The Testimony of Faithful Witnesses: Saul of Tarsus, Unlikely Disciple (Acts 22:3-15)

Whenever we come to the Bible, we often read looking for instruction and encouragement for the day. But the Bible isn’t meant only to guide us day-by-day. The Scriptures are a historical record. They reveal what God has done and is doing in the world—and introduce us to the people who played a particular role in His plans for the world.

If you’re a longtime reader of the Bible, you’re more than likely familiar with many of these people. Some are examples of faithfulness. Others are cautionary tales against faithlessness. But all were examples of people who furthered God’s plan to give “God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.” [John 3:16, CEV]

During this series, we’re discussing the following witnesses to God’s authority and love:

• June 7: Deborah, the Dutiful Judge (Judges 4:4-10, 14, 21-22)
• June 14: Hannah, the Faithful Supplicant (1 Samuel 1:9-20, 25)
• June 28: Amos, Courageous Prophet (Amos 1:1; 2:11-12; 3:7-8; 7:10-15)
• July 5: The Believing Centurion (Matthew 8:5-13)
• July 12: Simon Peter, Restored Disciple (Mark 8:27-29; Luke 22:31-34; John 18:25-27, 21:15-17)
• July 19: Zacchaeus, Repentant Tax Collector (Luke 19:1-11)
• July 26: Mary, Loyal Mother (Luke 2:15-19; John 2:1-5; 19:25-27)
• August 9: Stephen, Unwavering Martyr (Acts 6:7-10; 7:54-60)
• August 16: Saul of Tarsus, Unlikely Disciple (Acts 22:3-15)
• August 23: Timothy, Leader with a Legacy (2 Timothy 1:1-6; 3:14-16)
• August 30: Lydia, Generous Hostess (Acts 16:11-15, 40)

In the ninth session, we discussed Saul of Tarsus, unlikely disciple. The discussion and passage are below:

Acts 22:3-15 [New International Version]

“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today. I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, as the high priest and all the Council can themselves testify. I even obtained letters from them to their associates in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished.

“About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’

“‘Who are you, Lord?’ I asked.

“ ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me.

“‘What shall I do, Lord?’ I asked.

“ ‘Get up,’ the Lord said, ‘and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.’ My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me.

“A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there. He 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 ancestors 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 people of what you have seen and heard.