A Study of Acts: Fulfulling the Great Commision

Chapter Nine – Part 1: An Example to Follow

In I Timothy 1:15-16 Paul wrote, "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-- of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life." In chapter 3 and verse 17 of his letter to the Philippians he said, "Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you." Again in I Corinthians 11:1 Paul wrote, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." Three times Paul, a man inspired by the Holy Spirit, said that we should follow his example. This is particularly true of Paul’s example in the ninth chapter of Acts, where we see his reaction to being confronted by Jesus.

Paul called himself the worst of sinners. No matter how bad you or anyone else may be, Paul said he was the worst. He had been a conspirator in the murder of many Christians. The first verse of the ninth chapter of Acts paints the picture of one breathing out flames of slaughter. And he wasn’t content to destroy only the disciples in Jerusalem, but he went into other countries to hunt down men and women as though they were animals. He was consenting to the murder of Christians for only one reason. They believed in God’s Righteous One. Their only crime was their faith in Christ. If anyone could possibly be beyond the reach of the grace of God, Saul of Tarsus would have been that person. Yet, because God was willing to save even the worst of sinners, we can know that God’s grace is open to all who believe in Christ Jesus.

Saul was on his way to Damascus with authorization to arrest Christians and return them to Jerusalem to be punished for their faith, but before reaching Damascus he was confronted by the master of those whom he sought to take captive. He found himself in the presence of Jesus. How fearful Saul must have been to first be met by so powerful a force that he was driven to his knees and then to hear the voice say "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads" (Acts 26:14).

While the last part of this verse may seem odd to modern ears, Saul of Tarsus understood its meaning. The reference is to a sharpened cattle prod used to control the movement of oxen. A particularly stubborn animal would at times kick at the prod causing injury to itself. It is a picture of willful and arrogant disregard for authority. This must have been a bewildering response for Saul. In his own mind he was not persecuting anyone unjustly, and he certainly didn’t think he was resisting any recognized authority. Later when speaking before the Sanhedrin he said, "I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day." We should take note of this warning. It is possible even today for us to think we are doing God’s will, when in fact we are resisting His guidance, authority and control in our lives.

Saul didn’t know who was speaking, but he certainly knew he was in the presence of someone greater than he was. He knew he was in the presence of someone who was not pleased with his conduct. In response to his bewildered question, "Who are you lord", Saul received what must have been a most terrifying reply. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting." For just a moment place yourself in Saul’s place. You are helpless before an overpowering presence that has accused you of resisting his authority and control over you, and you are resisting him to your own injury and destruction. Got the picture? Now realize that if you are resisting Jesus, you are in Saul’s place. The writer of the book of Hebrews has said, "It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Heb 10:31)

At this point any thinking person would be in fear for their life. Any God fearing person would be in fear for their soul, and that is exactly what was on Saul’s mind. Just like the thousands on the day of Pentecost, being convicted of sin against God’s Son, Saul asked, "What shall I do, Lord" (Acts 22:10). Some people say that at this point Saul was already saved; however, there is nothing in the Lords next statement to indicate that. In answer to the question "What shall I do", Jesus replied, "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do" (Acts 9:6).

Saul, being blinded by the light, was led into the city and taken to the house of a man named Judas on the street called Straight. There he fasted and prayed for three days while waiting for further instructions on what he must do.

The scripture gives us a second example worth following in Acts chapter nine. Ananias was a disciple of Christ and a devout observer of the law (Acts 22:12). The Lord appeared to Ananias and told him to go and minister unto Saul. Ananias had heard of Saul and his persecution of the church, and at first was resistant to the idea of giving aid to the enemy. "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). Obedient to the Lord’s command, Ananias went to Saul.

"And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened" (Acts 9:17-19). In Acts 22:13-16 Paul gave a second accounting of this meeting. "He (Ananias) stood beside me and said, `Brother Saul, receive your sight!' And at that very moment I was able to see him. Then he said: `The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.' "

We don’t know all that Ananias told Saul, but from what we do know about what he said, we can be certain of some things he did not tell Saul. Ananias did not tell Saul that his sins had already been forgiven three days earlier on the road to Damascus. He did not tell him that God had heard his prayers and had forgiven him his sins. Ananias did not tell Saul that baptism was not a necessary part of salvation. We can be certain that Ananias did not tell Saul these things because of what scripture says Ananias did tell Saul. Ananias said, "Get up, and be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name." We also know that baptism was a matter of some urgency, for even though Saul was in a weakened state after three days of fasting, he was baptized first and then he received meat.

Paul certainly has provided us with an example to follow. Because of Paul, the worst of all sinners, we know that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. No one is so evil, so vile, so dirty, so defiled that their sin can’t be covered by the blood of Jesus. Paul has shown us that humility and complete surrender is the only appropriate response when we find ourselves confronted with Christ. Paul has shown us that earnest prayer is more important to the soul than is food and water. Paul has shown us that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul has shown us that saving faith is more than mental assent, for it leads one to complete submission and obedience to all that Christ has commanded (Matt 28:19-20). So it was with great confidence that Paul was able to say, "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-- of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life."

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A Study of Acts:

Fulfilling the Great Commission