Cases
of Conversion: The Conversion of Saul
Acts 9 details the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. This
same Saul held the coats of the Jews as they stoned Stephen (Acts 7:58).
This was the same Saul who persecuted the church in Jerusalem with great
severity (Acts 8:1-3). In fact, just before Saul’s conversion he was on
his way to the synagogue at Damascus to find more Christians to imprison
(Acts 9:1-2).
Yet, on the way Saul sees a “light from heaven” and hears the
voice of Jesus (Acts 9:3-6). The voice informs Saul to go to Damascus
and wait for a disciple named Ananias (Acts 9:7-12). Saul obeys the
voice and even refers to Jesus as “Lord” in Acts 9:6. Yet, was
Saul saved? Obviously, the miraculous event instills belief in Him and
even renders a confession from Saul’s lips. Many would teach that such a
confession indicates that Saul was saved that very moment. Yet, if Saul
is already saved then why does Ananias need to come at all? Why is there
no joy or relief? Why does he refuse food or drink for the three days
before Ananias arrives (Acts 9:9)? These are not the joyous actions of a
saved man, but the agonizing depression of a lost and fearful sinner!
Ananias comes to Damascus and teaches Saul he must believe in the Lord
Jesus and proclaim the gospel (Acts 9:15-17). Verse 18 says,
“Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he
received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. So when he
had received food, he was strengthened.”
From the text, observe that Saul did not eat and was not comforted until
after he was baptized. Why is there no joy until after his baptism?
Well, take a look at another account of Saul’s conversion in Acts 22. As
Saul, now Paul, recounts his conversion to the Sanhedrin he remembers
one of the distinct instructions from Ananias, his teacher, “And now
why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins,
calling on the name of the Lord’” (Acts 22:16).
Saul had no joy until after his baptism because his sins were not washed
away until he was baptized into Christ. Have you obeyed the gospel?
November 2006