Saul (later known as Paul)
By Vic Scaravilli
Background
Was a Jew born outside of Jerusalem
Spoke Greek
Studied under Gamaliel who was considered the greatest Rabbi
Was very anti-Christian
1. Acts 7:58 Laid cloaks at Saul’s feet as they were stoning Stephen
2. Acts 8:1 Saul consented to Stephen’s execution
3. Acts 8:3 Saul trying to destroy the church
4. Acts 9:1 Breathing murderous threats against the disciples
Conversion Experience
Saul’s conversion is documented three different times in Acts to show its importance.
Acts 9:3-19
Acts 22:5-16
Acts 26:10-18
Saul’s conversion shows that God can touch even the most “hard-headed” person and can cause an internal conversion experience within that person. There is hope for everyone!
Acts 9:4 “Why are you persecuting Me?” Jesus shows that He and His Church are ONE. They are BOTH united together to form one being.
Col. 1:18 Christ is head of the Church
Eph. 1:22-23
Eph. 5:21-32 Reference to Christ and His Church – they are two in one flesh.
How did Paul become a Christian?
Underwent a conversion experience (Acts 9:4-17)
Was Baptized (Acts 9:18)
This is not like God changing Abram to Abraham, Jacob to Israel, and Simon to Peter.
Paul wrote almost half of the New Testament after his conversion and Baptism!