stephen’s stoning but was inspired by it. He became a scourge to Jesus’s followers everywhere. And yet, and this has to be the most sizable “and yet” in all of history, Saul met Jesus on the road to Damascus and became his devoted follower. In time, he would become the most articulate advocate for Jesus the world has ever known.
Most followers of Jesus don’t have a Damascus road conversion experience, but all who believe bear the marks of having been converted. There are at least three in Paul’s conversion that should apply to us too. First, a clear and unmistakable encounter with Jesus, in which the believer confesses that Jesus is Lord (v. 5). Period. Exclamation point! Second, baptism into new life as a believer (v. 18), and discipleship training begins (v. 19). And third, a desire to tell everyone everywhere that Jesus is the Messiah becomes your great ambition (v. 20).
This would be the perfect time to take a fearless, spiritual inventory to see if these marks of conversion are apparent in your life.
As you pray, confess Jesus as Lord and ask him to help you follow him.
Dr. Timothy Brown is the Henry Bast Professor of Preaching and President Emeritus at Western Theological Seminary where he served from 1995-2021. Tim continues to actively coach and encourage former students and pastors who seek help in their preaching life and he has become a certified public school substitute teacher so that he can continue investing in the lives of young people. He is married to Nancy and together they have three children and ten grandchildren.
